Buds - page 2
The easiest way to gauge the quality of THC Buds is to lightly press them between your fingertips. Quality THC Bud should spring right back when pressed (or nearly so). Also, as you touch the bud, the smell of the flower should be very distinct.
If the buds fall apart instantly upon being touched by your fingertips, then the buds have dried out too far and their potency & desirable qualities will diminish.
Sticky appears to refer to high resin content within the flower. As such, higher resin content = stronger flavors & effects. Flowers that are extremely dry tend to lack an intense aroma and burn much quicker than fresh flowers.
It all comes down to the specific strain of flower. Typically, Indicas will produce denser buds and provide deeper relaxation. They also typically last longer in terms of shelf-life. On the other hand, softer, more airy buds (Sativas) are typically used in strains created for providing increased energy & mental clarity.
Bright colors primarily relate to genetic expression and appearance. Bright purples do not always equate to greater strength; however, they often represent a unique & distinctive flavor experience.
A good quality THC flower should have a distinctively sharp fragrance: pine, lemon, berries, earthy. A poor quality THC flower may have a faint hay/cut grass/damp smell due to age or improper storage conditions.