Dabs have taken the weed world by storm. Smoking dabs has quickly become one of the most popular methods of cannabis consumption. If you’re a regular flower smoker and interested in dabbling in dabs, knowing how to choose a rig is paramount. Dab rigs are different than your standard pipes and a bit more complicated, but the benefits of dabbing are outstanding.

Not only does dabbing get you exceptionally high (think back to the first time you smoked weed), but the taste is super clean, and the effects are felt almost immediately. If you’re ready to start dabbing and looking for a rig, it can become overwhelming trying to understand what to buy with all the different options available. We’ve broken down how to choose a dab rig in an easy-to-understand guide that will help you choose a dab rig that’s right for you.

Dab Rig Basics

A standard dab rig consists of three separate parts: a glass piece, a heating element (typically called a nail), and a torch to light the nail. Understanding the elements of each part can make it easier to choose a dab rig and begin to experiment with different concentrates.

The Glass Piece

While it can be tempting to go with a larger dab rig, bigger isn’t necessarily always better. A smaller rig will offer better flavor and allow for the vapor to remain as potent as possible. The more volume your rig has, the more likely your vapor will lose potency. A glass piece that is smaller will ensure that the taste and delivery of your dabs are as tasty and potent as possible.

While there are rigs that are designed to be used without water, its not something recommended. When taking dabs, concentrates are heated up ultra-hot. Taking a hit that hasn’t been cooled through water isn’t very enjoyable. When looking for a glass piece, make sure its one that you can use with water.

The Nail

You can’t do dabs without having a nail. This is the part of your dab that sits on your glass piece and holds your concentrates. You then heat the nail with your torch which makes your dabs reach a point of vapor. There are typically four choices of materials for your nail: glass, quartz, ceramic, and titanium. The material you choose won’t have an effect on flavor but will affect how hot your nail gets and how long it stays hot.

Titanium nails are an excellent place to start. Not only do they retain heat better than quartz but won’t break (unlike glass). When your nail cools down too quickly, you can basically melt your concentrate without getting too much vapor. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to the type of nail they like best. If you’re new to dabbing however, a titanium or glass nail is the best place to start.

The Torch

The torch is probably the most intimidating aspect of doing dabs. In order to heat concentrates up to a point of vapor, it’s something that’s an integral part of the whole dabbing process. Butane torches work best. When just beginning on your dabbing journey, choose a smaller torch with a manageable flame.

Different Types of Dab Rigs

Knowing the different types of dab rigs is the first step in choosing a rig that’s right for you. There are a lot of dab rig options on the market, and what dab rig works for one person doesn’t always do it for the next. We’ve boiled things down to the basics, with the following types of dab rigs typically best for not only first-time users but the daily dabber as well.

The Everyday Dab Rig

This is your standard dab rig that’s perfect for everyday use. It’s typically a glass piece that resembles a bong only smaller. Standard dab rigs are usually about 7-9 inches in height, with a water filtration design that allows for clean, smooth hits. A standard, everyday dab rig is typically the most common and is an excellent option for would-be dabbers looking for their first rig.

Vapor Straws/Nectar Collectors

Vapor straw are another dab rig option that are often referred to as nectar collectors. These simple dab rigs allow you to heat one part of the piece, that you then touch to your cannabis concentrate while inhaling on the other end. A vapor straw is easily portable and a great option for those who want to dab on the go. They also use a much smaller torch than your everyday dab rig. Vapor straws are also the most affordable dab rig option, making it easy for anyone to start dabbing no matter how much money they have.

E-Rigs

While the most common methods of dabbing involve a torch, not everyone is down to use one. We get it, torches can be intimidating. E-rigs are an option for those who don’t want to torch their concentrates. This little, battery-operated rig is one of the easiest ways to take dabs. Just push a button, drop your dab onto the built-in nail, and inhale. The only drawback to an e-rig is that they produce smaller hits than a regular dab rig. The battery power also limits how much you can use it before recharging.

Choosing a Dab Rig That’s Right for You

If you’re interested in discovering what’s so great about dabbing, choosing the right rig will get you started on your journey. Just like pipes and bongs, dab rigs range from basic to ultra-extravagant. We all have our own personal preferences and our own reasons for consuming cannabis. The world of cannabis concentrates is super fun to explore, you just need the right dab rig to do it.