As dabbing became popular, more and more accessories were invented to take the dabs to the next level. Terp pearls are among these accessories. For dabbers, efficiency is the most important aspect of dabbing. They want to get the most out of every last drop of concentrate without any waste. This is what terp pearls do. They maximize every gram of concentrate for your enjoyment.
This article explores the uses, benefits, and cleaning tips for terp pearls. If you're interested, join us in demystifying terp pearls.
What Are Terp Pearls?
Terp pearls, also called dab pearls or terp balls, are essentially little balls that spin around inside banger while taking a dab. As the concentrate is heated, these pearls spin around, evenly distributing the heat and improving the vaporization efficiency. This results in better flavor and more consistent hits.
Benefits of Using Terp Pearls
Why do many dabbers like dabbing with terp pearls? Apart from the fun of watching the pearls spin in the banger, terp pearls offer the following benefits:
Terp pearls guarantee the maximum utilization of the wax at lower temperatures. They help ensure the hot air trapped inside the banger circulates evenly, so all the concentrates are fully consumed. There is no waste and less residue left in the banger.
Without terp pearls, the concentrate may pool up in the corner of the banger. The dab beads can increase the surface area in contact with concentrate and disperse heat more evenly, so the concentrate will be vaporized more evenly.
Dabbing at low temperatures allows for better preservation of flavor and terpenes and is even safer for your health. High-temperature dabbing creates a thick cloud of smoke, resulting in an unpleasant flavor. It may also cause a sore in your lungs and throat.
What Are Terp Pearls Made Of?
Terp pearls are typically made from durable, heat-resistant materials designed to withstand the high temperatures associated with dabbing. The most common materials include:
Quartz
Quartz terp pearls are highly popular due to their excellent thermal conductivity and durability. Quartz can withstand extreme temperatures without breaking down, ensuring a long lifespan for the pearls. Additionally, quartz is chemically inert, meaning it won't react with your concentrates, preserving the pure taste of your dabs.
Ceramic
Ceramic terp pearls are another popular choice. They offer a smooth, non-porous surface that helps in even heat distribution. Ceramic pearls can also maintain heat for longer periods, which can be beneficial for extended sessions. However, they may be more prone to breaking if dropped or subjected to sudden temperature changes.
Borosilicate Glass
Borosilicate glass terp pearls are less common but still used by some enthusiasts. These pearls are resistant to thermal shock and provide a clean, pure taste. However, they are not as durable as quartz or ceramic and may break more easily under high temperatures or impact.
Ruby and Sapphire
For those looking for premium options, ruby and sapphire terp pearls are available. These gemstones are incredibly durable and heat-resistant, providing excellent performance. They also add a touch of luxury to your dabbing setup. However, they are significantly more expensive than quartz or ceramic options.
Selecting the Right Terp Pearls
When choosing terp pearls, consider the following factors:
- Material: Quartz is preferred for its durability and heat retention. Ceramic pearls are also popular for their smooth finish.
- Size: Common sizes range from 3mm to 6mm. Choose based on your banger size and personal preference.
- Quantity: Some bangers work better with a single pearl, while others may require two for optimal performance.
How To Use Terp Pearls?
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To get the most out of the terp pearls, drop one or more into the quartz banger before heating the banger with a torch.
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Once they are in the banger, you will heat them to your desired temperature and cool them for a while as usual. You can check the temperature of the banger with an infrared thermometer.
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When your banger reaches your desired temp, you will use a dab tool to place the dab into the hot banger.
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At this point, you can place a carb cap or terp marble on the top of the banger. A vortex carb cap is ideal for collaborative use with terp pearls. You can also use other tools like a marble cap.
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Now, it's time to inhale the goodness of your concentrates. As you draw in tasteful vapor, the airflow from the hole in the carb cap makes the beads spin, doing its magic of distributing heat and concentrate.
Notes: Some terp pearls are made of materials that can withstand high heat, while some do not. Ensure to know how much heat the pearl can take before purchasing it. If your terp pearls are made of a material that can't withstand high heat, you have to heat the banger alone first, then drop in the beads, and finally concentrate.
Optimizing Terp Pearl Performance
To get the most out of your terp pearls, consider the following tips:
- Use a Carb Cap: A directional carb cap helps direct airflow and ensures the pearls spin properly.
- Monitor Temperature: Using an infrared thermometer can help you hit the optimal temperature range for your specific concentrate.
- Adjust Pearl Quantity: Experiment with one or two pearls to find what works best for you.
Advanced Techniques for Terp Pearls
Low-Temperature Dabbing
Low-temperature dabbing, often referred to as "low-temp dabbing," involves heating the banger to a lower temperature, usually between 300-450°F. This method is favored for its ability to preserve the delicate terpenes in concentrates, resulting in a more flavorful and aromatic experience. Terp pearls are particularly effective at these lower temperatures because they ensure even heat distribution, which is crucial for thorough vaporization without scorching.
High-Temperature Dabbing
For those who prefer a more intense and immediate vapor production, high-temperature dabbing may be the method of choice. Heating the banger to temperatures above 600°F can produce thick, robust clouds. Terp pearls help mitigate the risks of burning and provide a smoother hit by keeping the concentrate moving and evenly heated.
How To Clean Terp Pearls?
Just like any tool, your terp pearls need to be cleaned and maintained after every dab. A cleaner accessory means a cleaner dabbing session! A shiny dab pearl will help preserve the flavor better, giving a delectable hit every time. The more frequent you clean them, the easier the process will be. Here are step-by-step tips for cleaning your pearls:
- Run a cotton swab around in the banger with the dab pearls inside after every use.
- When cleaning your banger with a super heating torch cycle, pearls left inside the banger will clean like the banger.
- If they are too hot, you need a pair of heat-resistant tweezers to remove your terp pearls. Remember to rinse and dry them before use.
- Please don't drop the hot terp balls into cold liquid. Let them cool down first.
- Soak your terp balls in alcohol for about 30 minutes, then rinse and dry.
Deep Cleaning Tips
For a more thorough cleaning, you can also use a small ultrasonic cleaner. This device uses sound waves to agitate the cleaning solution, effectively breaking down and removing stubborn residues from the pearls. After using the ultrasonic cleaner, rinse the pearls with warm water and let them dry completely.
You may also be concerned about:
How Many Terp Pearls To Use?
It all depends on your preference, but the most common choice is dropping 1-3 inside. Most people only use one layer instead of stacking them in a pile — although it could be a fun experiment. The most common number of pearls to use is two if you want to let them spin.
Why Are My Terp Pearls Not Spinning?
If your terp pearls are not spinning, perhaps it means you use the wrong carb cap. There are lots of different styles of carb caps. A directional airflow carb cap is required for terp pearls. Vortex carb caps are the most popular choice for terp pearl spinning. If your carb cap doesn't have the correct airflow configuration - the pearls might not spin. Or probably you put in too many beads, which will clog the banger so they won't spin around. Ensure you have the proper number; two are most recommended for the best result.
If neither is the reason, maybe it's time for you to clean up your banger and dab pearls. A deep cleaning will reduce friction, allowing pearls to spin freely.
Wrap-Up: Get The Best Terp Pearls & Upgrade Your Dabs
By now, you should understand why terp pearls are a must if you’re trying to get the most vapor out of your concentrates, especially if you enjoy taking big fat rips at temperatures below 420°F. Dabbing with terp pearls allows you to enjoy the experience of getting high, but only if you use them properly and clean them regularly. Otherwise, you may end up having an unpleasant smoking experience. So visit INHALCO and treat yourself to the best terp pearls and other related accessories to customize your setup.
FAQs
Can terp pearls be reused? Yes, with proper cleaning and maintenance, terp pearls can be reused multiple times.
How many terp pearls should I use? It depends on your banger size and preference. Most users start with one or two pearls.
Do I need a special banger for terp pearls? No, but a banger with a flat bottom and sufficient space will work best.
What temperature should I heat my banger to when using terp pearls? Aim for a temperature range of 450-600°F for optimal performance and flavor preservation.
