Nectar Collectors & Dab Straws

What is a Nectar Collector?

A nectar collector is a portable pipe for vaporizing cannabis concentrates, either with or without water filtration. They are a fantastic device to use when you still want a true dabbing experience in a contained package, because unlike a dab rig, they are much for handheld and portable. Just like water pipes, nectar collectors are made mainly from either glass or silicone. Glass nectar collectors commonly contain percolators, which allow you to add water into the chamber for cooling and filtration to smooth out your hits. Silicone pieces, however, usually do not contain percolators. Silicone nectar collectors are unbreakable, and also do not require water, so these are the most low-maintenance options.

History of the Dab Straw

So, when did these unique little devices come to be? Well, the first-ever nectar collector was created out of the desire for a more simple and straightforward dabbing method. Interestingly, the first one was crafted from glass pipettes from a chemistry shop! Talk about ingenuity, right? The nectar collector began as a bare-bones dab straw, and has since evolved into an array of different styles, shapes, and functions!

Types of Nectar Collectors

Glass Nectar Collector: One of the main varieties is a glass nectar collector. This type often involves a filtration system, while also offering the attractive aesthetics of glass. While there’s the trade-off of breakability with glass nectar collectors, they can be a wonderful option for portable dabbing, and best for someone who appreciates stylish smoking devices and super smooth dabs. 

Silicone Nectar Collector: A great option for a durable piece is the silicone nectar collector! Sometimes made fully from silicone, or sometimes even including a glass component with a percolator, silicone nectar collectors can be a fantastic option for increased durability. If you’re a bit clumsy, or simply value intense sturdiness from your dabbing device, silicone will be the ideal option.

Honey Straw: Also known as a 'dab straw,' another very popular variety is the honey straw! These can be made either from glass or silicone, and the key distinguisher is size. A honey straw, put simply, is a pocket-sized nectar collector. Honey straws lack extra chambers and percolators you'll find in many other nectar collectors - it's simply a tube with a mouthpiece opening and tip. Whether it’s made from borosilicate glass or silicone, honey straws are amazing for on-the-go, and take up a very small amount of space. If you're seeking a reliable travel piece, consider a dab straw.

Anatomy of a Nectar Collector

Chamber: The chamber is the main part of the device where you hold it, and where vapor collects. If it’s a water pipe variety, the percolator will be inside. If not, it’s an empty chamber for vapor to pass through.

Percolator: Just like a bong or dab rig would have, some dab straws have the great feature of water filtration! The perc is the contraption where the water passes through to cool and smooth the vapor.

Mouthpiece: The opening to inhale vapor from.

Joint: Opposite of the mouthpiece, and the opening where the tip is inserted. Sizes can be 10mm, 14mm, 18mm, or 19mm.

Tip: The attachment that is interested into the joint to be heated up to vaporize concentrates. It will be made either from titanium or quartz. Titanium is practically unbreakable, and while quartz is very durable, it has the potential to break with an excess of heat or pressure.

Keck clip (Adapter): Usually made from plastic, a keck clip is a small piece that is used to keep the tip attached to a joint. This is only necessary with glass nectar collectors, where the glass and titanium/quartz cannot grip each other. With silicone nectar collectors, however, they are not necessary or included. The silicone joint simply grips to the tip without a clip.

How to Use a Nector Collector

Step 1: If your nectar collector contains a percolator, fill the chamber with water. Fill water approximately a half inch above the perc’s holes for good filtration, but minimal resistance.

Step 2: Insert the tip into the joint, and attach with a keck clip if necessary.

Step 3: With a torch, heat the nail (titanium or quartz) until it’s glowing red. Don’t do this much longer after it’s turned red, or it could damage the nail (especially with quartz!).

Step 4: Aim the heated nail into your dish with concentrate. Dip the nail into the wax while inhaling. It’s easy to underestimate the amount of concentrate you inhale, and it’s very potent, so start small!