Dabbing is one of the most potent and flavorful ways to consume cannabis. The evolution of hash and cannabis concentrates have given us the highest level of purity possible. Dabbing itself has evolved and modern methods involve induction e-rigs and desktop heaters instead of torches.
Whether you’re looking for the ultimate dabbing experience or just a way to smoke some oil on the go, this page breaks down the best dab devices and best ways to dab.
Use Case | Best Device Type | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
Just wants to get high | Wax Pen, eRig | Terp Pen, Puffco Peak |
New to Dabbing | eRig | Dr Dabber Switch2, Puffco Peak |
Casual Smoker Ready for Next Level | desktop | Terp Ready, Switch2 |
Flavor Chaser | desktop, erig | DUH, Switch 2 |
Biggest High Possible | desktop, eRig | DUH, Switch 2 |
Medical Patient On the Go | Wax Pen, eRig | Dr Dabber Switch2 |
Cannabis Connoisseur | Terp Slurper, Desktop | D-Nail Universal Heater |
Table of Contents
What I look for in a Dab / How I rate Dab Devices
I’m looking for maximum flavor and intensity when I dab. I’m using the highest quality concentrates and I’m looking for a dab experience that expresses the full flavor and potential of my concentrates. Hash Rosin is expensive and I am a bit obsessive when it comes to perfecting the extraction. I take large dabs, but they’re not as large as most globbers. I don’t like hot dabs, but I demand intensity without heat or harshness. I don’t do low temps either.
I want maximum clouds, maximum flavor, and mind-warbling intense effects. When I rank eRigs I’m looking for the full range of temperatures and intensities. Clean-up needs to be easy and not require special tools.
Best Torchless Dabs – D-Nail Universal Heater
A Terp Slurper or a Blender is the ultimate dabbing experience. These styles of quartz bangers are designed in a way that vaporizes the oil as it’s melting, reducing the oxidation and degradation of THC and other cannabinoids.
At 392F THC begins to degrade and convert to cannabinol (CBN). The effects from CBN are more sedative and sleepy. Terp Slurpers are designed to minimize the degradation of THC and terpenes. The first inhale through a Terp Slurper is significantly more flavorful
Terp Slurpers can be heated with a dab torch or a modern desktop heater like the D-nail Universal Heater..
>> My favorite Terp Slurpers & Quartz Bangers
>> D-Nail Universal Heater Review
>> How to Torch Dab with a Terp Slurper
>> Best Dab Torches
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Best Portable Dab Rigs
90% of my dabs happen at home, at my desk. That’s my favorite place to medicate.
Portable dab rigs, such as the Dr. Dabber Switch 2 and Puffco Peak, are perfect solutions for dabbing on the go. These battery-powered vapes are designed to mimic the quartz banger dabbing experience.
Dr Dabber Switch 2 is my Favorite eRig
This is an induction-powered dab device that most closely resembles the performance of a standard quartz bucket. It heats up fast enough to capture the best flavors without significant degradation, and it’s easier to clean-up than a Terp Slurper.
Best of all, the Dr Dabber Switch 2 doesn’t use an atomizer. This vape uses induction power and a built-in titanium housing with a quartz-lined airpath.
No more replacing atomizers every six months! The Switch 2 should outlast all of the other erigs.
The Switch 2 is upgradeable and customizable, too. Its software allows full customization of the dabbing experience. Even the lights can be customized!
CLICK HERE to Buy Dr Dabber Switch 2 – $420
Puffco Peak, Puffco Peak Pro, Pivot, Proxy, Etc
Puffco makes a great e-Rig but they just don’t have the same intensity as the Dr. Dabber Switch 2.
The Peak Pro with 3D atomizer is a wonderful experience. The 3D atomizer and the advanced heating profiles of the Puffco Peak are a worthy upgrade over the standard Puffco Peak. Both Peaks are also worthy upgrades over the Pivot and the Proxy.
I still prefer the Terp Slurper over any portable e-Rig.
Casual consumers will get just as wrecked from the Pivot and Proxy as they would any other device. Seasoned smokers will need the Peak Pro or something more powerful, like the Switch 2.
The Focus Carta 2 and Carta Sport are also a great options for portable dabs. It hits harder than the Puffco Peak and Peak Pro.
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Torchless Bucket Banger Dabs & Ball Vapes
Modern E-nails have transitioned to a stationary coil and a standard 25mm bucket banger. These “hot holes” present a significantly better dabbing experience than traditional enails because the temperature of the nail is stable and descending, similar to a torch dab.
With the exception of the D-nail Universal Heater, these types of desktop heaters are only compatible with bucket bangers. The Dab Ready and Cannabis Hardware heaters use a 25mm coil – the perfect size for quartz bangers and cordless ball vapes.
Cordless Desktops are the best of both worlds! These vapes switch between dry herb and dabs effortlessly and provide the pinnacle of performance for both. Ball vapes are the hardest-hitting type of dry herb vaporizer, and no e-rig competes with a quartz banger.
Cannabis Hardware and Old Head are my favorite cordless desktop devices. The Old Head Dab Ready was the first device of this type and still a great value. Check out my Dab Ready Review or my Best Ball Vape Page to learn more.
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Old School Torch & Banger Dabs
Traditional heating methods remain popular and effective. On a recent visit to a consumption lounge in Los Angeles, I counted 15 Dr. Dabber Switch 2 and half as many Puffco Peaks. There were as many torches as there were e-rigs.
A torch and a banger are still relatively cheap and portable.
A $30 torch, a $50 bong, and a $50 banger are the cheapest options on this page so far.
Banger dabs are a ritual, especially with a torch. The traditional torch dab involves heating the banger until it is white-hot, approximately 1000°F, and waiting for it to cool to a survivable dab temperature (around 500°F).
Many dabbers are moving away from torches and using devices like the D-nail Universal Heater or a Terp Sous Vide to heat their banger. Torches are an everyday tool for many dabbers, and the GT8000 Big Shot is the best dab torch to have.
Click Here to see my Best Dab Torch Comparison
My Favorite Terp Slurpers
Wax Pens & Electronic Nectar Collectors
These are not connoisseurs’ devices. These pocket vapes deliver dab-like intensity at the compromise of flavor and smoothness. They’re portable and they’ll get you high, but they’re not going to highlight the terpenes or differentiate high-end hash from mids.
Boundless Terp Pen is my favorite CHEAP WAY to get high. It utilizes an exposed coil and operates similarly to a nectar collector. Just dip the coil into your dabs and suck on the mouthpiece. The Terp Pen senses your inhale and instantly heats the coils. It’s like a dab straw!
The Terp Pen doesn’t completely kill the flavor, but it would hurt my soul to use a wax pen on high-quality hash rosin. I’m a snob, though. You be you. The Terp Pen has its place, but there are better ways to dab.
Best E-Nails for Dabbing at Home
The traditional e-nail has evolved into the cordless versions listed above, but the basic E-nail format does still exist.
MiniNail still makes their standard and hybrid e-nail bundles. These are the best standard e-nails around. The Hybrid quartz nail was the gold standard in e-nails before the shift to cordless dabs.
Your Troy and Jerry podcasts have been instrumental in guiding my experience. Particularly in the old days, when demonstrating the take down, cleaning, and reassembly of older more over engineered vapes. Through your and Jerrys influence, I’ve purchased everything from the SB Mighty Plus, to the Pinch Hitter. Thank you for your guys guidance. I love the News, and the sharing of fellow enthusiasts session set ups. Keep up the great work.
Thanks Steve! Glad to have helped so many smokers and dabbers along their journey with vaporizers :)