Recycler – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

A Recycler is a specialised type of glass water-pipe attachment (commonly called a “dab rig”) engineered for concentratevaping. It features twin-chambered pathways that continuously cycle vapour and water in a closed loop, cooling each hit before it reaches your lungs. Originally borrowed from the dabbing world, recyclers are now popular with Australian vapers who pair them with 510-thread or 810-thread RDTA bases to turn potent e-liquids or distillates into ultra-smooth, flavour-rich vapour without throat harshness.

Technical Details

Inside a recycler, vapour leaves the RDA or RTA chamber and is drawn down into a lower “reservoir” percolator. Water and vapour then travel through an external loop (or “incycler” if internal) back to an upper chamber, repeating the cycle 2–4 times before inhalation. Common specs: 10–14 mm glass joint, 3–5 mm wall thickness, 45° or 90° joint angle, and percolators such as shower-head, turbine or honey-comb. Recycler volume ranges 150–400 mL; larger units cool more but mute flavour. Joint gender is usually female to accept male bangers or 510-extension nails; adapters allow cross-compatibility with refillable concentrate pens.

Usage & Tips

Fill the recycler so water sits just above the percolator slits; over-filling causes splash-back. Draw slowly—recyclers need steady negative pressure to “activate” the loop. Clean weekly with isopropyl and coarse salt; reclaim buildup restricts flow and raises resistance. Avoid overtightening 510 heat-sinks—thermal expansion can crack female joints. For safety, always check glass for hairline fractures before heating, and never exceed 240 °C on the coil to prevent thermal shock.

History & Context

Recyclers emerged in the U.S. glass-blowing scene around 2012 when concentrate culture demanded cooler, tastier hits. Australian vapers adopted the design around 2016 as high-wattage box mods and nicotine salts made smooth delivery a priority. Today, local artisans like Gatorbeug produce pocket-sized recyclers tailored to 510-thread batteries, cementing the recycler’s place in Australia’s advanced vaping ecosystem.