The first experience I ever had dabbing was in 2012, and like many first-time concentrate users, I was intimidated. When you’re used to smoking flower, a torch and rig just seems a bit intense. Like many first-timers, I didn’t know about low-temp dabbing and in hindsight, it was recklessly hot. That first hit was followed by a dramatic fit of coughing, but the results were unmistakable. The flavor was unlike any cannabis experience I had ever had, and the high was fantastic. As my personal interest in cannabis concentrates grew, so did the tech supporting this new facet of cannabis culture. Today we have a myriad of products available to scratch the itch that first dab entranced me with, including a spectrum of devices from basic torch and glass setups, to fully digital models with all the latest and greatest bells and whistles for the sophisticated canna-seur. The question we’ll be diving into today surrounds the old vs the new debate: can this new wave of electronic dab rigs (also known as e-Rigs) stand up to the established traditional dab rigs?
The Basics: What is a Dab Rig?
At its most basic, the essential elements of concentrate consumption really only require a couple things — a hot surface to vaporize the extract and a way to inhale the resulting vapor. In its most ugly and simplistic iteration, early concentrate pioneers would “hot knife” their creations (please don’t do this), which would involve heating two butter knives, sandwiching a glob of hash between the blades and frantically inhaling the ensuing vapor. As rudimentary as this method is, the general principles hold true. Today, we use far more safe, precise, and quality materials and methods, but the essentials are the same. Traditional dab setups start with a basic heated receptacle, or nail. These heat points come in a variety of shapes, but were originally called “nails” because of the shape of the first iteration, a thin rising cylinder capped with a flat disc resembling a construction nail. These nails are usually accompanied by a “dome” that is placed around the nail after initial heating to direct the vapor into the piece, rather than allowing it to dissipate into the open air. Dab nails are heated by a handheld butane torch until the desired temperature is achieved (in the widest possible range terms, from 300°F to 800°F). The torch is set aside, a small scoop of concentrate is placed on the surface, and as the solid changes to a gas, the vapor is drawn through the piece and into the lungs.
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Traditional Rig vs E-Rig
Many concentrate purists will maintain that traditional torch and glass setups are the only way to get a true dabbing experience, but a new class of e-rigs have come along that puts that argument to test.
The Argument for Traditional Rigs
Many concentrate traditionalists will maintain that the only way to achieve optimal temperature and flavor is through the use of a torch and a quartz nail.
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Temperature Fluctuations
When electrically heated tech was in its infancy, the temperature fluctuations and glacial heating times rendered e-rigs inferior to their more traditional cousins in terms of control of the experience. However, through their progression, the digital technology achieves and holds its temperature far better than we primate descendants can possibly hope to with our handheld fire sticks.
Customization
Potentially the biggest factor in a preference toward the traditional, would be based on their capacity to be customized. A classic setup can be assembled in an infinite number of combinations, from nail shape and material, to the style of glass with its various recycling chambers, percolators and filtration processes.
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Heating Speed
The speed at which the nail is heated is another legitimate factor. Early e-rigs took much longer to reach optimal temperature than a torch based setup, though many modern models boast heat cycles very comparable to their manual counterparts (or faster), typically around 10-30 seconds. In fairness, traditional set ups do offer a wider range of achievable temperatures, as most electric models today still only have temperature variance offerings of roughly 400°F. Some units are more suited for billowy high temp dabs (the Kandypens Oura runs from 490°F to 800°F) while others are more focused on the terpene retaining qualities of low temp dabs (the High Five Duo runs from 350°F to 600°F).
The Pros of E-Rigs
The benefits of e-rigs tend to be far more numerous and substantial than their predecessors. The ability to take your dab experience on the move remains to be one of the largest factors, as traditional glass setups are very fragile, and require a number of extra tools which make them less than ideal for a dabber on the go. The ability to travel with one’s rig is a huge advantage, as traditional setups tether the user to their at home setup, while e-rigs can be taken along on all manner of adventure — from park days and hikes, to tailgating, or simply a session at your buddy’s place.
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The Wrap Up
Ultimately, the choice between styles lies with the priorities and inclination of the user. Some folks prefer the old school, tactile feel of torching their nail, the customization possibilities offered from assembling your own piece, and the wide range of temperatures achievable by traditional setups. Some will relish the effortless mobility, consistent temp settings, and minimal required tools of modern e-rigs. It’s all about personal preference; there is no right and wrong in this game, only how you like to play it.