If you're just getting into the world of dabbing, welcome! You're about to have some seriously intense experiences. But first, let's talk about dab rigs, rig kits, and how to shop online for the right gear. Picking the perfect setup can totally change your dabbing experience — making it smoother, tastier, and just overall better. So, let's break this down in the most chill way possible.
Dabs?
In a nutshell a dab is street slang for a herbal concentrate, generally a thick oil extracted from the cannabis plant. There are various methods to extract this oil, each producing an extract with a different consistency. Lets use Rosin as an example, a solvent-less method that used heat and pressure for extraction with a thick honey-like waxy substance produced. Shatter refers to an extract produced via butane (or C02) and it resembles hard candy that need to be shattered for usage. There are many more examples but ultimately all fall into the category of "dabs" and a rig (electronic or not) is required.
What's a Dab Rig Anyway?
As mentioned above there are 2 avenues to explore in dab rigs - electronic or a simple rig that you control. Electronic dab rigs are expensive but can be a good way to start dabbing safely as they internally produce the extreme heat require to break down the thick oil. You can also customise the experience by selecting an individual temperature.
Many of my customers want more control (and less charging!) and prefer a stand alone rig. A dab rig is kinda like a water bong, but it's made for cannabis concentrates instead of dry herb. Instead of burning your material, you're vaporizing it as you do not light the material directly. The main difference is the addition of a dab nail or a quartz banger that gets heated to high temperatures as opposed to a flower bowl. A carb cap is also required, this accessory closes off the banger and directs airflow/vapour for you to inhale.
There’s a lotta options too: glass dab rigs, silicone dab rigs, mini dab rigs, electric dab rigs, and even recycler rigs. Each one offers a slightly different vibe, depending on your personal preference. Just remember the more intricate the percolator the airier and smother the experience will be but you will have to clean it!!
Types of Dab Rigs
• Glass Dab Rigs: Made from borosilicate glass, these are classics. Great heat resistance, aesthetic appeal, and they come in a variety of vibrant colors and intricate designs. The most common type and the form that we stock the most of. Any bong can technically become a dab rig with a simple swap out, replacing the flower bowl with a banger. I recommend choosing a banger with an angle (49 or 90 degrees) that forces the banger to face upright. I would also ensure that it extends out far enough for safe lighting to occur.
• Silicone Dab Rigs: Super durable, basically unbreakable. Silicone rigs are a versatile option and perfect for travel. Platinum cured silicone is the withstand a lot of heat and is considered to be food grade. I do not recommend any other form of silicone for a smoking device.
• Mini Dab Rigs: Perfect for portability. A small dab rig gives immediate effects and offers a flavorful experience. Plus, they’re usually at a more affordable price. Many connoisseurs will only use a smaller dab rig whilst using a larger bong for their flower needs. This all comes down to terpenes and flavour expression.
• Electric Dab Rigs: Devices like the Puffco Peak offer precise control over different temperatures without needing an open flame. Super convenient. Please take care of the atomisers as they can clog up and may be expensive to replace.
• Recycler Dab Rigs: These are the fancy ones! Recycler rigs keep the vapor moving through water and air for a smoother hit and cooler smoke. In a recyler setup there is more than one water chamber with tubes linking each. The premise is to provide extra layers of cooling and filtration as your vapour passes though water for longer.
Essential Gear: Dab Tools and Accessories
To really have a good time, you're gonna need a few extras:
• Dab Tools: You’ll need a loading tool to scoop your concentrate. Glass dabbers, metal dab tools, or dab picks are popular. Think of these as super small and intricate spoons and scoops.
• Carb Caps: Trap the heat and regulate airflow over your dab for better vaporization at lower temperatures. There are many options ranging from a simple cap all the way through to UFO Directional carb caps that will create turbulence within the banger.
• Butane Torch: If you're rocking a traditional rig with a quartz banger, you’ll need a flame to heat that baby up. This is the scary part of dabbing that you should take seriously - an intense flame is required to effectively breakdown herbal extracts and a standard lighter will not handle it. A torch is a refillable lighter (butane) that produces a large blue flame and they are used in many industries. In the dabbing world they are used to light the base of your quartz banger (or nail) and this in turn heat the oil that sits within the banger. At this point you will need to decide whether you would like a hot or a cold start, basically do you light the banger pre or post loading of the extract. Lighting the banger after loading it with extract is safer in my opinion!
• Terp Pearls: These little guys spin around inside your banger and help spread your concentrate evenly. Think of them like tiny little marbles that are placed within gthe banger along with your concentrate. They provide agitation and help make extracts dance. Ar they necessary? No but they do help decease any hot spots form developing and lowering wastage.
• Reclaim Catcher: Catches the leftover oils, keeping your glass piece cleaner. A unique form of ash catcher that sits between your banger and the actual rig itself. Ash catchers work hard to collect gunk before it can enter into the water chamber, helping to keep bongs cleaner for longer. On a dab rig a reclaim catcher plays the same role, whilst also accumulating heated oil within. There will be a removable base (usually a silicone component) to enable access to the internal space to access the reclaimed oil. Do I recommend reusing this oil? Not really, but I understand why many choose to reuse their hard-to-come-by extracts.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Rig
1. Size:
• Smaller rigs = better flavour and portability.
• Larger rigs = bigger hits, can be smoother but less flavour.
2. Joint Size:
• Know your mm female joint or male size. Most popular are 10mm, 14mm, and 18/19mm.
3. Material:
• Borosilicate glass for quality.
• Silicone rigs if you’re clumsy. Make sure it is Platinum Cured.
4. Type of Rig:
• Want smoothness? Go for recycler dab rig or percolator dab rigs.
• Want portability? Get a mini rig.
5. Heating Method:
• Traditional with a butane torch.
• Or fancy with electronic dab rigs for precise control.
Benefits of Different Materials
• Glass rigs offer a clean flavour and an aesthetic appeal that's hard to beat.
• Silicone rigs have unbeatable durability and are a great choice for travel.
• Electric rigs offer convenience and are easier for beginners to use.
Dab Nails and Quartz Bangers
When choosing your dab nail or quartz banger, consider heat resistance and size. High-quality materials are key because you're dealing with high temperatures that could crack cheap glass.
• Quartz Bangers: Best for flavour, fast heating.
• Ceramic Nails: Hold heat longer but take longer to warm up.
• Titanium Nails: Indestructible but can mess with flavour a little.
Proper Dab Setup
A good setup includes:
• A good dab rig
• The right dab tools
• Carb caps
• Quartz banger
• Reclaim catcher (optional but super handy)
For the best results, always clean your gear. Use warm water and isopropyl alcohol for regular cleaning, add rock salt for abrasion if required. Nothing ruins a flavourful experience faster than a dirty rig.
Different Rig Kits You Can Buy Online
When you shop online, you'll see tons of rig kits that bundle the essentials together. These usually include:
• A small piece like a mini rig
• A matching quartz banger
• A dabber tool
• Carb cap
• Sometimes even a torch!
They’re usually offered at an affordable price, making it easy for new dabbers to get everything they need in one go.
Popular Choices and Best Rigs
Here’s a quick shout out to some solid rigs and kits that people love:
• Puffco Peak (Best for easy electronic dabbing)
• MJ Arsenal Mini Rigs (Top choice for flavor and portability)
• Eyce Silicone Rigs (Awesome for travel and clumsy folks)
• Higher Standards Heavy Duty Rig (For heavy hitters who want quality)
Why Smaller Rigs Rock
Smaller dab rigs and mini rigs tend to offer the best flavours because the vapour doesn’t have to travel as far. Shorter vapour path = less flavour loss. Plus, they're easy to handle and store, which makes them a great choice for daily users.
Common Dab Mistakes to Avoid
• Too High Temperatures: Burns the terps! Go for lower temperatures for best flavor.
• Overloading the Nail: Start small; you can always add more.
• Dirty Gear: Isopropyl alcohol is your best friend.
• Wrong Joint Size: Always double-check if you need a mm female joint or male setup.
Tips for the Best Dabbing Experience
• Use warm water in your water chamber for smoother hits.
• Heat your quartz banger until it's glowing red, then let it cool 30–45 seconds for optimal temperature.
• Spin your terp pearls by using a directional carb cap.
• Clean your rig often for high-quality pieces and better taste.
How to Maintain Your Dab Rig
Keep that baby clean! Frequent cleaning helps you:
• Avoid nasty flavours
• Keep the water filtration system working great
• Prolong the life of your high-quality pieces
Here's a quick cleaning hack:
1. Dump old water.
2. Rinse with warm water.
3. Add a few splashes of isopropyl alcohol and some coarse salt.
4. Shake carefully.
5. Rinse again.
Voila! Good as new.
Dabbing on a Budget
You don't gotta drop hundreds to get a good setup. Cheap dab rigs and bundles often have great choices if you shop smart. Look for high heat resistance, compact size, and solid reviews. Come by and chat with us in store and we will go through it all.
Final Thoughts
Dabbing is an excellent choice for people who want immediate effects and best flavours from their cannabis concentrates. Whether you’re using nectar collectors, dab bongs, or banger hangers, there’s a perfect tool and setup for everyone.
Just remember, it’s all about personal preference and taking your time to find what suits your vibe. With the right setup and a little care, your dab game will be on next level in no time.