How Much is a Dab Rig? Cost Guide

Dab rig is one of the most popular ways to consume cannabis concentrates. This makes it a go-to choice for smokers who want a cleaner, smoother, and more potent smoking experience.

There are a large variety of different dab rigs available on the market. Everything from cheap silicone dab rigs, to electric dab rigs to really high end borosilicate glass dab rigs.

At first glance, It can be scary for novices and those who want to switch from smoking to dabbing. Especially you are wondering about How much are dab rigs? Don't worry, we’ve got you covered!

Depending on certain factors such as brand, types, features, quality, materials, and other accessories involved, a dab rig can cost pretty much anything.

In this guide, we'll explore the cost of different dab rigs, the factors influencing their pricing, and tips for saving money to help you find something you’re sure to love in your price range.

What is a Dab Rig?

A dab rig is a water pipe that has been specialized for consuming cannabis waxes and concentrates – commonly referred to as “dabs”.

It works by heating the concentrate to a very high temperature, using a 'nail' or 'banger', which vaporizes the concentrate. The user then can inhale the vapor through the rig's mouthpiece.

Compared to dry flowers, concentrates are much more potent, with specific concentrates surpassing 60% or even 90% THC.

Additionally, Due to their water cooling and filtration systems, Dab rigs can provide you with smoother and safer hits.

Dab rigs vaporize your concentrates at lower temperatures than a bong. That means you get a super flavorful vapor with less harmful toxins and harshness.

Overall, Dab rigs allows you to get more potency out of your concentrate and enjoy a cleaner, smoother and more flavorful smoking experience.

Different Types of Dab Rigs

From traditional glass to advanced electronic rigs, there are dab rigs of all shapes and sizes to fit the needs of anyone looking to spark up a dabbing session.

1. Glass Dab Rigs

Glass dab rigs are the most common dab rigs you will find on the market, and with good reason: they’re affordable, easy to use, and can be found at just about every smoke shop.

The OG of dabbing, traditional glass dab rigs are a mainstay among connoisseurs owing to their artistic designs they can preserve.

They also provide the cleanest dabbing experience, unlike silicone dab rigs, which may affect the flavor profile of your preferred concentrate.

These can vary in size, From the basic, discreet and portable Mini Dab Rig to the complex Recycler Dab Rig with multi percolation tubes that cool and filter vapor for a smoother inhale.

2. Silicone Dab Rigs

Silicone dab rigs are great if you are looking for a more affordable, durable travel dab rig.

Silicone dab rigs are designed similar to glass dab rigs in shape and often provide some kind of perc as well like a glass dab rig would.

Silicone dab rigs are great for taking on the go as they are virtually indestructible.

They are also very easy to clean as you can take most of the pieces apart and simply throw them in the dishwasher or freezer.

However, they may not offer as clean a flavor profile from your concentrates as a glass rig.

3. Electric Dab Rigs

E-Rigs are becoming extremely popular and the technology on electric dab rigs just keeps improving. They’re battery-powered and come with adjustable heat settings.

E Rigs let you enjoy your concentrates without having to use a torch to heat up a nail. They use an electric coil to heat up your dab nail to the perfect temp that you desire.

Desktop e rigs are larger and meant to be used at home, but there are also portable options available, which are small and lightweight, making them ideal for dabbing on the go.

E-rigs are great for those who value ease of use and precision.

How much do dab rigs cost?

Dab rigs can cost from $30 to $300 or even more, but it all comes down to the quality of materials, how they were made and what they look like.

Every dab rig out there falls into one of three categories: affordable, Mid-tier, and heady.

Your most expensive rigs are going to be the heady ones because there’s a lot of artistry involved in making them. On the other hand, affordable rigs tend to be made with lower quality materials and less extravagant designs.

1. Affordable Dab Rigs: $30 - $80

Affordable dab rigs are ones that fall in the $30 to $80 price range. In this range, you can expect very standard rigs made from either silicone or Regular Soda-Lime glass.

A lot of their pricing comes from their no-fuss design without things like percolators or stuff you just plain don’t need. However, there are still a lot of hidden gems out there.

They’re also priced low for their size. Smaller dab rigs are much cheaper to make, so just because glass is cheaply made doesn’t mean that they’re poorly made.

Honestly, as a first-time buyer, you should be looking in this price range, especially if you are scared to fork out the extra cash.

2. Mid-tier Dab Rigs: $80 - $200

Mid-tier dab rigs fall between $80 and $200. This is where you start to see killer glass designs and high-quality materials used in the rig.

They feature improved craftsmanship, performance, and design over their affordable counterparts.

You can expect nifty features like percolators, recyclers, smoke diffusers, and stronger banger/nail.

They’re typically also made only with heat-duty borosillicate glass and feature sturdy welds that are sure to stand up in pressure.

However, their design isn’t usually all that remarkable. While the functionality and the form is there, the artistry tends to be lacking.

3. Heady Dab Rigs: $200 - $300 or more

Heady dab rigs are the most expensive by far and can cost anywhere from $200 to $300 or more.

There is no doubt that the material, performance and durability of these will be better than anything else. Another reason being is that they bring artistry to the equation.

Many heady dab rigs are functional works of art made by individual glass artists, meaning that these pieces are usually one of a kind.

If you care a lot about how your rig looks, you’re going to be paying a little bit more.

Some of these are even electronic and do most of the work for you.

The 8 Factors that Determine Dab Rig Prices

Several factors influence the price of a dab rig, including the brand, size, and complexity of the rig.

1. Materials

The material used in dab rigs affects their price.

High-quality materials like borosilicate glass are pricier than lower-grade Soda-Lime glass or silicone.

Borosilicate glass is particularly durable and resistant to thermal shock, making it a popular choice for premium dab rigs.

2. Craftsmanship

The level of craftsmanship and attention to detail influences the price of dab rigs.

For example, Recycler dab rigs are usually more expensive as they often have more intricate crafting and a more aesthetic appearance.

In addition, Hand-blown or handcrafted pieces are generally more expensive due to the skill and time involved in their creation.

3. Brand Reputation

Compared to lesser-known or unknown brands, Well-established brands with a strong reputation often command higher prices due to their reliability, customer support, and overall quality.

Some well-known dab rig brands are Lookah, Grasscity, GRAV, Red Eye Tek, MJ Arsenal, Empire Glassworks, Puffco, Pulsar, etc.

4. Additional Features

Dab Rigs with extras like percolators, diffusers, or removable parts can be pricier than basic models.

These features improve the dabbing experience with smoother hits and easier maintenance, increasing the product's value.

5. Size and Complexity

The size and complexity of a dab rig can also affect its price.

Larger dab rigs that have more intricate pieces and require more materials and labour to make may have higher prices compared to smaller dab rigs with simpler designs.

6. Accessories

Some dab rigs come with additional dabbing accessories like nail, Carb Cap, Dab Mat, Dab Tool or cleaning tools, adding value and cost.

7. Where to Buy

Prices can differ from shop to shop and online vs in-store.

Online might offer much cheaper prices and more models but watch out for shipping costs.

8. Artistry

Glass blowing is an intricate art form that significantly influences the price of dab rigs.

Artistic glass-blown dab rigs often feature elaborate designs and sculptures, merging functionality with stunning visual appeal.

These handcrafted masterpieces are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, making them some of the most expensive dab rigs on the market due to the exceptional craftsmanship and unique artistry involved.

The 6 Tips for Saving Money When Buying Dab Rigs

You can save money on your dab rig if you go about purchasing things the right way.

1. Explore Different Materials

Silicone and Soda-Lime glass dab rigs are usually more affordable than borosilicate glass rigs and maintain functionality.

2. Seek Out Discounts and Special Offers

Look out for holiday sales, clearance events, and discount codes from online headshops and local smoke shops.

3. Shop Online

Online head shops often have lower prices and better deals than local smoke stores.

Just be sure to factor in shipping costs and only order from reputable vendors.

4 . Opt for Simpler Designs

Dab rigs with Simpler Design and smaller size can be less expensive while still providing excellent performance.

5. Stay Away from Premium Brands

While premium dab rig brands offer quality products, their prices can be substantially higher than budget or mid-range options.

Consider more affordable brands like Lookah for cost savings.

6. Check for Package Offers

Some retailers offer combo deals that include a dab rig and essential accessories like a torch, dab tool, and carb cap, offering great value for money.

What dab rig accessories do I all need to get started with dabbing?

Unfortunately, expenses don’t stop after buying the desired model because you often need at least a few additional accessories.

If you are using either a glass or silicone dab rig, you will need a number of dab gear tools.

You will need a Dab tool, Nail/Banger (Quartz, Titanium, or Ceramic), Carb Cap, butane torch. You may also want a dab pad or some silicone jars to store your concentrates.

How to choose the best dab rig for you?

When choosing a dab rig, there are several factors to consider. These include the size and shape of the rig, the type of percolator it has, brand, and the materials it's made of.

There are various styles and materials for dab rigs to choose from so be careful when you are selecting products and make sure that your criteria and needs are precisely met.

Additionally, you should consider your budget and personal preferences when choosing a dab rig.

Some people prefer traditional dab rigs, while others prefer portable electric dab rigs that can be used on-the-go.

Conclusion

If you want the best dabbing experience possible, such as unmatched airflow, functionality, and quality, a dab rig is the way to go.

In this guide, we’ve explored the average costs of dab rigs, the factors that influence them, tips to save money on oil rigs and more to help you get started on your dab journey.

Armed with that information, you should now be able to make the right choices to indulge in your favorite flavors and get your THC hit.

While searching for dab rigs, don’t just settle for low quality and cheap price. It’s crucial to invest in premium quality da rigs which you can certainly enjoy and can provide you with long years of smoking pleasure.

When it comes to investing in premium dab rigs and related accessories, choosing a trusted online source is paramount. This can help you avoid some unnecessary troubles and problems.