Which Type of Rig is Right for Me to Pair with My E-Nail?

Although E-Nail.com been in the dabbing business for years, we completely understand that dabbing can be intimidating to first-timers, even if they have been herbal smokers for ages. Dabbing opens up an entirely new world complete with its own distinctive set of terminologies, and the dabbing industry is evolving so quickly that even we sometimes have to work hard to keep up.

There are more ways than ever before to dab, as hardware has become more diverse and advanced than it ever has. In fact, one of the most popular ways to dab is to use an e-nail combined with a dab rig. So, naturally, many newbie dabbers invest in an e-nail after hearing about its benefits but are then left with an important decision- which dab rig to buy in order to use with their new e-nail.

Well, before we get into the process of selecting a dab rig for your e-nail, let’s quickly talk about the relationship between these two hardware pieces, and why they are so commonly used together.

Why are E-Nails and Dab Rigs an Awesome Match Made in Dabbing Heaven?

Before e-nails existed, dab rigs were fully analog – and it’s worth pointing out that many dab enthusiasts still use analog setups for various reasons.

An analog setup is a dab rig that requires that the nail is heated with a butane torch, prior to the dab being applied to it. This effectively melts the dab on contact when it’s actually placed on the nail, allowing it to instantly vaporize for a nice, big and flavorful hit.

One drawback of this type of setup is that it’s unpredictable. By applying a butane torch to the nail, you have little control over its temperature, which means that the hits can be inconsistent based on factors like the angle at which you heat the nail, and how long you keep it there.

Then, e-nails came along and changed this process for the better. An e-nail connects to your dab rig and works electronically to heat the nail to a precise temperature. This allows for a more consistent means for dabbing, ensuring that each hit is exactly identical as the last, while also eliminating the need to use a butane torch, which can be both annoying and potentially dangerous.

Why Does the Dab Rig Matter?

There are many types of dab rigs available on the market today, which each offering their own features, size, and design that can impact how satisfied you feel when dabbing. Basically, dab rigs can vary from one another, so these factors below can give you an idea of what you must be paying attention to when shopping.

Different Sizes

Dab rigs come in different sizes, which can determine how big your hits will be, how concentrated they will be, and how advanced the filtration system is. Overall, dab rigs are smaller than traditional bongs, and this is because the larger the piece, the less concentrated the dabs will be.

Different Styles

There are an array of different styles of dab rigs currently on the market. So many, that it can be dizzying to a first-timer. There are recycler dab rigs which filter the smoke repeatedly for cleaner, cooler hits, there are e-rigs which are fully electronic, and so on. Further, there are different kinds of percolator styles that each filter the smoke in their own unique way.

Material

Dab rigs are made from various materials, including glass, silicone, quartz, and ceramic, and all of these materials have their unique advantages and drawbacks pertaining to everything from durability to flavor.

How to Choose the Best Dab Rig for Your E-Nail

We can now consider these factors above to make the most educated choice when shopping for a dab rig to pair with an e-nail. These considerations here will ensure that you end up with the dab rig that’s the most capable of satisfying your unique needs and preferences.

#1: Make Sure the Weight and Size are Compatible with the Nail

The weight of your e-nail must be considered, as some rigs may topple over because of it. In other words, do not choose a longer, skinnier, and overall lighter-weight rig if you have a particularly robust e-nail.

#2: Size Really Does Matter When it Comes to Concentrated Hits

Many of us associate larger pieces with bigger hits, which can be true with bongs. But ultimately, smaller rigs better concentrate your product to make each hit more potent, so take this into consideration when shopping for a rig.

#3: Pay Attention to the Perc

A percolator is a compartment within your piece that allows water to pass through, acting as a filtration system that filters the vapor so that the hits are cleaner and smoother. While percolators ultimately reduce the potency slightly through the filtration process, they are practically essential as without them, each dab hit would simply be way too harsh. 

There are various perc styles out there to choose from:

• Tree percolators are extremely popular, looking like a network of tree limbs, and due to their design, they offer exceptional filtration, but are a bit more fragile and tough to clean.
• Showerhead percolators are also high in demand, with a showerhead-like structure containing multiple holes which pull the smoke into a filtration chamber.
• Diffused downstem percolators improve airflow with a series of slits that face downward.

#4: Select a Material that Checks All of the Boxes

Dab rigs come in different materials, and you’ll need to carefully consider the material for a number of reasons. You may choose a material based on durability:

• Silicone is almost unbreakable.
• Glass, because of how it keeps the flavor clean.
• Quartz retains its heat between hits.

Choice is yours, as each type of dab rig material is widely available and serves a desirable function.

#5: Consider Multiple Rigs

Remember, you don’t need to choose just one rig. For instance, you may want to have a large one that is kept at home, and a portable one that can be taken to a friend’s house. Having a dab rig collection can give you the ability to enjoy all kinds of different dabbing qualities depending on which piece you are using at any given time.

Our Dab Rig Thoughts

Dab rigs come in all different styles, and each one is popular for its own variety of reasons. Basically, choosing a dab rig is a personal experienced based on a series of individual needs, so consider all of the ways in which dab rigs can vary to figure out the one that is best for your e-nail.