Dabbing is an effective way to enjoy THC concentrates, providing a potent experience that’s more efficient than traditional smoking methods. But it’s not without its challenges.
One of the biggest challenges is maintaining a clean and effective rig. Fortunately, some simple tips can help!
Replace Worn-Out Heating Elements
Using the right heating element can significantly affect the taste and effectiveness of your dabbing experience. Each type of nail or banger has different pros and cons, so it’s essential to try them out and find the one that best suits your preferences.
The most common heating elements include quartz, titanium, and glass nails. Quartz nails offer the highest quality dabbing experience because they heat up quickly and retain heat well. Glass nails are the cheapest option but require longer heat-up times and are prone to breaking at high temperatures. Titanium nails are a good choice for those who want to minimize heat-up time and increase durability.
You can also use a carb cap to maximize your airflow and improve the flavor of your dabs. This simple accessory fits over your banger to reduce the amount of unvaporized concentrates that make it into the downstem. It’s also worth trying out terp pearls, which are made of quartz and feature an increased surface area that helps them vaporize more concentrate at once.
Getting the most out of your cheap dab rigs requires proper maintenance and use. Regular cleaning, starting low and slow, and using a cold start method are all effective strategies for improving the efficiency of your dabbing sessions. These tips can help you get the most value out of your rigs, save money on replacements, and ensure you enjoy your dabs to the fullest.
Clean Your Rig Regularly
A dirty rig can make it hard to pull a dab and affect the flavor of your concentrates. It’s essential to clean your rig regularly. It doesn’t take long and will save you the frustration of clogged ports, bad hits, or lost concentrates.
To clean your rig:
- Start by disassembling it and removing smaller components like the banger nail.
- Rinse them with warm water and a lint-free cloth.
- If they are particularly sticky, use a little isopropyl alcohol on the cloth to scrub off any residues. If you want to go the extra mile, you can soak the nail and any other removable parts in a Ziplock bag filled with isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt.
The salt acts as a natural abrasive, and the isopropyl alcohol dissolves any stubborn resin. After a few hours, rinse off the rig with warm water and a lint-free towel.
For deep cleaning, you can also put the rig in a Tupperware container filled with isopropyl alcohol for a few hours or overnight. After thoroughly drying the rig, you can reassemble it and enjoy a clean rig with every hit. To get the tightest spots, you can use a Q-tip or pipe cleaner soaked in isopropyl alcohol to scrub away any remaining residues. It’s also essential to change the water in your rig often, as it develops a layer of biofilm that harbors nasty pathogens like Strep and E coli.
Use a Carb Cap
Dabbing with a rig requires patience and precision, so it’s easy to make mistakes that can diminish the quality of your hits. This is particularly true when heating the nail or banger for the proper amount of time. Rushing the process can result in a subpar experience or even burnt wax. A carb cap helps you avoid these issues by allowing you to heat the nail at lower temperatures, preserving the potency of your concentrates and improving flavor.
Carb caps are tiny accessories that attach to the top of a banger or domeless nail on your dab rig. They limit airflow into the trough, creating a vacuum that helps your wax vaporize at a lower temperature without wasting material. The simple change in air pressure and heat helps bring out subtle terpene flavors and aromas that can be missed with high-temperature dabs.
When you use a carb cap, first pre-load your concentrate on the nail and place your carb cap over it. Then, apply the flame to the banger for about eight seconds. You’ll know you have the temperature right if your wax begins to bubble and vaporize. Remove the torch and rotate your carb cap to change the direction of the flow of smoke. As you do so, inhale slowly and enjoy your deliciously smooth dabs!
Start Low and Slow
While there are many ways to consume THC extracts, dabbing with a dab rig is typically preferred because it provides a cleaner, more controlled experience. To wipe, heat a small amount of wax or shatter with a torch until it liquefies and turns into vapor. This method allows you to fully appreciate the full spectrum of flavors and potency offered by your concentrates, but it can also be a little intimidating for first-timers.
For newbies, starting low and slow can help you build your tolerance bit by bit and avoid an overwhelming high from too much dabbing. To start:
- Apply a small dab to your banger with the dabber and inhale slowly.
- Use the carb cap to regulate the airflow further and inhale again.
- Repeat as needed until the dabber is completely clean.
After applying your dab, it’s essential to thoroughly clean your dabber and banger with isopropyl alcohol to prevent clogs and residue. The mouthpiece is vital because it determines the flow and smoothness of your draw. Make sure to replace your agent if it shows signs of wear, like visible residue or cracks.
Want to take your dabbing game up a notch? Check out our high-quality dab rigs and accessories, including an opaque-dish cold-start banger and bubble cap.
