You’ve probably heard the term tossed around on the sesh scene: dab rig. Maybe you’ve even seen one and thought, “What the hell is that science experiment-looking thing?”
Don’t stress — The Bong Baron is here to explain what a dab rig is, how it works, and why it’s a game-changer for concentrate lovers. Whether you're new to dabbing or just curious about upgrading your setup, here’s everything you need to know.
So, What Is a Dab Rig?
A dab rig is a type of water pipe specifically designed for vaporising cannabis concentrates — things like wax, shatter, rosin, or live resin. Unlike bongs, which are built for burning flower, dab rigs are made to vape oils and extracts at high temperatures.
Key difference?
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Bongs = combustion (you burn it)
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Dab rigs = vaporisation (you heat it)
The result? Cleaner hits, more flavour, and a different kind of high.
What Are Dabs, Anyway?
“Dabs” are concentrated forms of cannabis. They’re much more potent than flower, often containing 60–90% THC. Types of dabs include:
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Shatter
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Wax
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Rosin
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Budder
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Live resin
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Crumble
Because of their strength, dabs are vaporised in small amounts (aka “dabs”), usually with the help of a rig, torch, and some heat control.
How Does a Dab Rig Work?
At a glance, a dab rig looks like a small bong — but the parts and function are different.
The basics:
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Heat the banger (a special bowl made from quartz, titanium, or ceramic)
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Let it cool slightly
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Use a dab tool to drop a small bit of concentrate into the hot banger
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Cover with a carb cap or marble to control airflow
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Inhale through the mouthpiece
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Exhale and melt into your couch
Water still filters the vapour, just like a bong filters smoke — but the result is smoother, more flavourful, and far more potent.
Main Parts of a Dab Rig
Here’s what makes up a basic dab rig setup:
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Rig (the water pipe itself)
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Quartz banger or nail (the heating surface)
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Dab tool (to handle concentrates)
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Torch or e-nail (for heating the banger)
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Carb cap or Marble (to control airflow during the hit)
Some rigs come with accessories included, but others require you to build your setup piece by piece.
Why Dab Rigs Are Different From Bongs
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Heat source: Dab rigs use torches or e-nails instead of lighters
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Hits: Dabs are vapour, not smoke
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Gear: You need specialised tools (bangers, carb caps, etc.)
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Size: Dab rigs are often smaller to preserve vapour flavour and minimise drag
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Purpose: Dab rigs are for concentrates; bongs are for flower
Trying to do dabs with a bong is like eating soup with a fork — it’s just not built for the job.
Who Should Use a Dab Rig?
Dab rigs aren’t just for veteran stoners with lab coats. If any of these apply to you, it might be time to upgrade:
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You’re curious about cannabis concentrates
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You want smoother, tastier hits
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You’re chasing a more efficient high
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You already use a vape but want bigger clouds
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You enjoy the ritual of heating, timing, and seshing
Beginners can use dab rigs too — just start slow and use small amounts. Dabs hit harder than they look.
What to Look For in Your First Dab Rig
If you're buying your first rig, keep it simple:
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Look for a compact glass piece — smaller = better flavour
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Choose a quartz banger over titanium or ceramic (quartz holds heat well and tastes clean)
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Make sure your rig has a 14mm or 10mm female joint
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Add a carb cap and dab tool — essential extras
Don't go overboard. Get a solid, basic rig first, then upgrade later once you know what you like.
Conclusion: Enter the World of Dabs, Properly
Dab rigs open the door to a whole new way of enjoying cannabis. With better flavour, stronger effects, and less harshness than traditional bongs, it’s no wonder more Aussies are getting into dabbing.
Want to learn more about rigs, tools, and concentrate culture?
Head back to Everything You Need to Know About Dabbing for a full walkthrough.
