7/10 Starter Kit: Everything You Need to Dab Like a Pro

Remember your first dab? I sure do. Picture this: a group of 5 stoners huddled in a sweaty college dorm firing up a legit torch. Violations were definitely crossed.

After years of perfecting my dab setup and helping friends avoid my early mistakes, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide on what you need to dab like a pro.

Whether you’re building your first 7/10 starter kit or upgrading your current setup, having the right dab tools makes all the difference between amateur hour and pro-level sessions. Let’s dive into everything you need for a functional dab setup that’ll serve you well for years to come.

Building a proper dabbing starter kit requires understanding each component’s role in the process. I’ve tried skipping what I thought were seemingly minor pieces, only to be incredibly frustrated and head back to the shop.

Here’s what you absolutely need and why each piece matters for your dab set:

• Dab rig and nail
• Torch
• Dabber
• Carb cap
• Concentrate
• Accessories (optional)

If it isn’t obvious, you’ll need something to consume the concentrate out of. That’s where your dab rig comes into play—it’s the foundation of your entire setup. While regular bongs are designed for flower, dab rigs are specifically engineered for vaporizing concentrates at high temperatures.

When choosing a dab rig, look for quality borosilicate glass that can handle thermal stress. I’ve seen too many cheap rigs crack from temperature changes. E-rigs offer an excellent alternative if you want precise temperature control without the torch—they’re perfect for beginners who find torches intimidating.

The nail (or banger) is where the magic happens. This is the heated surface where you’ll place your concentrate. Quartz bangers are my go-to choice because they heat evenly and don’t affect flavor like titanium can. E-nails provide consistent temperature if you’re willing to invest more upfront, but high-quality quartz bangers will serve you well for years.

I cannot stress this enough: you need a proper torch for dabbing, not a regular lighter. I once made the mistake of thinking a butane lighter would work. Let’s just say the only nail it heated was on my finger.

A quality butane torch heats your nail quickly and evenly, reaching optimal temperatures in 30-60 seconds. Look for torches with adjustable flame settings and easy ignition systems. I prefer larger torches for consistent heating, but smaller ones work fine if you’re mainly dabbing at home. Just make sure you have quality butane to refill it—cheap fuel can clog your torch and affect performance.

Your dabber (or dab tool) is how you handle and apply concentrate to the heated nail. I’ve tried everything from paperclips to expensive titanium tools, and I can tell you that having the right dabber makes a huge difference in technique and safety.

Choose dabbers with different tip styles for different concentrate consistencies. I keep several on hand: pointed tips for shatter, scooped ends for wax, and flat tips for rosin. Titanium and stainless steel tend to be the most reliable because they don’t retain heat like some cheaper metals do.

Technically, a carb cap is optional. But I’d consider it essential for any serious dab setup.

Carb caps control airflow for complete vaporization at lower temperatures to preserve flavor and prevent waste—something I wish I’d understood when I started dabbing.

A good carb cap also lets you take lower-temperature dabs, which taste a million times better than the scorching-hot hits I used to think were necessary. And for those without access to a proper one, DIY carb caps can work wonders in a pinch.

And finally, you’ll need something to dab. The concentrate world is incredibly vast, and I definitely encourage you to experiment to find what matches your preferences.

Live resin is my go-to choice for exceptional flavor and true-to-plant effects, while shatter provides convenience and potency. Rosin delivers clean, solventless effects and rich flavors that many people prefer. For beginners, start with something stable like wax or crumble. They’re easier to handle than sticky options like live resin or sauce. As you develop your technique, you can broaden your range.

Can’t decide on a concentrate? Check out our guide on 7 Must-Have Concentrates For National Dab Day.

There are many accessories out there that can enhance your dabbing experience. Dab mats protect your surfaces and make cleanup easier. Don’t skip it—sticky residue on your coffee table isn’t fun to clean.

Banger inserts help with temperature control and keep your nail cleaner, and timer apps help you get the perfect cool-down time for temperature-controlled dabs. Be sure to keep cotton swabs and isopropyl alcohol nearby for quick cleanup between sessions.

All you need for a good time (aside from your dabs and tools) is a comfortable space and maybe a few friends. Bonus points if it’s in the great outdoors.

Dabs can be pretty heavy, and I’m not just talking about the hits. Their effects are often stronger than weed itself, so positioning yourself in a comfortable, zen environment keeps the good vibes coming.

True or false: Rigs need to be cleaned less than bongs.

That would be a hard false. The reason for that is that dabbing products are 10x stickier than regular weed, so be sure to clean your setup after every few sessions. Gunk and residue build up fast, and they heavily affect both flavor and performance. Proper maintenance is crucial for genuinely enjoyable sessions.

Always have these essentials on hand to keep your pieces spick and span:

• Isopropyl alcohol (91% or higher)
• Salt for extra abrasive action
• Cotton swabs

It also helps to use pipe cleaners for hard-to-reach areas to get your piece back to normal.

For more questions on cleaning, check out our guides: Best Way to Clean a Dab Rig and 3 Easy Ways to Clean Your Titanium Dab Nail.

Setting up for successful dabbing is more than just having the right tools. Preparation and organization are your best friends.

Keep everything within arm’s reach before heating your nail. There’s nothing worse than scrambling for your dabber while your nail cools down. It helps to arrange your tools in the same order every time: torch, dabber, carb cap, and concentrate container.

Practice your timing with different nail materials. Quartz typically needs 30-45 seconds of cooling after heating, while titanium needs different timing. I use a timer app to dial in perfect temperatures for different concentrates. If you need more assistance on your dabs, check out our Dabbing 101 guide.

Many online retailers sell complete dabbing starter kits that include the most essential tools. These kits can offer better value than purchasing items separately, especially for beginners who want everything in one place.

Keep these tips in mind when shopping for kits online:

• Start by verifying the seller’s reputation. Read reviews carefully before adding items to your cart. They’re your best bet.
• Look for kits that include quality materials—borosilicate glass rigs, proper torches, and titanium or quartz nails. Avoid kits with weirdly low prices. It usually means they use cheap materials that break easily or affect flavor.
• Check the return policy before checkout. Reputable sellers will have pretty reasonable refund policies if items arrive damaged or don’t meet your expectations. Don’t hesitate to contact customer assistance if you have questions about specific products or need help choosing the right kit for your needs.

Remember to factor in shipping time when placing your order, especially if you’re building your kit for a specific occasion like 7/10. Some sellers nowadays offer tracking so you can monitor where your package is.

With this in mind, you should be well prepared for a true 7/10 celebration. Have fun, be safe, and light that torch.