Dabbing has become a popular method for consuming concentrated cannabis, offering a more flavorful experience compared to traditional smoking. Unlike smoking flower, which involves inhaling a large amount of plant material to achieve a high, dabbing allows users to enjoy concentrated potency and flavor in a single "dab." This small amount, vaporized using specialized equipment known as dab rigs, provides a quicker and more intense high.
Much like bongs, the type of equipment used in dabbing can significantly influence the overall experience. Two commonly used tools for vaping cannabis concentrates are electric dab rigs (e rigs) and traditional rigs. In this article, we will explore the world of e-rigs and traditional rigs, examining their benefits, drawbacks, and specific features. Read on to discover more!
What Are E Rigs?
Electric dab rigs, or e-rigs, have transformed the dabbing landscape. These technologically advanced devices offer portability and ease of use, making them highly convenient. With adjustable temperature settings and automated heating, electric dab rigs provide consistent and precise dabbing experiences at the touch of a button. They are ideal for those who are always on the move or prefer hassle-free sessions without the need for nails, dab torches, or timers.
Key Elements of an Electric Dab Rig
Heating Element /Atomizer: the core of an e rig lies the heating element, which is crucial for vaporizing concentrates on the banger and nail. Heating elements come in various materials such as ceramic, quartz, and titanium, each offering unique advantages like excellent heat retention, durability, and clean vapor production. It’s important to select the type that best meets your requirements.
Temperature Control System: Say goodbye to the hassle of using a butane torch with top-tier electric dab rigs. These devices are equipped with a temperature control system that ensures the optimal heat setting for an enhanced dabbing experience.
Glass Attachments: Glass attachments offer more than just water filtration and moisture-conditioned hits; they also function as mouthpieces for eRigs. Utilizing glass mouthpieces allows eRigs to deliver superior flavor compared to other materials. Glass does not negatively impact vapor quality. It ensures that both the vapor and the material being vaped on the eRig remain unaffected. Due to its inert properties, glass does not chemically react, even under heat. This allows you to savor the unique and distinct flavors inherent to your wax concentrates. Although the extraction process for these wax concentrates removes some flavonoids, you can still taste the terpenes from these extracts when using glass components in electric dab rigs.
Power Source/Base: To operate an electric dab rig, it is imperative to keep the built-in batteries sufficiently charged. Therefore, access to a reliable power source is necessary when planning to use these e-rigs.
How to Use an Electric Dab Rig
When using an electronic dab rig for vaping, follow these detailed steps to determine if it suits your needs:
- Ensure your e-rig’s battery is fully charged. Refer to the unit's manual for charging instructions. A fully charged battery guarantees optimal performance from your portable dab rig.
- Gather your materials and place them in a container for easy access when you start your session.
- Fill the glass chamber with water, ensuring it doesn't exceed half of the chamber’s capacity. Some erigs have markers indicating the ideal water level. Overfilling can cause water to bubble out and potentially damage the electrical components by seeping into the base. Proper water levels ensure balanced vapor output.
- Attach the filled glass chamber securely to the eRig’s base.
- Load your material into the atomizer with a dab tool once the attachment is secure.
- Cover the loaded heating element with a carb cap. The carb cap allows you to control the chamber’s airflow, letting you adjust it to your preference.
- Inhale the vapor from the heating element. Depending on your preference, you can lift or keep the carb cap down to either release or trap the vapor.
Benefits of an Electric Dab Rig
The electric dab rig has emerged as a prominent innovation in the cannabis industry. Initially, concerns were raised regarding battery performance and the capacity of oil it could handle per dab. However, with advancements in technology and creative solutions, the electric dab rig has become a superior alternative to traditional dabbing techniques.
Temperature Control
One of the primary benefits of an electric dab rig is its precise temperature control. Traditionally, dabbing involved heating the concentrate using a nail that was heated with a torch, followed by immediate inhalation of the vapor. Electric dab rigs allow users to easily adjust the temperature to the optimal level for vaporization.
Clean and Safe
Electric dab rigs are also notably cleaner and safer compared to using a blow torch. They minimize the mess typically associated with traditional methods and significantly reduce the risk of accidents. These rigs enable users to achieve the ideal vaporization temperature, ranging between 315°F and 440°F, ensuring a pleasurable experience.
Enhanced Flavor
Another advantage is the ability to enjoy the full flavor and aroma of the concentrate's terpenes without the harsh taste or burning sensation that often comes with torch-based methods. The electric dab rig ensures accurate temperature control, eliminating the guesswork. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only the cleaning of e-nails with alcohol-soaked cotton.
What Are Traditional Dab Rigs？
Traditional dab rigs consist of a glass pipe chamber connected to a nail or banger, replacing the conventional bowl found in bongs. For newcomers, the initial cost, technique, and necessary accessories can seem daunting. However, many cannabis enthusiasts come to appreciate the robust, streamlined effects and rich terpene flavors these rigs offer.
Components of Traditional Dab Rigs
- Mouthpiece: Similar to a water bong, the mouthpiece is usually made of glass and can be attached or separated. It allows users to inhale vaporized concentrates, delivering potent effects.
- Chamber: The chamber or base holds water for filtration. High-quality electric rigs may also feature water chambers with additional filters for enhanced filtration and cooling.
- Banger/Nail: This component is where concentrates are placed and heated with a torch for vaporization. Nails or bangers come in various materials such as quartz, glass, ceramic, and titanium.
- Carb Cap: To prevent the concentrates from evaporating before inhalation, a cap traps the vapor on the nail, ensuring none is lost.
- Blow Torch: Essential for heating the nail, a blow torch provides the necessary heat for proper vaporization, far beyond what a typical lighter can offer. These torches usually use either butane or propane.
How to Use Traditional Dab Rigs
If you're ready to start dabbing with your dab rig, follow these detailed instructions to ensure a smooth experience. While dabbing might seem daunting initially, we've got you covered!
- Fill the dab rig's chamber with water: Add water to your dab rig’s chamber. Test the water level by inhaling through the downstem without the banger in place. If water splashes back into your mouth, reduce the water level.
- Heat the banger: Use a torch to heat the banger until it turns red-hot. Focus the torch on the outside and bottom areas, where you'll be placing the concentrate.
- Adjust for e-nail users: If you're using an e-nail, set the temperature between 311-388 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the type of cannabis concentrate you're dabbing.
- Wait some seconds for the banger to cool down: Once the banger is heated, allow it to cool for 30-45 seconds. If it's too hot, it will burn the concentrate, which is not ideal. A terp timer can help you achieve the perfect temperature for maximum flavor, but a watch or phone can also suffice.
- Apply the concentrate: Place the wax onto the banger using your dabber. Slowly inhale through the mouthpiece. Rotate the dabber tip on the hot banger to ensure no wax is wasted. A long, slow inhale ensures most of the concentrate vaporizes effectively.
- Use a carb cap: Cover the dab with a carb cap to regulate airflow and enhance your hit. This step is crucial for achieving the best dabbing experience.
- Exhale & repeat: Exhale the vapor and repeat the process as desired. Always exercise caution, especially if you're new to dabbing. The concentrates are potent, and it's easy to overconsume, which can lead to greening out.
Benefits of Traditional Dab Rigs
Customizability: Traditional dab rigs are ideal for those who appreciate unique and stylish smoking accessories. Available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and materials, they offer ample opportunities for personalization.
Reliability: Although traditional dab rigs may lack the convenience of electronic rigs, they make up for it with reliability. They don't need to be charged and are less likely to malfunction, ensuring consistent performance.
Cost-Effectiveness: Opting for traditional dab rigs can be a budget-friendly choice. They are generally less expensive than their electronic counterparts, making them ideal for those looking to save money.
E-Rigs vs. Traditional Dab Rigs: Performance
E-Rigs: Electronic portable dab rigs are user-friendly and technologically advanced. They feature automatic operation and adjustable temperature settings, providing users with greater control over the heating process.
Traditional Dab Rigs: Operating traditional dab rigs can be challenging and requires practice to maintain the correct temperatures. Even a slight temperature variation can negatively impact the experience.
E-Rigs vs. Traditional Dab Rigs: Price
E-Rigs: High-quality e-rigs often come with a higher price tag but offer numerous advantages over traditional dab rigs. However, there are also some best electric dab rigs under $100 on the market. With an e-rig, there's no need for a torch; the integrated heating and temperature control systems handle everything. Additionally, they are portable, allowing for use anywhere.
Traditional Dab Rigs: Traditional rigs are generally more affordable but may offer a less smooth experience, especially for those unfamiliar with maintaining the right temperatures.
E-Rigs vs. Traditional Dab Rigs: Portability
E-Rigs: E-rigs excel in portability. The primary concern is finding a power source. Once you have access to power, you can enjoy a hassle-free dabbing experience without worrying about temperature maintenance. Moreover, some erigs can last a very long time after being fully charged.
Traditional Dab Rigs: Portability is a compromise with traditional dab rigs. They are typically more cumbersome, requiring additional accessories like a torch, which makes them difficult to carry around.
E-Rigs vs. Traditional Dab Rigs: Maintenance
E-Rigs: Maintaining e-rigs involves regular care of the battery, cleaning the atomizer, and ensuring all electronic parts are functioning correctly. Many electronic portable rigs are easy to clean and sometimes even dishwasher-safe.
Traditional Dab Rigs: Traditional dab rigs require regular maintenance to stay in good condition. This includes cleaning the nail to prevent residue buildup.
E-Rigs vs. Traditional Dab Rigs: Heating
E-Rigs: Electric dab rigs offer a significant advantage in terms of heating and cooling cycles, as these processes are automatically programmed. This makes e-rigs both faster and simpler to heat compared to manual methods. Additionally, e-rigs are safer because they eliminate the need for an open flame or exposed elements, reducing the risk of burns.
Traditional Dab Rigs: Traditional dab rigs use dab torches to heat the banger or the nail, and you need to be careful not to overheat it, or it can cause your concentrate to combust rather than vaporize. Moreover, please be careful not to burn yourself.
Choosing the Right Dab Rig for You
Understanding your specific needs is crucial when selecting the appropriate dab rig. Both e-rigs and traditional rigs have their advantages, and the best choice depends on your unique requirements. Let's explore which type of rig suits different user profiles.
Beginners
If you're new to dabbing, we recommend starting with an electronic dab rig. Traditional rigs come with several challenges, such as maintaining a consistent temperature between 450 ℉ and 600 ℉ for optimal dabbing. Additionally, using a blow torch can be intimidating and risky for novices. E-rigs are straightforward and safe, eliminating the need for a blow torch and nail.
Experienced Users
Experienced dabbers have the flexibility to choose between e-rigs and traditional rigs. If you enjoy the rituals associated with dabbing, a conventional rig might be appealing. However, if you prioritize ease of use and convenience, an electronic portable dab rig is an excellent option. Assess your personal preferences to make the best choice.
Frequent Travelers
For those who travel frequently, e-rigs are generally the best option due to their portability and convenience. E-rigs are compact, battery-operated, and do not require a bulky torch, making them easy to pack and use on the go. Their all-in-one design ensures quick setup and consistent performance, providing a reliable and hassle-free dabbing experience for travelers.
