What’s the Deal with Cold Start Dabbing? A Beginner’s Guide
If you’ve been dabbing for a while—or even just scrolling through dabtok—you’ve probably heard someone talk about “cold starts.” What exactly is cold start dabbing, and why are so many people switching up their routine? Whether you’re new to concentrates or just want to refine your technique, this guide is your chill walkthrough into one of the smoothest ways to take a hit.
So, What Is Cold Start Dabbing?
Cold start dabbing flips the traditional process. Instead of heating your banger first and then dropping in your concentrate, you do the opposite:
- Load your dab first.
- Place the carb cap on.
- Then apply heat.
Sounds simple—but that one change can make a huge difference in your experience.
Why People Love It
Here’s why cold start dabbing is gaining popularity in the community:
✅ Better Flavor
Since you're not overheating the banger before dropping in your concentrate, your terpenes stay intact. You get to taste the full flavor profile of your wax or rosin—fruity, gassy, earthy, citrusy—just how it was meant to be.
✅ Gentler on the Throat
No more coughing fits or scorched lungs. Cold starts happen at lower temps, which means smoother vapor that’s easier on your throat and lungs.
✅ Less Waste
Traditional dabs at high heat often burn off a lot of the good stuff before you even inhale. Cold starts let you see when it starts to bubble and produce vapor, so you don’t torch your concentrate into oblivion.
✅ Faster and Easier
If you’re in a rush or just don’t want to wait, cold starts are your friend. No need for stopwatches or thermal guns—just heat until you see the melt and inhale.
How to Cold Start Like a Pro
Here’s your basic cold start checklist:
You’ll need:
- A quartz banger
- A torch
- A carb cap
- Your concentrate of choice
- A dab tool
Step-by-step:
- Load the dab: Use your dab tool to place a small amount of concentrate into a clean banger.
- Cap it: Place your carb cap on top of the banger before you even apply heat.
- Torch time: Gently heat the bottom and sides of the banger for about 5–10 seconds. You’ll see the concentrate start to melt and bubble.
- Inhale: As soon as it vaporizes, take your hit slowly and enjoy the flavor.
- Clean it up: After the dab, swab the banger with a cotton Q-tip to keep it fresh for next time.
Pro Tips from the Cloud 9 Crew
- 🔥 Go low and slow. Don’t blast your banger with high heat—short bursts are all you need.
- 🧼 Keep it clean. The flavor only stays pure if your banger is clean. A dirty banger = funky taste.
- 🧪 Try live resin or rosin. These types of concentrates really shine in a cold start—terps on terps.
Cold Start vs. Traditional Dabbing
| Feature | Cold Start | Traditional Dabbing |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Cleaner, fuller taste | Can burn off terps |
| Heat Level | Low temp | High temp |
| Time to Dab | Quick setup | Requires cooldown period |
| Ideal For | Flavor chasers, beginners | Veterans who want monster rips |
Is It Right for You?
If you're a flavor lover, someone with a sensitive throat, or you just want an easier way to dab—you’ll probably love cold starts. Plus, it just feels cool. Watching that melt, that bubble, that slow release of vapor... it hits different.
Whether you’re using a traditional torch and quartz rig or stepping into cold start territory with an e-rig, we’ve got everything you need to dial it in at Cloud 9 Smoke Co. Swing by your local shop or check out our dab tool selection online—we’ll make sure your next sesh is a cold one (in the best way).
