The world of cannabis concentrates keeps evolving, and we at Dip Devices love seeing dab enthusiasts discover new ways to enhance their experience. Terp pearls — also called banger beads, terp balls, or dab beads — are one of those small additions that make a surprisingly big difference.
These tiny accessories give you more flavorful hits and help you avoid wasting concentrate (and we all know how frustrating it is to leave product behind). Some portable dab devices, like our innovative Rover e-rig, even include terp pearls built right into the chamber. So what exactly are terp pearls, and how do you use them? Let's dive in.
What Are Terp Pearls?
Terp pearls are small spherical or pill-shaped accessories that sit at the bottom of your dab nail or quartz banger. When you take a dab, these little balls spin and roll around, redistributing heat and spreading your concentrate across the entire surface.
The result? More efficient vaporization, better flavor, and less wasted product. They're called "terp" pearls because they help preserve the terpenes (the aromatic compounds that give cannabis its flavor and aroma) by ensuring your concentrate vaporizes evenly at lower, more optimal temperatures.
You'll see them in various sizes — typically ranging from 4mm to 8mm — and they come in different shapes, though spherical is most common. Check out the image above of Dip Devices' Rover portable e-rig to see what terp pearls look like inside a handheld device.
Are Terp Pearls, Banger Beads, Terp Balls, and Dab Beads the Same Thing?
Yes, absolutely. Terp pearls, banger beads, terp balls, and dab beads are all different names for the exact same accessory. The dabbing community uses these terms interchangeably, so don't get confused when you see different names online or at your local smoke shop.
Some people prefer "banger beads" because they go in your banger (the bucket-shaped part of a dab rig where you place your concentrate). Others call them "terp balls" or "dab pearls." We tend to say terp pearls at Dip Devices, but they're all referring to the same small spherical objects that enhance your dabbing experience.
The terminology might vary, but the function stays consistent: these little accessories help distribute heat and vaporize concentrates more thoroughly and evenly.
How Do Terp Pearls Work?
Terp pearls work by retaining and redistributing heat while spinning around your banger or nail. Here's the science behind it: when you inhale, the airflow causes the pearls to spin. As they spin, they spread your concentrate across the hot surface and help maintain consistent temperatures throughout your dab.
Think of it like stirring a pot on the stove — you're ensuring everything gets heated evenly. The pearls act like little heat conductors that move around, touching different areas of your banger and diffusing the concentrate as they go.
This constant movement means you can vaporize more concentrate at lower starting temperatures. Lower temperatures preserve those delicate terpenes we mentioned, giving you tastier dabs without the harsh throat hit that comes from overheating.
What Are Terp Pearls Made Of?
Terp pearls come in several materials, each with different heat retention properties and price points. The most common materials include:
- Quartz — Affordable, durable, and resistant to thermal shock (sudden temperature changes). A solid choice for most dabbers.
- Borosilicate glass — The most budget-friendly option, though more prone to breaking than quartz.
- Ceramic — Retains heat well but can be fragile if heated too quickly.
- Ruby — Premium option with excellent heat retention and durability. More expensive but worth it for serious concentrate enthusiasts.
- Sapphire — Similar to ruby with exceptional heat properties, but commands a higher price.
- Silicon carbide (SiC) — High-end material that's extremely durable and easy to clean. Can handle higher temperatures without degrading.
- Shinju pearls — Japanese-style pearls known for their quality and heat retention.
What's the Best Material for Terp Pearls?
The "best" material depends on your budget, cleaning habits, and dabbing style. We'll be honest — there's quite a bit of debate in the dabbing community about which material reigns supreme.
If you're just starting out, quartz terp pearls offer the best balance of performance, durability, and affordability. They're resistant to chazzing (that burnt residue buildup that ruins bangers) and handle temperature changes well.
For experienced dabbers who want the absolute best performance, ruby or sapphire pearls provide superior heat retention and flavor preservation. They're pricey, but if you're serious about terpene profiles and low-temp dabs, they're worth the investment.
Silicon carbide (SiC) pearls are our top recommendation for ease of maintenance. You can clean them with a torch, isopropyl alcohol, or any method you'd use on your other dab tools — they're practically indestructible.
Why Do People Use Terp Pearls?
Temperature control is everything when dabbing, and terp pearls make it way easier to maintain optimal temps. Here's why people love them:
Better flavor: By helping your concentrate vaporize evenly at lower temperatures, terp pearls preserve those delicious terpenes that give each cultivar its unique taste and aroma. High-temp dabs can burn off terpenes before you even taste them.
Less waste: Without terp pearls, concentrate often pools in one spot or doesn't fully vaporize. The spinning motion distributes everything evenly, so you're not leaving product behind.
More efficient: You get more vapor from the same amount of concentrate because the pearls ensure thorough vaporization across the entire surface area.
Smoother hits: Lower temperatures mean less harsh vapor and a more pleasant overall experience. Your throat will thank you.
What Are the Benefits of Using Terp Pearls?
Let's break down the specific benefits we've seen from using terp pearls (and building them into our Rover device):
Enhanced terpene preservation: This is the big one. When concentrates vaporize at temperatures between 315-450°F, you preserve more of the aromatic compounds that make each concentrate unique. Terp pearls help you stay in that sweet spot.
Consistent vaporization: No more half-melted puddles or uneven heating. The pearls ensure every part of your concentrate gets the same treatment.
Extended dab sessions: Because the heat distributes more evenly, you can take multiple pulls from a single dab without reheating.
Visual appeal: Okay, this one's just fun — watching terp pearls spin around in a clear banger is genuinely mesmerizing. It's become a signature of high-quality dabbing videos for a reason.
Easier temperature management: The pearls act as heat reservoirs, helping maintain stable temperatures throughout your dab rather than dropping off rapidly.
How Do You Use Terp Pearls Safely?
The number one safety rule: never heat your banger with terp pearls already inside. This is especially important for quartz, borosilicate, and ceramic pearls, which can crack or break from thermal shock.
Here's the proper sequence for traditional dab rigs:
- Heat your nail or banger with your torch (without pearls inside)
- Wait for it to cool to your desired temperature
- Add your concentrate
- Drop in your terp pearls using a dabber or tweezers
- Cap your banger and start inhaling to get the pearls spinning
If you want to skip all that timing and sequencing, the Dip Devices Rover includes terp pearls in a chamber designed specifically for them. No torch needed, no worrying about the order of operations — just load your concentrate, press a button, and enjoy that smooth, flavorful hit.
How Do You Clean Terp Pearls?
Cleaning methods vary depending on what material your terp pearls are made from. Here's what works for each type:
Silicon carbide and shinju pearls: These are the easiest to maintain. You can hit them with a torch to burn off residue, soak them in isopropyl alcohol, or use any cleaning method you'd use on your dab tools. They're nearly indestructible.
Quartz terp pearls: Let them cool completely after use, then soak in 90%+ isopropyl alcohol. For stubborn buildup, you can use a torch on low heat, but be careful not to overheat them while they're dirty — the residue can cause hot spots that lead to cracking.
Ruby and sapphire pearls: Isopropyl alcohol soak is your best bet. These materials can technically handle torch cleaning, but we recommend playing it safe with alcohol to preserve their clarity and avoid any thermal stress.
Ceramic and borosilicate pearls: Alcohol soaks only. Do not use a torch on these materials — they're too prone to thermal shock and can crack or shatter.
Pro tip: Clean your terp pearls after every few sessions, not just when they look visibly dirty. This prevents buildup that becomes harder to remove and can affect flavor.
Do Terp Pearls Actually Make a Difference?
Yes, terp pearls genuinely improve the dabbing experience — it's not just hype. We've tested this extensively while developing the Rover, and the difference is noticeable even to casual dabbers.
The flavor improvement is what most people notice first. When concentrate vaporizes unevenly, some of it burns at high temps (harsh, diminished flavor) while other parts barely heat up (wasted product). Terp pearls solve both problems simultaneously.
The efficiency gains are real too. You'll get more pulls from the same amount of concentrate, and you won't have that frustrating pool of un-vaporized product left in your banger. For those of us who dab regularly, that adds up to significant savings over time.
Are they absolutely necessary? No. Can you dab without them? Absolutely. But once you experience the difference — particularly the flavor enhancement and reduced waste — it's hard to go back. That's why we built them directly into the Rover's vapor chamber.
What Size Terp Pearls Should You Use?
Terp pearl size depends on your banger size and personal preference. The most common sizes are 4mm, 6mm, and 8mm in diameter.
4mm pearls work best in smaller bangers (under 20mm) or when you want to use multiple pearls. They spin easily and require less airflow to get moving.
6mm pearls are the most versatile size, fitting well in standard 20-25mm bangers. This is what most dabbers start with, and what you'll find built into the Rover.
8mm pearls suit larger bangers (25mm+) and provide more heat retention due to their increased mass. They need stronger airflow to spin but can handle bigger dabs.
You can also use multiple smaller pearls instead of one large one — this creates more surface area contact and can improve vaporization even further. Experiment to find what works best for your setup.
Why Aren't My Terp Pearls Spinning?
If your terp pearls aren't spinning, it usually comes down to airflow or fit issues. Here are the most common culprits:
Carb cap issues: Your carb cap needs to direct airflow properly to create the spinning effect. Flat caps often don't work as well as directional or bubble caps that angle air across the pearls.
Wrong size: Pearls that are too large for your banger won't have room to move. If they're wedged in there, they can't spin no matter how hard you pull.
Not enough concentrate: Paradoxically, you need a thin layer of melted concentrate for pearls to glide on. If your banger is completely dry, there's too much friction.
Too much concentrate: On the flip side, overloading your banger can create such a thick puddle that the pearls can't generate enough momentum to spin freely.
We wrote an entire guide about why terp pearls spin and how to fix it when they don't — check that out if you're troubleshooting your setup.
Where Can You Buy a Dab Vape with Built-In Terp Pearls?
If you want the benefits of terp pearls without the hassle of buying them separately and timing everything perfectly, the Dip Devices Rover is your answer.
The Rover is a portable e-rig that includes premium terp pearls right in its vapor chamber. No torch needed, no worrying about when to add the pearls, no separate accessories to keep track of. Just load your concentrate, select your temperature, and enjoy smooth, flavorful vapor with optimized heat distribution.
We designed the Rover's chamber specifically to work with terp pearls, ensuring proper airflow and movement for maximum efficiency. It's perfect for both experienced dabbers who want convenience and newcomers who find traditional dab rigs intimidating.
When you buy from Dip Devices, you're also supporting a company with an ethical mission. We donate proceeds from every purchase to important causes, and we're committed to creating reusable, sustainable devices that reduce the cannabis industry's environmental footprint. Check out more about our approach to torchless dabbing technology.
The Bottom Line on Terp Pearls
Terp pearls (whether you call them dab beads, banger balls, or terp balls) are a simple accessory that delivers real benefits. Better flavor, less waste, smoother hits, and more efficient vaporization — that's a winning combination in our book.
The key is choosing quality materials and using them properly. Whether you're adding quartz pearls to your existing dab rig or opting for a device like the Rover that has them built in, you'll notice the difference immediately.
If you're curious about other ways to enhance your dabbing experience, check out our guides on dabbing best practices and learn more about what terp pearls do on a molecular level. Happy dabbing!