Dr Dabber Switch
The Switch is a product that currently leads the charge in vaping technology. This device puts cutting-edge induction heating at its forefront and also features dual compatibility (Extracts + Dry Herb). The resulting vapor is rich, flavorful, and everything you would expect if you decided to shell out $400 on a single device.
KandyPens Oura
The Oura is a high-end, easy to maintain portable dab rig that produces terrific vapor quality and offers the choice of Ceramic or Quartz atomizers. It has four preset temperature levels, with the top one being 800°F. It is well-designed and small enough to operate with just one hand. The Oura is a premium vape that will change the way you dab & the lifetime warranty makes an already good thing even better.
Dr. Dabber Boost EVO
The Boost EVO is one of the first next-gen eRig that was released for 2021. All of the components were magnetically connected, making it easy to assemble or clean the device than most standard eRigs. It features an angled mouthpiece, which makes it comfortable to inhale the vapor. It also features a fast-heating quartz bowl with an integrated sensor that prevents the atomizer from overheating. All in all, this is a simple yet powerful dab rig that could be the crowd's favorite as other Dr. Dabber's premium vapes.
Vista Mini 2
The Mini 2 is a portable eRig compatible with concentrates and oils that delivers impressive performance for its excellent price - $159. It features wireless charging, four preset temperature levels, and a unique design with a clear carb cap. The Vista is a functional device and the vapor quality is satisfying for most average or entry-level users. Awesome value on this one.
KandyPens Session
The Session features a smart design that makes it an all-in-one extract vaporizer. It is a Hybrid vape that can be used as an eNail with existing Rigs or as a "standalone" Wax Vape. The vapor quality is good, but it is probably not the main reason to buy this vape. The main reason will be its dual-function, specifically its ability to replace an old school nail and torch setup with an all-electric eNail that can work with any traditional dab rigs.
Linx Apollo
The Apollo is a well-made, sturdy wax vaporizer/ eNail hybrid that is the best of both worlds. The included glass bubbler is uniquely designed although not the most discreet. The device features smart heating technology, several pre-set heat modes, and Linx’s signature quartz atomizer, this device allows you to really taste and experience your material - without wasting it.
Yocan Torch XL
The Yocan Torch and Torch XL are two very reliable devices that are available at a good price. While it functions solely as an eNail, it doesn’t compromise on features, vapor quality, and performance. Between the two, the Torch XL is more vapor density oriented, while the Torch is best for users who are looking for a first eNail.
Focus Carta Vape Rig
I’ve enjoyed all the portable dab rigs I’ve tried so far and the Focus V Carta is no exception. It has the superfast heat time and great flavor I expected. But it goes a few steps further and adds a smartphone app and removable batteries. But, possibly best of all, is the fact that it costs less than the competition.
e-Nails / Dab Rigs Buying Guide
What are e-Nails / Dab Rigs?
E-nails, aka e-rigs or dab rigs, started out as a simpler way of using traditional dab rigs, where the user employs a blow torch to heat up and vaporize the wax. This is hardly convenient, and so e-nails were invented as an easier way to vape wax at high temperatures. E-nails use electricity instead of a flame to heat up and vaporize the wax, they also have a water bubbler to help cool down the vapor because the wax is vaporized at very high temperatures. Every dab rig consists of the following parts:
The Body – This holds the battery and supports the other components of the e-nail.
The Heating Element – As you can guess, this is used to heat up the wax.
The Nail – This is where the wax is placed, and it can be made from various different materials.
The Mouthpiece – All dab rig mouthpieces have a water bubbler attachment. This is necessary to cool down the hot vapor created by the heating element.
All of those components mean that e-rigs are far less portable than vape pens. The kit of many e-rigs usually includes some kind of carrying case that makes storage and transport a little easier. Nonetheless, the assembly involved means that e-nails are mainly stay-at-home devices.
Things to consider when buying an e-Nail
1. Advanced use
E-nails are not meant for beginner wax vapers for many reasons. For one, they produce very intense vapor, which might be too much for newbie vapers to handle. They are also more complex to use than vape pens since they consist of several different components that require some assembly. Portable dab rigs are less complex than e-nails but are still not suited for beginners. New wax vapers are better off starting with vape pens since they are the easiest wax devices to use.
2. E-Nails VS traditional Nails
E-nails have a lot of advantages over traditional nails, the main one being that they are easier to use since everything you need to vape is included in their kit. Traditional nails require the use of a blowtorch to heat the nail and vaporize the wax. E-nails also allow you to more precisely calibrate the temperature, which is something that isn’t possible with a blowtorch. E-nails also take up less space than a rig and torch setup. The only real advantage traditional nails have is that the blowtorch allows them to reach higher maximum temperatures than e-nails. However, that is only an advantage for hardcore users who like really intense vapor.
3. Size & Portability
Both e-nails and portable dab rigs aren’t exactly portable. It’s not just their size that limits portability, it is also the fact that they consist of several different components that need to be assembled. Plus you need water to fill the bubbler. All of those factors prevent them from being travel-friendly devices.
4. Portable Dab Rig VS Nail only Devices
One alternative to both e-nails/portable dab rigs and traditional nails is the electronic nail device. These are devices that consist of a battery powered nail that can be attached to traditional rigs. There is no need for a blowtorch since electricity is used to heat up the wax. These devices are good for those who already own a rig but want an easier, more convenient way to use it. They are not suited for anyone who does not already have a dab rig because of the expense of purchasing both a rig and the device.
5. Nail Types
There are three different coil types available for e-nails, they are titanium, quartz, and ceramic. Some e-nails will include all three types of nail in their kit, while others will have one or two. The differences among the three of them are as follows.
Ceramic – They heat up slowly but retain heat well. The flavor they produce is very good because ceramic is a neutral material that keeps the flavor pure.
Quartz – Quartz is also a neutral material that keeps the flavor pure. It also heats up quickly, but it loses heat more quickly than the other materials.
Titanium – These nails heat up fast and have high-temperature retention but the vapor quality is lacking compared to the other nails. That is because titanium can leave a metallic aftertaste to the vapor.
FAQs
You can buy them at online head shops and dispensaries in states where marijuana has been legalized.
The small amount of wax that is placed in the nail is called a dab, so dabbing is the act of placing the dab into the nail. However, many people use the term as a shorthand for using a dab rig, e-nail, or portable dab rig in general.
There are low temperature dabs, medium temp dabs, and high temp dabs. The one you choose depends on the effect you want to feel when you vape and your level of experience.
Low temperature dab (315°F – 450°F) – You get a lot of flavor at this temperature, but the vapor is not that dense, and it takes longer to feel the effects of the THC. Hits in this temperature range are smooth and easy on the lungs, making it the ideal range for beginners.
Medium temperature dab (450°F – 600°F) – This temperature range gives vapers a good balance of flavor and intensity, though it offers less of either quality than the more extreme ranges. This is good for intermediate users.
High temperature dab (600°F – 900°F) – This range is all about intensity. The vapor is hot and harsh even with the water bubbler to cool it down. Plus the effects of the THC come on much faster, though the flavor is the weakest at this range.
Using an e-nail is easy since they all share the same general design. First you pour some water into the bubbler, then you place a dab into the nail. Next you turn on the power and select a temperature. Once it reaches the selected temperature, place the carb cap over the nail and inhale from the bubbler.
They are the most intense way to vape wax and they tend to offer a lot more customization than vape pens do. However, they are not very portable and take a while to set up. So, the answer comes down to what you want from a wax vaporizer, the portability and convenience of vape pens, or the customization and intensity of e-nails.
It comes down to personal preference, but most people prefer quartz or ceramic nails because they do not affect the flavor of the vapor. Titanium nails tend to leave a metallic aftertaste that most vapers find unpleasant.
You can, but that is not advised. Most e-nails can heat the wax to 600° and higher, which means that the vapor produced is extremely hot. The water is needed to cool the vapor down otherwise it would be uncomfortable and unpalatable for users.
It depends on what you want when you vape. If you want more customization options, then traditional e-nails are the better choice. If you prefer convenience and ease of use, then portable dab rigs are the more appropriate choice for you.
Glossary
- Nail – The part of the e-rig where the wax is placed.
- THC Dab – The wax that is placed into the nail.
- Dab Tool – The instrument that is used to place a dab into a nail.
- Water Bubbler – The place where the water that is used to cool down the vapor is placed. This is also the place where the vapor is inhaled.
TVG is a small team of cannabis and vaping enthusiasts that came together to create a vaping guide that's accessible for everyone. Over the past seven years, we have collectively tested hundreds of vapes for performance, build and vapor quality, as well as ease of use and overall value. We are also passionate about graphic design, videography & video editing, fitness, food & wine.