Learning Those Dab Measurements

Being a first-time dabber means having to understand how to operate an entirely new piece of equipment, such as a dab rig; and getting used to a new range of temperatures while understanding how much of your concentrates can be consumed at once to get those desired results. That being said, it’s not surprising that one of the most commonly asked question among beginners is how much concentrate to load into their banger or onto their nail, to ensure they get enough dabs to satisfy them, but not so much that they end up with waste.

Why is it Important to Measure Your Dabs Properly?

Before we cover the potential simple ways to measure dabs, you need to know why measuring your dabs is crucial, particularly for these reasons below:

1. Consistency: Accurate measurements ensure that each dab has a consistent potency. This helps in managing your desired effects and maintaining a consistent experience.
2. Dosage Control: By measuring your dabs, you can better control your dosage, avoiding overconsumption and ensuring you're using the right amount for your needs or tolerance level.
3. Cost Efficiency: Precise measurements help in maximizing the use of your concentrates, making sure you're not wasting product. This is especially important if you're working with high-quality or expensive concentrates.
4. Safety: Measuring can prevent accidental overuse, which can lead to unpleasant effects or potential health risks. It helps in keeping your consumption within a safe and manageable range.
5. Better Experience: Consistent and controlled doses can lead to a more predictable and enjoyable experience. It also allows for more accurate assessment of the effects and quality of different concentrates.

Question: Is There a Simple Way Then to Measure Your Dabs?

Answer: There is no true way to measure your dabs. You’d think that with such a popular industry, companies would offer dab tools that measure out a specific amount of concentrate to make it easy to load. But there’s a reason why there isn’t some universal measuring mechanism for concentrates. Mainly, because each concentrate is unique.

For instance, shatter is more potent than wax, so what’s an appropriate amount of wax may be far too much when you go with some shatter. Not to mention, every concentrate has a unique potency level that changes how much you should have at one time, while each user has a different goal when it comes to how much they want to dab at one time.

What we do have is a dab tool – a long device that lets you transfer your dabs from their package to your rig. Pertaining to measuring, it’s really something that you can start eyeballing with experience, since dabbing repeatedly means you’ll start to get a sense of the amount that’s right for you. As a newbie though, there are certain variables you need to take into consideration, in order to help you decide what the appropriate amount should be.

#1: Consider Your Tolerance

Your tolerance has a lot to do with the amount you should dab. Dabs are much more potent than flower or vape oils, so as a beginner you do want to start with a low amount to avoid getting far more potency than you had planned for. As you gain experience, you can increase the amount being dabbed by loading more each time.

#2: Look at the Label

The good news is that most concentrates give you some type of directions about how to load them into your rig, and how much to consume. They may recommend starting with a specific portion of the product, or compare the amount of product you should use to an object like a pea, a marble, etc.

#3: Consider the Potency of Your Dabs

Different dabs have different potency levels. Like we said, shatter is more potent than wax, and so less is likely needed. The same applies to different strains, since some strains yield far higher tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels than others, and that influences how much you’d want to dab in one session. So, take notice on how potent your dabs are, because you don’t want to get extremely affected by just two dab hits, and end up wasting the rest that’s in your banger or nail.

#4: Less is More

Perhaps the most common mistake is thinking that you need to fill a banger or nail because it has ample space to do so. This will cause problems by restricting airflow, and when airflow is restricted, your dabs won’t get heated evenly. The result? Burnt concentrates that are a mess to clean up, so you now have a wasted product. By loading less, you will get more vapor out of each hit. And, you can always add more as needed, but once you’ve heated your nail or banger, you cannot take it out and save it for later.

#5: Saturation and Vaporization

Yes, pay attention to the saturation and vaporization rate of your dabs to prevent waste and burning. Saturation rate is how saturated your heating element gets with concentrate that has melted into an oil. Vaporization refers to how much oil in the heating element actually vaporizes versus burns. Adding too much concentrate at one time can mean that the heating element gets very saturated, but it’s so saturated that it doesn’t fully vaporize, and you end up with wasted concentrate and a very wet coil.

#6: The Device Will Make a Difference, Too!

Each device may have its nuances, so familiarize yourself with your specific equipment for the best results:

1. Traditional Dab Rig

Tools Needed:

• Dab tool (dabber)
• Dab rig
• Torch
• Carb cap (optional)

Steps:

1. Preparation: Heat the nail or banger with the torch until it glows red hot.
2. Cooling: Allow the nail to cool for about 30-45 seconds for quartz bangers (or as recommended for your specific nail type).
3. Measuring: Use the dab tool to pick up a small amount of concentrate. The size can vary based on personal preference, but start with a small amount (about the size of a grain of rice) if you’re new.
4. Dabbing: Place the concentrate on the nail while inhaling. Use a carb cap to cover the nail if available to enhance vaporization.

2. E-Nail

Tools Needed:

• E-nail setup
• Dab tool
• Carb cap (optional)

Steps:

1. Setup: Turn on the e-nail and set it to the desired temperature (typically between 500-700°F).
2. Measuring: Use the dab tool to measure out your concentrate.
3. Dabbing: Apply the concentrate to the heated nail while inhaling. Use a carb cap if available.

3. Dab Pen (Vape Pen)

Tools Needed:

• Dab pen
• Dab tool

Steps:

1. Loading: Open the chamber of the dab pen.
2. Measuring: Use the dab tool to place a small amount of concentrate into the chamber. Avoid overloading to ensure proper vaporization.
3. Vaping: Close the chamber, turn on the pen, and inhale.

4. Nectar Collector (Honey Straw)

Tools Needed:

• Nectar collector
• Dab tool
• Concentrate dish

Steps:

1. Heating: Heat the tip of the nectar collector with a torch until it glows red hot.
2. Cooling: Allow it to cool for about 20-30 seconds.
3. Measuring: Place the desired amount of concentrate in a dish.
4. Dabbing: Touch the heated tip to the concentrate while inhaling through the mouthpiece.

5. E-Rig (Electronic Rig)

Tools Needed:

• E-rig
• Dab tool
• Carb cap (optional)

Steps:

1. Setup: Turn on the e-rig and set it to the desired temperature.
2. Measuring: Use the dab tool to measure out your concentrate.
3. Dabbing: Place the concentrate on the heated element while inhaling. Use a carb cap if available.

Overall, There’s No Clear Measurement for Dabbing

Overall, there’s no proven method for measuring out the perfect dab, and no real tools to help you do so – and there doesn’t have to be. Dabbing is all about trial & error, and then finding what works for you so that you can achieve your sweet spot. Start with just a little bit of concentrate, and then increase the amount as you desire until you’re fully satisfied with each of your dabbing sessions.