Know Your Options: Types of Dab Rigs for Your Next Concentrate

Dab rigs are the essential smoking tool used for consuming cannabis concentrates like wax, shatter, or oil. Many smokers have become avid concentrate smokers because of how potent a high it can induce. A gram of concentrate tends to be 3x as powerful as a gram of flower, meaning a little will go a long way. One hit of a dab is guaranteed to slap your face off – and smoking dabs leaves no lingering odor like a smoking bud. With how great the concentrate smoking experience can be, it’s important to know the different types of dab rigs – and which would be right for you!

There are many different types of dab rigs to choose from. As a relatively new smoking tool that evolved from “hot knives,” the technique of smoking concentrates or hash with a red-hot knife that’s been around since the ’60s, the dab rig came to fruition from the explosion of the concentrate scene in the 2010s. Since then, there have come to be many different variations of dab rigs that proliferate the smoking market.

Glass Dab Rigs

The glass dab rig is the traditional dab rig usually made from borosilicate glass. These are the standard reliable dab rigs that are usually common amongst concentrate smokers. The glass dab rig has a water chamber that helps cool the vapor and filter any debris, a nail, or a banger where the concentrate is heated. The nail or banger is usually made from quartz, titanium, or ceramic, all are materials used for their heat resistance and sustainability. Glass dab rigs also usually have percolators to further help filter the concentrate vapor – which helps with how harsh it usually is to smoke concentrates.  Glass artists are keen on customizing glass dab rigs, which results in some spectacular pieces like this one:

Recycler Dab Rigs

The recycler dab rig is similar to the recycler bong, both are known for the use of continuous water flow that cycles between two or more chambers to facilitate enhanced filtration. These dab rigs have very complex tubing for filtration. Some rigs have external recyclers, internal recyclers, or a mix of both. The recycler dab rig helps preserve the flavor of your concentrates and provides unparalleled smoothness in hits. The complexities of its design make for really unique interpretations and artistic renditions like these:

Silicone Dab Rigs

The silicone dab rig is a good choice for durability, portability, and easy maintenance. These rigs are nigh indestructible with their silicone makeup, making it good for the concentrate smoker who is on the move. Silicone is also much easier to clean than and can be disassembled without the fear of breaking any of its parts. Unlike glass, which has to be cleaned frequently from resin build-up, silicone is resistant – meaning more smoke sessions without having to stop for an arduous cleaning session. These rigs are also affordable compared to glass rigs. The only main downside is that silicone can alter the taste of your concentrates. Since silicone is such a flexible material to work with, artists can create wild and out there designs like this:

Mini Dab Rigs

The mini dab rig is known for its compact design and portability. A mini dab rig’s size might range from 4 to 7 inches in height – making it the perfect size to store and transport. Don’t let their smaller size dismay you, these mini rigs are still great at water filtration – and are often quick to heat. The downside of the mini rig is that you can’t get as big as a hit compared to a full-sized rig, but with how potent concentrates are, this is just a minor con. These smaller hits are not as smooth too, but with how affordable and discrete these mini dab rigs are, there are plenty of reason to own one of these. Being small doesn’t mean plain either, mini dab rigs are still privy to having complex and beautiful designs:

E-Rigs

The electronic rig has quickly become the most common modern dab rig! These high-tech variations of the classic dab rig offer a convenient and technologically adept way of smoking concentrates. One awesome feature of the E-rig is that the temperature is entirely flexible for the user. E-rigs typically have multiple temperature settings for each smoker's preference. Some rigs even have sister apps for your phone where you can change the temperature or LED lighting remotely! With a built-in battery and compact design, the E-rig is also great to take with you wherever you want to have a smoke sesh. The E-rig has an atomizer where the concentrate is vaporized, glass attachments or percolators for water cooling and filtration, and carb caps to help control airflow. The customization on these rigs usually looks like something out of the future like these two:

E-Rigs

The electronic rig has quickly become the most common modern dab rig! These high-tech variations of the classic dab rig offer a convenient and technologically adept way of smoking concentrates. One awesome feature of the E-rig is that the temperature is entirely flexible for the user. E-rigs typically have multiple temperature settings for each smoker's preference. Some rigs even have sister apps for your phone where you can change the temperature or LED lighting remotely! With a built-in battery and compact design, the E-rig is also great to take with you wherever you want to have a smoke sesh. The E-rig has an atomizer where the concentrate is vaporized, glass attachments or percolators for water cooling and filtration, and carb caps to help control airflow. The customization on these rigs usually looks like something out of the future like these two:

When it comes to quality and aesthetics, there is no substitute for glass artists. When you buy a custom dab rig from a talented artist, you’re more than guaranteed a piece that will last and leave an impression. Buying from an untrusted source will most likely leave you with a dab rig that does not have the durability or flash that a dab rig from a trusted artist gives you.

The great thing about dab rig shopping is that it’s incredibly easy online, especially when you use Giggle Glass. Here at Giggle Glass we have the finest assortment of custom bongs made by talented glass artists. Giggle Glass offers a wide range of the mentioned dab rig types, with artists who are open to providing customization tailored to your tastes and preferences. So when it comes to your dab rig shopping needs, shop Giggle Glass!