Both dab rigs and nectar collectors are designed to vaporize concentrates, but each offers a very different user experience. If you’re new to the world of concentrates, read on to find out the main differences between nectar collectors and dab rigs, and how to know which one is right for you.

WHAT’S A NECTAR COLLECTOR?

Nectar Collector is a popular brand of "dab straws" or "honey straws" that has grown to become a general term used for these devices—specialised pipes designed for vaporizing hash and other types of cannabis concentrates. Unlike dab rigs, which are typically large and need some expertise to operate properly, nectar collectors take some of the hassle out of dabbing.

While some nectar collectors are bulky, most are designed to be sleek and portable (or at least more portable than a standard dab rig). And while they come in many different styles, all nectar collectors comprise four main parts:

• Mouthpiece
• Body, with a percolator for water filtration
• Tip, which is the part that comes into direct contact with your extract
• Dab dish, to avoid the mess of having to scoop sticky dabs onto a nail

To use a nectar collector, place your extract on the dab dish. Next, heat the tip of the collector with a blowtorch; once it’s hot, tap it against your concentrate and draw in the vapor via the mouthpiece.

Dab straws come in a wide variety of materials, including titanium, quartz, ceramic, silicone, and more. What material you choose is up to you, but quartz and titanium tend to be more durable and heat resistant.

WHAT’S A DAB RIG?

A dab rig is essentially a bong designed for dabbing concentrates. Dab rigs also come in different sizes and styles, but they typically aren’t designed to be portable. In fact, dab rigs are best operated by two people, especially if the person dabbing is unfamiliar with the process.

Dab rigs typically consist of two main components: the rig, which is really similar to a regular bong, and the nail, which replaces the bowl. The nail can be heated electronically or with a torch, and instantly vaporizes concentrates it comes into contact with.

To use a dab rig, you’ll need to fill your chamber with water and heat your nail. Once you’ve reached the right temperature, you’ll use a dab tool to scoop your extract onto the nail and start drawing in the vapor slowly through the mouthpiece.

Dab rigs are usually made out of glass, and are available at all different price points. Nails are usually made out of quartz, titanium, or silicone, but there are also electronic nails that give users much more control over the temperature at which they vaporize their concentrates.

PROS AND CONS OF NECTAR COLLECTORS AND DAB RIGS

Both nectar collectors and dab rigs have their pros and cons, and neither is inherently better than the other. Which one you choose will come down to your own personal preference, budget, and experience with dabbing:

NECTAR COLLECTORS — EASE OF USE AND PORTABILITY

Nectar collectors are great tools for those new to dabbing and those looking to enjoy their concentrates on the go. They are easy to use and serve as a great springboard into the exciting world of concentrates.

Nectar collectors are much easier and less intimidating to use than dab rigs, and also have spill-proof designs that are great for novices. Their compact design also means they can be used with little more than a blowtorch. Furthermore, they are much easier to clean than a dab rig, simply because they are smaller and contain fewer parts.

DAB RIGS — BIG, STRONG HITS AND EXTRA CONTROL

What dab rigs lack in portability and ease of use they make up for in efficiency and control. Dab rigs come equipped with carb caps that seal the area above your concentrates, allowing you to vaporize extracts even at lower temperatures. This allows you to get deeper, larger, and more full-flavoured hits.

Another great thing about dab rigs is that they come in many different shapes, sizes, and price points. Hence, if you’re a concentrate connoisseur, dab rigs give you much more control and freedom to tailor your dabbing experience and really find what works best for you.

HOW TO CHOOSE BETWEEN A DAB RIG AND NECTAR COLLECTOR

If you’re new to trying concentrates, a nectar collector can be a great way to familiarise yourself with dabbing and avoid some of the complexity of operating a dab rig. Or, if you already have a dab rig at home, nectar collectors can be a great portable tool to help you enjoy your dabs on the go.

On the other hand, if you’re already familiar with dabbing and want as much control as possible over how you vape your concentrates, you simply can’t go past a proper rig.