How a Dab Rig Can Improve Your Smoking Experience
A ball vape dab rig offers cannabis enthusiasts an entirely new and more potent way to experience the full flavor of their favorite concentrates
Ensure your banger or nail is secure to the rig, and then use the q tips to help get into any hard-to-reach spots. Be sure to rinse the rig thoroughly after cleaning and to avoid alcohol burn.
The Nail
Once your rig is set up and ready to go, place a small amount of concentrate on the nail. Remember that dabs are much more potent than smoking herbs, and you only need a small amount to experience the effects. Heat the nail using your butane torch until you can see vapor rising through the stem of the rig. Alternatively, you can use an electric nail that offers butane-free heating and precision temperature control. Once the pan is hot, use a dab tool to touch the concentrate to the pin and inhale. You may need to rotate the dab tool over the nail as you inhale to distribute the vapor throughout your lungs evenly. Some dab rig offers carb caps that can regulate airflow and improve the flavor profiles of your smoke.
The Dome
Dabbing is a highly concentrated way of consuming cannabis products like shatter, hash, oil, or crumble. It can be used by medical users to treat pain and other ailments or by recreational smokers looking for a more intense experience than flowers. Bangers (also known as nails) are a vital component of any dab rig. They are made from heat-resistant materials that can withstand high temperatures and have a hole through which the dab is vaporized. A carb cap can be added to the banger to lower its temperature and make for a more efficient dabbing experience. A mouthpiece for dabbing is also a must-have. It offers better filtration than the water in your rig, and it helps you take cleaner, smoother, tastier hits.
The Downstem
The downstem is a piece of glass that brings the vapor back to your mouth after it passes through the banger. It sits at a different angle than the 90-degree joint of a bong or regular water pipe to create an easier draw.
It can also help cool the vapor so it’s not as harsh on your lungs as straight smoke. The design of your downstem can impact your hit, too, so it’s essential to find one you like. To clean your downstem, use rubbing alcohol to wipe away any residue that builds up after each dab session. If you want to be extra careful, soak your downstem in isopropyl for a few hours to break up resistant residual oil. Remember that rubbing alcohol is flammable, so use a safe workspace and always handle it carefully.
The Recycler
Once considered a fringe sector of the cannabis market, dabbing has now become an integral part of modern stoner culture. With a rig, dabs (cannabis concentrates like shatter, wax, and oil) are loaded onto a hot nail and vaporized before inhaling. Recycler rigs have a dual chamber design that allows water and vapor to chug through in a loop, separating and cooling the smoke before reaching your lungs. This feature also helps to prevent stale and flavorless hits. To clean your rig, place it in a plastic bag with isopropyl alcohol and rock salt or a solvent designed specifically for cleaning dab accessories. Mix your solution and allow your rig to soak it for about five to ten minutes. Then rinse it with water and use q tips to help get at any hard-to-reach spots.
The Bowl
A dab rig usually includes a “nail,” a glass piece for heating the concentrate, and a dome to keep vapor from leaving the nail when you are not drawing. Often, these parts will be made from borosilicate glass for heat resistance and maximum flavor. You will also want to ensure that your rig has an appropriately sized bowl for the amount of concentrate you intend to use. Unlike bongs, dab rigs tend to use much smaller bowls.
Once you have the essential components of your rig, it is important to clean it regularly. A simple cleaning with isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol should be enough to remove most residue. If you notice excessive buildup, try soaking your banger in alcohol and coarse salt before wiping it down with a cotton swab.