Dabbing is a very concentrated method of smoking cannabis. It requires a rig with a banger or nail and accessories like carb caps, inserts, and terp pearls to get the best results.
A banger is the part of your rig that you heat up with a torch and apply the wax concentrate. Carb caps restrict airflow to the banger, which helps preserve more of your terpenes and cannabinoids.
Carb Cap
A carb cap is a small accessory that is a must-have for dabbing. This heat-resistant cap fits over the top of a domeless nail or banger and works like a lid on a pot. It maximizes convection and airflow control to efficiently vaporize concentrate at low temperatures without burning the wax or losing precious terpenes.
When used correctly, the carb cap helps you take a lower-temperature dab by trapping and redirecting the airflow around the nail while you inhale. The result is a smoother, more flavorful dab that preserves more of the potency of your favorite concentrates. Carb caps come in various materials and designs to suit your dabbing needs. Directional carb caps can be rotated to manipulate airflow, while bubble or spherical carb caps are great for flat-top nails.
To use a carb cap, place it over your heated nail and then inhale. Most carb caps have a small hole on the top to allow for inhalation, and some even come with a built-in dabber that doubles as a convenient tool for scooping up your favorite waxes.
Dab Tool
A dab tool is an essential accessory for dabbing and can be made of glass, metal, ceramic, titanium, or quartz. It is designed to be heat-resistant and work with different types of concentrates. It should be able to scoop or scrape, have a comfortable grip, and feel good in your hand.
The tip of the dabber can be pointed, spoon-shaped, or flat. The shape is important because each type of concentrate is handled differently. For example, rosin is sticky like taffy and can stick to your implements, so you would want to use a pointy dabber.
Other factors to consider with the tools or dab accessories are durability and cleaning. The best dab tools are easy to clean and can handle high temperatures. For instance, stainless steel is durable and can withstand more heat than glass. It is also easier to clean than glass, which can break easily.
Terp Pearls
Terp pearls (dab beads or banger beads) are little balls of borosilicate glass, quartz, or other materials that can be placed in your banger to improve the overall quality of your concentrate experience. They are a simple and effective way to maximize the flavors of your favorite dabs without risking any combustion or overheating.
Place the pearls into your pre-heated banger and add your dose of concentrate. The pearls will quickly spin around your nail, distributing the heat and oxygenating the concentrate to reach all the hottest spots and vaporize more thoroughly. Depending on the type of pearls you use, they can also come in different shapes and colors – check out these awesome glow-in-the-dark ones!
We recommend using a bubble or directional flow carb cap to optimize your experience and ensure the pearls aren’t clogged. You can also clean them with isopropyl alcohol after every session.
Dab Receptacle
The receptacle, the dab nail or banger, vaporizes your concentrates. The end is typically made of titanium, quartz, or ceramic and can be heated via a butane hand torch. Choosing between a nail or a banger is a matter of personal preference.
Some rigs have nails installed, but most prefer mixing and matching various pieces to create a unique setup. The receptacle must be cleaned frequently to avoid the accumulation of debris, but most people find it worth it for the clean and pure taste of their dabs.
While traditional glass dab rigs provide the best-tasting dabs, other options exist for those looking for an easy-to-use and portable alternative. Electric dab rigs are an excellent choice for those who want to avoid using butane or propane. They heat up quickly and can be refilled in minutes with a butane/propane refill.
Dab Mat
If you want to keep your dabbing setup clean, then the dab mat is an essential accessory that can help clean up. These silicone dab mats are heat-resistant and can protect surfaces underneath them from damage. They’re also easy to clean, making them the perfect choice for dabbers.
They’re also shock-absorbent, which can help protect your glass from shattering if you accidentally drop it onto the mat. Dab mats can be found in various colors and styles, so you can find one that matches your home or head shop.
Many dab mats are available online and at specialty cannabis retailers. They’re made of heat-resistant materials like rubber and silicon and are usually easy to clean. They can be cleaned by soaking them in isopropyl alcohol or scrubbing them with a brush. They’re also great for storing your concentrates; some even have a lid to keep them secure.
E-Nail
The E-nail is a dab nail that uses electricity to heat up to the desired temperature. Instead of using a torch, you choose the temperature and drop your concentrate. This allows you to experience a high-quality dab in under a minute.
This type of dab nail can come in either quartz, ceramic, or titanium. A quartz nail has a faster heat-up time, while a ceramic or titanium pin can maintain its temperature longer. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing dab rig or want to start using one for the first time, an e-mail can significantly improve your experience.
Besides being safer than a blowtorch, an e-mail eliminates the hassle of using a dab rig. You don’t have to worry about buying butane or finding a place to dispose of your empty cans. This makes it perfect for sharing a rig with friends or family.