Dabbing isn’t just a trend — it’s a full-blown lifestyle. For those who want potent hits, huge flavour, and maximum efficiency, dabs are where it’s at. Whether you’ve never touched a rig in your life or you're already heating up quartz bangers before breakfast, this guide has you covered.
From the basics of what dabbing is, to tools, techniques, and even how dabs are made — this is your no-BS roadmap to joining the big leagues. The Bong Baron is here to guide the way.
What Is Dabbing?
Dabbing is the act of vaporising concentrated cannabis — called dabs — using a heated surface, usually on a device called a dab rig. Instead of burning plant material like in a bong or joint, you're vaporising potent extracts like:
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Shatter
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Wax
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Rosin
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Live resin
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Budder
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Crumble
These concentrates pack a punch, often testing 60–95% THC — so go slow if you're new to this world.
Dab Rigs: What Are They and How Are They Different From Bongs?
A dab rig is a type of water pipe, much like a bong — but it's specifically designed to vaporise concentrates rather than combust flower. Key differences:
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Bongs use cone pieces and are built for combustion
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Dab rigs use bangers or nails and are built for vaporisation
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Rigs are usually smaller, to preserve flavour and reduce airflow drag
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Instead of a lighter, dabs are heated with a torch or e-nail
If you're serious about getting into dabs, don't try to retrofit a bong — get yourself a proper rig.
If you’re new to rigs, check out our full breakdown: What is a dab rig and how does it work?
Essential Dabbing Tools
You can't just light up a dab and hope for the best. Here's what you'll need:
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Dab Rig – The water pipe you'll use to vaporise concentrates
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Quartz Banger or Titanium Nail – The heating surface for the dab
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Torch or E-Nail – To heat your banger to the right temperature
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Dabber Tool – A metal or glass wand used to handle sticky concentrates
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Carb Cap – Traps heat and airflow over your banger for better hits
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Silicone Mat or Tray – Keeps your sticky setup tidy
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Q-tips & Isopropyl – For cleaning between dabs (trust us on this)
Want to level up? Look into terp pearls, dab stations, and reclaim catchers once you're confident with the basics.
How to Use a Dab Rig: Step-by-Step
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Heat your banger with a torch until it glows red-hot
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Let it cool for about 30–60 seconds, depending on thickness
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Use your dab tool to scoop a small amount of concentrate
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Place the dab into the banger and cap it with a carb cap
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Inhale slowly and evenly through the rig
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Exhale, clean your banger with a Q-tip, and bask in the clouds
Pro tip: Too hot = burnt flavour and wasted terps. Too cold = poor vaporisation. You’ll get the hang of the timing with practice.
Want a more detailed walkthrough? Head over to our guide on how to use a dab rig step by step for beginners.
Quartz Bangers and Carb Caps: Do You Need Them?
Yes — these aren’t just accessories; they’re essential.
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Quartz bangers hold heat well and deliver clean flavour. Avoid cheap glass or metal unless you like mystery tastes and cracking gear.
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Carb caps help trap heat and direct airflow, allowing you to dab at lower temps and preserve flavour. They’re not optional if you want a proper hit.
For the best dabbing experience, quartz + cap = king combo.
Learn the differences, styles, and how to pair your tools in our post on quartz bangers and carb caps.
How Are Dabs Made?
Not all concentrates are created equally. Here’s how some popular forms are made:
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Shatter, wax, crumble – Created using solvent-based extraction (usually butane or propane)
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Live resin – Flash-frozen cannabis is extracted to preserve terpenes
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Rosin – Made using just heat and pressure — solventless, clean, and DIY-friendly
Buying from trusted sources is key. Making dabs at home with solvents is risky, illegal, and best left to professionals. If you're keen on DIY, start with rosin pressing.
Curious about where dabs come from? We break it all down in how dabs are made — from solvents to rosin.
Is Dabbing Legal in Australia?
Like most cannabis-related things in Australia, the law is a bit murky. Technically, dabbing gear (rigs, bangers, etc.) is sold for herbal concentrate use, and possession of the equipment is legal in most states if used accordingly.
Cannabis concentrates themselves remain illegal recreationally, but medical patients may access them under prescription. Check your local laws — and always buy from reputable Aussie retailers who know the drill.
Should You Start Dabbing?
If you’re chasing stronger effects, cleaner flavour, and a whole new experience — yes. But start slow, and don’t treat dabs like a casual sesh. The potency can sneak up on even seasoned smokers.
Dabbing is a bit more technical than lighting up a cone, but it’s worth learning. Once you’ve got your gear and timing dialled in, there’s no going back.
Whether you’re picking your first setup or upgrading your old gear, our article on choosing the best dab rig has all the key tips.
Conclusion: Welcome to the Big Leagues
Dabbing opens the door to a more refined, flavour-packed, and powerful way to enjoy cannabis. Like learning to roll a perfect joint or take the perfect bong rip, there’s a learning curve — but The Bong Baron reckons it’s one worth climbing.
So if you’re ready to move past cones and into concentrate territory, you’re in the right place.
This post is part of our master guide: What Are the Different Types of Cannabis Accessories?
See you on the sesh side.
