Cannabis concentrate sales continue to surge; analysts predict the market will be worth over $13 billion by 2026. One innovation driving increased consumer demand is the electric dab rig, or “e-rig.” This simple, elegant device makes smoking concentrates easier and more accessible.
What is Dabbing?
To inhale a “dab,” you need to expose a dollop of cannabis concentrate to heat. Your regular bong/water pipe and lighter won’t do the trick. Instead, you use a dab rig.
One key difference between a dab rig and a water bong lies in the bowl. Referred to as a nail or a banger, the bowl attached to a rig is thicker and more heat tolerant than regular glass. The conventional rig requires a blowtorch to reach an appropriate temperature, so your nail needs to be able to withstand blasts of high heat.
Benefits of an E-Rig
There are blowtorches designed specifically for concentrate smokers, but they still involve risk. You have to manipulate an open flame. Even if you don’t mind using a blowtorch, there are disadvantages. It’s hard to heat your nail to an exact temperature with such an imprecise method.
These are the problems solved by electric dab rigs. Instead of a blowtorch, the nail heats itself using electricity. Press a button, and you can select a specific dabbing temperature every time.
Here are the main e-rig benefits to think about:
- They’re user-friendly
- You don’t have to use a blowtorch
- They’re portable
- You can customize your dabbing experience
Devices like the Puffco Peak, the Focus V Carta, and the Dr. Dabber Switch are considered ‘smart rigs’ that maximize functionality and accessibility.
Why You Should Think About E-Nails Too
E-rigs can be pricey. If you want the benefits without paying the full price, you can buy an e-nail instead. They work with almost every conventional dab rig (and even many bongs and water pipes). The electric heating coil attaches to a nail that fits into your rig. After it’s charged (or plugged in), you can set it to heat up to any temperature you like with the press of a button. Desktop and portable enails are available. Kits may also include a water attachment if you don’t own a rig.
Image source: VaporVanity.com – CC BY 4.0 (modification made)
