If you’ve ever hit a dab rig and thought, “That was intense,” you’re not alone. Dab rigs are a different beast — and choosing the right one can make or break your sesh.
Whether you’re brand new to dabbing or looking to upgrade your setup, The Bong Baron’s got the lowdown on what actually matters when buying a dab rig.
Why Dab Rig Choice Actually Matters
Dabs are powerful. They’re concentrated, terp-heavy, and meant to be vapourised — not burned. That means your rig needs to be precise, smooth, and designed for flavour.
The wrong rig can mean:
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Overheating your extract
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Harsh vapour
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Lost flavour
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Wasted concentrate
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Total regret
Let’s help you avoid all that.
1. Size and Shape: Small Is Smart
Dab rigs are usually smaller than bongs — and for good reason.
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Smaller chambers = less air = more vapour density
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Less distance = better flavour retention
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Compact design = less drag
Look for rigs in the 10–20cm range for ideal performance. Bigger isn't better when it comes to dabbing. Dab Cleaners are also more cost effective and easier to collect reclaim on smaller rigs
2. Joint Size: 10mm vs 14mm
Most dab rigs use:
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10mm female joints for tighter airflow and better control
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14mm joints for more versatility and swapping between dry herb and concentrate setups
If you're going all-in on dabbing, 10mm rigs give a more concentrated hit. If you want flexibility, 14mm is the way to go.
3. Banger Type: Quartz Is King
Your banger (aka nail) is where the magic happens — it holds and heats your concentrate.
Banger materials:
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Quartz: Heats quickly, retains heat, best for flavour
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Ceramic: Good flavour but fragile and takes ages to heat
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Titanium: Durable but can affect taste
Most smokers stick with flat-bottom quartz bangers for clean, consistent dabs.
Bonus tip: Get a banger with a beveled edge — they seal better with carb caps.
4. Percolation and Filtration
Too much percolation = too much drag and flavour loss. Dab rigs only need simple percs like:
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Inline
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Slitted downstems
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Showerhead or circ percs
Avoid multi-chamber recycler-style bongs unless you're experienced or dabbing heavy oils. The more glass to clean, the more flavour you lose.
5. Dab Accessories That Actually Matter
Want to level up your rig? These are the dab accessories worth investing in:
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Carb Cap: Controls airflow and maximises vapour
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Dab Tool: Scoops and drops concentrate cleanly
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Dab Torch: Butane preferred — you need consistent heat
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Q-Tips + Iso: For post-dab cleaning (yes, every time)
- Dab Mats: great for putting down hot bangers without starting a fire!
Already have these? Then you’re halfway to sesh greatness.
6. E-Nails: Worth It or Not?
If you're serious about dabbing and hate torches, an e-nail might be worth the investment.
Pros:
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Perfect, consistent temps
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No cooldown guesswork
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Dab whenever, no butane needed
Cons:
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Pricier
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Less portable
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Needs a power source
Most beginners start with a torch, but e-nails are the future of flavour.
7. Budget Breakdown
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good rig — but you get what you pay for.
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Under $100: Entry-level glass rigs with basic bangers
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$100–$200: Better build, name-brand glass, improved percs
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$200+: Premium rigs, custom pieces, recycler designs, electric options
Start with a basic quartz setup, then build your rig out as you get more experienced.
Conclusion: Choose Your Weapon Wisely
Buying a dab rig isn’t just about looks — it’s about function, flavour, and your smoking style. Whether you’re keeping it minimal or going full lab-tech with timers and e-nails, the right rig can turn a good dab into a perfect one.
Want more tips and info on dabbing gear, technique, and concentrate culture?
Check out Everything You Need to Know About Dabbing for the full guide.
Head back to Everything You Need to Know About Dabbing for a full walkthrough.
