Review Summary
The Dr. Dabber XS is available as a standard package or as the limited edition Khalifa Kush Edition. Both rigs perform the same, but the KK version adds a fun factor with a Thermo-reactive shell and carry bag, so they change colors as exposed to heat, which gives them personality and character. Regardless of aesthetics, the XS is a super-capable dab rig that has a “sports car” vibe to it. This is probably the best dab rig for beginners these days.
Pricing Info ⓘ
Specifications
Dr Dabber XS
|
|
---|---|
Score (1-5) |
4.5 Current Review |
Retail Price |
$160.00 |
Release Date | July 2023 |
Compatible With | Wax |
Mouthpiece Material | Glass |
Heat Up Time | 5-10 |
Precise Temp Control | ✗ |
Temperature Range | 4 Levels |
510 Thread | ✗ |
Coil Type | Quartz |
Battery Type | Internal |
Battery Capacity | 3150mAh |
Sessions Per Charge | 6-9 |
Charge Time | 1-2 Hours |
Charger Type | USB-C |
Display Type | LED Indicators |
Smartphone App | ✗ |
Session Mode | ✓ |
Adjustable Airflow | ✗ |
Warranty | 1 Year |
Background
Note: In this review I show the KK version, but the regular XS Version is identical in terms of performance.
Dr. Dabber just released a new version of their very popular XS dab rig as a collaboration with artist turned businessman- Wiz Khalifa, or more specifically, with Khalifa Kush, his Cannabis brand.
I've reviewed the Khalifa Kush strain in this YouTube video, but just to clarify, this rig only works with extracts and not with dry flower.
The new version retails for $250, and the regular version for $160 directly from Vape-Smart.
In the box
The kit is pretty big and extensive. The box is, not surprisingly, Black and Yellow, and the kit contains:
- The XS Vaporizer, with a heating chamber, glass bubbler, and carb cap.
- A super cool carry case, which I'll get to in a second.
- There are also- a USB charging cable, ISO snaps, a silicone funnel to fill that bubbler, and a dab tool.
Design & Features
Both the side bag and the body of the rig itself are made from Thermo-Chromatic material, which means that it changes color when exposed to heat. So if you put your hand on the bag, it will leave an imprint of your fingers which will slowly fade off. Same for the body of the vape. It starts as Black and gradually transitions to a mesmerizing mixture of Black and Yellow, which, not surprisingly, is the theme of this release.
Obviously, this is just cosmetics and doesn't affect the performance of the device, but it is super cool, in my opinion. While it is not in use, the rig is black. But during use, it never looks the same. The heat marks are always in different spots, they fade off as you create new ones, and it just gives the rig more personality.
The back has a charging port, and the front has one activation button and four LEDs that show the current battery level.
Heating Chamber
The heating chamber is a quartz dish that is on the smaller side when compared to larger rigs. But I think this is actually a plus, as it makes the unit more efficient. It fits around the equivalent amount of one or two grains of rice, which is the perfect amount for a solo session.
Bubbler
The bubbler sits on top and should have very little amount of water in it. When filled properly, it can even be laid down on the table without any spillover.
The carb cap is made from glass and has a tube that channels air directly into the coil.
Usage
Once loaded- five clicks to unlock, then three clicks to toggle the four temperature levels-
Purple is 475F, Blue is 525, Cyan is 575, and Green is the maximal at 625F.
And a three seconds hold to start heating up. The XS vibrates, and the light starts pulsing. It vibrates again and turns solid once ready.
Performance & Vapor Quality
I love the vapor that this thing is able to produce. The entire rig just works very well. The stem of the carb cap injects a lot of air into the coil, which is small, so it heats up quickly and keeps a steady temp, and the opening of the bubbler tilts towards you instead of straight up. Something about it just clicks. The vapor quality is amazing, especially for the price point.
And while the XS has the same footprint as the Peak Pro, for example, it is slightly easier to use and maneuver. The bubbler and the body of the vape have this narrow space that makes it feel ergonomic and effortless to hold.
The Khalifa version is identical to the Original XS in terms of performance, but it adds a “fun” factor to the already solid performance of this rig.
From the moment of opening the box, you are introduced to this Black and Yellow theme, and because the colors are dynamic and not static, it gives the rig character and personality.