Updated on July 19th 2023
The continuing boom of Cannabis’s popularity and acceptance has bred a number of revolutions in the surrounding marketplace. One novel invention that was born in the midst of this fervor is the Electronic Nail, or E-Nail for short. This device comes in a number of incarnations, but all have a singular goal in mind: the perfection of vaporizing cannabis concentrates at precision temperatures. Today’s guide explores the reasons eNails are the future of dabbing, and five of the best available vaporizer options – all of which are available for sale in our online smoke shop.
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Huge Flavor in Little Dabs
Electronic Nails come in a variety of packages but by far the most popular are attachments for pre-existing water pipes that usually come with a few major components: an AC adapter that plugs into your wall outlet with a variable resistor and a display of some sort, usually a digital readout that shows you the exact temperature of a metal coil attached by a lengthy, insulated wire. The coil is wrapped around a glass, ceramic or titanium hand pipe attachment – or “banger” – then heated at the exact temperature of your choosing. The benefits of these devices are multiflorous. Most notably may be the taste, although we’ll get to my favorite aspect in a moment. E-nails are, in my opinion and that of countless dab enthusiasts, by far the most effective way to get the very best flavor from your concentrates. They seemingly multiply flavor by allowing you to choose precisely what temperature you want to vaporize your concentrates at. The flavor compounds in your dabs are called terpenes and they are very volatile – that means they get destroyed at even very low temperatures. This is why many reefer shops keep concentrates and even herb in the fridge to combat fluctuating environmental temperatures.
Surprisingly Conservative
Although the amazing flavors that accompany these devices have justifiably given them their popularity, the most impressive aspect of these things to me is how very a little amount of concentrates can turn into mind-blowingly large clouds of dense, potent vapor. Mmmmm. Before I bought my own (several) e-nails I was privy to using a device called a dab straw, or Nectar Collector (name brand but usually great quality). These things are a lot of fun but one of the least conservative methods for vaporizing dabs. When straws were my go-to, I was used to going through around a gram of shatter a day! That’s a good bit, especially if you don’t have the most affordable place to purchase it. Buying an E-Nail revolutionized my finances – after acclimating to it, I found myself similarly medicated on less than half of what I was previously using! The reasons behind this vast difference are several but basically, it’s easy with lesser devices to burn your concentrates entirely before they even get through the pipe! My first several grams of dabs I (tried to) smoke literally didn’t do anything for me because I was heating my nail so hot that it entirely destroyed the oil before I could even suck it through my bubbler! That’s a problem you can avoid altogether with this technology. Many users set their E-nail to such a low temperature that they avoid combustion altogether unless the proper temperature is provoked by carb capping. This method allows for concentrates to sit inside of the heated apparatus for hours, on constant standby for medicating throughout the day at a moments notice.Mind-Blow on The Go
Portable varieties are now available from a number of brands. You just have to see one. Self-contained units are the norm, though some brands have developed attachments for pre-existing “mod” batteries (commonly used with E-cigarettes) with impressive results. These portable devices typically work with all the same components and methods as their larger counterparts. Most come with a variable-temperature battery that heats a small cup just large enough for a dab of concentrate and use a carb cap to reach a combustible temperature. Most of these portable units employ one very clever design for a “spill-proof bubbler– a tiny bong that rests atop the device that filters the hit and drastically cools the temperature before it enters your lungs. What can I say other than I’ve bought a few, never out of disappointment but only because the technology keeps getting more impressive.
Another variation actually uses the came coil idea as the wall models to heat a dab straw. They are super entertaining, but perhaps not as efficient as any of the former models mentioned. Straws do not have the option of carb capping, a method that practically ensures a minimum of wasted material – but they are tons of fun and potentially much smaller than anything comparable. I used to wear mine on a lanyard around my neck, quite comfortably. Check out my other article in the 710 Pipes blog for tips on finding The right dab temperature with a variable voltage battery or E-Nail.
Puffco Peak | Focus V Carta | High Five Duo
Looking for a Smart Rig but don’t know where to start? No worries! We’ve compiled years of experience using and selling these devices to help you find the perfect smart rig for your needs. In this post, we’ll cover the Puffco Peak, the Focus V Carta, and the High Five Duo. The criteria we will be looking at are: functionality, accessories, atomizers, warranties, and customer feedback. Keep in mind that each of these rigs comes with it’s own ups and downs. Keep reading to see our results!
The Puffco Peak
The Puffco Peak is a tried and true concentrate vaporizer. Released in January 2018, the Puffco Peak was immediately held in high regard as the pioneer of smart rigs. The Puffco Peak boasts a stylish design, user-friendly interface, and a temperature range of 450-600 degrees Fahrenheit.
Functionality
- The Puffco Peak features a single-button user interface that makes this device simple to use. To turn the device on or off, simply press the button five times in rapid succession.
- The single button interface is also used to adjust temperature. The LED ring around the base of the rig will change color depending on the temperature setting chosen. The lowest setting is 450 degrees (Blue), followed by 500 degrees (Green), 550 degrees (Red), and 600 degrees (White).
- The Peak features a charge-time of 2.5 hours via its Micro USB charging port, with a battery life of around 30 sessions.
Available Accessories
- Included:
- Carrying Case
- Micro USB Charging Cable
- Dab Tool
- Carb Cap & Tether
- (1) Extra Ceramic Bowl
- Cleaning Swabs
- Aftermarket:
- Travel Glass
- Ryan Fitt Recycler Glass
- Puffco Carb Caps (Assorted colors)
- Locally Made Carb Caps (Available through 710 Pipes’ Smoke Shop!)
- Locally Made Replacement Glass (Available through 710 Pipes!)
- Travel Pack
- The Peak Bag
- Puffco Dual Tool
Atomizer
- The Puffco Peak Atomizer is a thermal-styled atomizer for increased heat retention. It’s made without coils, glue, fibers, or plastic, which provides the user with a cleaner, more flavorful vaping experience. The Peak Atomizer also features a replaceable ceramic bowl.
Warranty
- New Products (excluding atomizers) – 1 year.
- Atomizers – 1 month.
- Repaired or Refurbished Products – 30 days or the remainder of the original warranty period.
- Puffco does NOT cover cosmetic damage, user error, or damages caused by aftermarket products that have not been approved by Puffco.
- If you are experiencing any issues with your Puffco Peak, visit their support page here.
Customer Feedback
- Like I mentioned earlier, the Puffco Peak is generally regarded as the pioneer of Smart Rigs. With that being said, customer feedback on the Peak is just how you’d expect– solid. Users generally love their vaping experience when using the Peak, and report nothing but good vibes on the follow-up. Of course, we have seen a handful of dud atomizers over the years and a defective unit here and there, as with any Smart Rig. Overall, the reliability and functionality of the Puffco Peak have held true to its reputation in the years since its debut.
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Puffco Peak Atomizer
$39.95 Add to cart -
Puffco Peak
$159.95 Add to cart -
Puffco The Peak Bag
$49.95Out of stock. Join the waitlist to be notified when this product becomes available.
The Focus V Carta
The Focus V Carta was released in February of 2019, and quickly gained popularity due to its initial price point of $249 — $50 cheaper than the Puffco Peak’s starting price. The Carta features a single-button interface similar to the Puffco Peak, and a temperature range of 500-770 degrees Fahrenheit.
Functionality
- Similarly to the Puffco Peak, the Focus V Carta features a single-button user interface. 5 clicks in rapid succession turns the device on and off, and single clicks after turning on change the device’s temperature settings. The interface features 4 lights to indicate temperature selections. The device comes pre-programmed with 4 temperature presets– 500 degrees, 630 degrees, and 770 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Charging time on the Carta is about 2 hours via it’s Micro USB charging port. The Carta also utilizes replaceable 18350 batteries, making it easy to swap batteries for an instant full-charge on the go. The battery life is similar to most Smart Rigs, sitting at around 30 sessions.
Available Accessories
- Included:
- Carrying Pouch
- Borosilicate Carb Cap
- Concentrate Atomizer
- (1) Titanium Bucket
- (2) Quartz Buckets
- Dab Tool
- (2) 18350 (2400 mAh) Batteries
- USB-C Charging Cable
- Aftermarket:
- Carrying Case
- Quartz Inserts
- Carb Cap and Tether
- Locally Made Carb Caps (Available through 710 Pipes!)
- Dry Herb Atomizer
- iDab Replacement Glass & Attachments
- Locally Made Replacement Glass (Available through 710 Pipes!)
- Focus V Dab Mats
- Atomizer Repair Kit
Atomizer
- The new Everlast Concentrate Atomizer is an improvement on the original Carta atomizers, built to last much longer than the first generation. Constructed from Titanium with both Ti and Quartz replacement bowls available, this atomizer is extremely versatile.
- The Dry Herb Atomizer uses vaporization instead of combustion, making for a smoother and more effective hit. The Dry Herb Atomizer features a ceramic oven for maximum flavor, and is surrounded by a Titanium construction for durability.
- Focus V also offers an Atomizer Repair Kit, which can come in handy for those not wanting to shell out $60 for an Everlast Atomizer.
Warranty
- The Carta Base – 1 year.
- V2 Atomizer – 90 days.
- Dry Herb Atomizer – 90 days.
- Everlast Atomizer – 6 months.
- Focus V does NOT cover cosmetic damage, user error, or damages caused by aftermarket products that have not been approved by Focus V.
- If you are experiencing any issues with your Focus V Carta, email their support team at support@focusv.com.
Customer Feedback
- With the Carta offered at a more attainable price-point of $250, it’s an extremely popular device. The Everlast Atomizers are extremely reliable, and the device itself has a solid build. Higher temp ranges also equate to hotter, bigger rips. Overall, the Focus V Carta is a great device for those who want big hits on a budget.
The High Five Duo
The High Five Duo was introduced to the vaporizer market in April 2020, with an original price of $299. This Smart Rig features an extremely user-friendly interface, which includes a screen and 3 buttons. What sets the High Five Duo apart from its competition is the ability to choose exact temperatures via the on-screen interface. The Duo has a temperature range of 350-600 degrees Fahrenheit.
Functionality
- This category is what sets the High Five Duo apart from its competition. The Duo features a 3-button user interface, along with a vibrant LED display for changing temperature, color, and other settings.
- The square button on the right side of the High Five Duo is used to turn the device on and off and selecting menu and temperature options, while the arrows are used for adjusting temperature and navigating the menu.
- Temperature can be adjusted by increments of 10 from 350 degrees to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, and is displayed on the LED screen. The High Five Duo’s accurate temperature readings and minimal fluctuation are the result of its incredibly advanced micro-processor. This advanced processor was born through High Five’s years of experience making E-Nails, and definitely holds up to High Five’s reputation.
Available Accessories
- Included:
- Hex Key
- Loading Tool
- (1) Quartz Bowl
- (1) Titanium Bowl
- Magnetic Carb Cap
- USB C Charging Cable
- Borosilicate Mouthpiece
- Protective Carrying Case
- Aftermarket:
- Dry Herb Atomizer (Coming Soon)
- Adapter For Peak & Carta Replacement Glass
- Locally Made Replacement Glas (Coming soon from 710 Pipes!)
- Locally Made Carb Caps (Available through 710 Pipes!)
Atomizer
- The Atomizer in the High Five Duo is made of Titanium, and encased in silicone.
- The Atomizer seats into the base of the Duo, and is secured by two screws on top.
- To remove the titanium bowl, simply pop the magnetic top off of the atomizer, and pull the bowl out.
- The bowls on the High Five Duo are surprisingly large, meaning more surface area for heat retention, and more room for larger dabs.
Warranty
- High Five offers a full 1 Year Warranty on all E-Nail controllers, E-Nail coils and power cords.
- High Five also offers a purchasable option to upgrade your device to a Lifetime Warranty.
- High Five does not cover the breakage of glass, quartz, or titanium accessories, due to the nature of those materials. However, if a device or accessory arrives broken, they will replace the item.
- If you experience an issue with your High Five Duo, visit their warranty page and file a claim.
Customer Feedback
- Since the High Five Duo was released in April 2020, our customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. My personal experiences with the High Five Duo have been wonderful too — happy dabs and great function. The atomizers have definitely been scarce due to the initial popularity of the device, but High Five has ramped up production to meet demand. Overall, this is a great Smart Rig and I’m very excited to see what its creators develop next.
The Bottom Line
Each of these Smart Rigs are incredible performers in their own right. For flavorful, low-temp dabs, the Puffco Peak takes the cake. For big rips and long-lasting atomizers on a budget, the Focus V Carta is a great option. Finally, the High Five Duo gets my vote in terms of overall functionality and user interface/experience.
Be sure to keep up with the 710 Pipes Online Smoke Shop for our latest selection of vaporizer accessories and devices. Photo credit: Puffco | Focus V | High Five Vape