What is a Nectar Collector?
A nectar collector (also known as dab straw or honey straw), is a type of dabbing tool made to consume concentrates, or dabs.
Use the nectar collector tip, made out of quartz, titanium, or ceramic, to scoop up a small amount of concentrate. Then, you can simply heat up the tip with a torch or lighter until it’s hot enough to vaporize, and inhale the vapor out the other end.
Some nectar collectors feature percs and other pieces meant to elongate the vapor path and cool off your vapor before it goes through your mouth.
Nectar Collectors vs. Dab Rigs
Both nectar collectors and dab rigs are made to vaporize concentrates, but for different results. Just like the difference between a hand pipe and a bong, nectar collectors are slimmer devices used for direct and precise dabbing. They’re perfect for dabbers looking for a hands-on dabbing experience with something simple and portable.
Dab rigs, on the other hand, are water pipes made for dabbing concentrates. The added water filtration and removable banger cool off the vapor and allow you to take bigger hits. However, they’re usually bigger and bulkier than a nectar collector, requiring more maintenance and setup.
The right one for you will depend on your vaping style, your budget, and your personal preference.
Types of Nectar Collectors and Dab Straws
Most nectar collectors and dab straws will fall into one of these categories:
Glass
The most common and traditional material, glass nectar collectors provide a clean and pure flavor and are fairly easy to clean and maintain. They’re usually in the shape of a glass straw, with a heated tip that won’t transmit heat back to your fingers. However, they can also be fragile, especially when they have percolators and other cooling systems built into them.
If you’re looking for a simple, affordable glass nectar collector, we recommend the Grass City Glass Nectar Collector with Silicone Reclaim Catcher.
Silicone
Made out of food-grade silicone, silicone nectar collectors are a newer option meant to be more portable and resilient than the rest.
Since silicone can easily be deformed and cleaned, these nectar collectors, paired with a quartz tip or a titanium tip, are perfect for anyone looking for a reliable, unbreakable piece.
Grass City stocks an impressive line of silicone nectar collectors from vapor straws to multifunction 4-in-1 bongs. Check them out for the perfect silicone piece for you.
Electric
Also known as e-nails or dab pens, electric nectar collectors use a battery to power up a heating element next to your concentrate, eliminating the need for a torch. They usually come with adjustable temperature settings, giving you precise control over your session.
If you’re feeling electric, head on over to our electric nectar collectors page, where we offer terp pens, vaporizers, and other types of electric dab straws that will take your dabbing game to the next level.
What to Look For in a High-Quality Nectar Collector
Looking for the best nectar collector out there? Here’s what to look for:
- Material: Whether it’s glass, ceramic, titanium, or silicone, pick a high-quality material from reputable brands that can withstand the heat and produce pure vapor.
- Design: Look for a nectar collector with a well-designed body and tip. If they’re removable, they should fit together snuggly and the mouthpiece should be comfortable to hold.
- Filtration: Some nectar collectors come with a built-in filtration system, like a bubbler, a percolator, or even a detachable glycerin chamber to help cool off the smoke. Keep in mind that, the more complex a nectar collector is, the harder it will usually be to maintain.
- Accessibility: Choose a nectar collector that properly protects your fingers and lips from the heat. Make sure the body won’t get heat directly transferred from the tip.
Not sure what to go with? Check out some of the best-selling nectar collectors in our collection to give you inspiration.
How to Use a Nectar Collector
Using a nectar collector is a bit different from using other dabbing devices. To complete your nectar collector kit, you’ll also need a dab tool, a heat source (like a lighter, dab torch, or conduction heater), a dab mat or another heat-resistant surface, and your concentrate.
Start by using your heat source to heat up the tip of your nectar collector until it begins to glow orange. Don’t overheat the tip. Instead, once it’s heated, wait a few seconds for it to cool down to your desired temperature.
Then, use the dab tool to place a small amount of concentrate onto your heat-resistant surface, and gently touch the concentrate with the hot tip as you inhale through the mouthpiece.
Once you’re done, don’t forget to thoroughly clean your nectar collector before using it again!
Nectar Collector Benefits
Nectar collectors allow you to take very precise and efficient dabs since it’s easy to control the amount of concentrate you consume. They’re great to scoop up those bits of concentrate when they’re at the edges of your container, and give you flavorful and potent hits, even on a budget!
Here are just a few of the benefits offered by nectar collectors:
- Portability - Nectar collectors can be easily disassembled and packed away for traveling. They’re also less bulky than dab rigs making them the ideal choice for on-the-go dabs.
- Low price - Compared to other dab rigs, nectar collectors are more affordable.
- Ease of use - Nectar collectors are easier to use and easier to clean than more complicated rigs.
- Efficiency - Unlike other dab rigs that may build up reclaim due to their shape and water usage, nectar collectors funnel dabs straight from the source to your mouth with little waste.
Nectar Collector and Dab Straw FAQs
FAQ
How Do You Clean a Nectar Collector?
Disassemble your nectar collector and rinse it with hot water. Then, soak the pieces in isopropyl alcohol for at least half an hour before gently scrubbing them with a q-tip or a pipe cleaner. Then, rinse with hot water and let everything dry before assembling and using it.
What Concentrates Can Be Used with a Nectar Collector?
You can use your nectar collector to vaporize various kinds of concentrate, including wax, shatter, crumble, budder, live resin, and more.
What is the Best Nectar Collector Material?
The best nectar collector material will depend on your personal preference and vaping style. Glass and ceramic offer you smooth flavor, while silicone ones are ideal for travel and outdoor use.
Electronic nectar collectors, like dab or vape pens, remove the need for an external heat source, but their batteries need to be constantly charged.
How Do I Get Reclaim Out of a Nectar Collector?
Disassemble your nectar collector and use a heat source to heat up the tip until the reclaim starts to drip out. Collect the reclaim in a silicone or glass container and clean your nectar collector.
Check out our new products and complete your nectar collector set in Grasscity, the world’s best online headshop.
