How to Choose Your First Dab Rig

First Things First: Buying Your First Dab Rig

After reading our Dabbing 101 Guide, you probably figured out that you would like to try dabbing. The great thing about buying a dab rig is that it's easier than buying a bong. Less options, less variety, and a smaller price tag. However, since you've likely never touched a dab rig, they all look the same online.

Let's talk about what actually matters so you don't end up with a rig that sits on a shelf.

Why Dab Rigs Are Shorter Than Bongs

Many new dabbers make this mistake. You find a 6-inch dab rig for $80, and you think "Man, I could buy a 14-inch bong for that." But, dab rigs are designed to be shorter. That is because concentrates produce vapor, not smoke, and that vapor produces flavors quickly when the vapor has to travel far. In addition to losing flavor, the closer the vapor travels from the banger to your mouth, the sooner the vapor reaches you and the correct temperature. Yes, bigger dab rigs do exist, but those rigs will take away the flavor of your concentrates – and that's kinda the point of dabbing. Also, because dab rigs are smaller and lighter, there is less water and less resistance for the vapor to pass through, resulting in less time for the vapor to reach you at the correct temperature.

Traditional Rigs vs. E-Rigs vs. Dab Pens

Before we get into the details of glass, let's decide what type of rig you'll be using based on your lifestyle.

Traditional Glass Rigs

A small glass water pipe, a quartz banger, and a butane torch. Heat the banger, add your concentrates, cap it, and then inhale. There is definitely a process, but many people really enjoy the ritual. Total control over the temperture, great flavor from a high-quality banger, and no charging required.

However, the torch is a trade off. Many people do not like the idea of an open flame being part of their dabbing experience. Also, with a torch, you cannot easily dab on-the-go – this is a sit-at-home experience.

E-Rigs

Electronic dab rigs use a battery powered heating element, rather than a torch. Press a button, select your desired temperature, wait a couple of seconds, and dab. No flame, no guesswork, consistent results.

These rigs cost more upfront ($100-$400), but are significantly more convenient. Eventually the heating element will require replacement, and you will have to keep it charged, but for many users, this is a trade-off worth making.

Dab Pens

The most portable option available. Pocket-sized units that contain a built-in coil or ceramic chamber where you can load concentrates. These will not provide the flavor of a glass rig or a quality electronic rig, but they will go wherever you go. There are also travel mug versions – not the best cup of coffee, but it will do when you're not at home.

What To Look For In A Glass Rig

If you choose to go traditional, here are the things that separate a good rig from a forgotten one.

Size

Stay between 6-10 inches. Any smaller than 6, and you may feel cramped, and the risk of splash is higher. Any larger than 10, and you may lose some flavor. An 8-inch rig is the perfect size – big enough to fit comfortably, small enough to keep the vapor path tight.

Glass Thickness

Follow the same rules as bongs. 4mm is the minimum thickness, 5mm is fine for daily use. Since dab rigs are smaller and lighter, you have a greater chance of knocking them around – do not skimp on the glass thickness.

Percolation

Less is more. You want some water filtration to cool the vapor, but not so much that you strip the flavor. One showerhead perc or a basic recycler will suffice. Do not buy multi-perc rigs – that is bong territory, and it will kill your concentrates.

Recycler rigs are very popular because they recycle the water, but do not filter the water extensively. This provides flavorful but smooth dabs. If you see a recycler rig in your budget, it is probably a good choice.

Joint Size

Most dab rigs use 14mm or 10mm joints. 14mm is more common, providing a wider selection of bangers and accessories. Just make sure you know whether your rig has a male or female joint – most modern rigs have female joints, and most bangers have male joints. Check before buying a banger separately. Our joint size guide covers this in detail.

Choosing a Banger

The banger is where the magic happens – the bucket-shaped attachment you heat up and drop your concentrates into.

Quartz is the standard. Even heating, good retention of heat, and no effect on flavor. A basic quartz banger runs $10-$25, and will do everything you need. 90% of dabbers fall into the category of quartz banger user, and that is where most of us stay.

Ceramic retains heat longer, but takes longer to heat up. Some people swear by the flavor. More niche.

Titanium is almost indestructible and heats quickly, but can impart a slightly metallic flavor. More commonly found on e-nails than torch-based rigs.

Buy a quartz banger that matches your joint size and gender for your first rig. Try out terp slurpers and other specialty bangers once you have the basics down.

Other Items You Will Need On Day One

A rig and banger get you started, but grab these items immediately as well.

Carb Cap

The lid that goes over the banger after you add your dab. Traps heat, reduces air pressure, allows the concentrates to vaporize at lower temperatures. Better flavor, less waste. A basic carb cap costs $5-$15 and will make a huge difference. Do not skip this item.

Dab Tool

The metal or glass stick for picking up and applying concentrates. Various tips work better for different textures – pointed for shatter, scoop for budder or crumble. Handling concentrates without a dab tool is a sticky mess.

Torch

If you plan on using a traditional rig, you will need a butane torch. While kitchen torches can technically work, a true dab torch provides a wider flame and quicker heat-up. Popular brands include Blazer and Special Blue.

Dab Mat

Silicone pad to put your rig on. Protects your surface from heat, water, and sticky residue. Costs a few dollars, protects your furniture.

ISO And Q-Tips

Dry swab your banger with a cotton swab after every dab while it is still warm. Keeps your quartz clean, preserves flavor, and increases the longevity of your banger. When your banger becomes carbonized and turns black, it will be much harder to restore it.

How Much Should I Spend?

Less Than $40: Mini rigs with thin glass. Good for trying dabbing without committing. Works for testing the waters.

$40-$100: The sweet spot. Quality rigs with thicker glass, basic percolation, and 14mm joints. Good small recyclers and compact pieces that make great daily drivers. Most people do not need to spend more than this.

$100-$200: Thicker glass, better percs, and better looking rigs. Worth it if you know you will be enjoying dabbing and want a top-notch product. High-quality recyclers with a focus on airflow become more prevalent in this price range.

Over $200: High-end glass, scientific rigs, and high-end e-rigs. Wait until you have decided specifically what you want to spend this amount on.

The Quick List

Rig Type: Traditional glass for complete control and best flavor. Electronic for ease of use.

Rig Size: 6-10 inches. 7-8 inches is the optimal size.

Glass Thickness: 5mm minimum.

Joints: 14mm female. Provides the widest variety of bangers and accessories.

Perc: One showerhead or recycler. Keep it simple.

Banger: Quartz. Choose a banger that matches your joint size and gender.

Initial Budget: $50-$100 will purchase you a genuine first-class dab rig.

Initial Accessories: Carb cap, dab tool, torch, dab mat, Q-tips and isopropyl alcohol.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size dab rig should I get?

Stay between 6 and 10 inches — ideally, between 7 and 8 inches. Small enough to preserve concentrate flavor, large enough to use comfortably without the water splashing.

Do I need a recycler dab rig?

No necessity, but a good value if you can afford it. Recyclers circulate the water and vapor continuously, cooling the hit without removing the flavor. Between a basic rig and a recycler rig in the same price range, the recycler typically offers superior performance.

What is the main difference between a dab rig and a bong?

Size. Mainly size. Dab rigs are shorter in order to maintain a close vapor path length, resulting in stronger flavor. They utilize a banger versus a bowl, and feature less percolation. You can technically dab from a bong with an adapter, but a dedicated dab rig will always taste better with concentrates.

Are e-rigs worth the additional cost?

Yes, if you dislike the torch or desire low-maintenance use. Accurate temperature control, consistent results, no flame. They are more expensive initially, but the convenience is worth it if you plan on dabbing frequently.

What type of banger should I buy first?

Quartz. Best flavor, uniform heat, and inexpensive. Find a banger that matches your joint size (likely 14mm) and gender (likely male to fit a female joint). A flat-top quartz banger for $15-$20 is all you need to begin.

How do I maintain my dab rig?

Use a dry Q-tip to swab your banger with a cotton swab after every dab while it is still warm. Replace the water after each session. Perform a full ISO and salt cleaning once a week. The banger requires the most maintenance — consistent swabbing after each dab will help keep it fresh and retain flavor.

Can I use a dab rig for flowers?

You can replace the banger with a bowl that fits the joint, but due to the small size, you will receive harsh, hot hits from the flower. Use a bong for herbs and save the dab rig for concentrates. Both types of rigs perform best when used appropriately.