How to Use Nectar Collectors and Dab Straws
Nectar collectors have become a favorite tool for dabbing cannabis wax. The main attractions of these honey straws are the simplicity of use, portability, and effectiveness.
These dab straws provide a unique and cheaper alternative to traditional dab rigs.
In this article we’ll take a closer look at nectar collectors, what they are, how to use them and why they are so popular.
The History of Nectar Collectors
Nectar collectors, as we know them today were ceated by designer Jefe Zobell and glass artist Kristian Merwin.
Prior to nectar collectors people used dab rigs or glass pipette straws to dab cannabis extracts.
However both had some drawbacks that inspired Jefe to think up an alternative and more efficient way to dab concentrates. They designed a tool that combined the benefits of a straw-like structure with the functionality and water filtration of a dab rig. The original Nectar Collector was crafted from glass and became an instant hit thanks to its convenience and effectiveness.
Is safe to say that nectar collectors revolutionized the dabbing experience and we never looked back.
What Are Nectar Collectors?
Nectar collectors are specialized devices designed to vaporize cannabis concentrates. Resembling a straw with a water bubbler in the middle they allow users to heat one end (the tip) and inhale vapor through the other end. Unlike traditional dab rigs, nectar collectors are compact, easy to use, and often more affordable.
Key Components of a Nectar Collector:
Tip: The heated end that vaporizes the concentrate, made from materials like titanium, quartz, or ceramic.
Body: The main part of the device, made of glass, silicone, or metal. Some designs include a water chamber for smoother hits.
Mouthpiece: The end where vapor is inhaled.
Types of Nectar Collectors
Manual Nectar Collectors
The original nectar collectors require a torch to heat the tip and are available in various materials:
Glass Nectar Collectors:
Offer a clean, flavorful experience.
Fragile, making them better suited for at-home use.
Often paired with titanium or quartz tips.
Silicone Nectar Collectors:
Durable, flexible, and travel-friendly.
Affordable and ideal for beginners.
They will have a titanium or glass tip.
Metal Nectar Collectors:
Typically made of titanium, known for durability and heat retention.
Lightweight and robust, suitable for frequent use.
Often lack water filtration, which can result in harsher hits.
Electric Nectar Collectors
Electric nectar collectors use battery-powered heating elements, eliminating the need for a torch. They are convenient, portable, and safer for beginners.
Popular electric models, like the LOOKAH Seahorse Pro Plus series, often feature adjustable temperatures and can have water filtration chambers.
How to Use a Nectar Collector
Using a Manual Nectar Collector
Assemble the Device: Attach the tip securely and fill the water chamber if included.
Prepare the Dab Dish: Place your concentrate in a heat-resistant dish.
Heat the Tip: Use a butane torch to heat the tip until it glows red, then let it cool slightly.
Dab and Inhale: Touch the heated tip to the concentrate while inhaling through the mouthpiece.
Clean After Use: Allow the device to cool and clean it with isopropyl alcohol.
Using an Electric Nectar Collector
Charge the Device: Ensure the battery is fully charged.
Add Water (if applicable): Fill the water chamber if the model includes one.
Turn On the Device: Typically, press the power button five times to turn on the device.
Set the Temperature: Adjust to your desired heat level. Lower temperatures enhance flavor, while higher settings produce denser vapor.
Dab and Inhale: Activate the heating element and touch the tip to the concentrate while inhaling.
Clean After Use: ONce it has cooled down, use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to remove residue.
Materials for Nectar Collector Tips
Titanium:
Durable and long-lasting.
Heats quickly and retains heat well.
May slightly affect the flavor of the concentrate.
Quartz:
Provides pure flavor and heats evenly.
Cools quickly, requiring frequent reheating.
Fragile and best suited for careful users.
Ceramic:
Offers excellent flavor with minimal interference.
Retains heat longer than quartz.
More fragile compared to titanium or quartz.
Pros and Cons of Nectar Collectors
Pros:
Portability: Easy to carry and travel with.
Ease of Use: Straightforward operation, especially with electric models.
Efficiency: Reduces waste by allowing precise concentrate usage.
Affordability: Typically less expensive than dab rigs.
Cons:
Durability: Glass models can be fragile.
Learning Curve: Manual versions require practice for proper heating.
Limited Cooling: Without water filtration, hits can feel harsher.
Battery Dependency: Electric models require regular charging.
What Makes the Nectar Collector Special?
The nectar collector’s revolutionary design changed how people enjoy cannabis concentrates. By providing a portable and simple method of dabbing, it bridged the gap between the bulkiness of traditional rigs and the safety concerns of improvised tools like hot knifes. The variety of materials and designs available today ensures that there’s a nectar collector to suit every preference.
Whether you’re a flavor connoisseur who prefers glass, a frequent traveler who needs the durability of silicone, or a tech enthusiast drawn to electric models, there’s a nectar collector for you.
Conclusion
Nectar collectors have evolved from their glass-blown origins to a diverse range of tools catering to different needs.
Knowing the different options and how they operate will help you choose the perfect model for your dabbing style. Whether you’re using a classic manual design or an advanced electric version, these devices ensure a smooth and efficient way to enjoy cannabis concentrates.
Explore the options and find the nectar collector that’s right for you—happy dabbing!