As a long-time vaporizer enthusiast and reviewer for herbvape.co.uk, I've had the pleasure (and occasional frustration) of putting the PAX Flow through its paces over the past month. This sleek device represents PAX's first major redesign since the original PAX back in 2012, promising to deliver hybrid heating, massively improved airflow, and that signature PAX polish we've come to expect. But does it live up to the hype, especially at a premium price point that made my wallet briefly consider taking up a less expensive hobby?
Unlike some reviews you might find on major vaporizer retail sites designed to separate you from your money faster than a street performer with a three-card monte game, this assessment isn't influenced by affiliate links or sales goals. My aim is to give you the complete picture of what it's like to live with the PAX Flow day in and day out---including the time I discovered that "Bong Mode" can turn your seemingly innocent vaporizer into a device that gets uncomfortably hot enough to double as a pocket warmer during winter walks.
After a month of daily use, multiple charging cycles, and probably way too many sessions while experimenting with different packing techniques and temperature modes, I can say this: the PAX Flow represents a genuine evolution in PAX's design philosophy, finally addressing the airflow issues that have plagued their devices for years. It's not perfect, but it's the most compelling PAX I've used in a long time.

When I first unboxed the PAX Flow, I was immediately struck by how familiar yet different it feels compared to previous PAX devices. At 107mm × 34.5mm × 29mm and weighing 135 grams, it's noticeably larger and heavier than the PAX Plus, but still genuinely pocketable in ways that many "portable" vaporizers simply aren't.
The anodized aluminum body maintains that signature PAX aesthetic---sleek, minimalist, and undeniably premium. I've been testing the Onyx model, and the matte black finish has proven remarkably resistant to fingerprints and scratches after a month of daily pocket carry. The build quality feels genuinely solid, like something engineered by people who understand that vaporizers live in the real world alongside keys, coins, and whatever other chaos accumulates in our pockets.
Design revolution: The side-mounted oven. Holy shit, this changes everything about the PAX experience. Instead of loading from the bottom like every previous PAX, you pop off a magnetic door on the side to access the chamber. It sounds like a small change, but it transforms loading from a potentially fumbling disaster into something genuinely elegant. The magnetic door clicks into place with satisfying precision and hasn't come loose once during transport.
The vapor path redesign is equally impressive. Previous PAX models felt like sipping a thick milkshake through a coffee stirrer---restrictive, frustrating, and definitely not built for anything approaching a satisfying draw. The Flow features a wide, straight vapor path that you can actually see when the oven door is removed. This isn't just aesthetic; it fundamentally changes how the device performs.
Heat management reality check: Here's where things get complicated. The relocated oven means the heat source is now right where your hand naturally grips the device. During longer sessions or when using the higher temperature modes, the Flow gets noticeably warm---not painful, but definitely noticeable enough that I've found myself shifting my grip or setting it down more often than I'd prefer. PAX sells a grip sleeve for exactly this reason, but at £350, requiring additional accessories for comfortable use feels like an oversight.
The single-button interface remains brilliantly simple---power on/off, cycle through heat modes, and that's it. The LED petal display is crisp and clear, providing visual feedback for heat modes and battery life without being obnoxiously bright. The haptic feedback vibrations are subtle but effective, letting you know when the device is ready without constantly checking the display.

The 2000mAh battery delivers 4-6 sessions per charge in real-world use, with each session running about 8-10 minutes depending on temperature and usage patterns. For my typical usage (2-3 sessions daily), this translates to charging every other day, which feels reasonable but not exceptional for a premium device in 2025.
Here's what's genuinely impressive: USB-C charging that actually lives up to the hype. PAX claims 50% charge in 20 minutes and full charge in 40 minutes, and my testing confirms these numbers are accurate with a decent charging brick. Coming from PAX devices with proprietary charging docks that seemed designed to fail at the worst possible moment, this feels like technological liberation.
Battery anxiety reality: The non-replaceable battery means you're eventually looking at degradation and potential replacement. After a month of use, I haven't noticed any capacity loss, but the specter of planned obsolescence looms. The device doesn't support pass-through charging, so when it's dead, it's dead until you can top it up.
Power management quirks: Battery life varies dramatically depending on usage patterns. Conservative use on Stealth or Efficiency modes can stretch a charge across 6 sessions, while aggressive use on Boost or Bong Mode will drain it in 3-4 sessions. The shake-to-check battery level is a nice touch---quick shake, LED petals light up to show remaining charge.

This is where the PAX Flow truly shines and justifies its existence. The hybrid heating system---combining convection and conduction---finally solves PAX's long-standing uneven extraction issues. The vapor quality is consistently excellent, with notably improved flavor preservation compared to previous PAX models.
Heat-up time averages 30-45 seconds across all modes, which feels nearly instantaneous after years of session vapes that take a full minute or more. The chamber holds 0.25-0.35g depending on grind and packing technique, and the efficiency is genuinely impressive---I consistently use about 20% less herb compared to my old PAX Plus while achieving better effects.
The five heat modes actually make sense:

Stealth Mode (182°C): Minimal visible vapor, maximum discretion, surprising flavor preservation
Efficiency Mode (188-199°C): Gradual temperature ramping for longer, more controlled sessions
Flavor Mode (193°C): Front-loads terpenes beautifully for those first few amazing hits
Boost Mode (210°C): Dense, satisfying clouds without the harshness
Bong Mode (225°C): Hidden rainbow mode that turns the device into a cloud machine

Real-world airflow performance: The Flow delivers on its promise of dramatically improved airflow. Where previous PAX models required careful, deliberate sips, the Flow handles everything from gentle flavor chasing to aggressive rip-through-the-chamber sessions. The 6x airflow improvement isn't just marketing---you feel the difference immediately.
Extraction efficiency story: The hybrid heating system ensures even extraction from edge to center, something previous PAX models struggled with. Your ABV comes out consistently golden-brown, and stirring is optional rather than mandatory. The convection element keeps the center cooking evenly while the conduction walls provide consistent heat throughout the session.

The PAX Flow's approach to temperature control is elegantly simple---five preset modes that cover most usage scenarios without requiring an app or complicated customization. The real-time temperature adjustment means the device automatically compensates for your draw style, maintaining consistent heat even during aggressive pulls.
Mode-specific performance reality:
Stealth Mode works genuinely well for discrete use---minimal visible vapor, reduced LED brightness (though they don't dim completely), and good flavor preservation. Perfect for public settings where discretion matters.
Efficiency Mode's gradual temperature ramping creates a nice session arc, starting light and building intensity over 10-12 minutes. This has become my default for solo evening sessions.
Flavor Mode front-loads the terpenes beautifully, delivering those first 3-4 hits that make you remember why you love specific strains. The flavor drops off as the session progresses, but those initial hits are spectacular.
Boost Mode hits the sweet spot between density and comfort---thick clouds without the throat irritation that higher temperatures often bring.
Bong Mode is properly aggressive, pushing maximum extraction for water pipe use. It's hidden behind a triple-cycle sequence (press through all four modes three times until the petals go rainbow), which feels unnecessarily complicated but prevents accidental activation.
Missing features: No app connectivity, no custom temperature curves, no session timers beyond the automatic shut-off. For users who enjoy tinkering with settings, this will feel limiting. For users who want simplicity, it's refreshingly straightforward.

The PAX Flow excels at being foolproof. Single-button operation means even complicated friends can figure it out mid-session. The side-loading oven makes packing and emptying significantly easier than bottom-loading designs---no more inverting the device and hoping herb doesn't fall into the heater.
Loading technique that actually works: Medium grind, loose pack, gentle tamp. The gravity-assisted side chamber means herb naturally settles into optimal contact with the heating surfaces. I can load a chamber one-handed while walking, something that was impossible with previous PAX models.
Cleaning reality: The redesigned vapor path makes maintenance genuinely easier. Quick brush-out after each session takes about 30 seconds. Deep cleaning involves removing the magnetic oven door and running ISO-dampened swabs through the straight vapor path---much easier than navigating the narrow channels of previous models.
Daily maintenance routine: Empty while warm, brush the chamber, wipe the vapor path, done. Deep cleaning every 10-15 sessions involves soaking the oven screen and giving the vapor path a thorough swab-down. The included multi-tool is actually useful for packing and stirring, not just marketing filler.
Heat management during use: Here's the main usability concern---extended sessions or high-temperature modes make the device uncomfortably warm. During Bong Mode testing, I found myself setting it down after 5-6 minutes because the shell got too warm to hold comfortably. The optional grip sleeve helps, but shouldn't be necessary for a £350 device.

At £311 with herbvape.co.uk, the PAX Flow sits in premium territory where every feature and limitation gets scrutinized. After a month of use, I believe it delivers solid value for specific users, but it's not universally compelling.
What you're paying for: Genuine innovation in airflow design, hybrid heating that actually works, premium materials and build quality, and the PAX brand reputation. The efficiency improvements mean you'll use less herb over time, which adds up to real savings for daily users.
Value detractors: The heat management issues feel like something that should have been solved during development, not left for users to manage with optional accessories. Battery life is decent but not exceptional. The lack of app connectivity or advanced customization features feels limiting at this price point.
Competitive positioning: At £350, the Flow competes directly with the TinyMight 2, Storz & Bickel Venty, and other high-end portables. While it offers unique advantages in form factor and ease of use, it doesn't clearly dominate in pure performance metrics.
Long-term perspective: The build quality and warranty support (2 years, extendable to 4) suggest this will be a device you're still using in three years. The efficiency gains and herb savings help offset the initial investment for regular users.

The PAX Flow strikes an interesting balance---larger than previous PAX models but still genuinely pocketable. At 135 grams, it has noticeable weight without being burdensome. The cylindrical shape fits naturally in jacket pockets, though it creates a visible bulge in tighter clothing.
Stealth factor assessment: The Flow looks like a premium tech gadget rather than obvious cannabis paraphernalia. I've used it in surprisingly public settings without attracting attention---the quick heat-up and minimal visible vapor on lower modes make discrete sessions genuinely feasible.
Travel considerations: Airport security doesn't give it a second glance when clean. The USB-C charging means no proprietary cables to pack. The magnetic oven door stays secure during transport, though I've developed a habit of double-checking it before pocketing.
Real-world portability stories: This has become my go-to for outdoor adventures, quick breaks between activities, and any situation where bringing a larger device would be impractical. The combination of size, heat-up speed, and decent battery life makes it ideal for active lifestyles.

Conclusion

The PAX Flow isn't perfect---that heat management issue and limited battery life prevent it from achieving greatness. But it represents a genuine evolution in PAX's design philosophy, finally delivering the airflow and vapor quality that PAX users have been requesting for years.
After a month of daily use, countless sessions, and more pleasant surprises than minor inconveniences, the PAX Flow has earned a permanent place in my rotation. It's not my heaviest hitter, but it's become my go-to for daily use scenarios where reliability, portability, and consistent performance matter most.
The magic is in the fundamentals: Dramatically improved airflow that completely transforms the PAX experience. Hybrid heating that delivers consistently excellent vapor quality. Build quality that inspires confidence and feels built to last. Simplicity that eliminates decision fatigue while still offering meaningful customization through the five heat modes. At £314, it's not just effective---it's genuinely compelling.
You buy a PAX Flow because you want a premium portable that consistently delivers excellent results without fuss, complexity, or compromises in daily usability. It's for users who value polish, reliability, and that intangible satisfaction that comes from using a well-engineered tool that simply works as intended, session after session.
Would I buy another if mine died tomorrow? Absolutely, and I'd probably skip the grip sleeve since the heat management issues are really only problematic during extreme use cases that most people won't encounter regularly. For users who appreciate quality engineering and can live with the minor limitations, the PAX Flow delivers exactly what it promises---and at £314, it feels like genuinely good value for that level of performance and polish.
Final Rating: 8.7/10