Nectar collector

A nectar collector is a type of dab rig portable, recognizable by its vertical, straw-like design. It comprises a straw used as a mouthpiece and a titanium or quartz tip which is heated and used to vaporize the cannabis concentrate. To use nectar collectors, first heat the mouthpiece with a torch, then use the hot tip to come into contact with a concentrate. They are also sometimes called dab straws.

The growing popularity of cannabis concentrates leads consumers to look for the most convenient portable device. Although there are many types of wax and oil pens, many cannabis enthusiasts don't consider them a complete replacement for the dab device.

Parts of a nectar collector

• Silicone or glass straw used as a mouthpiece to inhale steam
• Titanium or quartz lens similar to a dab nail which is heated and used to vaporize concentrates
• Silicone or glass container for concentrates when you dab

Some nectar collectors also have a water chamber similar to that of a bqng. Water filtration produces a fresher, smoother dab.

The creators of the nectar collector

The original design for the nectar collector came from Jeff Zobell, who in 2014 passed the idea on to Kristian Merwin, an experienced glass artist and engineer. After playing with the design for a few months, Merwin finally came up with a workable device. The cannabis community was introduced to the nectar collector and it has remained a popular way to dab ever since.

How does a nectar collector work?

Using a nectar collector is similar to using a dab, except that you place the heated tip on the concentrate instead of the dab's heated nail.

To use a nectar collector, you'll need a silicone or glass dish to hold the concentrate while you dab. This container should be right next to you as you dab with the nectar collector. You'll also need the concentrate of your choice, the nectar collector and a butane torch.

How to use a nectar collector dab in 4 steps

Place a small amount of concentrate on the glass or silicone dish and heat the tip of the nectar collector with the torch.

Allow the tip to cool; 15-30 seconds is a good starting point for nectar collectors, but you'll need to experiment a little to get the temperature just right.

Place your mouth over the straw and inhale, lightly touching the heated tip to your concentrate as you wait.

Be careful with the heated tip. The lid of a silicone jar or concentrate container is a good place, away from the heat, to rest the nectar collector while it cools.

Why use a nectar collector

One of the main reasons for the popularity of nectar collectors is their practicality. You don't need as many spare parts to take a dab, and it often takes less time than a complete dab rig installation, nail and carb cap.

The basic design of a nectar collector should also reduce waste, as it allows you to control exactly how much you spray. Simply remove the nozzle from your concentrates when you've had enough.

The price of a simple nectar collector is comparable to that of a glass bong, making it accessible to concentrate lovers and occasional cannabis consumers alike.

What's the best way to clean a nectar collector?

To clean your nectar collector, gather these supplies:

• A plastic zip-lock bag
• Hot water
• 1 or 2 cups or glasses, 1 tall enough to hold the nectar collector upright
• A cleaning product containing at least 91 % of alcohol

Follow these steps to clean your nectar collector:

Once you've gathered these supplies, remove the mouthpiece from your nectar collector. If it has a water chamber, hold it over a sink or bathtub, or use another cup or glass, and blow into the mouthpiece. This will force the water out and allow you to fill the chamber with the cleaning product.

Place the piece upright in the cup or glass and leave to soak for at least an hour.

Then place the tip in the plastic bag, fill it with cleaning solution and leave it to soak for the same length of time.

Finally, rinse each part in hot water, making sure to clean the nectar collector of any residual cleaning solution. You can also use a plastic container filled with enough alcohol to submerge the part.

Using this method, you can also soak the tip in the same container. Cover and leave to stand for at least an hour. Shake gently, then remove and rinse well under hot water.

Can you smoke wax with a nectar collector?

Smoking wax with a nectar collector is easy because nectar collectors are so versatile. You can also smoke shatter, rosin or any other cannabis concentrate you fancy.

How much does a nectar collector cost on average?

A simple nectar collector can cost around €15, while more elaborate devices cost upwards of €35 for silicone and glass models. Electronic models that don't require torch for heating cost over €50.

Is a nectar collector worth it?

It depends. Like many things in the cannabis world, it's a matter of personal taste. If you like dabbing concentrates but want something more portable, a nectar collector is a good option.

If you're not sure dabbing but want to try it out without investing in a complete dab installation, this is a good solution.

If you want to introduce someone to dabbing in a simple, accessible way, a nectar collector can be less intimidating than other ways of taking a dab.