It’s a basic 101 guide on how to use a dab rig for the first time. Yes, it might seem complicated at first but once you have the basics down, you’ll be dabbing like a pro before you know it…
If you’re a first timer, you might be a little confused about where to begin. I get it – dabbing and dab rigs can seem a little intimidating. There’s moving parts, processes, and setup.
But do not be concerned about any of this: once you understand the basics of how a dab rig works, you’ll be able to use ANY dab rig – just like if you know how to drive a car, you can drive any car (within reason).
Think of this guide as a simple primer, a 101 on how to get started with the basics of dabbing and traditional non-electric dab rigs.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what you do, how everything works, and even what all those funny dabbing terms mean – terms like E Nail, Terp Pearl, Chazzing, and Shatter.
Get The Inside Scoop on Dabbing Terms, Slang & Concepts
If you want to dive deeper into definitions and explanations of dabbing terms, check out this detailed glossary of dabbing terms. It covers everything a beginner needs to know!
Setting Up Your Dab Rig For The First Time
To get the most out of your concentrates with a dab rig, it’s important to follow a method that ensures a clean, smooth hit.
One simple and effective approach for beginners is the 30/30 Method, which helps prevent wasting product and ensures a more enjoyable experience.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to using this method with a banger and rig setup.
What You’ll Need:
- Dab rig
- Banger (where you heat your concentrate)
- Torch (for heating the banger)
- Dab tool (for applying your concentrate)
- Terp pearls (optional, but they help distribute the heat evenly)
- Carb cap (to control airflow)
Step 1: Heat the Banger for 30 Seconds
Start by heating your banger using a torch. Aim the blue part of the flame at the bottom corner of your banger, as this is the hottest point.
Make sure you’re heating the banger evenly for 30 seconds.
As you heat, you’ll notice the banger will start to glow red. This indicates it’s hot enough to vaporize your concentrate properly.
Step 2: Let the Banger Cool for 30 Seconds
Once you’ve heated the banger, let it cool for 30 seconds.
This step is crucial because if the banger is too hot, your concentrate will burn, producing harsh vapor and reducing flavor.
By waiting, you lower the temperature to the ideal range for vaporization. While you wait, get your concentrate ready on your dab tool.
Step 3: Drop Your Concentrate and Use the Carb Cap
After the 30-second cooldown, it’s time to drop your concentrate into the banger. Gently rub the dab tool along the inside of the banger to release the concentrate.
Immediately after, place your carb cap on the banger. The carb cap will control airflow, creating better vaporization and allowing you to get the most out of your dab.
If you’re using terp pearls, they’ll spin as you inhale, helping distribute the heat evenly for smoother vapor production.
Step 4: Inhale Slowly
As soon as you drop your concentrate, begin inhaling through the mouthpiece of the rig.
The vapor should be smooth and flavorful. If done correctly, your concentrate will vaporize efficiently, and you won’t feel any harshness.
Step 5: Clean Your Banger
After you finish your dab, grab a Q-tip and wipe the inside of the banger to clean any leftover residue. Keeping your banger clean ensures a longer lifespan and better-tasting dabs in the future.
If you notice scorch marks after your dab, that’s a sign you heated the banger too much.
Adjust by reducing heating time or allowing more cooling time before your next dab.
Troubleshooting Temperature
- Too hot? If your dab scorches or the vapor is harsh, reduce the heating time by 5 seconds or wait longer before applying your concentrate.
- Too cold? If your dab puddles and doesn’t fully vaporize, increase heating time or apply the concentrate a little earlier.
The 30/30 Method is perfect for beginners and helps you find the right balance between heat and flavor. As you get more comfortable, you can adjust timing, experiment with terp pearls, and find the setup that works best for you.
Benefits of Dabbing vs Bongs & Smoking
Enhanced Flavor
One of the biggest perks of using a dab rig is the pure, untainted flavor it delivers. Unlike traditional methods that may involve burning plant material and releasing chemicals, a dab rig simply vaporizes the concentrate.
This allows you to fully enjoy the natural terpenes and flavors of your concentrate without any added substances, making the experience far more flavorful and enjoyable for many users.
Reduced Exposure to Carcinogens
Because a dab rig produces vapor instead of smoke, you’re inhaling fewer carcinogens compared to smoking traditional flower. The process of vaporization eliminates the combustion of plant material, which is often where harmful toxins are produced.
Moreover, since concentrates are purified extracts, you’re inhaling a higher concentration of cannabinoids and fewer byproducts like resin.
However, it’s essential to dab at the correct temperature. If the nail or banger is too hot, you risk releasing unwanted chemicals, which can undermine the health benefits of dabbing.
Higher Potency
Dabbing is known for delivering a much more potent hit compared to smoking flower. While traditional cannabis buds typically contain between 15-25% THC, concentrates used in dabbing can have THC levels ranging from 50-80%, sometimes even higher.
This means you’re getting a more intense experience with less material, making it an efficient way to consume cannabis for those looking for maximum potency.
Final Thoughts
If you’re like most people, myself included, you will almost certainly mess up your first attempt at setting up your dab rig.
It’s cool, don’t stress it – no one gets it right the first time. Unless you’ve watched and learnt from someone already experienced in the ways of the dab.
And if you’re looking for a simpler way of dabbing, I’d recommend going with an electric dab rig like the PuffCo Peak Pro or the PROXY – both are great (in their own way) and remove the need for you to use manual heating techniques.
The best thing you can do is just be as precise as you can be, by referencing and understanding the steps outlined above, and make sure that you TAKE IT EASY – I really cannot emphasize this enough.
Concentrates are like rocket-fuel compared to standard cannabis. The effects are stronger, they come on faster, and they last longer. Basically, you don’t want to be dabbing if you have anything important to do.
Trust me, I learnt this lesson the hard way about 10 years ago at a friend’s wedding.
If you want to dive deeper into dabbing terms, check out this detailed glossary of dabbing terms.
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