There are many ways to consume cannabis and the method of consumption is really up to the individual. Some prefer the ease of a small glass pipe as it’s quick to load and fire up. Others prefer rolling a blunt or a joint as it’s quick, portable and there is very little clean-up afterward. Vaping cannabis has also become popular as it’s quick, easy, and more discreet than the other methods described above. Another discreet method to use cannabis is through weed edibles. Then there are the “riggers”… people who enjoy using their dab rigs to take “trips to the moon” and back when they partake in their cannabis experience! 

You may be wondering; “What is a dab rig?” and why do people do it. A dab rig is a specific device used to consume concentrated forms of cannabis such as shatter or wax. With the concentration of THC being so high, the user will feel the psychoactive effects much quicker. The “high” can also be much more elevated when using a dab rig.

Now that you have an idea of what a dab rig is, you’re probably wondering what are some of the key considerations when looking to purchase one. Here are some things to note when getting into dabbing:

The Size of the Dab Rig

When taking a dab, the primary goal is to have enough space and water to keep the vapor from being too hot when inhaled. Knowing the breakdown of oil vapor, too much water can risk wasting some of your dabs. That said, many dabbers choose smaller-sized rigs, which are much more manageable to deal with, along with a torch and dabber.

While the majority of people prefer a smaller pipe, don’t pass over buying a big rig, potentially as a second piece. A critical thought and concern in dabbing is overheating your pipe, which can damage it gradually over time. With a larger bong, this is less likely to happen as there is more surface area to disperse the heat.

The Overall Aesthetics and the Design of the Dab Rig

There are many different types of dab rigs, each of which has its own unique features. Generally, you should typically go for a smaller-sized dab rig that has less internal volume. Dab rigs with tiny chambers, like the puck rig, are better. The puck rig is an awesome design since its low body means that it will go directly into your mouth for max flavor the moment the vapor rises. If you go for a standard bong-sized rig, we recommend a straight tube piece, as it will have a clear path for the consumption of the vapor.

The Build Quality of the Dab Rig

Given the nature of dabbing, the way a dab rig is built is more important than with most water pipes. Using the torch calls for a resilient and heat-resistant construction that can be used safely. Again, smaller bongs are much easier to maneuver, but larger ones can hold up to heat better, so you’ll need to try them out on your own to see which you like better. Your pipe should be made from scientific-grade borosilicate glass designed to endure the heat of a lighter or torch. Always make sure that the bong is very stable. Search for an item with a low center of mass, durable base, and thick glass. A 90-degree joint and curved neck permit you to maintain your rig on the table as you safely warm the nail.

The Filtration System of the Dab Rig

One of the most crucial features of an excellent rig is filtering. Oil resin is a lot stickier than tobacco resin, which means that the much more glass stands in the way of vapor, the much less effectiveness you’ll obtain from an inhale. You’ll also have a more challenging time cleaning it as well. Your dab rig’s perc should be straightforward as well: no greater than one inline perc or fixed down-stem. Keep away from pieces with several or complicated percs such as matrix or barrel percs.

And there you have it! With the considerations above, you should be able to find the right dab rig for you.

If you’re a seasoned “dabber”, what type of dab rig do you prefer? We’d love to hear from you on our Twitter page!