In recent years, dabbing has become a popular method of consuming cannabis concentrates. Dabs often have high levels of THC, which can be useful to medical patients who use cannabis for chronic pain and other symptoms. However, traditional dabbing methods can be time-consuming and result in a harsh smoking experience. Usually, dabs are consumed at very high temperatures to ensure all of the concentrate is vaporized and consumed. This usually comes with a lot of heat for your lungs and plenty of coughing. That’s where a “low temp” dab comes in.
Cold start dabbing, also known as reverse dabbing, is a relatively new innovation in the world of dabbing that allows you to consume your concentrates in a more efficient and flavorful manner. In this article, we will explain what cold start dabbing is, its benefits, and how to do it.
What is Cold Start Dabbing?
Cold start dabbing is a technique that involves heating a pre-loaded nail instead of heating the nail first and then dropping the concentrate on it. The temperature used in cold start dabbing is much lower than traditional dabbing, and the best low temp dab temperature is typically between 400°F to 450°F. The technique is perfect for anyone who tends to go in too hot with traditional dabs or finds themselves with a banger full of un-vaporized extracts because they let the nail cool for too long. It’ll also help with consuming certain types of cannabis oils and concentrates that are more sensitive to heat.
What Tools Are Needed to Do a Cold Start Dab?
If you’re interested in trying cold start dabbing, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure that you start with a clean nail. If your banger is dirty, it will be more difficult to see when your extracts start to bubble or when vapor appears in the bucket. This could cause you to heat the nail too much and waste concentrates. Consider starting with a brand-new nail or soaking your existing one in a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol for an hour or so to get it nice and clean.
To try out the cold start dabs method, a standard dab rig setup will do, so there’s no need to find a cold start dab rig for sale somewhere. Cold start dabbing equipment includes:
• A dab rig.
• A banger or nail. Glass is fine, but the best banger for a cold start dab is one made out of quartz, as they tend to retain heat better.
• A dabber to apply the concentrate.
• A carb cap.
• A torch filled with butane.
• Some Q-tips will also help to keep the nail clean after use.
• This is optional, but there are also specialized thermometers or dab temp readers you can use to get the banger to the optimal temperature.
How to Cold Start Dab
When first trying out cold start dabbing, start with a small amount of concentrate to avoid wasting any precious extracts. Use a directional airflow carb cap for the best results, as this tool will help you get the best quality hits and the most out of your concentrates. Make sure you have enough butane for your torch, and always clean out your nail after every dab. And of course, make sure your dab rig is clean to get the most flavor and smoothness out of your hits.
Cold start dabbing is quick and easy compared to traditional dabbing, just keep an eye on your concentrates and follow these simple steps:
1. Assemble your setup and make sure that your banger is clean to avoid reheating residual concentrate, which may taint the flavor of the fresh concentrate.
2. Load your dab onto the dabber.
3. Drop the dab inside the bucket of a clean and unheated nail.
4. Place your carb cap on the nail.
5. Fire up your torch to half-torqued and aim the tip of the flame a few inches away from the base of the banger.
6. Watch your concentrates closely, and as soon as they begin to bubble and vaporize (usually after 10 to 20 seconds of heating), put the torch down and take your hit. Depending on the size of your dab and lung capacity, you could get multiple hits from one cold start.
7. Rotate your carb cap as you clear the rig’s chamber completely.
8. Once you can’t get any more hits, swab out your banger to keep it clean.
9. Let the banger cool completely, and repeat.
Benefits of Cold Start Dabbing
The biggest benefit of the low temperature when dabbing is that more of the cannabinoids and terpenes are preserved, which also improves the flavor. Another advantage of cold start dabbing is that it can help extend the life of your equipment. Traditional high-temperature dabbing can put a lot of stress on your equipment, causing it to wear out or break more quickly. By using lower temperatures, cold start dabbing puts less strain on your rig and banger, helping to extend their lifespan.
Are Cold Temp Dabs a Waste?
Cold start dabbing can be wasteful if done incorrectly. If you don’t heat your concentrate enough to fully vaporize it during the cold start method, it will leave behind a lot of sticky residue and won’t get you as high. This means that you could potentially waste a lot of concentrates if you’re not careful.
However, if done correctly and heated to the right temperature, this isn’t necessarily the case, and cold start dabs may help you get more out of your concentrate. It may take some practice with your own rig to find what works best for you, but this will help you find the right low temperature for your dab to get the most flavor and the least amount of waste.
Cold start dabbing, percolator bongs, and topical creams are all examples of new and innovative techniques that offers a number of benefits over traditional high-temperature dabbing. It’s a great way to enjoy dabs while preserving terpenes, improving the flavor of your concentrates, with less heat to the lungs. Cold start dabbing also puts less strain on your equipment, helping to extend its lifespan. However, it can be wasteful if done incorrectly and may require more wait time between dabs. If you’re interested in trying cold start dabbing, make sure you keep your nail clean, keep an eye on the temperature and, as always, stay safe!
