Puffco's New Proxy Core: An Unbreakable E-Rig for Dabbing Anywhere

LOS ANGELES, CA – March 19, 2026 – Puffco, a dominant force in cannabis consumption technology, has officially unveiled its latest innovations aimed at making the high-end concentrate experience more portable and resilient than ever. The company today announced the launch of the Proxy Core, a compact, glass-free e-rig, alongside a fully redesigned Hot Knife loading tool. The new products expand the acclaimed Proxy ecosystem, signaling a strategic push towards durability and on-the-go convenience without sacrificing the performance for which the brand is known.

The Proxy Core Kit, priced at $220, enters the market as the most affordable entry point into the Proxy line. It promises the full power of a desktop e-rig in a rugged, pocket-friendly format, while the new $50 Hot Knife refines the often-messy preparation process with a sturdier, more efficient design. Together, they represent a significant step in the evolution of the modern dabbing ritual, addressing key consumer pain points of fragility and inconvenience.

The Unbreakable Dab: Redefining On-the-Go Consumption

The central innovation of the Proxy Core is its departure from glass. For years, portable vaporizers and e-rigs have walked a fine line between performance and fragility, with delicate glass components often being a source of anxiety for users on the move. Puffco tackles this issue head-on by constructing the Proxy Core with an anodized aluminum cup and a durable silicone mouthpiece. This glass-free build is engineered specifically for the rigors of daily life, from a bumpy commute to an outdoor adventure.

This focus on durability places the Proxy Core in a unique position within a competitive market. While competitors like the Ispire Daab or Utillian 8 offer high performance, many still rely on glass parts for their airpaths or chambers. The Proxy Core's design choice is a direct response to a market increasingly demanding products that fit an active, mobile lifestyle. It aims to eliminate the fear of a costly drop or a cracked component, making high-quality dabbing a truly portable activity.

"Proxy Core is a full-featured Proxy in its most discreet and portable form factor yet," said Roger Volodarsky, Founder and CEO of Puffco, in the company's press release. "We’ve always set out to make Proxy the most versatile device for dabbing, and Core takes the possibilities even further." This sentiment underscores the product's core mission: to deliver the signature Proxy experience in a package that can go anywhere without a second thought.

Performance in Your Pocket: Technology and Customization

Despite its compact and rugged exterior, the Proxy Core does not compromise on the technology that powers Puffco's premium devices. At its heart is the company's patented 3D Chamber, a heating element that vaporizes concentrates from the sides as well as the bottom. This technology is renowned for preserving the delicate terpenes and cannabinoids that define a concentrate's flavor and effects, ensuring users get a full-spectrum experience with dense vapor production.

To further enhance performance, the Core integrates an updated "impact airpath" design and includes three ceramic terp pearls. These small beads spin within the chamber during use, improving heat distribution and vapor circulation for smoother, more consistent draws. The result is a device that punches well above its weight, delivering vapor quality on par with much larger rigs.

Beyond its physical engineering, the Proxy Core leverages the Puffco Connect app for deep session personalization. This app connectivity allows users to move beyond preset temperatures and dial in their experience with precision. Users can adjust temperature, session duration, and even vapor density through the app's "Vapor Control" setting. While iOS users must use a web-based portal via a third-party browser due to Apple's App Store policies on vaping apps, the functionality remains a powerful tool for enthusiasts seeking to perfect their sessions. The device is rated for up to 15 dabs on a single charge and features fast USB-C charging, reinforcing its travel-ready credentials.

Building the Ecosystem: Strategy, Pricing, and Accessibility

Puffco's launch strategy for the Proxy Core is as calculated as its engineering. At $220, the kit is positioned as a highly competitive entry into the premium e-rig market. By labeling it the "lowest price ever for Proxy," the company is clearly aiming to broaden its user base and make its technology more accessible to consumers who may have been hesitant to invest in the higher-priced Peak Pro, which can cost upwards of $400.

Furthermore, the introduction of a $50 Proxy Core accessory for existing owners of the app-connected Proxy model is a savvy move to enhance brand loyalty. This allows current users to upgrade their existing device with the new durable, portable configuration without needing to purchase an entirely new unit. This strategy not only generates revenue but also strengthens the modularity of the Proxy ecosystem, encouraging users to invest further into the brand's family of products.

This two-pronged approach—a lower-cost entry point for new users and an affordable upgrade path for existing ones—fortifies Puffco's market position. It allows the brand to compete more effectively with both budget-friendly options like the Lookah series and other premium portables, all while reinforcing its reputation for innovation and user-centric design.

A Sharper Tool: The Redesigned Hot Knife

Complementing the new e-rig is the next generation of the Hot Knife, a heated loading tool designed to eliminate the sticky mess of handling cannabis concentrates. While the original was widely praised, the new version incorporates several key improvements based on user feedback. The redesigned tool features a sturdier overall construction and a reshaped, glazed ceramic tip. Early hands-on reports note this new circular tip is more effective at scooping concentrates from the corners of jars, minimizing waste and ensuring more material makes it into the chamber.

Ergonomics have also been improved with a new button, a triple-click battery life indicator, and faster USB-C charging that can fully power the device in about 25 minutes. A more secure travel cap with an integrated lanyard loop addresses portability concerns, making the tool easier to carry. At a price of $50, the new Hot Knife continues to be an accessible accessory that significantly streamlines the dabbing ritual, making the process cleaner, faster, and more efficient for novices and veterans alike.

As the cannabis concentrate market continues its rapid expansion, consumer demand is shifting towards products that offer a seamless blend of power, precision, and portability. With the launch of the Proxy Core and the refined Hot Knife, Puffco has demonstrated a keen understanding of this evolution. By prioritizing durability and convenience without compromising on the quality of the experience, the company is not just releasing new hardware; it is actively shaping a future where high-performance concentrate consumption can happen anywhere.