Low Temp Dabs VS High Temp Dabs: The Perfect Temperature for Dab Potency and Flavor

What is dabbing? Dabbing is…. Taking a dose of cannabis oil concentrate and dropping it onto a hot nail to vaporize the cannabinoids and terpenes contained within the cannabis concentrate – that’s the good stuff (where all the flavor is at). Cannabinoids are the THC, CBD and other beneficial compounds found in cannabis (and concentrates), and terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give cannabis products their taste and smell. For example, limonene is a terpene that’s also found in citrus fruits like lemons and limes.  These compounds (the primary constituents of cannabis concentrates) boil/vaporize from 315-440°F (157-227°C); thus, that is the minimum temperature required to fully vaporize the majority of the cannabinoids and terpenes in your concentrate.

The Temperature Trade-Off

Why you should Low Temp Dab:

Upside:  More flavor, smoother and longer hits.

The downside: Less vapor, milder in effect, may leave some concentrate behind also known as pooling.

Why Do Some Like High Temp Dab:

Upside:  Produces thick vapor/smoke, intense effects, all concentrate is consumed.

The downside: Less flavor, harsh on lungs and throat, shorter hit due to irritation caused.  all concentrate is consumed, including some undesirables like fats, lipids and other none psychoactive compounds which have high vaporization temps.

Please keep in mind that this guide pertains to dabbing surface temperature NOT the set temperature on an electric nail (which is likely higher):

• 0°F -300°F: Too low (not recommended ever! wasteful with little effect)
  This will result in minimal vaporization of available cannabinoids and terpenes – you will not be consuming anywhere near all the concentrate dropped on the nail. Expect the concentrate to leave a puddle of oil (pooling) that produces little vapor (waste it to taste it).
• 315°F -450°F: Low temp dab
  This is the sweet spot for vaporization of all cannabinoids and terpenes while retaining maximum flavor. Dabbing at this temperature will produce a smooth hit that is relatively easy on the lungs. The effects will be pleasant but milder than at hotter temperatures.  Expect some pooling to occur.
• 450°F -650°F: Medium temp dab
  This is a nice middle ground for those seeking both stronger flavor and effect. At this temperature, a mix of vaporization and combustion occurs.  Pooling will not occur if dabs are not oversized
• 650°F -750°F: High temp dab
  At this temperature, the nail may still be red hot and combustion is certain to occur. This will produce a harsh, intense hit with thick smoke. Most of the flavor will be lost at this temperature, resulting in a dab that tastes slightly burnt. Pooling will not occur
• 750°F-850 +: Extremely High temp dab
  At this temperature, the nail may still be red hot and combustion is certain to occur. This will produce a harsh, intense hit with thick smoke. Most of the flavor will be lost at this temperature, resulting in a dab that tastes slightly burnt. Pooling will not occur
• 850°F-1000°F: Burning the dab (not recommended ever!  very unhealthy)
  We don’t recommend taking dabs at this temperature – it is not pleasant and very unhealthy

Torch vs Electric Nail for Dabbing at the Perfect Temperature

Depending on your specific setup, you will either be using a torch or an electric heating element to heat up your nail. Using a torch, you can heat your nail anywhere from 0-3,623°F (0-1995 °C).

The same holds true for electric nails, or e-nail, which uses an electric coil to heat the dabbing surface – most coils can be set to temperatures ranging from 0-900°F (0-482°C). The important thing to note with e-nails is that there is a disparity between the temperature setting on the unit and the actual dabbing surface temperature. It is totally common that the enail heating unit is set to 680°F, the dabbing surface may only be 600°F, so always keep this in mind.

Furthermore, not all nail materials (electric or otherwise) are the same – each has different heating and cooling properties. The following properties hold true regardless of whether the nail is heated with a torch or an electric coil.

Titanium*: Short heat up time, highest heat retention, least flavor.
Ceramic: Longest heat up time, high heat retention, good flavor.
Quartz (depends on thickness): Medium heat up time, lowest heat retention, best flavor.

*Not all titanium nails are safe for dabbing – there is a large variance in titanium quality and purity. Stick to manufacturers who utilize tested type 2 titanium like 420Life.com.

The actual temperature at which you take your dab is a unique combination of nail material, thickness, and the specific heating element used. As you might imagine, there are different models of torches and electric units available – the 700°F setting may be too hot on one e-nail but just right on another. That said, a certain level of trial and error has to occur in order to find the perfect temperature for you.

Tips for Perfect Temperature Dabs with a Torch

Given the manual element of heating a nail with a torch, our recommendation is to ditch the torch in place of an enail that you can precisely control your exact temperature with. There are too many variables to get an accurate low temp dab every time without pooling

how long you heat the nail for
how long you let it cool
Room Temp
how much dab you put the more you put the more it cools the nail

The Perfect Temperature for Dabs on an E-nail

Don’t stress about the specific temperature setting on the heating element – what matters is the temperature of the nail surface.  It is not unusual for a quartz e-nail to have a surface temperature that is 100°F lower than the set temperature on the unit. This means you have to get to know your e-nail in particular, as your friend’s suggested dabbing temperature may be significantly too hot/cold for you.  Most cheap e-nails adjust temperature in 10°F intervals, professional dabbing enails are like our 710 Life enail are much more accurate and can be adjusted 1°F at a time.  Experiment with the different settings to find the perfect temperature for you. I personally would start your enail at 675 and take a dab, move it 3-5 °F down until you find your sweet spot.

If you’re like me and always take your enail vaporizer on the go, we suggest transporting it in a discreet and protective stash box like the Safety Case. It has room for your all your enail essentials… like a nail, coil, power cord, dabber, concentrates, and the unit. Now that TSA released guidelines for how to take your vape pen on a plane, you can travel safely.

BossHog

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