8.5″ 14 M 90° US CUSTOMARY COMPETITION BANGER

The 8.5-inch Competition Banger is a deep-bucket quartz nail built for dabbers who run heavy sessions and hate reloading. With a 14mm male joint at a 90-degree angle, 2.5mm thick walls, and a drill hole for spinner cap compatibility, this banger is designed for people chasing flavor on bigger globs without the constant cooldown anxiety that comes with thinner quartz.

Why this banger works

• Deep bucket handles bigger loads — the extended 8.5-inch design gives you room for competition-sized dabs without overflow or wasted concentrate pooling on your rig
• 2.5mm walls hold heat longer — thicker quartz means more stable temperatures through your entire dab, not just the first few seconds
• Drill hole for airflow control — pairs with spinner caps and directional carb caps to keep your concentrate moving and vaporizing evenly
• 90-degree angle sits upright — works with straight-tube rigs and pieces where you want the bucket facing straight up for easier loading
• 14mm male fitting — drops into standard 14mm female joints, which covers most mid-sized dab rigs on the market

Best for

This banger is made for experienced dabbers who take larger dabs and need a bucket that won't choke on half a gram. If you're running back-to-back sessions, competing in dab competitions, or just prefer not to reload every thirty seconds, the deep bucket and thick walls give you the capacity and heat retention to keep going. It's also solid for anyone who's burned through thin bangers and wants something that doesn't crack after a few months of daily use.

How to use it

Drop the 14mm male joint into your rig's female fitting. Heat the bottom and lower walls of the bucket with a butane torch, then let it cool to your preferred temperature — most people wait 30-60 seconds depending on room temp and personal preference. Load your concentrate with a dab tool, cap it, and inhale slowly.

The drill hole is there for a reason. A spinner cap or directional cap uses that hole to create airflow that moves your concentrate around the hot surface, which means more even vaporization and less char. If you're using a standard bubble cap, it still works — you just won't get the spinning action.

Cold starts work well with thicker quartz like this. Load your concentrate first, then heat gradually until it starts bubbling. You'll use less butane and get cleaner flavor on the front end of your dab.

Specifications

Fit and compatibility

The 14mm male joint fits any rig with a 14mm female connection. The 90-degree angle works best with straight-tube or beaker-style rigs where the joint points straight up. If your rig has an angled joint (like many recyclers), you'll want a 45-degree banger instead so the bucket sits level.

The drill hole makes this compatible with spinner caps, terp pearls, and directional caps. Standard bubble caps work too, but you won't get the vortex effect. For best results, match your cap to the bucket diameter — most competition-style bangers run larger than standard, so check your cap size before assuming it'll seal.

Care and cleaning

Let it cool completely before cleaning. Wipe out residue with a cotton swab while it's still slightly warm. For deeper cleans, soak in isopropyl alcohol, rinse, and dry before your next session. Keeping your banger clean between dabs extends its life and keeps your flavor profiles accurate — char buildup changes how your quartz heats and tastes.

Frequently asked questions

Will this fit my rig?

If your rig has a 14mm female joint, yes. The male end drops right in. Just make sure you've got a 90-degree setup — this banger points straight up, so angled rigs won't hold it level.

What's the drill hole for?

It lets air in when you're using a spinner cap. The airflow creates a vortex that moves terp pearls around the bucket, spreading your concentrate across the hot surface for more even vaporization. You can still use regular caps, but the hole is designed for spinner setups.

Is 2.5mm thick enough for heavy use?

For most dabbers, yes. It's thicker than standard bangers (usually 2mm or less) but not as beefy as some high-end options that run 3-4mm. The 2.5mm walls give you good heat retention without ridiculous heat-up times. Daily use shouldn't be a problem as long as you're not thermal shocking it with cold water or dropping it.

Can I use terp pearls with this?

Absolutely. The drill hole is specifically there for spinner cap setups. Drop in your pearls, load your dab, cap it with a spinner, and the airflow will keep them moving. Just make sure your pearls fit the bucket diameter.

How long should I heat it?

Heat times depend on your torch and preference, but most people heat for 30-45 seconds and cool for 45-60 seconds. Thicker quartz holds heat longer, so you might need slightly longer heat-up but can take a longer cool-down before dabbing. Start conservative and adjust based on how your dabs taste — if it's harsh, you're going in too hot.

What's the advantage of a deep bucket?

Capacity. Standard bangers work fine for small dabs, but if you're loading anything substantial, shallow buckets overflow or waste concentrate on the walls. The competition-style depth lets you take bigger dabs without losing product over the sides or having to reload constantly.

How do I know when it's time to replace?

When you can't get it clean anymore. Quartz eventually devitrifies — it clouds up and loses its ability to heat evenly. If you're seeing permanent white spots or your dabs taste off even after cleaning, it's time for a new one. Good maintenance extends the lifespan, but all quartz is consumable eventually.