Wet Dabs vs Dry Dabs Which One Is Better?
Todde Philips
🇺🇸 Retired veteran, father, rock-climbing expert & rosin connoisseur.
Table of Contents
1. Wet Dab Pros
2. Wet Dab Cons
3. Dry Dab Pros
4. Dry Dab Cons
5. Which Is Best?
There’s something for everyone in the world of solventless cannabis concentrates. There are a variety of different ways to enjoy a flavorful and therapeutic cannabis experience, it all depends on what you prefer. While dabs are definitely not the only way to consume solventless concentrates, they are the most popular. Although dab rigs operate on the same principles, there are options when it comes to set up and use. Those options include wet dabs and dry dabs.
What is the difference between a wet dab and a dry dab? Let’s start with the traditional bong. Water bongs for smoking cannabis flower have been a staple of cannabis culture for decades. Smokers put water in the chamber of the bong, allowing the smoke to percolate through before passing through to the user. The same goes for dab rigs. Taking a dab with a rig filled with water is the wet dab, and using a rig without water is a dry dab.
It might not be obvious that using a rig without water could be advantageous, however it does bring some benefits in certain situations. Likewise, using water in the rig changes the experience, and has been the go-to option for most dabbers since the beginning.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of both wet and dry dabs, then discuss which one is best for you.
Wet Dab Pros
- Water acts as filtration, pulling some tar and heavy metals from the smoke.
- Water cools down the temperature of the smoke, making it easier on the throat and lungs
- Can improve smoothness of the smoke, for silky clouds of smoke
Wet Dab Cons
- Bad Smell - the water starts to smell very bad, very quickly. If it spills it’s a disaster.
- Can slightly decrease intensity and richness of flavor of the smoke
- Changing out the water can be messy and a big hassle
Dry Dab Pros
- Maximum flavor - no terpenes are filtered out in the water.
- Full intensity for a more potent and immediate experience since the vapor isn’t diluted or cooled. This can be a pro for seasoned dabbers who enjoy strong effects.
- More convenient - don’t need to hassle with water and easier to move around from one place to another for dabbing on the go
Dry Dab Cons
- Dry Dab Cons Harsher hits - without water to cool the vapor, dry dabs can be more intense on the throat and lungs
- Lack of filtration - dry dabs don’t benefit from the filtration that water provides, so any impurities in the concentrate are more likely to be inhaled.
- Heat - the vapor from dry dabs can be hotter, which may be uncomfortable and lead to some irritation
Which Is Best?
Wet dabs are similar to how a traditional glass bong functions, where water is used to filter and cool the vapor before it’s inhaled. The water in the rig serves to trap some of the impurities, resulting in a smoother hit. Wet dabs are often preferred if a more refined and less harsh experience are your top priorities.
In contrast, a dry dab refers to using a dab rig without any water. The vapor travels directly from the heated concentrate to your lungs without passing through a water filtration system. Dry dabs offer a more intense and unfiltered experience, allowing the full flavor profile of the concentrate to come through.
Dry dabs are best for the pure experience of the uninhibited and untamed essence of the solventless concentrates.
Conclusion
Wet and dry dabs offer distinct experiences, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. By understanding the differences, you can tailor your dabbing sessions to suit your preferences. It’s also a great approach to alternate between wet and dry, to keep things interesting. Variety is the spice of life. Whether you choose wet or dry, the world of solventless offers endless possibilities for exploration and enjoyment.
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