Just getting into dabbing and a little confused about the terminology? Let us break it down for you!
We all started somewhere, and when you first get into dabbing, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed, especially by all the new terms and phrases. If you’ve been confused about how some people use the terms ‘banger’ and ‘nail’ interchangeably, you’re not alone, but we think it's helpful to differentiate between them based on the style of device you're using.
We’ll break down the difference between nails and bangers and which is the best for your dabbing style. If you’re just getting started in the world of cannabis concentrates and dabbing, be sure to check out our comprehensive Intro to Dabbing & Concentrates guide.
What Is A Nail?
At a high level, we think of a nail as the stacked metal dabbing items that look like the Stanley Cup or an Avant-garde Olympic torch.
When it comes to getting maximum terps, a titanium nail may not be your best choice, as it will affect the flavor of your dabs. However, dabbers choose to use titanium nails because they offer the most durability.
Though dab nails are typically made out of titanium, they can come in multiple materials, such as quartz or ceramic. They got their name because they closely resemble an ordinary nail that you’d use in home renovations or carpentry. Most dabbing nails are the same shape or style, but there are different sizes dish sizes, as well as different joint connections available. A dab nail can also be heated directly with a butane torch or attached to a heating coil as shown on the MiniNail below.
What Is A Banger?
Featuring a deep bucket and joint that attaches to your down stem or dab rig, bangers are typically available in either a 45 or 90-degree connection angles and are typically made out of quartz, rather than ceramic or titanium like a nail. The larger dabbing surface on bangers allows more airflow in your dab rig.
Because they’re further away from your face and rig, bangers are typically a better option for beginners who are just getting started dabbing. When you use a quartz banger, you’re going to get optimal flavor, which will allow you to get the full spectrum of terps and cannabinoids from your concentrates.
Unlike nails, which are consistent in shape with minor variance in size, bangers come in a wide spectrum of different shapes and sizes for varying levels of heat retention, dab efficiency, and airflow.
While bangers have better flavor, they’re also more fragile, and if you drop them, they’re not as forgiving as nails.
The Differences and Benefits Between Bangers and Nails
The most important factors to consider when choosing between bangers and nails are durability, flavor, and heat. By evaluating each of these factors, you can choose between a banger and a nail based on what’s best for you.
- Durability – You’ll quickly work out that titanium nails are basically indestructible. So, if you’re accident-prone, new to dabbing, or just like to carry your dab rig around a lot, then you’re more likely to get more use out of a titanium nail. They’re very resistant to drops, bangs, and heat. On the contrary, quartz bangers are a lot more fragile. Repeated heating and cooling, along with bumps and drops, can all lead to your banger breaking or cracking.
- Flavor – Titanium nails often leave you with a metallic taste, so if you’re chasing maximum flavor, you’ll probably be better off with a quartz banger. When you use a quartz banger, you’ll get the purest taste from your concentrates. However, you are sacrificing durability and lifespan for flavor.
- Heat – Do you like the ritual of heating your banger with a torch, or prefer the convenience of an always-ready eNail? Different bangers and nails can be heated in a variety of ways so it's really all about finding the ritual that matches your lifestyle. Confused by the options? Shoot us a note and we'd be happy to help you find your perfect setup.
How to Choose Between Nails and Bangers for Dab Rigs
In the end, both nails and bangers are for dabbing your favorite cannabis concentrates, regardless of consistency. Because of the differences between the two, it really boils down to your personal preferences. If you love rich flavor and quick dabs, go for the banger. However, if you’re looking for durability, a titanium nail will be right up your alley.
If you would like to learn more about the cannabis products and accessories that we stock here at Ritual Colorado or have questions for our experienced team, please don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us directly.
Our friendly and professional Canna-sumption Experts would be more than happy to assist you with your next cannabis accessory purchase! Life is about living, so live it to the fullest and take your next session up a level with high-quality cannabis accessories. Ritual Colorado is your one-stop shop for all your dry herb vaporization, dab, glass, and accessory needs.
