A nectar collector (called a dab straw or honey straw) is the trendiest way to vaporize any concentrate such as wax, oils, etc. The tool looks and feels like a smaller and improved version of a dab rig. Nectar collectors are quickly turning into a fashionable accessory for people trying to enhance their dabbing experience.
What Is A Nectar Collector?
The nectar collector is a niche variant of the conventional dab rig. Nectar collectors allow you to take potent dabs of the cannabis concentrate called wax.
The vertical, handheld, tube-like device consists of three main parts.
Mouthpiece: The straw-like mouthpiece is a long tube with a flared top. It is used to inhale the vapor. The mouthpiece can be removed and cleaned easily.
Titanium or Quartz Tip: The tip of the nectar collector is made of titanium, quartz, or silicon. The tip is heated directly using a torch and applied to the concentrate. When the wax touches the hot tip, it vaporizes. The vapors travel through the body of the device and reach the end of the mouthpiece.
Body: The body contains a water chamber used to filter the dab and provide a cooling effect.
Different models of nectar collectors are available today. Some of them are so compact and can be comfortably carried in your pocket.
How To Use A Nectar Collector To Vaporize Wax?
Nectar collectors are convenient to use and do not demand any special skills. To enjoy a good dab, place a small amount of the wax on a glass or silicone dish and follow the below steps.
Step 1: Fill the body of the device with water.
Step 2: Heat the tip of the nectar collector for about 45 seconds using a blow torch. Dabbing at lower temperatures keeps the terpenes intact and enhances the dab flavor.
Step 3: Next, allow the tip to cool down for 10-20 seconds. You can make use of the infrared temperature gun to avoid underheating or overheating the tip.
Step 4: After achieving the desired temperature, place the tip gently on the concentrate.
Step 5: Use the straw-like mouthpiece to inhale the vapors from the concentrate. You may remove the tip from the dish when you are done.
What Are The Different Types Of Nectar Collectors?
Nectar collectors come in different shapes and sizes. Some of them are made from glass, while others from silicone. Then, the electric nectar collector uses an atomizer to heat the tip instead of a torch.
Irrespective of the size and type, all nectar collectors perform the same function.
Glass Nectar Collectors Versus Silicone Nectar Collectors
Glass is known to preserve the flavor of your dab better. Silicone, on the other hand, brings a significant change to its “taste.”
Silicone is sometimes preferred over glass because it is more durable and does not break easily. It can also be placed in a freezer and used to cool the vapor.
What Are The Key Benefits Of Using A Nectar Collector?
- Compact and portable
Most brands of nectar collectors are approximately seven inches long. They are compact and convenient to carry in your backpack while traveling. The device can also be disassembled and stored safely too.
- Less time-consuming
Nectar collectors do not involve an extensive setup process. Once you are familiar with the usage, nectar collectors can be used and cleaned quickly. Also, since the vapor path is small, you get potent hits immediately.
- Efficient
Nectar collectors allow you to control the amount of concentrate you are vaporizing. When you are done, pull the tip away, and you can reduce wax wastage.
- A self-contained design
Nectar collectors provide a mess-free dabbing experience. They do not require a nail or a banger. The spill-proof water filtration system of the nectar collector is unique.
- Affordable
Nectar collectors are reasonably priced. You may be able to buy a nectar collector at a price point much lower than a large, traditional dab rig setup.
How Is A Nectar Collector Different From A Traditional Dab Rig?
- Nectar collectors have fewer moving parts than a dab rig, thus making them more portable and convenient to use.
- The time taken to heat and cool the tip of a nectar collector is lesser than the time and effort taken to heat the nail of the dab rig.
- Nectar collectors are easier to clean than dab rigs.
- Some people believe that dab rigs preserve the flavor of the wax better than nectar collectors.
How To Clean Your Nectar Collector
Nectar collectors are easy to clean. Start by disassembling the tool carefully. Rinse the parts in running water to remove visible dirt. Fill a container with water, isopropyl alcohol (with a concentration over 90%), and Epsom salt. The ratio of water to isopropyl alcohol is 2:1.
Soak the parts in the mix for 30 to 60 minutes. Shake the container until the salt washes away the resin. For tougher stains, use a Q-tip or a pipe cleaner with soft scrubbing power. Empty the dirty mix and rinse the device twice with clean water. Wipe the outside with a lint-free cloth.
Your clean nectar collector is now ready to provide some potent dabs!