Glass Rigs or E-Rigs: What Should Concentrate Lovers Choose?
When it comes to dabbing concentrates, you might be wondering where to start—should you dive into the world of traditional glass or opt for a more modern e-rig? If you're new to dabbing, you may have heard about both methods and are curious which one suits your needs. We’ll break down the basics of each option, from the hands-on control of a traditional dab rig with a torch and nail, to the user-friendly convenience of an e-rig. Whether you’re excited about experimenting with different temperatures or prefer a more straightforward, tech-savvy approach, this guide will help you decide how to kick off your dabbing experience. Let’s explore the best of both worlds so you can make an informed choice!
Why do people dab instead of smoking weed?
People choose dabbing over smoking cannabis for several key reasons, primarily related to potency, flavor, and efficiency. Dabbing involves vaporizing concentrated cannabis extracts like rosin,resin and sugar which contain significantly higher THC levels than flower, offering a much stronger and faster-acting high. Additionally, dabbing preserves more terpenes—the compounds responsible for cannabis' rich aroma and flavor—making the experience more flavorful compared to smoking. It's also more efficient, as less product is needed to achieve the same effects. Lastly, dabbing results in a cleaner, smoother vapor without the combustion byproducts like tar or ash, making it easier on the lungs.
At Starbird, we heavily recommend hash rosin as a concentrate. It’s fantastic in edibles, smooth and flavorful in vapes and an absolute delight when it comes to dabbing. There is no solvent used in hash rosin, making each puff easy on the lungs and rich in tasty terpenes. We always carry a variety of rosin from different growers, kept nice and cold in the fridge so it stays buttery and easy to handle from our dispensary to your rig.
Concentrate (shatter) getting handled by dab tool
When was dabbing invented ?
Dabbing, now a mainstream method for consuming cannabis concentrates, has a fascinating history. Its origins trace back to the 1960s and 70s with a method known as "hot knives," where users heated two steel knives on a stove, pressed cannabis concentrate between them, and inhaled the vapor directly. While simple and effective, this technique persisted well into the 1990s, when new innovations began to shape the future of dabbing.
In the late 90s and early 2000s, as cannabis concentrates gained popularity, enthusiasts and glassblowers developed the first true dab rigs. These early rigs featured "swing skillets" or "vapor curves," which were custom-made attachments consisting of titanium heating pans beneath curved glass tubes. Despite their artisanal appeal, these setups remained niche within the cannabis community.
If you’ve kept it old school, many people used titanium nails when they started dabbing, but the first major step toward the modern dab rig came with the introduction of the glass dome and nail. These mass-produced concentrate vaporizers laid the groundwork for what we see today, functioning similarly to modern bangers and carb caps. However, it wasn’t until the 2010s, when the concentrate scene exploded in popularity, that the dab rig truly evolved. The quartz banger and carb cap quickly became the standard, offering better heat control and flavor preservation compared to earlier titanium setups. Over time, dab rigs became more specialized and widely available, making dabbing an integral part of modern cannabis culture. Since the invention of e-rigs in the 2010s, the convenience of smoking concentrate has skyrocketed as there is now a user friendly, simplified way to consume wax.
A visual progression of dabbing methods
What Do I Need to Start Dabbing?
To start dabbing, you’ll need a few essential tools for a traditional setup. These include:
Dab Rig: A dab rig is a small, water-filtered device designed to preserve the flavor and concentration of vapor. The smaller size and minimal water compared to a bong ensure that the vapor remains potent and flavorful.
Nail (or Banger): The nail is the small component that holds the cannabis concentrate, and is the piece that gets heated.It can be made from materials like quartz or titanium, with quartz being the preferred choice for its ability to heat evenly and provide a cleaner, more flavorful hit. Quartz nails are often referred to as bangers because of their bucket-like shape, which allows for better temperature control.
Blowtorch: A blowtorch is used to heat the nail to the correct temperature, usually between 400-700°F. The heat allows the concentrate to vaporize upon contact with the nail.
Carb Cap: After applying the concentrate, a carb cap is used to cover the nail, helping to regulate airflow and retain heat. This enhances vaporization and maximizes the flavor of the concentrate.
Dab Tool (Dabber): A dab tool is a small utensil, usually made of metal or glass, used to safely handle and apply the concentrate onto the heated nail or banger. It ensures precision and prevents you from handling sticky concentrates directly with your hands.
Terp Pearls (Optional) Small beads placed in the banger to improve dabbing by distributing heat evenly, enhancing flavor, and aiding in efficient vaporization at lower temperatures.
Hot Knife: (Optional) A heated dab tool designed for cleanly slicing through concentrates, reducing waste, and making it easier to handle sticky extracts.
With a rig setup, there are two popular methods—cold start and hot start. The difference is how the concentrate is heated. A cold start heats the concentrate gently for better flavor, while a hot start heats the banger first for a more intense vapor. Both offer unique dabbing experiences.
A titanium nail setup (left), and quartz banger (right)
Cold Start Dab Setup:
With a cold start, you begin by placing the concentrate directly into the nail before heating. The steps are:
Place your concentrate into a clean, room-temperature quartz nail.
Attach the carb cap.
Lightly heat the bottom of the nail with a blowtorch for about 10-15 seconds, until the concentrate begins to bubble and vaporize.
Inhale as the vapor forms and adjust the heat as needed for your ideal hit.
Cold start dabs are favored for their flavor preservation since the lower, controlled temperature prevents burning off delicate terpenes. It’s also easier on the banger, as it doesn’t require extreme heat.
Glass banger setup with terp pearls and hot knife
Hot Start Dab Setup:
In a hot start, the nail is preheated before adding the concentrate. Hot starts are typically more common among dabbers.
Heat the quartz banger with a blowtorch for 30-60 seconds, depending on your rig and preference, until it glows red.
Let it cool slightly, usually for around 30 seconds, to reach the right dabbing temperature.
Add the concentrate to the hot banger and immediately cap it with the carb cap to trap the vapor.
Inhale as the concentrate vaporizes on contact.
Hot starts are often preferred for their quick vapor production and more intense hits, but the higher temperatures can degrade flavor and potentially burn the concentrate if not timed correctly.
Each method appeals to different preferences—cold starts are more gentle and flavorful, while hot starts offer bigger, more immediate clouds of vapor. Often, dabbers will alternate their method depending on the concentrate they are smoking. There’s no right answer!
If you find these setups a bit much or intimidating, consider skipping these steps and have these functions provided with ease in an e-rig.
Why are e-rigs so popular?
Puffco Peak Pro and concentrate
The arrival of e-rigs has completely flipped the script on the traditional dabbing experience, making it safer, easier, and way more user-friendly. If you've ever gone through the ritual of setting up a classic dab rig, you know how involved it can be—there’s the rig itself, the torch, the nail , the carb cap, and of course, the butane. Handling a torch isn't just time-consuming; it's also smelly and a bit risky. One misstep and you're dealing with an overheated nail, uneven vaporization, or worse, a butane-fueled fire hazard.
E-rigs eliminate all that drama. Gone are the days of meticulously heating a quartz nail with a torch, waiting for just the right temperature, and hoping you didn’t overshoot it. E-rigs are like the tech geek’s dream: push a button, and they heat up to the perfect temperature—automatically! Plus, they’re consistent, giving you the same perfect hit every time without the guesswork. No more handling smelly butane canisters, no more standing there like a blacksmith trying to tame a blowtorch—just pure, hassle-free dabbing at the perfect temperature in seconds
And let’s be real: e-rigs are just cooler. Sleek designs, portability, and some even come with app control! Imagine setting the perfect temp for your dabs right from your phone. It’s like upgrading from a flip phone to a smartphone in the world of dabbing.
Puffco, founded in 2013, is a pioneering company known for revolutionizing the dabbing experience with its innovative e-rigs. Their flagship product, the Puffco Peak, launched in 2018, introduced a torch-free, user-friendly device with four temperature settings, making it a favorite among concentrate enthusiasts. Puffco continues to lead the industry with cutting-edge products like the Peak Pro, known for its advanced features and app integration, as well as accessories designed to simplify dabbing. A ceramic bowl is used for even heat distribution, optimal flavor and the reliable durability.
To keep your Puffco vaporizer performing at its best, regular cleaning and maintenance are key. After each use, gently swab the bowl with a cotton swab to remove residue and prevent buildup. For a deeper clean, disassemble the Puffco and soak the atomizer, glass, and other detachable parts in isopropyl alcohol for about 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water and let them air dry. Avoid soaking any electrical components. Regular maintenance not only ensures smooth, flavorful hits but also extends the life of your device by keeping all parts functioning optimally.
Concentrate lover enjoying the new Puffco Peak
The company’s focus on quality and innovation has cemented its reputation as a leader in cannabis technology. Aside from one traditionalist manager who loves glass pieces, every concentrate lover at Starbird uses a Puffco. It's hard work smoking all this rosin, and we have to make sure the taste is A+ before we sell it!
Here are a few key points to help a dabber decide between a traditional rig and an e-rig:
Traditional Dab Rig:
Control and Customization: Offers a more hands-on experience with customizable temperature control using a blowtorch, allowing for cold or hot start dabs.
Ritual: Quartz bangers provide superior flavor preservation, making it ideal for users who enjoy the ritual and process of dabbing.
Cost-Effective: Generally more affordable than e-rigs, but requires regular maintenance and the ongoing cost of butane.
More Setup: Requires handling a torch, which can be risky and time-consuming.
Artistic Enthusiasm : Many people prefer the traditional glass setup because they like a creative, visually appealing piece to smoke out of. E-Rigs have a futuristic, robotic look to them that is less appealing for those who like the classics.
E-Rig:
Convenience and Portability: E-rigs like the Puffco Peak heat up with the press of a button, offering precise, consistent temperatures for easy, mess-free dabbing on the go
Safety: Eliminates the need for a blowtorch, making it safer and easier for beginners.
Tech Features: Advanced models often come with temperature customization via apps, enhancing user control.
Cost and Maintenance: E-rigs tend to be pricier upfront but require less frequent maintenance. No need for butane, but you do need to keep it charged.
Ultimately, the choice between a traditional dab rig and an e-rig comes down to personal preference and lifestyle. If you enjoy the process of manually controlling your dabbing experience, including a torch and using your favorite custom glass piece, then you’d do best with the traditional dab setup. On the other hand, if convenience and consistency are your top priorities, an e-rig offers a modern, tech-savvy alternative that simplifies the experience without sacrificing quality. Whether you're a seasoned dabber or just starting out, both methods provide unique advantages, ensuring a satisfying and potent way to enjoy concentrates. And who’s to say you can’t do both? We would never argue with having a unique Witch Dr. rig sitting pretty in your living room, and a Puffco when you want to dab at the homie’s house. As always, fly high !