What is a Dab Rig? Different Types? Benefits?

Are you looking for a powerful high and a flavor-filled experience of inhaling cannabis concentrates? If so, a dab rig may be perfect for you.

The dab rig is one such wonderful smoking device: a water pipe designed for smoking budder, shatter, wax, oil and other forms of concentrates.

Finding the perfect dab rig can seem a little complicated at first glance, but don’t worry. The more you know about dab rigs, the better a choice you can make for them.

In this article, we will dive deeper into what a dab rig is, different parts and types of dab rig, how it is different from a standard water pipe, how to use and clean it.

What is a dab rig? Parts of a dab rig

A typical dab rig is a type of water pipe with a nail attachment for heating cannabis concentrate into a potent vapor.

The vapor is filtered and cool before reaching your mouth, making it a smooth, potent, and enjoyable experience.

Dab rigs are a lot like an ordinary bong, but they have a few minor differences that separate them into their own category.

The main components of a dab rig include:

1. Mouthpiece

The part of the rig where you inhale the vapor. Some rigs feature a bent neck or other designs to prevent water from reaching your mouth.

2. Water chamber

The part of the dab rig where water is held. The water cools and filters the vapor as it passes through, providing a smoother hit.

3. Joint

The connecting point where you attach the nail or banger to the rig body.

Dab rig joints usually have fixed downstems and are upright to provide room for a banger.

4. Nail or banger

The bucket-shaped part of the dab rig that holds the concentrate and is heated to vaporize it.

It can be made from various materials, including quartz, titanium, ceramic, or borosilicate glass.

5. Carb Cap

A Carb Cap is a circular piece used to cover the nail after the dab has been applied to stop that smoke from escaping, trap the heat and prolong the smoking session.

6. Percolator

Not mandatory but recommended, percolators provide additional filtering for smoother smoking experience.

7. Dabber or Pick

A dabber, also known as a “pick,” is the dab tool you use to put the concentrate in the nail.

They are metal, glass, or ceramic and come in various shapes and styles.

Typically you choose a shape based on the consistency of the concentrate you’re dabbing.

8. Torch

More of an accessory than a part of the dab rig, you need a butane torch for heating the nail.

Propane torch burn a hotter flame that can damage the nail.

The 5 Different Types of dab rigs

There are many different types you can choose - from handy and portable designs to more percolation for higher temperatures and smoother dabbing.

Here are a few of the most common choices on the market:

1.Glass Dab Rigs

Glass dab rigs are the most traditional type of dab rig. They are commonly used by those who like to smoke wax, shatter or rosin dabs.

Glass dab rigs are typically made from borosilicate glass, which is designed to make them durable and withstand high temperatures.

They come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes - ranging from 6” to 12” tall depending on personal preference.

2. Silicone Dab Rigs

Silicone dab rigs are considered the most convenient, portable and affordable type of dab rig on the market.

Due to their flexible material, they are virtually indestructible - making them nearly impossible to break if dropped.

Most models are adaptable with glass or quartz accessories. Some can even be taken apart for easy cleaning, storage and transport.

3. Recycler Dab Rigs

As opposed to a standard dab rig, recyclers employ a network of glass tubes and chambers to filter and cool smoke without letting it linger long enough to coat the inside of your glass dab rig.

The consistent movement of smoke with water also prevents you from inhaling a stale hit.

Recyclers are great for those who take a lot of dabs.

4. Mini Dab Rigs

The downside to mini dab rigs is that they are tricky to clean. Smaller components mean a more detailed cleaning process, which can be frustrating.

However, they offer an excellent experience in a more portable format.

5. Electric Rigs

An electric dab rig, also called an e-rig, allows you to control your ideal temperature with a click of a button.

E-rigs work via battery-operated heating elements, which removes the danger of a direct flame and simplifies the entire process.

They are also small, portable and allow the easy transportation of pieces. For example, Lookah Dragon Egg.

What are the Benefits of Dabbing from a Dab Rig?

You will love dab rigs because they are a great way to consume concentrates and offer many benefits.

1. Maximum Potency

The concentrates you use for dabbing are a lot more potent than a dry flower.

Bud usually is between 15-25% THC, but concentrates are 50-80%.

If your tolerance for cannabinoids like THC is high, then dabbing with a dab rig might be a great consumption method for you.

2. More Flavorful

Creating cannabis concentrates can preserve and even enhance the terpenes responsible for the flavor and aroma of the plant.

As a result, dabbing can offer you a more flavorful and aromatic experience compared to smoking dry flower.

3. Healthier

Dab rigs are undoubtedly a healthier way to consume concentrates.

When you smoke dry flower, you expose yourself to the carcinogens found in the smoke.

However, you only inhale the vaporized concentrate and not any harmful chemicals when you dab.

4. Smoother Hits

Dab rigs cool down the vapor and filter it via water for a smoother hit, Avoids irritation to throat and lung caused by high temperature vapor.

Every hit will be cleansed and pure as long as the water is kept clean.

How to use a dab rig? Step by Step Guide

If you’ve got your rig and you’re ready to try dabbing, here are your step-by-step directions on how to dab.

Step 1: Add water

Add water to the chamber. Make sure that you have water in each chamber and that your percs are all covered, for best results.

Step 2: Heat the Nail

The nail is heated using the butane torch, typically for about 30 seconds, depending on the material and thickness of the nail.

You may notice a reddish glow to the hot nail when it is fully heated.

Step 3: Drop the Concentrate

Once your nail is red-hot, let it cool down for about 30 seconds before you drop your Concentrate in with the dabber.

If you put the concentrate in too quickly, it could explode and burn you. Especially your rig is quartz.

Step4: Inhale vapor and Enjoy!

After that, place the carb cap on the nail, which keeps the vapor from escaping.

Let the concentrate vaporize, and enjoy a flavorful inhale from Mouthpiece until the vapor is gone.

How to clean a dab rig?

If you have a glass dab rig, you can use isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt to clean the glass components.

Soaking the pieces for at least half an hour and then gently scrubbing with a brush or pipe cleaner, which can help remove any stubborn residue.

To finish, drain your rig and rinse it with warm water again.

Dab Rigs vs Bongs: what's the difference?

Both bongs and dab rigs serve as a water pipe to consume cannabis, but they do so in different ways.

A bong is intended to be used with dry herbs and flowers, while a dab rig or oil rig is meant to be used with concentrates waxes and oils.

Bongs are equipped with a bowl for burning flower, while dab rigs include a heatable nail for vaporizing concentrates.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a great dabbing experience and want to guarantee a flavorful dab each and every hit, then a dab rig is the way to go.

With so many different models and types available on the market, there’s something for everyone when it comes to rigs.

In addition, If you follow the step-by-step-guide on how to perfectly vaporize your THC concentrate, you’ll be able to indulge in an enjoyable experience.

Make sure to get all of your accessories, invest in a good rig, light that nail up to the perfect temperature, and you’ll be good to go.

We hope this information was helpful!