Cold Start Dabs – What Are They & How to Do Them the Right Way

Are you looking for an easy way to dab?

Cold start dabs—also known as reverse dabs—are all the rage on the dabbing scene right now.

In this short post, you’ll get the low-down on the advantages of this dabbing method, as we look at the process, the equipment, and how to do it right with your dab pen.  

No more fumbling with overheated nails or scorching your precious concentrates with too much heat. It’s time for a better, cooler, and tastier experience.

Let’s get into it.

Difference Between Traditional & Cold Dabs

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s cover the basics.

Traditional dabbing involves heating your nail or banger to a high temperature with a torch. Then you simply drop your concentrate onto that piping hot surface. This results in potent hits, but it also has its drawbacks – like potential combustion and waste.

A cold start means you’ll load your concentrate first, then apply less heat until you reach the right dabbing temperature. This method is all about low temp dabs and preserving those delicious terpenes.

The result? A flavorful experience that, unlike traditional dabs, provides a smoother, more pleasant journey. With this, you are focusing on minimizing the harshness of the hits.

Advantages of Cold Start Dabs

Coldies aren’t just a fad – they’ve got some serious perks. Here are the reasons they’re better than hot start dabs:

#1 They preserve the terpenes in your concentrate, giving you more flavorful dab hits.

#2 Low-temperature dabs mean less-harsh hits and less throat irritation. 

Traditional method dabs can reach temperatures up to 932°F (500°C), and here the temperature range is a more modest 375 – 420°F (190–215°C). Also, with this method, you avoid the cool-down times, as you can place the quartz insert into the banger directly after heating it.

#3 Say goodbye to wasted cannabis extracts – this method of dabbing helps you get the most out of your material.

Traditional dabbing methods can often lead to wasted concentrate because of high heat levels causing combustion. In contrast, cold start dabbing allows your concentrate to heat more evenly and slowly, reducing waste and letting you get the most out of your material.

#4 No need to wait for your nail or banger to heat up – cold starts are quick and easy.

This is nothing like the hot dabs technique. Simply place your concentrate in, apply heat, and you’re ready to go in seconds.

#5 With lower temperatures used, there’s a reduced risk of burns from handling the nail or banger.

The lower heat reduces the chances of combustion, which can release potentially harmful residues. For some of my friends, this is the best part.

How to Do It the Right Way (E-Rig Method)

Ready to give cold starts a whirl with your dabbing e-rig? Follow these steps for a smooth, terpene-packed experience:

• Load your concentrate: Place a bit of your cannabis concentrates onto the cold nail or banger.
• Heat it up: Turn on your e-rig and set it to a low temperature – we’re talking 300-450°F (149-232°C).
• Wait for vapor: Keep an eye on your concentrate as it vaporizes. When you see vapor forming, it’s dabbing time.
• Inhale & enjoy: Take a slow, steady draw from your rig as the vapor forms. Savor the flavor of your concentrate and enjoy a smoother hit.

Clean up: After each session, use a Q-tip to wipe down your quartz banger. This practice keeps your device fresh and extends its lifespan.

How to Cold Start with a Dab Vape Pen

Here’s the play-by-play, and if you’re rolling with our The Don dab pen (here’s a step by step on how to use a dab pen), you’re already one step ahead in the game:

Load your concentrate: Take off the mouthpiece and use your trusty dab tool to load up your cannabis concentrate into the atomizer.

Set the stage with the right temp: Dial the device into a low-temp dab setting. People who use The Don will appreciate its precision temperature control that makes finding that sweet spot a breeze.

Bring on the heat: Double-tap that power button to kick-start the heating process or hold it down for manual control.

Inhale: Draw in slow and steady from your dab pen as the vapor forms. Particularly with The Don, you’ll be treated to a symphony of flavors and a smooth hit that’s second to none.

Clean Up: After each session, make it a point to clean your atomizer with a cotton swab to keep your device in tip-top shape.

And that’s it. 

Let me just say that whether you’re an experienced user or just starting on your journey, The Don can elevate your cold-start dabbing experience with its finesse. The thing is, it’s not just an addition to your equipment, it’s an upgrade to your experience. Check out the Don dab pen below:

Experience the Fullness & Potency of Your Weed Extracts

Choose Don Vaporizer Because It Makes All the Difference

Click Here to Get Your Don Today

The Temperature You’re Aiming For

The cold-start process is all about that low temp. For optimal results, aim for a temperature range between 320-450°F (160-232°C).

Cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, as well as terpenes, have specific boiling points; higher temperatures can compromise their potency and flavor. The best way to vaporize these compounds efficiently is by keeping the temperature within the suggested range. This way, you’re dabbing with zero extract degradation, and you’re preserving both the effects and the taste,

Pro tip: keeping your banger within these degrees can extend its lifespan. Materials like borosilicate glass, commonly used in a dab rig, can crack or break when exposed to the extreme temperatures.

You can read more about the right temp for dabbing right here.

Best Banger Types for This Style

While the typical quartz banger is primed and ready for cold starts, terp slurpers and flat tops are sitting this one out. To get the most out of your cold starting experience, consider these banger types:

Opaque bottom: With their distinctive white bottom, they not only heat up faster, but they also retain that heat longer than their quartz counterparts. As an added bonus, they’re pretty easy on the eyes with their contrasting clear quartz.

Round bottom: If you’re looking for a less wasteful cold banger that heats evenly, then the round bottom bangers are your ticket. With their smooth and round bottoms, they end the pesky crevices and edges that traditional bangers often have, making them easier to heat and less prone to messes.

Seamless bangers: Seamless bangers are like the improved version of your trusty flat top bangers, but with a twist – they have a seamless intersection between the bucket and the neck. What does that mean for you? Well, they’re more robust, less likely to fracture, and can be paired with most accessories.

5 Tips That Will Make You a Pro

To level up your cold start dab game, pros use these tips for an even better experience:

1. Start small: Less is more when it comes to cold dabbing. Start with a small amount of concentrate to avoid waste and ensure a clean, even dab hit.
2. Carb cap: Using a carb cap can help you control airflow and maintain the right temp for vaporization.
3. Experiment with temps: Don’t be afraid to play with temperatures to find your personal sweet spot.
4. Timing is key: Pay close attention to how long it takes for it to vaporize, and adjust your heating time.
5. Cleanliness is next to godliness: This is especially important for beginners; keep your banger or dab pen clean after each session to preserve flavor and extend the life of your gear.

And there you have it – the ins and outs of cold start dabs for the best experience.

So, snag your trusty e-rig or, better yet, The Don dab pen, and take a bold next step into the exhilarating realm of cold start dabs. It’s a world ripe for discovery, and you’ve got the best seat in the house. How do you like that idea?

Experience the Fullness & Potency of Your Weed Extracts

Choose Don Vaporizer Because It Makes All the Difference

Click Here to Get Your Don Today