Dab Nails: There Are So Many Options. What’s the Best?

Glass Dab nails with marijuana concentrate

Cannabis concentrates are taking over the industry and quickly becoming the go-to marijuana product for many consumers. The industry just celebrated the rise of concentrates with the new holiday 7/10. Not only does 710 celebrate the rise of cannabis concentrates, but it is a moment for the industry to be thankful for its fast-technological development. The ability to extract premium shatter, wax, rosin, and live-resin is impressive! On top of producing stellar marijuana products, consumers need top-notch smoking devices. The dab rig is the primary tool for smoking concentrates. However, it is the dab nail that starts every hit off the right way. The types of dab nails you use effects the way the dab burns, tastes, and hits. Dab nails are essential pieces of a consumer’s dabbing setup.

Table of Contents

Materials for Dab Nails

Quartz Nails

A quartz dab nail is easily one of the highest-quality nails available to consumers. A quartz nail comes from a thicker, more durable glass. It is ideal for taking large dabs at high temperatures. It does tend to cool down rather quickly but still holds heat longer than a regular glass nail. Quartz dab nails provide a clean and flavorful smoke. Consumers can judge the temperature of a quartz nail much easier than others. In turn, it allows consumers to get the hit they desire. Temperature accuracy is key to getting a quality dab with great flavor.

Glass Nails

A glass nail is similar to quartz, but it is not quite as thick. Glass nails tend to break more often; however, they’re are not expensive. A typical glass nail does not take on heat nearly as well as other nails. It takes a little while to heat up. Use caution when heating, because a glass nail can break (usually at the joint). Nevertheless, glass nails provide a stellar taste and hit. Plus, they are easy to keep clean!

Titanium Nails

Titanium dab nails are popular among consumers for a variety of reasons. First off, a titanium nail is practically indestructible. It is made from actual titanium and does not break easily, like glass. Titanium nails take on and hold heat very well. However, these nails don’t make it easy to judge the temperature.  Overall, titanium nails are great for consumers who enjoy large dabs in a timely manner. Make sure the titanium nail is high-quality and medical-grade titanium. There are a few titanium nails on the market that tend to affect the taste. Titanium nails do not provide the best flavor compared to other options; however, they are simple to use and easy to clean!

Ceramic Nails

Ceramic nails are very common. It’s said to provide consumers with the best-tasting dab session, but many consumers say ceramic nails put off a burnt taste. The primary reason to use a ceramic nail is to hold heat longer. Ceramic nails are perfect for dabbing sessions where the rig is passing around the circle. The first-class Puffco Peak comes with a ceramic nail, and it is the best hitting and tasting dab setup on the market. Ceramic nails are not too difficult to clean but are fragile, so be careful doing so.

Styles of Dab Nails

Above are the different materials used to make dab nails. The variety of styles all have the same purpose, but they do work differently. Most styles of dab nails go into one of two categories; domed or domeless. Most dispensaries and head shops will carry a variety of both options.

Domed Nails

Domed nails were popular among consumers when dabbing was first emerging in the cannabis industry. These nails are made from any of the above materials and tend to be cheaper than domeless nails. As described by its name, a domed nail has a cap that covers the dab nail once heated.  The primary benefits of using a domed dab nail are its ability to hold in vapor and protect consumers. It also ensures the entire dab is consumed and not wasted. Domed nails are a bit safer since they cover the heated nail. That said, domed nails take some time to use and require a bit more work than domeless options.

Domeless Nails

Most chronic dabbers use a domeless nail for their setup. It’s a quicker process without all of the extra steps. These nails are made out of the usual materials and are a regular dab nail without the dome. Domeless nails are much more efficient for the consumer. They heat more quickly, allow for bigger dabs, and are easy to use. Granted, domeless nails are more expensive, but consumers get what they pay for in this industry. The most prevalent con to domeless nails is losing excess smoke in between breaths. However, carb caps are the solution to this problem!

There are many different types of dab nails available for marijuana consumers. While a domeless quartz nail is probably the highest-quality dab nail on the market, they all get the job done. Consumers on a budget can get by with a domed glass nail. Plus, specific setups work better with certain dab nails. Each has its individual pros and cons, which is why it comes down to personal preference. Dabbing will continue to become more efficient and effective as technology like the Puffco Peak and e-nails continue to go to market.

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