Table of Contents
- 1 What is a Dab Rig Anyway?
- 2 Using a Dab Rig
- 3 Getting High with a Dab Rig
- 4 What is the Yocan Pillar?
- 5 Using the Yocan Pillar
- 6 Yocan Pillar – Two Modes to Play With
- 7
- 8 The Advanced TGT Coil and What to Expect
- 9 A Brief Yocan Pillar FAQ
- 10 1400mAh Battery with USB-C Charging
- 11 The Yocan Pillar Conclusion
- 12 Further Reading:
I’ve never had this much fun reviewing, well, anything, before this fabulous dab rig. I have been ‘reviewing’ the new Yocan Pillar Dab Rig for about a month now. This is sophisticated and elegant e-rig packs a mean, yet gentle, punch. The Pillar is a dabbing rig every cannabis concentrate fan dreams of.
There’s so much to tell you about this fantastic device, so follow me down the page to learn more about the Pillar.
What is a Dab Rig Anyway?
A dab rig is a device, typically made with glass and metals, designed for cannabis concentrates, as opposed to cannabis flowers. Cannabis concentrates have a consistency in wax.
There is a myriad of styles for dab rigs, ranging from simple “dab straws” (a tube of glass or quartz in various sizes, heated at one end and inhaled on the other end) to sophisticated electronic dab rigs. For 2023 and beyond, a new entry in the dab rig category is the Yocan Pillar, and it is flying off the shelves everywhere.
Using a Dab Rig
The term “dab rig” refers to all the equipment that is used when dabbing weed concentrates. Dab rigs usually resemble small bongs. The first time you see the Yocan Pillar you’ll imagine it’s a dab rig from the future. There is “bong elements”, like the bubbler, and a hefty bottom containing all the electronics that make the Pillar one of the finest rigs I’ve ever used.
While e-rigs/dab rigs come in many sizes, smaller is generally better. For efficiency and effect, the Pillar is the perfect size. Dab Rigs are becoming increasingly popular in the cannabis community for many reasons discussed here.
If you are dabbing for the first time, the most important rule is never, ever touch a hot nail or coil. The Yocan Pillar makes dabbing a lot safer and the risk of touching a blistering hot coil or “nail” is much lower. Still, the coil of any dab rig is very hot, you’ll need to careful.
The Pillar doesn’t use open flames, it uses the same fundamentals as a vaporizer. I’ll get into this further down.
Getting High with a Dab Rig
Cannabis concentrates in dab form (waxy) have high THC concentrations, so even lower THC strains converted to concentrates will deliver a strong high. If you buy your concentrate from a dispensary, make sure to discuss the THC level, and the strain (indica and sativa) before deciding on using it in your rig.
Dabbing works faster, and a good rig, like the Yocan Pillar, will get you high after 1 to 3 hits from the dab rig. It is a much more pleasant and satisfying experience than passing a joint around for several minutes. And because there is no fire involved, once you take a hit from it you can easily pass it to the next person with no worry of burning anyone with heat or flame.
Dabbing cannabis concentrates with a Yocan Pillar allows you to enjoy a stronger, purer, more plant-like flavor, as well as have a better experience all around. And because of the high concentration of THC and other cannabinoids, you’ll feel the effects of cannabis so much faster.
What is the Yocan Pillar?
The Yocan Pillar, unlike most other dab rigs, is a super advanced ‘Smart E-Rig’ that uses a TGT Coil to create a seamless, flavorful ‘vaping’ experience, without flames.
The Pillar features a variable voltage system, and a long-lasting rechargeable 1400mAh battery. It is recharged using the now common Type-C charging port for fast recharging.
Considering its 1400mAh battery, and the rule of 1 to 3 hits per session, the battery lasts a very long time. It’s li-on can be recharged 500 times or more.
With 3 voltage settings it is ideal for people unfamiliar with e-rigs. The magnetic connection allows you to easily remove the percolator and pack your concentrate. The Yocan Pillar Kit packs everything you need. It includes the gorgeous body, the glass bubbler, and two coils. There is also a USB-C charging cable and nice dab tool.
The best “usage” features include the adjustable airflow, three temperature settings, and a simple interface. For around $100USD the Pillar deserves all the attention and applause it gets from the cannabis community.
Using the Yocan Pillar
Turn on the Yocan Pillar Smart e-Rig by pressing the power button quickly five times. This should be familiar to anyone that has ever vaped a mod and e-liquid. Then, press the power button two times quickly to start Auto Mode. Press and hold the power button to start On Demand Mode.
The Yocan Pillar Basic Commands:
- x5 clicks turn it On / Off
- x3 clicks cycles through the three voltages of 3.2V / 3.7V / 4.2V
- x2 clicks begin a 30 second heating cycle.
- Pressing and holding the power button will begin manual heating.
Remove the magnetic glass bubbler to load up the coil with a dab just a little bigger than a grain of rice.
It’s been my experience this past month that the Pillar works best with bigger loads of concentrates that can prevent smaller dabs from instantly being vaped away which can lead to a nasty experience (think: throat choking)
Shortcuts and Hat Tricks
- Hit the Pillar harder than you might otherwise while vaping a wax pen. The Pillar delivers a very smooth amount of vapor when used correctly.
- You can use less expensive concentrates to save money, but if you’re like me and want a delicious flavor along with a great high, don’t skimp on quality.
- Fill the Pillar’s bubbler to just a hair above the air holes to prevent water from splashing into your mouth. That is not a good thing.
- Best of all, use the Airflow to throttle the airflow while hitting the clouds.
Yocan Pillar – Two Modes to Play With
These 2 modes are important features on the Pillar. One is the On-Demand mode where the user can hold down the button as he or she draws from the top. It also has an Auto mode, and all the user must do is press the button twice to let it heat at your chosen voltage for 30 seconds. I prefer the On-Demand mode.
Throat Chocking and How to Avoid it
For beginners or first time dabbers using the Pillar for the first time, the most important thing is to avoid throat choking. You can reduce the occurrence of coughing by lowering the temperature when you begin. Adjust the temperature of the Yocan Pillar to the first gear (the 3.2V) setting.
By lowering the temperature of the tap, you will reduce the chance of throat irritation. And, as a newbie, don’t use the TGT-QUAD Coil. Evaporation speed and the amount of steam generated will be thicker and voluminous compared to the other coil, so start your dabbing slowly, and work your way up.
While I’m on the subject of the TGT Coils…
The Advanced TGT Coil and What to Expect
Yocan PILLAR TGT coil combines a ceramic donut and a quartz XTAL rod. The coil is never exposed, so your concentrate won’t go straight onto a coil. Instead, the concentrate will be on the ceramic donut and then melt into the XTAL rod.
You can get enormous vapor clouds with excellent flavor with this perfect combination of ceramic and quartz. The TGT QUAD Coil also included in the kit but get some experience with the Pillar and dabbing before trying it out.
Lastly, when you are using the concentrate, you should use the pick tool that is included in the Yocan Pillar TGT e-rig kit. Do not block the small hole in the middle of the TGT coil when filling though, this is critical. The concentrate should be properly placed around the TGT coil for the best experience.
TIP* The Water Line Label! A Dab beginner is usually not that familiar with the amount of water added to the glass bubbler. Water is necessary to keep the rig cool and provide the best experience. Whether beginner or a dab veteran, do not to tear off the water level label, it helps prevent trouble caused by a low water level.
The Yocan Pilar’s Quick Connect Magnetic Connector
One of the coolest features (and there are many) is how the Yocan Pillar uses a “quick-connect” magnetic connection that secures the glass mouthpiece and the bottom of the rig. Removing the top glass section allows you to load your concentrate into the coil area with ease. When you’re done, move the glass top back and it snaps into place with the magnets.
TIP* The Yocan Pillar has a sleek ergonomic design that uses a high quality zinc alloy that is both hefty and durable. The base sits comfortably in your hand and can be easily used with one hand.
Cleaning the Yocan Pillar the Right Way
The Yocan Pillar’s atomizer (TGT Coil) is small, so the usual Q-Tip won’t reach the bottom where all the burnt dab hangs out.
So, every few sessions it’s a good idea to soak your atomizer and bubbler in some isopropyl alcohol to try and get out as much used up resin and that pungent smell as possible. Afterward, give the atomizer a gentle brushing. You can use an old toothbrush to do it. Lastly, give the unit a hot water rinse and let it dry in the open air.
A Brief Yocan Pillar FAQ
How long does Yocan Pillar Coil last?
If you use it to get high a lot, you can expect the coils to last about a month, maybe a bit more.
Can you hit cannabis flowers in the Yocan Pillar?
No! The TGT coils will only work to vaporize waxy concentrates. I wouldn’t even recommend Hash in the Pillar. Use it for what it was made for.
How does the Yocan Pillar Compare to Other e-rig/dabs?
The vapor quality of Yocan Pillar is thick, warm, and flavorful. For the price tag, I can’t think of a better dab kit. The high quality zinc alloy and the thick clear glass used in the Pillar, gives the impression that it is a lot more expensive than it is.
Other than that, the Yocan Pillar is designed for waxy cannabis concentrates. In this class, and price point, I would recommend it over any other dab rig.
Does the Yocan Pillar Have an Odor?
Honestly, the Yocan Pillar has a smell that is like a bong session because of its high temperatures. A good, scented candle can help you eliminate the odor after a session, and if you’re up for it, the Pillar can be cleaned as often as you want.
1400mAh Battery with USB-C Charging
With a large 1400 mAh battery base, you’ll be able to get a lot more than six/eight 30-second heating cycles before needing a recharge with the USB-C charging cable. If you happen to wait until there is no charge left, Charging will only take two hours to reach maximum capacity, which is a nice feature for heavy users who always keep their Pillar with them.
Utilizing Type-C charging, Yocan PILLAR is quicker to recharge, with the 1400mAh battery going from zero to full in under 2 hours. This is the best travel companion for Water-filtered smart e-rig.
Yocan Pillar Specs
– 1400mAh Battery
– 3 Voltage Settings (3.2V, 3.7V, 4.2V)
– Adjustable Airflow
– Magnetic Connection
– New TGT Coils
– 2 Operating Modes
– Zinc Alloy Body
Yocan Pillar Kit Includes
1x Pillar Device
1x Glass
1x TGT Coil
1x TGT Quad Coil
1x Pick Tool
1x Type-C Cable
1x Instruction Manual
The Yocan Pillar Conclusion
Over the years I’ve used plenty of glass bongs, and I know how to handle bong water. I’ve also used some of the most complicated vaping mods over the years. Although I don’t have a ton of experience with electronic dab rigs like the Yocan Pillar, I know what works. The Pillar works.
The size, weight, and build quality is fantastic. The thickness and flavor I get from some good quality cannabis concentrate is better than I’ve ever gotten from a PreRoll. The Pillar is easy to set up, easy to use, easy to vape from and easy to clean. It feels fantastic in my hand, and I’ve never experienced a single throat choke in the month I’ve been using it (daily.)
If you’re interested in adding a dab rig to your cannabis use, I recommend the Yocan Pillar as your best possible choice. You won’t be investing too much money into it, and the difference between dabbing and, well, everything else, can make all the difference.
Further Reading:
What To Look For In A Great Dab Rig: A Buyers Guide