What is a Reverse Dab?

When dabbing first hit the scene, it was all about getting your nail red hot and taking a hit as hot as you are able to. As with most hot hits, this practice tends to lead to coughing like crazy. Thankfully, as dabbing rose in popularity, so did the different approaches. There are different types of devices, styles, and even methods to take your hit.

What is a Reverse Dab?

A reverse dab (also known as cold dabs) is a popular approach used with a dab rig and banger. Instead of the traditional approach of heating up your device and placing the concentrate into your banger, cold dabs are done in reverse where the material is placed into the banger while it is still cold and then is heated up. This technique is great for those who are looking to streamline their dabbing session or are wanting a bolder, more flavorful experience.

Reverse Dab Things Needed

In order to proceed with a reverse dab, you will need the standard setup for a dab rig. This will include some form of a dab rig, a dabber, a carb cap, a quartz banger, and a torch. It is also recommended to keep q-tips on hand to help clean your nail after each use.

How to Reverse Dab?

In order to do a reverse dab, you will need a typical dabbing setup (rig, carb cap, dab tool, etc.). This quick and easy approach is practically foolproof. All you need to do is follow these seven easy to follow steps.

Get your gear ready. Have your rig setup, and your tools and concentrate within reach.
Determine the size of your hit. The amount of concentrate can be as big or as small as you want it to be. Once you have it ready, place the concentrate into your quartz banger.
Place the carb cap on top of the banger.
Heat the ceramic or quartz banger with your torch until you begin to see the extract melt. Remember not to heat up the concentrate for too long or you will reduce the amount of flavor in your hit.
After the material has melted, take your hit by inhaling the vapor through the mouthpiece.
If you have any leftover concentrate or residue in the banger, remove the leftover concentrate and buildup with a q-tip.
After you have cleaned your device, let your banger completely cool down. Once it has cool you can repeat the process for another hit or put your device up.

Load Wax in the Banger?

When using a cold start approach, you can also use a quartz insert. Using an insert follows the same process as a regular reverse dab, but instead of placing the concentrate directly into the banger, you load the insert instead. Once you have loaded your insert, simply drop it into the bucket. Once that is complete, place the carb cap on and use a torch to heat up the bucket.

Reverse Dabbing Advantages and Disadvantages

Like other methods, reverse dabbing provides a variety of advantages and disadvantages. The benefits of this approach include:

Easier on your equipment. Since you are using less heat, there is less wear and tear on your setup. Plus less heat reduces the potential for both residual buildup and the potential for your setup to break.
Better flavor. One of the most common reasons people choose reverse dabbing is because lower temperatures offer a bolder and more flavorful experience.
Great if you are pressed for time. If you are looking for a single hit, cold starts offer a quick way to speed up the process. This is because you do not have to wait for your nail to heat up prior to starting your hit.

Disadvantages of Reverse Dabbing

There are two major disadvantages to reverse dabbing. The biggest and most common to reverse dabbing is it can waste your concentrate. This is because cold starts often leave behind material after taking a hit. In order to keep the bold flavoring, you will want to remove the leftover residue and dispose of it to allow you to start with a clean surface and allow for the best flavoring.

Another common downfall is the wait time. Whether you are waiting with friends or wanting to take multiple cold start dabs, you will have to wait in between each hit for your rig and nail to cool down. For reverse dabbing to work, you need for your setup to be completely cooled down.

Are There Any Reverse Dabbing Tips I Should Keep in Mind?

To help ensure you have a great dabbing session, remember these helpful tips when reverse dabbing.

Educate yourself. It does not matter what approach you decide to use, you should always educate yourself on what to expect prior to partaking in dabbing. This is especially true if it is your first time dabbing.
Never use a dirty nail. In order to avoid wasting concentrate or heating your nail too hot, you should always start the process with a clean nail when you do a cold start dab.
Start small. Whenever you are trying out a new approach, you should never load your banger with tons of material. This will help you to avoid wasting concentrate, as well as preventing any issues or loss of material if something were to go wrong.
Use proper techniques and tools to get the most out of your concentrate. For the best results, many users opt for a directional airflow carb cap.
Ensure you have all the proper gear. Whether you choose the traditional approach or reverse dabbing, always make sure you have everything you need before you begin. This includes making sure your torch has enough butane or propane.

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What is a Reverse Dab?