Cold Start Dabs: How to Do a Reverse Dab

When dabbing first became a thing, high-temps were all we knew. It was all about heating that nail red-hot, quickly loading it with a dab, and taking a harsh hit that made you cough like crazy. That means it’s working….right? Well, it’s 2023 now, and low-temp is the name of the game.  In this article we look at cold start dabs, what they are and what benefits they provide.

If you love to dab, you’re probably aware of the benefits that come with low temperatures — like preserving terpenes, accentuating the taste of your concentrates, and softening the stress on your lungs. It’s definitely the way to go.

Low-temperature dabbing is just like traditional dabbing with a rig, but it occurs between 350-500 degrees. It can definitely be tough to get the temperature of your nail or banger right on the money unless you’re working with an eNail or have a temp gun on hand. If you’re using a torch, hitting those temps can start off as a total guessing game and proper heat-up and cool-down times will vary based on the style of your nail. So, be prepared for some trial and error and keep a stopwatch handy…because you’ll need it.

Dabbing with a rig isn’t the easiest way to consume concentrates, but it’s oftentimes the favorite. It’s typically more time consuming than other consumption methods like vaping, and there’s a lot to juggle between heating the nail, letting it cool for the proper amount of time while you rush to load your dabber and grab that carb cap. When you add in strict temperature control that can be thrown off by mere seconds, it can get overwhelming or even stressful to dab with a rig.

If you just can’t seem to get your heat-up and cool-down times right, or you end up with a banger full of extracts due to too low of a temperature….or you are just not a fan of the whole song and dance required with using a rig — there is hope for you yet. A new, chill and forgiving style of traditional dabbing that makes hitting those low temperatures easy is gaining popularity among the masses.

What is cold start or reverse dabbing? 

Cold start dab

Cold start dabs — also known as “reverse dabs” or “cold dabs” — are low-temperature dabs done with a rig and banger, in reverse. Instead of heating your banger before you drop your dab in, this method calls for you to heat a pre-loaded nail. This technique is perfect for anyone who tends to go in too hot with traditional dabs or finds themselves with a banger full of un-vaporized extracts because they let the nail cool for too long. Cold start dabs are a saving grace in various ways, and it cuts your dabbing time down by almost half. If you prefer using a rig but are looking for a quicker, easier way to streamline your dab sessions without the technical steps that come with traditional dabbing, give cold start dabs a try.

What tools are needed to do a cold start or reverse dab?

To try out the cold temp dabs method, you’ll need a standard dab rig setup that includes a rig, quartz banger, dabber, and carb cap. You’ll also need a torch filled with butane and some q-tips to keep the nail clean after use.

How to do a cold start dab: 

The cold dabbing method is quickly gaining popularity because it’s nearly foolproof and it’s quick and easy when compared to traditional dabbing. Just keep an eye on your concentrates and follow these simple steps.

1. Assemble your setup and make sure that your banger is clean because reheating residuals might take away from the flavor of your fresh extracts.
2. Load your dab onto the dabber.
3. Drop the dab inside the bucket of a clean and unheated nail.
4. Place your carb cap on the nail.
5. Fire up your torch to half-torqued and aim the tip of the flame a few inches away from the base of the banger.
6. Watch your concentrates closely and as soon as they begin to bubble and vaporize (usually after 10-ish seconds of heating) put the torch down and take your hit. Depending on the size of your dab and lung capacity, you could get multiple hits from one cold start.
7. Rotate your carb cap as you clear the rig’s chamber completely. Exhale.
8. Swab out your banger to keep it clean.
9. Let the banger cool completely, and repeat.

Using an insert to do a cold start dab

Cold start dabs with a quartz insert dish

You can also use a quartz insert when trying out the cold start method. Basically, just follow the steps above, but instead of loading the dab straight into the cold start banger before heating, load up an insert instead. Drop the insert into the bucket, place your carb cap on, and then heat the bucket with a torch, as we explained in the steps above.

Note: You will likely need to heat the banger for longer than 10-15 seconds because the insert does act as an additional barrier between the flame and your concentrates. It’s another thing that needs to be heated in order to vaporize your extracts.

There are a bunch of benefits when it comes to using an insert, whether you are using the traditional dabbing method or trying a cold start, and you can check them out here.

What are the best cold start bangers? 

Most quartz bangers can be used to cold start your dabs, except for terp slurpers and honey buckets. Some of the best bangers for cold start dabs are round bottom bangers, though many people also enjoy seamless or opaque bangers. It helps to always use a banger with a flat top for cold starting your dabs so that you have an easier time scraping your cold concentrates into the nail. 

Tips for your first time cold start dabbing

• If this is your first time ever dabbing, get educated on what to expect. 
• Always start with a clean nail. If your banger is dirty it’ll be more difficult to see when your extracts start to bubble or when vapor appears in the bucket. This could cause you to heat the nail too much and waste concentrates. If you aren’t the best at regular maintenance, consider starting with a brand new nail, or soak your existing one in a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol for an hour or so to get it nice and clean.
• Keep it small to start. When first trying out a new technique, don’t load up your banger with tons of extracts, just in case some go to waste or something goes wrong. They’re expensive.
• Use a directional airflow carb cap for the best results. This tool will help you get the best quality hits, and the most out of your concentrates.
• Make sure you have enough butane for your torch.
• Always clean out your nail after every dab.

Benefits of cold start dabbing 

• Cuts dabbing time down if you’re in a rush.
• No more worrying about getting your heat-up and cool-down times right.
• Low-temp dabs, all the time.
• It’s easier on your equipment. Less heat means less wear and tear, and no chazzing.

Cons of cold start dabbing 

• If you’re dabbing with friends who all want to try this method, each person will have to wait for the nail to completely cool between dabs.
• If you want to take multiple cold start dabs yourself, you’ll be the one waiting.

Cold Start Dabs FAQ

Are cold start dabs wasteful?

Cold start dabs can be wasteful if done incorrectly— just like with low temp dabs in general. If you don’t heat your concentrate enough to fully vaporize it during the cold start method, it’ll leave behind a lot of sticky residue and it won’t get you as high. In that sense, it can be wasteful. However, if you’re cold starting and bringing it to the correct temperature, you shouldn’t have a problem. It’s just like taking a regular dab, and you’ll wipe away a small amount of leftover oil with a cotton swab.

Have you tried this method? Let us know how it went and what you think in the comments.