Dab Rigs 101: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

So, you’ve heard of dab rigs. Maybe someone showed you one. Maybe you just stumbled across the term while deep-diving into concentrates.

Either way, you’re curious and that’s a good place to start.

But what is a dab rig, exactly? Is it just a fancy bong? Do you need a blowtorch? Why are there pearls involved now?

Let’s break it all down in plain English.

What’s a Dab Rig, Anyway?

A dab rig (also called an oil rig or wax rig) is a special type of water pipe designed for vaporizing cannabis concentrates not dry herb.

Of course, you can buy E-Rigs that’ll do both concentrates and flower; this is just one of the reasons why the Dr Dabber Switch 2 is my current daily driver.

Most rigs, traditional and electronic, tend to focus exclusively on concentrates, however, and that can mean wax, oil, shatter, or anything gooey and anything else potent.

Here’s what makes a dab rig different from a bong or vaporizer:

• Built for concentrates – Bongs and vaporizers are for flower. Dab rigs are for sticky, potent stuff like wax and rosin.
• Smaller in size – Most dab rigs are compact, which helps preserve flavor and gives you better control.
• Flavor-focused – Dab rigs are all about terpenes. Expect full flavor, not just clouds.
• Smaller chambers = less air to pull which means faster, smoother hits.
• Customizable – With nails, bangers, carb caps, terp pearls, and e-nails, you can tailor your setup however you want.

Think of it like this: a bong is like a blunt instrument. A dab rig is more like a scalpel. Precision, flavor, control.

Dab Rig vs Bong: What’s the Difference?

They look kinda similar, right? But here’s where they’re different.

Dab Rigs	Bongs
Smaller, compact	Bigger and bulkier
For wax/shatter/oil	For dry herb only
Uses a nail or banger	Uses a bowl
Produces vapor	Produces smoke
Low filtration	More filtration
Cleaner, smoother hits	Harsher, heavier hits

If you’re into concentrates, a dab rig is 100% the way to go. Using a bong for dabs is like microwaving a steak: it works, but you’re wasting the good stuff.

Dab rigs, especially the electronic ones, are also way more portable. PuffCo’s Proxy is great for on the go dabbing, and it connects up with loads of accessories for expanding its capabilities.

Key Features to Look for in a Dab Rig

When shopping for your first rig, keep these essentials in mind. And avoid going ultra-cheap or off-brand.

There’s loads of sub-par, cheap dab rigs out there, and 99.9% of them suck.

You’ll basically have to spend $100+ if you go with an E-Rig; that’s just par for the course.

Top of the line dab rigs go for anywhere between $300 and $420.

I’ve compiled a list of the current best affordable dab rigs here.

We have personally tested these out and they’re all decent enough for first-timers.

When sizing-up your rig based on your own, specific needs keep these factors in mind:

• Percolators: These filter and cool vapor. Options include honeycomb, showerhead, and tree percs.
• Size: Most rigs are 6″ to 10″. Smaller = better flavor. Bigger = more cooling.
• Joint Size: 14mm female joints are the most common. The 90° angle is ideal for bangers.
• Material: Glass is king for taste. Quartz is great for bangers. Silicone is nearly unbreakable.
• Price: Budget-friendly or high-end, there’s something out there for everyone.

Types of Dab Rigs (And Which One Might Be Right for You)

Dab rigs come in a bunch of shapes and styles. Traditional dab rigs are great, but I much prefer an E-Rig these days.

I don’t want to be messing around with a torch (that’s a live flame FYI) after a few hits and a couple of beers.

E-Rigs remove the complication of traditional dab rigs which makes them infinitely better for beginners and first timers.

They are more expensive, of course, but that’s a cost I’m more than happy to eat in exchange for an easier life and not burning my fingers or concentrate.

Here’s a quick rundown of the most common types:

• Glass Rigs – Clean flavor, classic style. Great for at-home use.
• Mini Rigs – Portable and discreet. Perfect for travel or quick hits.
• Recycler Rigs – Cool your vapor like a boss. Ideal for smoother, cooler hits.
• Scientific Rigs – Lab-style design, precision-built. Think German-engineered flavor.
• Silicone Rigs – Nearly indestructible. Not ideal for flavor, but great for hiking trips or butterfingers.
• E-Rigs – Electronic, torch-free dab rigs with temp control. Like dabbing with a smart device.

Check out our Best Dab Rig Brands Guide if you want to know what the best E-Rigs and traditional dab rigs are right now.

Dab Rig Accessories You’ll Probably Need

If you go the traditional route and get yourself a proper dab rig, you’re going to need some tools and accessories.

Pro tip: nectar collectors are SUPER handy.

Here’s a list of all the essentials you’ll need to run a dab rig:

• Banger/Nail – This is what gets heated and holds your concentrate.
• Carb Cap – Controls airflow and traps heat for better vaporization.
• Dab Tool – Lets you scoop and place concentrate onto the nail.
• Torch or E-Nail – A torch heats the banger. E-nails do it digitally. Your call.
• Terp Pearls – Spin around in the banger to evenly distribute heat.
• Cleaning Tools – Isopropyl alcohol, cotton swabs, and salt keep your rig fresh.

It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of proper dab rig maintenance and cleaning. A dirty dab rig tastes like ass.

Types of Concentrates You Can Use

Dab rigs are made for concentrates, and there’s a whole buffet out there.

Just go easy if it’s your first time. Concentrates are orders of magnitude stronger than flower and normal bud.

I whited-out my first time using them. It happened at a wedding. One of my closet friend’s wedding. Don’t be like me; start low and slow.

Here’s the most commonly used types of concentrates for dabbing:

• Shatter – Hard and glassy. Break off a chunk, dab away.
• Wax – Softer, easier to work with.
• Budder – Whipped, creamy, full of flavor.
• Live Resin – Flash-frozen for max terpene content.
• Rosin – Solventless and full-spectrum. Just pressure and heat.
• THC Diamonds – Pure THCA crystals. Strong stuff. Proceed with caution.

Each one hits differently, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

Dabbing Techniques: How You Dab Matters

There’s more than one way to dab and depending on your setup, your concentrate, and how you like to vibe, each method hits a little differently.

Whether you’re chasing flavor, cloud size, or just trying not to torch your lungs, learning the right technique makes all the difference.

Let’s break down the main dabbing methods every beginner (and even seasoned dabber) should know:

• Low Temp (300–400°F) – Best for flavor and terpene preservation.
• High Temp (600–700°F) – Massive clouds, heavier effects, rougher on the throat.
• Cold Start Dabbing – Put concentrate in a cold banger, heat gradually. Less risk of burning and more control.

If you want my advice on what dab rig to get, here’s our current top picks for right now.