If you’ve been to any event or party even tangentially related to the cannabis industry, then you’ve likely seen scores of people puffing on a sleek vaporizer that sort of looks like the alien-crafted monolith from 2001: A Space Odyssey. Make no mistake, this posh paraphernalia isn’t your average pen; it’s the PAX Era. And the device’s growing popularity should come as no surprise once you learn a thing or two about it.

To give you a little background, PAX has been a forerunner in the portable vaporizer game since the company first launched in 2007. The Stanford grads who started the California-based brand wanted to merge design and experience for each of the PAX devices. The Era empowers discreet, on-the-go extract dosing and stands out as one of the most stylish and high-functioning vaporizers currently on the market. Described by PAX as “a radical new approach to experience concentrates,” the Era is a unique experience in and of itself.

“I appreciate that the Era is a relatively inexpensive vaping option for consumers just getting into cannabis.”

Of course, it has to have more than just nice aesthetics to be worthwhile. Beyond being feather-light and button-free (users simply inhale), it’s pocket-friendly, which means the Era won’t turn on inside your pants. It even boasts a four-hour battery life, so the device is not going to die after only a few pulls. And like its flower-vaporizing predecessors, the Era is compatible with the PAX mobile app, which enables precise temperature control so you can actually taste the unique flavor profiles of different pods. I also appreciate that the Era is a relatively inexpensive vaping option for consumers just getting into cannabis.

Here’s the thing, though. In lieu of traditional vape cartridges that fit most 510-thread batteries, PAX requires you to buy extract-filled pods that are unique to the device and are easily popped in and out. I’ve found they’ve sidestepped any variety issues in the Era by partnering with different premium brands to provide a wide range of high-quality pods.

If you’re wondering how to navigate all the different pods to figure out which one is the right fit for you, have no fear. Below, you’ll find the top-rated pods in California organized by the feelings and vibes you can expect to get in just a few pulls. And for those of you in San Francisco, I've highlighted which ones you can get delivered directly to your door via Parcel, Proper's highly curated delivery service.