The market offers a variety of electric dab rigs to choose from. Most of them look like traditional bongs but differ in function.
Old-school rigs require knowledge of how to use them, timing, and precision. The newer rigs take all the guesswork out with technology that ensures consistent heating.
Basics of E-Rigs
Dabbing has quickly become one of the most popular ways to enjoy marijuana. Dabs are much more potent than smoking dry herbs and produce instant-acting effects. To get the most out of your experience, it’s essential to use a premium dabbing device that provides flavorful hits and maximum control over your session.
A dab rig is a pipe made explicitly for use with concentrates instead of dry herbs. The best rigs have various features to enhance your experience, like a filter downstream to break down and cool the vapor before it enters your lungs. Many rigs also incorporate filtration technology like barrel percs and honeycombs to inhale the full spectrum of your favorite terpenes and cannabinoids.
An electric dab rig is an electronically heated dabbing device that eliminates the need for a torch. Depending on the brand, an e-rig may be a standalone unit with a dab nail, water chamber, or an attachment that can be used with any existing banger or nail.
E-Nails
Unlike traditional dab rigs that require a torch to heat the nail, an e-rig has a heating element that uses electricity to warm up the nail and vaporize concentrates. The nails are typically made from quartz, titanium, or ceramic.
A power button controls the nail’s temperature. Some e-rigs feature a digital display that lets you know the temperature, removing all the guesswork from heating.
One of the main benefits of an e-rig is the ability to select specific temperatures for your dabs, which can make for different experiences. Choosing the right temperature allows you to get the most out of your concentrates, as it will release the desired amount of terpenes and cannabinoids.
Some e-rigs have additional features to enhance your experience, like a recycler that combines two chambers to filter and cool the vapor before it enters your lungs. This can result in a smoother hit, with less smokiness and more flavor. They can also help reduce exposure to harmful chemicals like acetone and butane, commonly found in traditional dab rigs.
E-Rigs vs. Nails
The e-rig and e-nail are both devices used to inhale cannabis concentrates. But what are the differences between the two? An e-rig is a full dab rig that heats dabs electronically through a rechargeable battery. Think of it as a bong for concentrates, only better.
E-rigs typically replace the blowtorch lighter traditionally used to superheat wax dabs for inhalation. This makes e-rigs safer and easier to use, eliminating the need for an open flame and allowing for precise temperature control.
While an e-rig has many advantages, it also requires electricity to function, meaning you’ll need to be near a power outlet while using one. Additionally, e-rigs are often more expensive than traditional rigs, and their parts must be cleaned regularly. This can add up, especially for those just getting started with dabbing. A more affordable option is the e-nail, which can be purchased separately from an e-rig and is typically made from quartz, as it conducts and retains heat well.
E-Rigs vs. Torches
E-rigs are a great alternative to traditional dab rigs and provide a much more convenient way of vaping with wax concentrates. They are battery-powered and rechargeable, allowing users to control the temperature of their vapor. They are also portable and discreet, allowing users to take their sessions on the go without drawing attention from passersby.
The main advantage of an e-rig is that it eliminates the need for a torch. Torches are an inefficient and imprecise tool for heating quartz bangers and nails, and they often heat a nail too hot, which leads to a plasticky-tasting dab. E-rigs also eliminate the need for butane refills.
An e-rig usually features a base that houses the battery, a mouthpiece, and a quartz banger where the dab will be placed. Other accessories can be used to improve a user’s experience, such as terp pearls and carb caps. Most e-rigs can be operated single-handedly.