Choose your ideal dab rig

The cannabis industry is evolving fast, and only getting faster by the day. Dabbing is no different.

There are so many new innovations and techniques being released; it can be hard to keep up. From what nails to use, to torches vs Electronic nails, to types of concentrate – it can be impossible to consider everything.

Everyone has a preference and trying everything would be crazy expensive – like any glass piece, even one is quite an investment.

So allow us to get across everything you’ll need to know about Dab Rigs.

 

What are dab rigs?

A dab rig is essentially three components; a high quality glass container, a Dab nail and a torch. When buying a Dab Rig, you will typically have to buy the torch separately, though there may be bundles available.

These components are used to vaporize concentrates, or “Dabs”, such as Shatter, Resin, Oil etc. This way, you can achieve far more powerful hits then anything you could ordinarily with a Bong or Pipe.

 

So how does it work?

Well, by heating up the dab nail with some kind of torch, you can apply the heated nail to the dab for immediate vaporization. Then by inhaling through the mouthpiece, you can feel the full effects – and it’s some effect.

The fact you’re vaporizing concentrate gives it away – you’re exposing yourself to much more herbs than usual. This isn’t an instrument for beginner users, but if you’re after something with a higher kick – this is a must have.

The quality of the glass is also very important.

You could save a few bucks and get the cheapest Dab Rig, but you’ll run the risk of it cracking from the heat.

 

What types of Dab Rigs are there?

 

Torch vs E-Rigs

The recent release of electronic oil rigs, or E-Rigs, have presented a stark choice for Dab Rig fans. Fortunately, the differences are stark, so it should be easy to decide which is best for your needs. We’ve already gone into detail on the usual forms of Dab Rigs, so let’s check out E-Rigs.

There are some considerable advantages to using E-Rigs.

For one, ease of use. Just hit a couple of buttons and in 30 – 60 seconds the nail is piping hot and ready for use. Unlike traditional torch methods, there is no fear of overheating or breaking here. Secondly, portability. Most E-Rigs can easily fit into a backpack or handbag, which is far easier than hauling a huge glass dome.

This portability is also its biggest failing however, especially when compared to torch methods. The vapor chambers and nail sizes of E-Rigs currently on the market are small, making it impossible to take more than small dabs. Similarly, the battery life can be poor if used frequently.

So you should consider your priorities when deciding between these two methods.

 

Types of Nails

Despite Dab Rigs being around in some form or another for decades, there’s more debate on the best type than you may expect. Nails especially have been a huge topic of discussion among users, which perhaps makes sense as it is the most important part of a Dab Rig.

But don’t let that worry you. Boiling it all down, there are basically four main options for nails: glass, quartz, ceramic and titanium.

It’s worth noting that these won’t affect flavour, only the maximum temperature the nail can reach and how quickly it can reach it. For those new to Dab Rigs, we would recommend Titanium nails. Not only do they retain the heat better than the other options, but crucially, they won’t break. Making titanium easily the most fool-proof material.

Glass and Ceramic are popular alternatives, and you’ll find they’re certainly cheaper. Unfortunately, they have a tendency to break very easily and struggle to retain heat, which can lead to ineffective vaporization.

Finally, a Quartz Banger can be bought separately and is usually considered a straight upgrade. Like titanium, they are almost impossible to overheat, so can be well worth the money.

 

Dab Rig/ Bong Combo

Though most devices are strictly for one or the other, you can find bongs that can use flowers and concentrates. Typically they will have a mechanism to replace the glass bowl with a Quartz Banger, allowing you to achieve both with one device. Keep in mind that these may not come with the nail, quartz or otherwise, so you may need to purchase that separately. You could even modify an existing bong by replacing the flower bowl with a quarters banger, though the usual DIY qualifiers apply here!

 

Choose one for your style and routine

With such variety of Dab Rigs on the market, the important thing is to keep in mind is what your personal needs are.

Consider your cannabis routine – would you use it frequently or infrequently? Are you looking to make big batches? Will it need to be portable? Would a dab/bong combo be more efficient for my needs?

Your budget is another huge consideration.

Just like bongs, there are some truly lavish Dab Rigs on the market where you can go the extra mile – not just in size but also in art and design. There are so many truly funky designs out there, you can find a rig to match almost any aesthetic choice. Having said that, even a small rig will produce hits far above conventional bongs, so quality may not be necessary – especially if it will only be used sparingly.

So hopefully, choosing a Dab Rig is a little less intimidating than it was an article ago. Just weigh the options and as always, stay safe. Happy dabbing!