Nectar Collectors vs. Dab Rigs – Which Is Better
When it comes to dabbing concentrates, there’s a lot you need to consider. Such as:
- What type of concentrates you want to dab (like wax, oils, shatter, etc.)
- How potent your concentrates are (because you don’t want to overdo it and cough up a lung)
- Whether you intend to use the device at home or while traveling
However, the most important aspect of dabbing is the device you use to get the job done. If you’re looking for the best experience possible, your top options are nectar collectors and dab rigs.
And when you know the distinctions between the two, as well as the advantages each can offer, it will help you better decide which one is best for you and your dabbing needs.
What Is a Nectar Collector?
If you’re not sure what a nectar collector is, or if you’ve never even heard of one, we’ll shed some light on the subject. Sometimes referred to as a honey straw or a dab straw, the nectar collector was first introduced just under ten years ago in 2014.
Similarly, to how “jacuzzi” became a common phrase when referring to a spa, the term “nectar collector” came from the company that invented them, and the name just stuck (pun intended). Nectar collectors are small, vertical dab rigs that consist of a mouthpiece, the chamber, and a tip that’s typically crafted from titanium or quartz.
The primary difference (besides their smaller size) from dab rigs is instead of placing your concentrates onto a heated nail to take a dab, you place the heated tip of the honey straw directly on the concentrates. And when talking about size, most honey straws are small enough to fit into your pocket.
Just because they can fit into your pocket doesn’t mean you should carry them that way (unless you enjoy sifting through a pocket of shattered glass and disappointment). But their size does allow for effortless portability. And you will significantly reduce the chances of damaging your honey straw if you utilize the carrying bag or other protective gear that came with it.
Nectar Collector Benefits
There are several reasons why someone might wish to use a nectar collector. First and foremost, they are super portable when compared to some of the other available options (looking at you, Mr. Dab Rig). It’s also much easier to toss your honey straw into your purse or backpack than a dab rig, which usually has intricate components that can be fragile.
Sure, you can damage your glass nectar collector while out on the town, but that’s where a silicone nectar collector can come in handy. It’s important to note that you can effortlessly disassemble most honey straws for even easier portability.
Another popular reason why someone might want to use a nectar collector is their low learning curve. Especially when compared to the workings of a dab rig that can take some time to get used to for some.
All you need to do to use a honey straw is assemble the pieces and you’re ready to dab! No need to load up your wax, like with a dab rig. Then you simply heat the tip, give it a dip (into your concentrates), and take a sip (a hit) to experience some nice and tasty dabs.
What Is a Dab Rig?
A dab rig, sometimes referred to as a wax rig or an oil rig (not to be confused with the oil rigs found in the ocean) is a unique type of water pipe that’s specifically used for vaping concentrates. There are many sizes, designs, and price points available for dab rigs, which are primarily crafted from borosilicate glass.
This enables both experts and beginners to customize their rig to their preferences and level of expertise. A beginner’s best bet is to pick up an inexpensive piece, so if disaster strikes, it isn’t a tremendous loss.
Expert dabbers, on the other hand, have a better sense of what they want out of their dab rig and are more likely to favor the pricier choices with the added bells and whistles. Whichever route you take, you’ll probably want to keep your piece at home, where it will be considerably safer than taking it with you on the go.
If you have to take your rig with you everywhere you go, there are special cases you can use to keep your glass safe and secure. But when you’re first starting, you probably don’t want to worry about any unnecessary expenses. However, if mobility and lower prices are a priority, a nectar collector might be a better choice.
Dab Rig Benefits
As great as a honey straw can be for beginners and anyone who enjoys dabs while away from home, they’re simply not for everyone. If you savor the flavor of your dabs, your best option is the tried-and-true dab rig.
A rig provides much better temperature control, which means you can enjoy smoother and tastier dabs than the alternative options. There are also countless accessories, like carb caps, terp pearls, and quartz bangers, that will improve your dabbing sessions even more so.
This makes it super easy to tailor your wax rig to your exact needs, which isn’t always easy to do with honey straws. And if water filtration is a top priority, then it’s no contest with dab rigs providing much better results.
There are some water attachments you can use with a honey straw, but the results are nowhere near what you get with a dab rig. And that doesn’t even factor in how most rigs today also boast at least one percolator to offer some much smoother and cooled-down rips. This is just another reason why dab rigs are the reigning dab king as far as flavor is concerned.
Conclusion
One person may prefer to post up on the couch and play some video games while they get their dab on. Another person may prefer to go out on the town to enjoy their concentrates. What you want out of your dabbing experience will help you decide which option is best for you.
Simply think about how you plan to dab, where you plan to dab, and how often you plan to dab to determine which option will work best for you. If you’re still unsure, have any questions about this article, or nectar collectors and dab rigs in general, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be more than happy to assist you.
