Carta 2 vs. Puffco Peak Pro

Should you buy the Puffco Peak Pro or Focus V Carta 2?

Today, we’re going to take a closer look at two popular portable e-rigs on the market, the Puffco Peak Pro and the Focus V Carta 2.

• These E-Rigs have gained quite a reputation for delivering exceptional vapor quality and enhanced user experiences.

Let’s compare the key features and functionalities of each device to help you make an informed decision.

Peak Pro vs. Carta 2 Specs Review

Vapor Quality Comparison

Firstly, both the Puffco Peak Pro and the Focus V Carta 2 offer excellent vapor production and flavor accuracy.

They utilize advanced heating technology and superior atomizers that provide consistent and enjoyable hits. The New Peak Pro’s 3D chamber and the Carta 2’s 3D ceramic chamber ensure optimal heat distribution for precise temperature control.

Peak Pro Vapor Quality

Because they both use a large 3D ceramic chamber, their extraction is very clean and the vapor can be as smooth or as harsh as you want because of the precision temperature controls on their smartphone app.

• Speaking of that, I would say that having the app downloaded is almost essential for getting the most out of either device, as without it, you’re basically back down to the level of The Core 2.1

One big difference between the two is that the Carta 2 can reach a slightly higher temperature and heats up quicker than the Peak Pro. During a session as well, there is a noticeable difference as to how much vapor it is pumping out compared to the Peak Pro.

Carta 2 Vapor Quality

Overall, either device will give you a good range of excellent flavor or huge clouds and are currently probably the closest experience to a traditional dab rig on the market.

On the left, our Focus V Carta 2 Intellicore Atomizer is over a year and a half old, so it has some wear and tear. On the right, is the new Puffco Peak 3D chamber, which we’ve only had for a week or so.

Based on our experiences here at Tools420, I would say that the average user can expect between 3-6 months per chamber before they’ll need a new one.

New Peak Pro vs Carta 2 Build Quality

In terms of design, the Peak Pro has a sleeker design between the two rigs.

The new glass has five laser-cut slits and a spiraled interior. Its rippled design is also a little more comfortable to hold onto compared to the bulkier design of the Carta 2.

The Carta 2’s glass has slits all around it, with matted glass that does look a bit cooler when the LED lights kick in. In terms of airflow, the Peak Pro has slightly better airflow, if that’s important to you.

With the Carta 2, the matte black rubberized design looks pretty great, but it can be a little hard to hold onto, especially if you’re trying to adjust the settings. I watched a video where the uploader compared to holding it onto a video game controller, and I tend to agree.

Bulky Carta 2 design

I do agree with most Redditors that the Peak Pro overall just looks much better, especially with the recent changes to the New Puffco Peak Pro.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Joystick Carb Cap, it acts as a direction airflow control by allowing you to rotate where your air to the chamber goes by moving it like a joystick on a video game controller.

The new Joystick Carb Cap is a step above the Carta 2’s carb cap and its attempt at a window into the chamber.

Speaking of video game controllers, the Carta 2 is a bit awkward to hold and wasn’t designed to be as ergonomic as the Peak Pro. By that, I mean during a session it’s a bit unclear where you’re supposed to hold it.

Now, I might be nitpicking here a little now, but since Puffco is a much more popular brand, there are also a lot more third-party glass bubbler accessories available all over the internet, and that’s something that Focus V doesn’t focus on as much.

Puffco even encourages glassmakers to list their work and compete to see who is the best, even offering a 10,000$ prize for the best glass piece.

Both have precision temperature control

Both devices offer a variety of temperature settings to cater to individual preferences

The Peak Pro offers four pre-sets with a range of 450°F to 600°F (232°C to 315°C), which are customizable on the app.

Out of the box, you’ll be able to get your desired vapor profile with the pre-sets of Low, Medium, High, and Peak.

The Carta 2, on the other hand, provides four preset temperature levels with a range of 500°F to 842°F (260°C to 450°C), as well as precision temperature control unlocked by pressing the circle button and then up or down button.

Having precision control with the on-screen interface of the Carta 2 is the better feature though, in my opinion.

Even if you’re able to adjust the pre-set temperatures on both apps, sometimes you just feel like a wispy session or lung-buster session, which you might not have programmed.

Below is what you can expect the Carta 2 screen to look like during a session:

Both can be USB-C or Wirelessly charged

One standout feature of the Peak Pro is its wireless charging capability. It comes with a sleek charging dock that magnetically attaches to the base of the device, eliminating the need for any messy cables. This is a convenient and innovative addition that sets it apart from the Carta 2, which utilizes a traditional USB charging method.

Currently, we only have the 10,000mAh Focus V Wireless Charger, but any wireless charger will work on both devices.

Peak Pro has a better battery life

When it comes to battery life, the Peak Pro offers a longer-lasting experience.

It features an impressive 30-session battery life on a single charge, ensuring you can enjoy extended vape sessions without the need for constant recharging. In contrast, the Carta 2 provides around 15-20 sessions per charge, which is still respectable but falls short of the Peak Pro’s longevity.

Their stock USB-C chargers

Smartphone Apps

Both devices feature Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone apps that allow for additional customization and control. The Peak Pro’s app offers enhanced temperature control, session customization, and even social functionality to connect with other Puffco users.

The Carta 2 app provides similar features, allowing you to adjust temperature and more, but it doesn’t include social features.

At the end of the day, they’re both similar in my opinion!

Warranties

Each manufacturer seems to be pretty stingy when it comes to manufacturer warranties, so make sure you register your device on their websites if you’ve got it from a 3rd party.

• On the Puffco Peak Pro especially, they are constantly upgrading their technology, and I think a lot of their business is built on FOMO.
• For the Carta 2, all they’ve really done is release a few different colors, so you’ll never have a feeling like you’ve missed out, or that your E-Rig is outdated.

Community Consensus

Honestly, on Reddit, it seems that there is a war between these two brand’s supporters.

Personally, I think that their performance is similar, so it comes down to preference if people like one more than the other.

There is the available Puffco upgrade of the Peak Pro 3DXL chamber, whereas the Carta 2 only has the Carta 2 Dry Herb Chamber to upgrade with.

• Aside from that small atomizer upgrade, there is a healthy ecosystem for each brand. Puffco has the Puffco Hot Knife, a wireless charger, and a healthy ecosystem of glass
• Similarly, Focus V has the Focus V Saber, the Focus V Wireless Chamber, and a healthy ecosystem of glass available on their website.

Who is the Puffco Peak Pro best for?

The Puffco Peak Pro is best for people who want the best of the best, and don’t mind spending upwards of thousands to be constantly upgrading their setup. For example, the 3DXL chamber is more than $150 after taxes. Everything about Puffco is a bit inflated, but they get away with it because of their awesome marketing.

Who is the Focus V Carta 2 best for?

The Focus V Carta 2 is best for people who enjoy quality dabs without breaking the bank. There isn’t as much as a community, but there are some fun features like the dabbing hi-score counter, as well as the screensaver you can set when you aren’t using your E-Rig.

Pros and Cons Comparison

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the choice between these two devices depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Consider factors such as design, temperature control options, compatibility with different materials, battery life, and pricing to determine which device aligns best with your vaping requirements.

• At the end of the day, they are the #1 and #2 E-Rigs and sit at the top of our list of the Best Electric Dab Rigs on the market.

On top of that, they are both pretty portable, and you’ll be able to get a wicked session in as long as you’re able to load the atomizer.

In terms of price, the Peak Pro is typically priced at a higher range compared to the Carta 2. It’s worth considering the budget you have in mind before deciding on a device.

Right now, the New Peak Pro runs for $420, while the Carta 2 goes for around $270.

So, even though I think the Peak Pro is a bit better, I normally recommend the Carta 2 or The Core 2.1 to most people at our brick-and-mortar store.

Still Can’t Decide?

If you’re still undecided on which one is right for you, be sure to read our individual reviews:

• New Puffco Peak Pro Review
• Focus V Carta 2 Review 

FAQs

Do they both work with terp pearls? 

Terp pearls work better in the New Peak Pro compared to the Carta because it has better directional airflow to get the pearls moving.

Which one works better with live resin / live rosin?

The Puffco Peak Pro will have better flavor from live resins because it heats up slower and only has its coils on the outside of the bowl, making sure you don’t waste expensive concentrates.