What is a Banger, and How Are They Used?
Dabbing is one of the most popular methods of consuming and enjoying herbal concentrate. So it’s no surprise that dab rigs and accessories are constantly improving. The latest and greatest in the dabbing community is bangers. The small accessory packs a big punch when added to your favorite rig and immediately upgrades the average smoking experience.
Are you curious about the benefits of a banger? Here is everything you need to know about the small-yet-mighty accessory.
Table of Contents
Banger basics
Bangers are bucket-shaped pieces that can be fitted into the joint of your dab rig. Instead of a regular dab nail, which is a shallow dish that holds concentrate, bangers feature a deep container that is perfect for holding sticky wax. Bangers are typically made from glass, quartz, ceramic, or titanium. While each has its own function and advantages, quartz bangers and titanium versions are the most common.
Titanium vs. quartz bangers
As the two most popular types of bangers, it’s essential to know the difference between titanium and quartz as materials. Titanium is the most durable option, which is ideal for accident-prone smokers. The metal material also offers longer heat retention, although it takes longer to heat up with a torch. So if you prefer smoking with friends and taking multiple dabs in one sitting, titanium is an excellent option for your banger. The most common criticism of titanium is that it tends to lend a slightly metallic flavor to your hits.
On the other hand, quartz offers a clean-tasting hit that highlights aromatic terpenes in concentrate. Quartz bangers can be heated up relatively quickly in, about five to ten seconds, although they cool down quicker than titanium versions. When heat is applied to quartz, it also remains localized so that it won’t spread to the joint of your dab rig. This will prevent your glass banger from becoming damaged over time.
Accessories for your banger
One of the most significant advantages of bangers is that they are compatible with several high-tech dabbing accessories. Carb caps are glass pieces that can be placed on top of the banger for better control of airflow and pressure. Another helpful add-on to your banger is terp pearls. The tiny glass balls are dropped directly into the bucket to enhance vaporization and preserve precious terpenes. If you don’t like seeing your dab rig coated with unvaporized wax, then a reclaim catcher is a perfect piece to add to your banger. The glass piece sits between your banger and rig to collect leftover wax, called reclaim, which can be repurposed at your discretion.
How to use a banger
Once you’ve fitted the banger to your dab rig, it’s time to see it in action. Start by heating the banger with a torch, usually around 30 to 40 seconds. Once it is adequately heated to your temperature preferences, let the banger cool for another 45 seconds. Using a dab tool, pick up a glob of concentrate and place it at the base of the banger. Avoid placing the sticky substance on the sides of the bucket, as wax builds up over time and won’t be vaporized properly.
If using a carb cap, now is the time to place the accessory on top of the banger. Place your finger on the carb cap’s airflow hole and milk the dab rig until vapor fills the chamber. When you are ready to inhale, remove the carb cap and enjoy a flavorful hit.
Final thoughts
Overall, bangers improve your smoking experience tenfold. The bucket-style pieces offer a fuller, more decadent hit with better flavor. Not to mention, they are perfect for accommodating large dabs. So if you are ready to upgrade your dabbing routine, invest in a high-quality banger and reap the benefits at your next smoke session.