We’ve all seen the videos: mesmerizing close-up shots of mouth-watering dabs spinning wildly with the help of tiny beads, technically known as terp pearls. They definitely look cool, but what, exactly, do these terp pearls do, and why does it seem like all of your favorite cannabis influencers and experienced stoners consider them an essential part of their rigs?
What Are Terp Pearls?
First, we all need to get on the same page about what those tiny spinning beads are. They’re called terp pearls: small balls that go directly into your banger or the chamber of your concentrate vape alongside the wax.
Are Terp Pearls and Banger Beads the Same Thing?
Like most things in the cannabis community, terp pearls go by many different names. Depending on who you ask, they’re also called banger beads, dab balls, and just about every variation of the phrase.
What Are Terp Pearls Made Of?
Terp pearls are typically made from glass or gems, though they can also be made from certain types of metals and ceramics. Each material has pros and cons, and everyone has a preference for what they like best.
What Are Terp Pearls For?
As you can probably guess once you’ve seen them in action, terp pearls are meant to essentially stir up the hot concentrate in your banger or vape while you take a hit. They also create more surface area, keeping your dab rig at a more consistent temperature for longer.
What Are the Benefits of Terp Pearls?
Besides being fun to watch, terp pearls enhance your smoke sesh in several ways.
Because dab pearls provide more hot surface area and keep your dab rig at the right temperature for longer, they create an all-around better dabbing experience. They produce more flavorful vapor and help you get the exact temperature and effects you’re looking for — no more rips that are too hot at the beginning and not hot enough at the end.
Terp pearls also spin around in the banger or chamber of your vape, agitating the concentrate. In addition to looking awesome, this agitation helps create thicker, more flavorful vapor and lets you dab more efficiently. It keeps the concentrate moving so it doesn’t get stuck in corners, wasting precious wax.
Are Terp Pearls Worth It?
That depends! Do you want to take dabs at the perfect temperature? Do you want to get the most out of your wax? Do you want the best all-around dabbing experience? If so, terp pearls are definitely worth it.
How Do You Hit a Dab With Terp Pearls?
Dabbing with terp pearls isn’t any harder than dabbing without them, but you'll need to take a couple of extra steps to get set up:
- Pop the terp pearls into your banger, e-rig, or compatible vape. Place them gently; repeatedly dropping them into your piece can stress the material and eventually cause your terp beads to break.
- Heat your dab rig to your desired temperature. Never put cool dab beads into a hot rig, as the temperature shock can cause them to break.
- Scoop in your concentrate. If you prefer cold-start dabs or are using a handheld e-rig, you can also add the concentrate when you add the banger beads.
- Make sure you’re using the correct type of carb cap. For the terp pearls to spin how they’re supposed to, you need to use a carb cap that allows the right amount of airflow to pass through when you take a hit.
If you’re looking for an easier way to enjoy the benefits of terp pearls without having to mess with them every time you take a rip, you can also choose an e-rig or vaporizer with built-in dab pearls, like the Rover from Dip Devices. A piece like this has terp pearls in a closed chamber, so you don’t have to worry about dropping them or remembering when to add them every time you take a hit.
How Many Terp Balls Should You Use?
Most people use one, two, or three terp balls. The amount you decide to use will depend on personal preference, the size of your banger, and the size of your dab beads. Experiment with different sizes, materials, and amount variations to find what you like. If that’s not enough of a choice, many companies also make dab beads in other shapes, like ovals or gemstones!
How to Clean Terp Pearls
Like with a dab rig or vape, cleaning your terp pearls is an essential part of using them. You can clean your dab beads by soaking them in alcohol and wiping them with a soft cloth, or you can heat them up and gently wipe them with a cotton swab. Keeping your terp pearls clean will keep them spinning smoothly and ensure you always experience top-quality, flavorful vapor.
Try Terp Pearls for Dabbing on the Go
Terp pearls are one of the simplest ways to elevate your dabbing experience. Contrary to popular belief, though, terp pearls no longer require you to use an inconvenient torch, a bulky dab rig, or fumble with wee parts. The Rover from Dip Devices comes with built-in terp pearls, giving you the experience of a high-quality e-rig in a portable, easy-to-use package. Check out the Rover today for the easiest way to take terpy dabbing on the go.
