For years, smokeless vaporizers were at-home devices requiring a fair amount of power to properly heat tobacco and other organic product. Their size, complexity, and maintenance limited their portability, but like all good innovation, the market changed.

PAX by Ploom is the most beautiful portable vaporizer you have ever held or laid your eyes on that properly works as a vaporizer and keeps you inconspicuous. Keep reading for our full review.

Photography: Selectism.com

In the last few years, two products have ruled the portable vaporizer market: the Magic Flight utilizing a high-amp rechargeable AA batter for power; and the butane based iolite vaporizer. While both are quality devices, they are restrained by recharging and refueling

But a new contender from e-cigarette maker, Ploom, has set the bar with their new PAX by Ploom device: a portable, pocket sized, rechargeable vaporizer that heats and works while remaining inconspicuous.

PAX by Ploom is a gorgeously designed portable vaporizer that fits easily into your palm of your hand. Wired rightly describes the PAX by Ploom as a game changer in the manner that the iPod changed the MP3 market. There simply is no better designed vaporizer on the market today. To hold it in your hand is like holding no other device. The exterior is made from anodized black aluminum and looks incredible.

The good folks in the Ploom R&D department spent some time in making the PAX a user friendly device. On the outside and when in its off position, the PAX looks like small oval cylinder measuring around 4-inches in length. At the top of the PAX is a magnetic door that opens the "burn" oven where users can add their tobacco or other organic material. To turn on and activate the PAX, you simply click "open" and extract the mouthpiece (on the far end) which automatically starts the PAX's heating element. A colored LED indicator on the body of the PAX gives the user status on the heating and readiness of the burn. After a short 30-second window, the LED indicator will shine green telling the user that is it ready for use.

Turning off the PAX by Ploom is as easy as retracting the mouthpiece back into the closed position. If you happen to forget to retract/turn off the PAX, the unit will go into an automatic sleep mode after a short period - a highly important safety in the PAX and one of our favorite features.

Three heating levels allow for users to dial in their proper heating temperature. The internal battery life in the PAX by Ploom is damn impressive and should last for some time in your travel bag or pocket.

What really makes the PAX by Ploom shine over other vaporizers is the charging base and stand. Rather than fumbling with rechargeable batteries or refilling fuel tanks, the PAX by Ploom easily slips onto its charging stand in a vertical position. That's it. Simply use the device and drop it back onto the charging stand when needed.

The PAX by Ploom does comes at a price. At $250 retail, it is on the higher end of the portable vaporizer market, but the gains and returns make it money well spent for any professional smoker looking for a smokeless experience. Available direct from Ploom.

Our talking points on the PAX by Ploom:

1. Elegantly and beautifully designed with an anodized black aluminum body. 2. Stores easily into your pocket, purse, or travel bag 3. Internal battery allows for many uses of the PAX before charging is necessary 4. The charging stand, like the PAX body itself is well designed and easy to use. 5. Fits in your hand while remaining inconspicuous 6. Automatic standby by and cool down.