Dabbing is one of the most popular methods of consuming cannabis concentrates, known for delivering potent, rapid effects with a range of different concentrate types to explore. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to navigate which dab concentrate is the best for your preferences. This guide will break down the key types of concentrates used for dabbing, how they’re made, and the pros and cons of each.
We’ll also explore how these concentrates compare in terms of quality and price, so you can make an informed decision when selecting your next dab.
1. Shatter: The Glass-Like Classic
What is it?
Shatter is one of the most iconic types of cannabis concentrate, known for its brittle, glass-like texture. It’s typically amber or golden in color and breaks into shards when handled, hence the name.
How It’s Made:
Shatter is extracted using a hydrocarbon method, usually butane or propane. After the extraction, the concentrate is purged in a vacuum oven to remove any remaining solvents, which results in a pure, hard, amber-colored concentrate.
Why It’s Popular:
- High Potency: THC levels in shatter typically range from 60% to 90%, making it a potent option for experienced users.
- Clean Taste: Shatter tends to offer a clean, smooth flavor, but lacks the depth and complexity of some other concentrates.
- Affordable: Because of its simpler extraction process, shatter is usually the most budget-friendly option.
Potential Downsides:
- Brittleness: Shatter can break easily, making it challenging to handle.
- Limited Terpenes: Shatter may lack the full terpene profile of more complex concentrates, offering a less aromatic experience.
Best For:
- Budget-conscious users who want potency without the emphasis on flavor complexity.
- Dabbers who prefer a straightforward concentrate that provides solid effects.
2. Wax: Soft, Potent, and Versatile
What is it?
Wax is a popular concentrate that comes in a soft, malleable form, and it can range from a sticky, gooey texture to a more crumbly consistency.
How It’s Made:
Wax is also made through BHO (butane hash oil) extraction, but unlike shatter, the extract is whipped or agitated during the purging process. This whipping creates the soft, waxy consistency.
Why It’s Popular:
- Potency and Flavor: Wax typically contains THC levels between 60% and 80% and retains more terpenes than shatter, making it more flavorful.
- Versatility: Wax is available in various textures, from soft and sticky to more solid, depending on the type.
- Ease of Use: While it can be sticky, the texture makes it easier to handle compared to shatter.
Potential Downsides:
- Sticky: The wax can be difficult to handle without getting your fingers sticky.
- Lower Purity: It may not be as pure as other concentrates like diamonds or live resin.
Best For:
- Those looking for a balance of potency and flavor with a manageable consistency.
- Dabbers who want something more versatile and easier to work with than shatter.
3. Badder: Smooth, Potent, and Easy to Handle
What is it?
Badder is a concentrate with a smooth, buttery texture that’s easy to work with and typically retains more terpenes than wax or shatter. It’s similar to wax but with a smoother, creamier consistency.
How It’s Made:
Like wax, badder is extracted using BHO methods, but the key difference lies in the whipping process. Badder is agitated to create a smooth, slightly creamy texture that is easier to handle and dab.
Why It’s Popular:
- Smooth and Manageable: The creamy texture makes badder one of the easiest concentrates to handle.
- Flavorful: Badder retains a decent terpene profile, providing a flavorful experience without compromising on potency (typically 60%–80% THC).
- Good Consistency: It’s less sticky than wax and is easier to load into a dab rig.
Potential Downsides:
- Not as Potent as Other Options: While still strong, badder may not reach the potency levels of diamonds or distillates.
- Possible Additives: Some badder may contain added terpenes or flavoring, which isn’t always ideal for purists.
Best For:
- Users looking for a smooth, manageable concentrate that balances flavor and potency.
- Dabbers who want an easier-to-handle concentrate than wax but don’t need the intensity of diamonds or live resin.
4. Rosin: Solvent-Free Purity
What is it?
Rosin is a solvent-free cannabis concentrate created by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flowers, hash, or kief. This results in a natural, high-quality concentrate that preserves much of the plant’s flavor and potency.
How It’s Made:
The rosin process involves using a rosin press to apply heat and pressure to the cannabis material, which extracts the oils without the use of solvents like butane or propane.
Why It’s Popular:
- Solvent-Free: Rosin is favored by those who want a cleaner, more natural concentrate with no chemical residues.
- Flavorful and Pure: The process retains a full spectrum of terpenes and cannabinoids, providing a rich, flavorful dab.
- Natural and Clean: Rosin is ideal for purists who want to experience cannabis in its most natural form.
Potential Downsides:
- Labor-Intensive: Producing rosin requires specialized equipment and can be more expensive than simpler concentrates.
- Variable Consistency: Rosin can have varying textures, from sap-like to a more solid form, which can be hard to work with depending on its consistency.
Best For:
- Consumers looking for a clean, solvent-free concentrate with a natural flavor profile.
- Dabbers who prioritize purity and are willing to pay more for a high-quality, full-spectrum experience.
5. Live Resin: Fresh, Flavorful, and Aromatic
What is it?
Live resin is a premium concentrate made from fresh-frozen cannabis plants that haven’t been dried or cured. This helps preserve the plant’s natural terpene profile, making live resin one of the most aromatic and flavorful concentrates.
How It’s Made:
Live resin is extracted using hydrocarbons like butane or propane. The key difference is that the starting material is fresh-frozen cannabis, which helps preserve the plant’s original aroma and flavor.
Why It’s Popular:
- Flavor and Aroma: Live resin is prized for its rich, aromatic flavor and full terpene profile, offering a more plant-true experience.
- Potency and Effects: While not as potent as distillates or THCA diamonds, live resin typically contains THC levels between 65% and 85%, offering a balanced high.
- Terpene-Rich: The use of fresh-frozen cannabis results in a concentrate that captures a wider range of the plant’s natural aromas and flavors.
Potential Downsides:
- Price: Live resin is one of the more expensive concentrates because of its premium extraction process.
- Shorter Shelf Life: Due to its high terpene content, live resin can degrade faster than other concentrates, requiring proper storage to maintain quality.
Best For:
- Connoisseurs looking for a premium, flavorful dab that closely mimics the fresh cannabis plant.
- Those willing to pay a higher price for a potent, aromatic concentrate.
Comparing Dab Concentrates: Quality and Price Ranking
Here’s a quick comparison of the concentrates in order of quality and price (from lowest to highest):
| Rank | Concentrate Type | Quality | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shatter | Lower | Lowest |
| 2 | Wax | Moderate | Low |
| 3 | Badder | Moderate | Mid-Range |
| 4 | Rosin | High | High |
| 5 | Live Resin | Premium | Highest |
Conclusion: Finding the Right Dab Concentrate for You
When choosing the best concentrate for dabbing, it’s essential to consider what matters most to you—whether that’s potency, flavor, or price. Here’s a breakdown to guide your choice:
- For the budget-conscious: Shatter or wax are affordable options that still offer solid potency and effects.
- For those who prioritize flavor: Live resin and rosin offer rich, full-spectrum experiences, with rosin being a cleaner, solvent-free option.
- For convenience and smoothness: Badder is an excellent choice for those looking for a dab that’s easy to handle while retaining a good flavor profile.
Each concentrate has its place in the world of cannabis dabbing, so understanding their quality, price, and extraction methods will help you make the best choice based on your preferences and needs. Whether you’re a seasoned dabber or new to the scene, there’s a concentrate to suit your needs.