Let's be real, dabbing can feel pretty intimidating, especially if you are doing it the traditional way for the first time. Between the torches, bangers, timers, and other gadgets, it's a lot. It took me a few years of smoking out of pens and e-rigs before I decided to try a traditional dab with my bestie. Once you get the hang of it, it's honestly one of the cleanest and most flavorful ways to enjoy your concentrates. I'm going to walk you through each step, from deciding the method, how to prepare your setup, and taking that first dab. 

Before we even get into how to dab, let's talk about your two main options: traditional dab rigs vs. e-rigs. One isn't better than the other. It just depends on your vibe.

E-Rig vs. Traditional Rig: What Should You Use?

E-Rigs are the easiest way to get started. You press a button, it heats up on its own, and you're good to go. No torch, no guesswork, and they usually give you consistent temps so you're not torching all your terps. 

Traditional Rigs are more hands-on. You have to use a torch to heat the banger (yes, like a tiny blowtorch. I promise it's only a little scary. 😜). Wait until the banger cools to the proper temperature, which will take some trial and error to get your temps right, but once you get it down, you could argue that the hit is better. I switch between methods depending on my mood. 

If you are still not sure, as yourself:
• Want quick and easy? Go e-rig!
• Like a ritual and don't mind a learning curve? Go traditional!

Ok, Let's Break Down the Actual Dab 💨

Water or No water?

It's essential to understand the components of a dab rig and how they function. Many dab rigs are like mini bongs and they include a water chamber. Adding water to the rig helps cool down the vapor, resulting in a smoother hit. Make sure you add enough water to cover all of the percolators, just don't overfill it or you'll have splashback. There are some rigs and pipes designed to hit dry so make sure you identify that it has a percolator before adding water. If there is no percolator, there is no need for water. Watch How to Fill Your Glass for a full comprehensive guide to filling your bong, dab rig, or bubbler if you don't already know how or need more help. If you are filling the glass to your e-rig, make sure to remove the glass and fill it with water first, then put the glass back on the e-rig. Do not fill the glass while it's still attached to the base. 

How to use a banger & How long do you heat it?

Heating the banger is a crucial step in the dabbing process. The heating time can vary depending on the type of torch and the thickness of the glass. As a general rule, heat the banger until it becomes visibly hot, then allow it to cool for AT LEAST 30-45 seconds before adding the concentrate. Do not rush this step. You should be able to hover your wrist above the banger for a few seconds without the heat burning. That's when you know it's ready. If you can't hover your wrist over the banger for a few seconds, it's not ready. DO NOT TOUCH THE BANGER, IT IS EXTREMELY HOT! DO NOT add concentrate to a glowing banger.

Experimentation with heating times will help you find the optimal temperature for your preferences. The lower the temperature, the more terpene profiles you will taste. The higher the temperature the more vapor you will consume. I prefer to dab at around 430ºF because it's less harsh on my throat and it lets me taste all the different terps. I would not recommend dabbing above 600ºF. The easiest thing would be for you to use a terp timer to help gauge the temperature. You won't get hot dabs, it will be a consistent hit every time and much safer. Once your banger is ready, use a dab tool to apply the concentrate to the banger while inhaling through the mouthpiece of the rig. Use a carb cap on the banger to help control the vapor flow.

How to dab with a rig and no torch

While a torch is the most common tool for heating a banger, there are alternative methods available. Electric dab nails, also known as e-nails, provide precise temperature control without the need for a torch. Simply attach the e-nail to your rig, set the desired temperature, and wait for it to heat up. There are a lot of e-nails on the market. A good example of an e-nail would be something like the Puffco Proxy. Some may argue that it's in a category by itself but it is meant to be used for anything. You can put the Proxy into a glass adapter and use it on any rig. You set the temp and when it's ready, you can take your hit. It eliminates the guesswork associated with torch heating and ensures consistent vaporization.

How do you hit a dab with an E-rig?

If you've chosen to use an e-rig instead of a traditional setup, the process is much more beginner-friendly and requires less guesswork. Literally press a button. That's it.

Just kidding - Start by turning on your device and selecting the desired temperature. Remember, the lower the temp the more terps you can taste with a smoother hit. The higher the temp, the less terps you can taste with more clouds. Both get you high. Just different experiences. Load your concentrate into the chamber using a dab tool and put the carb cap back on. I recommend a hot knife for certain sticky consistancies. Especially ones like honey.

Double click your start button and wait for it to heat up. You can usually see or hear when the device is ready; some have haptic feedback and will vibrate or light up to let you know it's go time. Inhale slowly and steadily through the mouthpiece. If you take slow gentle hits, you will make less mess and get bigger clouds. Use the carb cap to help control vapor production. It's usually a joystick you can swirl around or a hole you can cover and release with your finger. The consistent heat of an e-rig gives you a more controlled and predictable experience, making it a great option for anyone still getting comfortable with dabbing. 

How to use a dab tube or straw

Dab tubes or straws offer a convenient alternative to traditional dab rigs. To use a dab straw, simply heat the end of the straw with a torch until it's hot enough to vaporize the concentrate. Apply the same steps above for heating your banger to heating your straw. Then, touch the heated end to the concentrate dish while inhaling through the opposite end. Tip: Just tap the side of the heated part of the straw to the concentrate. Don't dig your straw straight into the middle of your concentrate. You'll make a mess and have a mouth full of resin. 

Dabbing looks a little scary at first, but once you understand the flow, it's really not a big deal. Try both methods and see what works best for you. And hey, If you're stuck or unsure what you need, please feel free to reach out so I can help. I'd rather you ask than wing it and waste a good concentrate.