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9 Tips For Using a Dab Rig
Whether you are new to the scene or unsure how a dab rig works, the whole process can seem like a little much. After all, there is the process of using a blow torch, the different equipment you can use, even the potent effects. With so much to learn, it can be confusing to know where to start. To understand a little more about this popular trend, here are the 9 best tips for using a dab rig.
Be Careful with everything
Whether you are handling your concentrates, putting the rig together, or partaking in a dab, a dab user should always be careful with everything when using a dab rig. Whether you are dabbing or not, anytime you are handling an open flame you need to take precautions. For example, you always make sure to have something to protect yourself from any hot components. Remember, heat can be dangerous. Not only do you need to consider the open flame, but the dab nail (and other components) can reach extreme temperatures that can cause serious burns.
Use an oven Mitt while Dabbing
It is important to remember dab nails get hot, so you need to be careful when handling your dab rig. This is especially true if you need to remove a nail to clear the dab rig. Be prepared by planning for this or other situations where you need to handle the dab rig after it has been heated.
Many users opt for an oven mitt. It is something just about every household already has (or can easily be purchased). Oven mitts are a great option for those who know they will need it or to have around as a just-in-case.
Not all Dab Nails are the same
Dab rigs have an appearance and function similar to a water bong. While a water bong uses a bong bowl, a dab rig operates with a dab nail; and although the function is the same, dab nails can vary from one to the next. From the structure to the very materials used to make it, dab nails can come in a wide array of options.
Due to the extreme temperatures from coming in contact with a flame, only a handful of materials can be used to manufacture dab nails. The four best material options are ceramic, glass, quartz, or titanium alloy, with the dab nail material determining multiple factors for your experience.
For instance, although glass is less expensive, it is the hardest material to clean and also tends to become less effective over time. However, one of the most important things to consider when choosing a dab nail is how the material works with the heat. For example, ceramic nails and heat often have a love-hate relationship. Ceramic nails do an amazing job of taking and keeping the heat, but overheating is a big issue. Overheating a dab nail can cause a variety of issues for a ceramic nail, including heat stress. Unfortunately, it does not offer the color change found in other materials, making it extremely difficult to determine if you have gone too far when adding the heat.
E-Nails are Easier and Safer
If you tend to use a dab rig often, an e-nail can be a great investment. While the initial costs are more expensive, they provide a better consistency for your experience. This is because e-nails do not require a torch, making them safer and easier to use. There is no guessing game on when the nail is thoroughly heated, it provides a consistent temperature every time.
Silicone Dab Rigs are indestructible
Although newer to the scene, silicone is quickly becoming a popular choice among dabbing enthusiasts. This is partially due to its durability because unlike glass that can break with a single drop, silicone dab rigs provide an indestructible nature.
Compared to glass, silicone provides the easiest device cleaning experience. It also has a flexible nature allowing it to pack in your luggage without having any fears of breakage. However, for many users, one of the key deciding factors for choosing silicone is cost. Silicone is easy to use and to produce. Therefore, it offers a mass-production ability not found in glass.
Percolator Dab Rigs and more
Like bongs, you can find a variety of dab rigs with cool attributes. Some of these are cosmetic, such as specific designs or colors are a fun feature to add a little customization, while others can offer a better overall dabbing experience. For example, percolators and ice catchers can help to provide a smoother hit.
Start slow, learn and know
If you are new to dabbing, you should always start off slow. Take the time to learn and understand your device and the concentrate. Concentrate is easy to waste, and if the cost of wax is a concern, you will want to prevent anything that can result in a loss of wax. For example, start small when figuring out the size of the dab you need. After all, you can always go bigger; and it is better to take another hit than to waste a huge dab of wax that is too much for you.
Get Reclaim out of your Dab Rig
To put it simply, reclaim is the sticky, goopy substance that builds up in your dab rig. Think of it as an equivalent to the resin you would find using a bong or pipe. Reclaim will generally start to collect in your device within the first few dabs. Once it is collected you have one of two choices. You can either throw it away or use it. Ultimately, it is a personal decision and what you decide to do with it is all up to you.
If you decide to keep it, there are three main ways you can use it. Typically, users will just dab it. Since it is still concentrate, there will still be instant effects like a normal dab. However, due to the heat from the initial dab, it will not taste great.
9. How to Dab Without a Rig
Although dab rigs are the common choice for wax concentrate users, it is not the only option you have to get a great dabbing experience. In fact, there are a variety of alternatives for enjoying concentrates without a rig. Two of the most popular choices include wax pens and nectar collectors. Wax pens are a great choice for portability and are more discreet than rigs and other vaping devices.
Nectar collectors are a popular selection for people who want to enjoy the rig experience with a less intimidating and easier to use approach. Similar to a dab rig, a nectar collector is comprised of the mouthpiece, the tip, and the body. It has a simple design for maximum efficiency and does not require you to load your device. You simply heat the tip of the device and place it into the wax (removing it once you reach your desired hit size).
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