As a novice dabber, you might be wondering what the difference is between a “nail” and a “banger,” which is fair. Often the two terms are synonymized, but there are some distinct differences. In short, a dab nail is made with titanium and resembles the look of a construction nail, while a banger is usually made of ceramic or quartz, and the dabbing bowl is usually attached to a joint to place on a downstem of a bong or a dab rig.
Key Differences:
- Dab nails do not deliver the purest dabs, as they are known to deliver a more metallic flavor. Bangers, on the other hand, are known to produce flavorless dabs being that they’re usually made with either ceramic or quartz.
- Dab nails are more durable than bangers as you can imagine. Bangers are often made with more fragile materials.
- Dab nails generally take longer to heat, but they retain their heat. Quartz bangers heat up fast, but they also rapidly lose heat. Ceramic bangers take a while to heat, but they hold on to their heat (but not as long as a metal dab nail). In sum, pick your poison.
Pros and Cons of Using Dab Nails
Pros
- Durable
- Retain their heat well
Cons
- Deliver a metallic taste to hits
- Can take a while to heat
Pros and Cons of Using Bangers
Pros
- Flavorless dabs
- Quartz bangers heat up fast
Cons
- Fragile
- Don’t retain their heat as much as a dab nail would
Overall, dab nails and bangers are pretty much the same, functionally, but there are differences. Note that bangers will almost always allow for more airflow into your rig for smoother dabs, and they’re generally better for newbie dabbers. Just think of it this way bangers = better flavors and fast dabs, but a dan nail is for those looking for something more durable that can retain its heat.