A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BUYING A DAB RIG
Smoking dry herb produces a very unpleasant taste that can linger long after you inhale your favorite variety. Alternatively, you can choose to use a dab rig which eliminates the unpleasantness while providing a smooth and relaxing way to enjoy your concentrated oil or wax.
DAB RIG 101
Rigs come in all shapes and sizes. However ,they all work on the same basic principle. Unlike bongs or pipes which burn the herbs directly, dab rigs rely on a nail that is heated via a torch. Once heated, the nail is "dabbed" into the oil concentrate or wax which produces a vapor that is then inhaled. It's a very simple process that can be mastered in no time at all.
There are only four main components to the dabbing rig. There's the glass piece, the nail, the dabber, and the torch. Where the rigs differ is in the type of material that used for the glass, and the composition of the nail.
The Nail Option
Lower end dab rigs tend to use glass nails. While ideal for bongs, it is not so good in concentrate rigs. Glass nails tend to break often because they're not designed for the high temperatures they're exposed to. The same is true with ceramic nails. While ceramics hold heat very well, they are very fragile and can crack with ease.
Mid-range dabbers tend to use quartz banger nails. These heat up quickly and are durable, but they don't hold the heat for long. As such, they must be continually heated to produce a solid vapor from the concentrate. However, if you are someone who likes short and fast hits, quartz nails will be ideally suited to your needs.
Higher-end nails are made of titanium. These are the preferred option for experienced dabbers as they retain heat very well and generate a strong and steady flow of vapor. However, they must be used with caution as they can become overheated and burn the concentrate rather than produce vapor.
One way to mitigate this danger is to couple the titanium nail with a water diffuser. This helps strike a balance between heat and vapor that produces a smooth and refreshing experience.
Finally, you may want to look at an e-nail. These are convenient and easy to use because they feature a PID that makes it easy to control the temperature. E-nails are ideal for people who like to smoke a variety of different oils or wax because it allows the user to set the perfect temperature for each of their favorites.
To Perc, or Not to Perc
Recycler oil rigs are a new invention that can make for a much smoother vaping experience. As the nail heats the concentrate, the vapor is recycled through a looping series of chambers. This does a marvelous job of filtering the vapor. When the vapor exits the final chamber it is smooth and cool. This allows you to enjoy larger dabs.
Prices
Basic dab rigs start at about $10 a piece and can range into the hundreds of dollars if you are looking for an intricate design. There is a wide range of options available in the $20-30 range.
Glass and ceramic nails run from $3-8 dollars. Quartz nails can run up to $10 and titanium nails can cost upwards of $15. E-nails are the most expensive running around $180 a pop.
We invite you to contact Hydra Vapor Tech to learn more about dabbing and the accessories and cases we recommend. We'll be happy to answer your questions and help you make the best decision for your needs.