Types of Dab Rigs - Finding the Best One for You

Types of Dab Rigs - Finding the Best One for You

Marijuana users smoke in various ways, whether through joints, blunts, pipes, or a bong. But when cannabis concentrate is used, the most popular way to achieve the concentrate's full potential is with a dab rig. Dabbing is a consumption method using a glass water pipe called a Dab rig. 

Credit for photo: helpingpot.com

What is a dab rig?

Dab rigs often look similar to bongs, many of which can even be converted to dab rigs. The main difference is that these devices include a banger or "dab nail." This can be heated to extremely high temperatures to instantly vaporize crumble, wax, active resins, and other concentrates.

The rig has two main parts, the body of the rig and nails. Nails are the hot part used for vaporizing your concentrate. The body is the main part of the rig and contains water to filter and cool the vapor.

Dab rig types

Before you buy a rig, it helps to know what types of dab rigs are available and how they differ. When choosing a dab rig, the options seem endless. To make things easier, I'll list some of the most popular portable drilling rigs and give you some pros and cons for each.

Common dab rigs

Although dab rigs can come in many different shapes, sizes, and materials, most are made from relatively simple designs. Usually, these are made of glass and look similar to transparent glass beaker bongs, albeit with a smaller size. The average height of these varies from around 8 to 12 inches. 

You will need a quartz banger/nail, which is designed to withstand much higher heat than glass. This means it can withstand being heated up by a butane torch to a high-temperature capable of vaporizing your concentrate. Then, you can get enjoy smooth, satisfying hits of THC.

Dab rigs can be made from silicone, which is more durable than glass. Ideal if you have a tendency of knocking things over. 

Mini dab rigs

If you're the kind of person who prefers convenience and portability, you may want to buy a mini dab rig.

These are just dab rigs on a much smaller scale, and they can still provide you with excellent dabs. Being small means, they are extremely portable. Some of these mini dab rigs can sit in your palm and are great if you're going on holiday visiting a friend's house for a session. 

Another advantage other than portability is that small dab rigs often deliver a more flavorsome dab. This is because the vapor doesn't have to travel as far to your mouth, so less of the terpenes are lost. 

If you want a rig that's easy to carry to a friend's home or vacation, that's great.

The second advantage is the flavor. 

Being small as well also means less glass is used. This should transfer to a lower price. 

One of the disadvantages of these mini rigs is that they hold less water, so the vapor gets hotter on your throat.

Credit for photo: medium.com

Recycler rigs

Recycler dab rigs work just like any other dab rig - just heat the banger, drop in your dab and enjoy the hits. However, they can also enhance the experience thanks to the recycling feature.

Recyclers are common in bongs, as well as some dab rigs. It is simply a tube that recycles the water around the device. As you take a hit, the suction created pulls the water up through the stem, which in turn cools the vapor more. The water then drops back down, recycling around the rig. 

Because your vapor spends more time in the water, when they reach your mouth, they are cooler, smoother, and cleaner.

These types of Dab Rig are popular for two main reasons. The first reason is that the recovery function provides excellent water filtration and a super smooth taste. 

The second reason is that it looks great. 

Of course, the extra glass and more complex design will increase the price, so these types of dab rigs will cost you more than a simple, functional rig.

If you're willing to spend the extra money, it's worth it.

Electric dab rigs

By now, we've all heard of electronic nails that can be used with your standard dab rig. The next evolution of this idea is the e-rig, a versatile dabbing tool that performs the work of both e-nail and rig.

They are supercompact and combine all the advantages of a dab vape with those of a standard dab rig. 

The portable e rigs comes with a built-in battery and atomizer coil, this is attached to a water pipe or cone. Not only are they easy to use, but they are very intuitive and do away with the need for butane torches and guessing heats. 

Just press a few buttons and then wait for your atomizer to get hot. Put on a dab and enjoy it.

These devices are ideal for users who don't want to have to manually heat their nails with a torch every time. They're also great in terms of portability and convenience. That being said, they can be very expensive, and some users prefer the taste and feel of regular glass rigs.

Convertible bongs

The dab rigs usually look similar to bongs. Indeed, they share many similarities, with the main difference being that Dab rigs include quartz banger or nail rather than the regular bowls used for weed.

Many of the bongs can also be adapted for dabbing, simply by using quartz nails instead of glass bowls.

You'll need a banger or nail of the right size to fit the joint where the bong's bowl would normally go. This lets you easily convert your bong into a dab rig.

These two-in-one devices are perfect for users who want a versatile device to enjoy both types of products. You can get amazing dab hits, and when you want to replace them with weed, simply replace the banger with a bowl.

Dab rigs can come in many shapes, sizes, and materials. If you're looking for a potent way to enjoy a marijuana concentrate, they are worth the investment. 

Remember that dabbing is not for everyone. Vaping dabs can be very powerful, even for beginners. Some users may prefer to use joints, pipes, CBD carts, and vapes, or other products such to consume cannabis or its concentrates.