Buyers Guide; Electric Dab Kits, Erigs and Portable E-nails Explained

Buying an Erig can be difficult. There's 3 distinct differences that commonly get referred to as an E-nail. As for which one is best for you, let's dive into each category and based off your budget and preference hopefully this article will help you make an informed buying decision. 

Commonly referred to as a "Dab Kit" or "Electronic Nail Kit" this old school method of dabbing includes a temperature box, heating coil, power cord and quartz banger. Start by plugging in the temperature box and wait for it to heat up. A cord runs from the box and attaches to wiring which wraps around the quartz banger. This wire physically heats the banger. Users set the temperature and proceed to use the quartz banger as they normally would. 

Pros:

Accurate temperature control 

Longevity 

Cons:

Time consuming

Complicated smoking process

Large and zero portability

Only works with few quartz bangers

Pros: The precise temperature control stands out as the biggest advantage. They provide consistent heat and for deep cut connoisseurs can be a viable option. It's a nice concentrate smoking experience and removes consuming chemicals from butane blowtorches.  Unfortunately electronic nail kits come with significant downsides. 

Cons: Extremely time consuming and overcomplicated process. You'll spend more time setting up and connecting wires to your dab rig than you will actually smoking. Many e-nail kits are referred to as desktop units due to their large size. In addition they require a power source so usage is limited to your own home. The heating wire is a unique form factor which only works on a small amount of bangers. Lastly, the price. Electronic nail kits typically start at $200 not including the cost of the actual dab rig. Complete E-nail kits with dab rigs easily run over $500. 

Conclusion: While a good eclectic dab nail can provide a great, consistent and accurate burn, the space, time and money required usually steers consumers in a different direction. Aside from niche instances, you're better off served buying a different option. 

Erigs are your Puffco, Dr. Dabber and Kandypens of the world. Erigs are essentially the dab rig and portable e-nail combined. Simple to use, using an Erig consists of; Turn it on, load your wax and away you go. 

Pros:

All-in-solution

Quick and easy to use

Portable

Rechargeable 

Quartz dish for flavor

Cons:

Little-to-zero temperature control

Doesn't function great as a dab rig

High breakage rate

Expensive

Pros: Erigs are easy to use, plus they're portable and take up zero countertop space. They're relatively simple to maintain and clean up quick. While not an elite dab rig, e-rigs do the job and offer a nice experience. 

Cons: The number one complaint against E-rigs is their lack of temperature control. Dabbing temperature is vital for both the high feeling, flavor and harshness. E-rigs use pre-set temperature choices where consumers are left with 3 options; low, medium, high.  What exactly those temperatures are is anyone's guess. If we're judging E-rigs as a dab rig, they pale in comparison to the glass dab rig you already own or can purchase separately. Few e-rigs offer water filtration as their base option and even less feature the coveted recycling water function. While after market E-rig tops are available to purchase these carry a hefty price tag and still remain limited as a dab rig. 

Conclusion: The name brand Erigs start at $250 while many "pro" options sell for $350. The cheaper options carry heavy risk and frequently run into longevity issues. Erigs aren't a bad option if you can afford it and can be viable for people who love to travel and dab. The limited dab rig function and price tag holds e-rigs back as being the best value for your money. 

Portable Enails are lightweight, rechargeable devices that attach to your dab rig. Easy to use, portable E-nails such as the one Freeze Pipe offers work simply by setting your temperature, loading wax in and enjoy the ride. 

Pros:

Precise temperature control and LED display

Easy to use

Portable and rechargeable

Works on most dab rigs (14mm & 18mm bowls)

Quartz dish for flavor

Affordable

Cons:

Battery life

Won't fit 10mm bowl sizes

Will tip over some mini rigs

Pros: The LED display and functionality is a game changer. The ability to precisely set temperatures between 250-700 degrees gives consumers all the temperature control of expensive and bulky electric nail kits without the hassle or price tag. Versatility is a bonus as Freeze Pipe's Enail fits both 14mm and 18mm joints. Rest assured this piece (with few exceptions) will work on your favorite dab rig. Simple press and play function makes this Enail great for beginners and seasoned vets, plus the countdown timer on the display lets users know how long they have left for each session. Detachable joint makes cleaning this Enail super easy as well. 

Cons: Battery life lasts for a couple hours, depending on how long and how hot each session goes for. While adjustable, Freeze Pipe's Enail does not fit 10mm joints and due to gravity Freeze Pipe's Enail will tip over extremely small mini rigs if left unattended. Just about any dab rig that uses a 14mm and 18mm joint will not have tipping issues. 

Conclusion: The quality, price and control Freeze Pipe's Enail feature makes this a great choice. Users still get to use their favorite dab rig and maintain great portability. It's easy to use and robust LED display offers unmatched control and insight. If you're a die hard mini rig with a 10mm joint, traditional blowtorches and bangers are probably your best bet, but for any other dab rig this is an excellent choice.