Pros and Cons of eNail vs Torch

The two most common ways to heat your bong up for a dab are an eNail or a torch. Now, there is some benefit to each, but there are also problems with each one. Confused about which one to use? We have the solution. Learn the pros vs. cons of using an eNail and torch in this article below.

What is a Torch and How Do You Use One?

The nail, or banger, in your dab rig holds the concentrate. It's heated with a small handheld blowtorch.

These small devices, powered by butane, heat the nail on your dab rig. Because of this, many dabbers use micro or kitchen torches. The smaller versions are safer and easier to handle.

Whereas "Some allow for many flame settings, but for others, there is only one."

Now, light the dabbing torch (only after you have read the safety precautions!). After that, heat up the nail to its red light. Then, cool the nail after heating. This cooling process will be different for the specific nail type you are using. The remaining part of the nail is important.

If possible, use ceramic, quartz, or titanium nails. They can withstand very high temperatures.

What is an eNail, and How Do You Use it?

The "electric nails," or "eNails," we mentioned above come onto the market as a new type of dabbing torch. eNails heat up the banger by a conduction coil, as opposed to a direct flame.

An eNail comprises mainly two parts: a controller box and a coil that screws onto the banger. The controller box enables exact temperature change. The coil then heats to that temperature. For this reason, eNails are popular with dabbers. They can't figure out how to use a torch to control the temperature.

eNails are great for stability, especially for low-temp dabs. They keep the concentrate's flavor intact. Some modern eNails now plug into the downstem of your dab rig. They use batteries and are like vape pens for your dab setup. They work a lot like an electric bong.

If it's battery-powered, give it a charge or plug it in to give it a charge. Turn that eNail on, set your temperature, and let it heat up. If you need to put your coil on your banger, do so. And you're ready to go. You can dab with your usual technique.

What does an eNail User Do That a Torch User Doesn't ?

The nail will heat up for a dab in either case, but there are a few differences between using an eNail and a torch.

An eNail is an electronic device that allows one to program a temperature for dabbing. It heats your vaping pen through a coil wrapped around it. The coil heats the banger to your desired temp with each hit. This gives you perfect dabs. You can control the temperature exactly when dabbing with your friends. This option typically bears a higher cost than regular torches.

There's something special about torching your banger with actual fire. Torches are cheap. They don't need electricity, but you must fill them with butane now and then. There are no temperature presets. You hit a wrong note, burning or chilling with misplaced heat. Allow it to reach a lower temperature. eNails generally heat the sides of the banger. Torches let you focus heat on the bottom. Some find this a bit primitive.

Why an eNail Might be Better Than a Torch

First off, let's begin with what eNails do for you. They make things so much easier than using a torch. You can set it to the exact degree you want to use, which will allow you to get the ideal low-temp hit every time. Burning fewer terpenes at lower temperatures improves the hits and taste.

Better yet, eNails heat up fast and stay hot. That is key when dabbing with friends. It's pretty damn time-efficient. I don't have to wait for the perfect moment before every dab, clean the nail, reheat it with a torch, then cool it down. With an eNail, it's easy to dab often, even with larger amounts. It keeps the dabbing temperature perfect and stable.

eNails tend to be a bit more expensive on the front end. eNails cost $100 to $500. A $20 torch and some butane are almost as good, at least at first. So, the eNail will seem like a waste. But, you won't need to keep purchasing petrol; they last, and in the end, you might actually pay less in total. The main downside of eNails is their lack of portability. They need an electric outlet to work, unlike torches.

Another point to take note of is that at times the coils in your eNail may get stuck in your banger. This doesn't help. It can't come out, so I can't unscrew it to clean the nail.

When Torch Trumps eNail

Torches do have some sure upsides. If you like to dab on the go, consider this: the eNail is less portable than your torch. Most eNail users will end up bringing a torch instead of an eNail. Some parts of eNails, like the control box, coil, and wires, are less portable than the torch. You can buy torches for around $20. A butane refill costs over $10. So, they are very affordable. On the flip side, if you'll dab often, butane canisters will add up. An eNail may be cheaper over time.

That being said, there are many more reasons to prefer the eNail setup over an older style torch rig. You've got to know when to take the heat off the nail. Then, you must cool it before you take a puff. This may leave dabs too hot or too cold. It ruins the whole experience with uneven results. A torch can set very precise temperatures. But, it may need a laser thermometer. Also, check the temperature before dabbing.

Plus, a torch is even more likely to result in a burn than an eNail. An eNail coil can still burn you. It's dangerous to use it with a powerful open flame. Be careful.

I posted a summary below, with my criteria for using the eNail versus a torch:

Pros of Torch

Small and portable.
More cost-effective in the initial purchase than an e-nail is.

Torch Cons:

Hard to find the correct temp without a laser thermometer.
This costs more in the long run due to replacing the torch and all the butane.
Flaring objects could be dangerous.

eNail Pros:

You can dial in the perfect temperature.
Nice low-temp dabs.
Group conversations are really nice with them.
It's cheaper in the long run after the initial investment.

eNail Cons:

Needs an electric socket to be functional.
Not as handy as a flashlight.
Initial higher costs.

Bangers may end up getting stuck in the coil, which is quite hard to clean.