From Hot Knives to Slurpers: The History of the Quartz Banger

The DIY Era: Dabbing Before Quartz

Before quartz bangers, dabbing was far from efficient. Early enthusiasts used hot knives—heating butter knives on stovetops to vaporize concentrates. It worked, but it wasted a lot of product and wasn’t exactly user-friendly.

Eventually, tools like glass domes and titanium nails became more common, but they had their drawbacks:

• Titanium nails: Durable but often overheated, leaving behind a harsh, metallic taste.
• Glass nails: Cleaner flavor but fragile and prone to breaking under high heat.

These early tools were a start, but dabbers needed something better—something precise, clean, and durable. That’s when quartz entered the picture.

Quartz Buckets: The Foundation of Modern Dabbing

The introduction of quartz bangers in the mid-2010s changed everything.

Quartz buckets, in particular, solved many of the issues with earlier tools:

• Precise Heat Retention: Quartz heats evenly and holds temperature longer, making it easier to control your sessions.
• Clean Flavor: Quartz doesn’t add any taste, letting you fully enjoy your concentrates.
• Durability: Quartz can handle high temperatures without cracking or degrading.

Buckets became the standard for dabbing thanks to innovators like Toro Glass, who helped make them popular. Their straightforward design and reliable performance created a foundation for today’s more advanced options.

Modern Buckets and Inserts

While traditional buckets laid the groundwork, modern buckets have evolved as hash evolved. Quartz bangers like the Om Bucket and Nirvana Bucket highlight how modern designs balance heat retention, refined airflow, and compatibility with a range of inserts.

Modern buckets also feature:

• Thick Quartz Bases: For consistent heating and reliable performance.
• Versatility with Inserts: Bangers like like the Nirvana Bucket work well with pearls, SIC inserts, or capsules, offering precise heat distribution.
• Enhanced Airflow Tools: Pairing a bucket with the Kali creates auto-spinning airflow, evenly vaporizing concentrates while maintaining smooth hits.

Buckets remain a reliable and versatile option for both beginners and seasoned dabbers alike.

Terp Slurpers: The Versatile Powerhouse

As the demand for more efficient quartz grew, terp slurpers emerged as a major innovation in quartz design. While similar to buckets in concept, slurpers introduced features that made them more versatile for advanced setups.

What Makes Terp Slurpers Unique?

• Pillars: For spinning motion and heat distribution.
• Valves: To trap airflow and enhance vaporization.
• Pearls: For smaller dabs or increased surface area.

The Trident is an excellent example of a slurper that balances refined airflow with insert compatibility. With the right inserts, slurpers provide precise, smooth hits and are a favorite among dabbers who like to experiment with different setups.

Towers: A Different Approach to Slurpers

Tower-style bangers, like the Zen Tower 2.0, share many similarities with slurpers. They feature the same refined airflow design and are built for efficient vaporization. While towers are less versatile with inserts compared to slurpers, they offer consistent performance for dabbers who prioritize simplicity and reliability.

Why Choose a Tower?

• Efficient Airflow: Towers like the Zen Tower 2.0 are designed for smooth, consistent hits.
• Dynamic Pairing with Tools: Pairing a tower setup with tools like the Kali enhances control over airflow, ensuring even vaporization.

Choosing the Right Quartz Banger

With so many designs available, finding the right quartz banger comes down to your preferences and how you like to dab. Here’s a quick guide to help:

• For Beginners: Slurpers like the Trident are forgiving, efficient, and compatible with tools like pillars, valves, and pearls.
• For Dabbers Who Want Simplicity: Modern buckets like the Om Bucket or Nirvana Bucket provide timeless designs that are easy to use and pair well with tools like the Kali.
• For Experimenters: Tower bangers like the Zen Tower 2.0 offer straightforward reliability with optimized airflow for smooth, consistent hits.

The Takeaway

Quartz bangers have come a long way since the early days of hot knives and titanium nails. Buckets set the foundation for modern dabbing, and examples like the Om Bucket and Nirvana Bucket highlight how dependable designs remain relevant. Slurpers like the Trident introduced unmatched versatility, while towers like the Zen Tower 2.0 and airflow-enhancing tools like the Kali continue to refine the experience for dabbers of all styles.

While this article focused on buckets, slurpers, and towers, the quartz world offers even more designs, such as diamond knots and charmers, each with its own unique functionality. Dabbing continues to evolve, and quartz remains at the forefront of innovation for every type of session.