How to Use a Nectar Collector and Save Dabs

There are plenty of methods you can choose to smoke your dabs. Up until now, we’ve explored how to dab using a dab rig, how to vape weed concentrates, how to use a dab pen and in this article we will explore how to use a nectar collector.

Learning how to use a nectar collector is something that can benefit any dabber since not only are they convenient to travel with but they help you save dabs as they are less wasteful.

Read on to learn all there is to know about using a nectar collector below!

WHAT IS A NECTAR COLLECTOR?

Learning how to use a nectar collector starts with understanding what you're working with. So what exactly is a nector collector?

Nectar collector, also known as dab straw or honey straw is a small vertical pen like device tused to vaporize and inhale cannabis concentrates, such as wax, shatter, and live resin. Instead of bringing your concentrate to a hot surface like a traditional dab rig, you heat the tip of the straw and gently touch it to your wax while inhaling. 

A standard nectar collector’s anatomy includes four key parts:

• Tip/Nail – this part of the nectar collector is heated and touched on the concentrate. It is composed of materials such as quartz, titanium, or ceramic which can withstand constant and high temperatures.

• Body - made of either glass or silicone to provide you with comfortable hits.

• Mouthpiece - this is the end opposite to the tip of the nectar collector. You will draw vapor from here.

• Water or glycerin chamber - for the filtering and cooling of vapor

• Concentrate dish - heat-resistant surface to hold your wax, shatter, or oils.

Have you ever wondered why it’s called a nectar collector?

Interesting Fun fact: The name “Nectar Collector” was coined by Jefe Zobell and glass artist Kristian Merwin, who invented and patented the design in 2011. The name and design were inspired by nature’s original dabbers, the hummingbird and bees, who expertly extract nectar from flowers.

TYPES OF NECTAR COLLECTORS

As is true of all hand pipes, Nector collectors are available in different types and a variety of forms to suit your smoking habits. These include:

• Dry Nectar Collector - It is a basic tube with no water chamber.

• Bubbler/Water Nectar Collector - This has a built in percolator or water chamber that gives you cool and smooth hits.

• Glass Nectar Collector - It is made of high quality borosilicate glass which ensures preservation of flavor.

• Silicone Nectar Collector - They are made out of medical grade silicone that does not break easily. Perfect choice for outdoors.

• Electric Nectar Collector - This kind is plug-in and battery operated and does not require a torch.

HOW TO USE A NECTAR COLLECTOR: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Now that you’re up to speed with nectar collectors let’s get to the nitty-gritty of using one.

STEP 1: GATHER YOUR SUPPLIES

The first step on your way to a great smoking session is getting the right materials. Here's what you need for that:

• Nectar collector kit

• A torch (the best choice is butane)

• Your choice of concentrates (wax, rosin, shatter, hash, oil, etc.)

• A heat-resistant container

STEP 2: ASSEMBLE THE NECTAR COLLECTOR

Once you have all your supplies ready, the next step is putting the nectar collector together. We recommend you follow the manufacturer’s manual for this step, as each model can vary slightly.

Generally, the main body connects to the mouthpiece first, followed by the tip attachment. Water-filtered versions need the diffuser filled halfway to ensure proper percolation.

Pro tip: The lower joint and tip should remain completely dry to prevent potential cracking.

STEP 3: PREPARE YOUR DAB

Use a dab tool to put a small portion of wax (approximately like the size of a grain of rice) into a heat-proof concentrate dish.

STEP 4: HEAT THE NECTAR COLLECTOR TIP

After setting up your nectar collector and dab, your next step is to heat the tip. Heat the lower half of the tip, moving the flame in brushing motions to evenly distribute the heat.

Keep heating the tip for 20-30 seconds and then pull the flame off. Your ideal temperature should be between 300° F - 450° F for maximum flavors. However, avoid overheating your tip because once it starts glowing red, the temperature becomes way too high and may cause instant combustion and wastage of your wax.

If you use the electric nectar collector, all you need to do is turn it on, and it will heat itself.

STEP 5: COOL DOWN THE HOT TIP

Wait 15-30 seconds after removing the flame before touching the tip to any concentrate. This cool-down window lands you in the optimal flavor zone.

Pro tip: you can get the exact temperature without the guess work if you use an infrared thermometer. Just aim the device at the tip while it cools down and see whether it reached the ideal range of 300°F - 450°F.

STEP 6: DIP AND INHALE

The key to a perfect hit is to lightly graze the edge of your concentrate rather than putting the tip directly into the center. So Place your mouth on the mouthpiece and begin inhaling gently and slowly graze the hot tip against the side of the wax like a hummingbird sipping nectar rather than putting it directly into the middle of the pile.

Enjoy the hits, and reheat the tip for more dabs if you want to!

HOW TO COLLECT WAX RECLAIM AND CLEAN YOUR NECTAR COLLECTOR

Reclaim is the concentrated oil that collects inside the neck of your nectar collector after repeated sessions. Far from waste, it is a usable concentrate and knowing how to recover it is a question that comes up constantly in threads on how to use a nectar collector. Obtaining reclaim from your nectar collector is the best way to save potent concentrate that was not vaporized.

1. Gently reheat the glass neck using your torch on a low, sweeping flame. The residual oil will liquefy and drip freely. Tilt the device so it flows directly into a silicone or glass container for collection. Avoid direct submerging of the tip into any liquid during this process, as that can clog the airway.

2. Disassemble the device, then soak the glass components in 91% isopropyl alcohol for 20 - 30 minutes to dissolve remaining residue and sticky buildup.

3. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, use a cotton swab to clear any stubborn spots, and allow all parts to air-dry completely before reassembling and your nectar collector is good to go.

And just like that, you have saved yourself some extra dabs for an extra session!

ENHANCE YOUR SMOKING GAME USING THE MOUTHPEACE MINI

If you have read up to this point, then you are now well informed on how to use a nectar collector like a pro and also how to reclaim wax for some extra dabs.

Want to take your smoking game to another level? You can get even smoother and healthier puffs by adding a mooselabs mini silicone filter to your nectar collector.

The filter purifies your vapor, allowing you to enjoy only the terpenes and cannabinoids in your concentrate. This means no unwanted tastes from vapor tar or resin. Thanks to the filter, you'll always have the intended taste of your concentrate during each dab.

You will be amazed at how amazing mooselabs mini filter makes your dabs!