While they may resemble creepy medical equipment from 1862, dab straws are a convenient alternative to traditional wax rigs. They’re incredibly portable and produce extremely dense vapor.
Simply heat the tip, touch it to a drop of concentrate, and inhale. The bare honey straw has many variations, including borosilicate glass and quartz options.
Portable
If you can’t bring your dab rig on the go, or don’t want to risk breaking it, a silicone nectar collector is a convenient option. These are lightweight and compact and can be easily disassembled for cleaning. Rinse it or soak in isopropyl alcohol.
Unlike regular straws, a dab straw uses suction power to suck concentrate from the tip. It is then heated to vaporize the wax, and the user inhales through the mouthpiece on top. Some dab straws also feature water filtration and percolators to cool and smooth the vapor before it goes through the mouthpiece. This helps avoid harsh smoke and toxins. Electric dab straws use a rechargeable battery to power the heating element. This makes them the most portable choice.
Easy to Clean
While glass dab straws have their place among dabbers, they aren’t the only option. An electric nectar collector is an excellent alternative that combines convenience with high quality and ease of use.
The device consists of a battery, heating element, and mouthpiece. Some models have different temperature settings and can also be used with various tips.
A hot tip on the end of the straw is touched to a small amount of concentrate, vaporizing it instantly. The vapor is then inhaled through the mouthpiece.
If you’re using a glass dab straw, it’s important to rinse and scrub after every use. You can also soak it in isopropyl alcohol, rubbing salt, and pipe cleaners to make cleaning easier. This will ensure optimal flavor and prolong the life of your product.
Optimal Flavor
A dab straw is a long, tube-shaped piece of silicone or borosilicate glass. One end holds a ceramic, titanium, or quartz tip for scooping the concentrate, and the other is for inhaling. Many come with perks that elongate the vapor path for smoother hits.
When using a dab straw, it is important to use slow and steady breaths to inhale the vapor. Inhaling too forcefully can cause discomfort or even coughing.
To keep your dab straw clean, regularly soak it in isopropyl alcohol for a half hour and rinse. It is also a good idea to thoroughly clean your straw every 3-6 months to prevent build-up from degrading the quality of your vapor. You can even purchase an electric dab straw that eliminates the need for a torch by heating it to the desired temperature.
Easier to Maintain
A glass nectar collector is a great solution to dabbing on the go. It’s easy to store in a bag or pocket and only requires a small butane torch to get it going. Glass nectar collectors aren’t as sturdy as their silicone brethren and can be cracked or broken easily if you drop it or clumsiness.
To maintain a glass dab straw, start by rinsing it with hot water to loosen up any residue and then soak it in isopropyl alcohol to completely clean it. Make sure to submerge the entire straw and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. You can also find dab straw kits with everything you need to keep it clean, including a wax container and a straw nail.
Optimal Temperature
Although dab straws have their devoted fanbase, they’re not for everyone. Some users have reported discomfort in the throat and lungs and intense coughing fits due to high-temperature dabs.
With a glass dab straw, finding the optimal temperature for your preferred vaporization experience is important. This is determined by personal preference and the terpenes and cannabinoid contents of your concentrate.
To heat your dab straw properly:
- Hold it in one hand, with the tip pointing downward at an angle (especially crucial if your dab straw has a water chamber).
- Ignite your torch and direct the flame towards the tip of the dab straw to heat it.
- Turn the straw to evenly distribute the heat, and stop when the tip glows.
