The main difference between Paine’s long incense sticks and short balsam sticks is how they’re made. The long balsam sticks are hand-dipped and oil-based. The short sticks are made from ground balsam branches pressed into shape. If you love the short sticks from the green box, choose that same style when you need a refill.
Long incense sticks: the hand-dipped option
Paine’s long incense sticks come in slim packets, with fragrance choices including Balsam Fir and Balsam Harvest. They’re an option for someone who enjoys choosing different scents in a long-stick format.
The long balsam sticks use an oil-based fragrance. Although they share the balsam name with the short sticks, they aren’t simply a longer version of the pressed incense.
Short balsam sticks: the traditional pressed option
Paine’s short Balsam Fir sticks are the compact sticks packaged in the familiar green boxes. They’re made using balsam branches that are ground, dried and pressed into molds.
Choose these if you want the traditional pressed balsam incense or are replacing a box you already enjoy. The 24-stick set contains two-inch sticks and a holder, making it a straightforward choice if you need both incense and somewhere to place it.
Which Paine incense should you choose?
- Replacing a favorite green box? Pick the short Balsam Fir sticks and match the stick size on your old packaging.
- Looking for long, hand-dipped incense? Choose the long-stick range, then select your fragrance.
- Buying incense with a holder? The short 24-stick set includes one. For other packs, check what comes in the set.
If fragrance is your main reason for reordering, stick with the same product you enjoyed before. The two formats are made differently, so the shared balsam name isn’t enough to promise the same scent experience. Length alone won’t tell you which smells stronger or burns longer.
Can you use the same incense holder?
Check the fit when switching between long and short sticks. The holder needs to support the stick securely and catch its falling ash. A holder that works for a short pressed stick may not suit a long one.
Set the holder on a heat-resistant surface away from decorations, and never leave burning incense unattended.
For more on the traditional range, including sticks, logs and lighting tips, read our Paine Balsam Fir incense guide.