One of the keys to getting the most out your dab rig is knowing the temperature you want the dab nail to be. A butane torch can heat a nail to over 1000 degrees fahrenheit (indicated by a bright red glow) which is more than hot enough to heat your nail for dabbing (after about 5 seconds of waiting). You have another option as well: waiting over 10 seconds for the nail to drop down to a much lower 300-600 degree temperature. Either choice gives a different experience, each with their own benefits. With that in mind, let us give you a better understanding of what nail temperature means for you dabbing session.
High Temperature
Dabbing at the initial 1000 degree temperature is intuitive for most smokers. It’s quick and requires no extra steps beyond placing the dab on the nail and inhaling. The intensity of the heat corresponds with intense and thick vapor that will yield the maximum effect of your herbal concentrate. In addition, the heat of the nail evaporates the concentrate, which makes for easier clean-up afterwards. For the dabbers that put a premium on maximum impact, high temp dabbing would probably be the preferred method. Since they heat the fastest, titanium nails are the best for primarily high temp dabbers.
Low Temperature
Those willing to wait for the nail to lower to 600 degrees and less (or buy an e-nail which can be set to any temperature) will enjoy a smooth and tasty smoking experience. Low temperatures allow for you to get more of the flavor of your concentrate with minimum irritation of the lungs. In addition, you have a better chance of utilizing all of your dab, since there’s less of a chance your concentrate will burn on the nail. Using a dabber, you can reclaim sticky leftover dabs and re-use them. In order to successfully dab at low temperatures, it’s practically necessary to have a carb cap (a cover that goes over your nail). The carb cap allows for you to catch the vapor that could escape from the nail when it’s at low temperatures. For dabbers who want a leisurely smoking experience, low temp dabs will likely be the most satisfying. Since they take longer to heat, ceramic nails are optimal for primarily low temp dabbers.
The good thing about dabbing is that, as long as you have the right tools and knowledge, there’s really no wrong way to do it. With that in mind, check out DankStop’s collection of high-quality dabbing gear!
