Dab rigs are used to smoke cannabis oil and concentrates. This is more commonly known as dabbing. Dab rigs look similar to bongs but are made for the sole purpose of dabbing. One of the biggest differences between the two glass devices is that bongs utilize a bowl for smoking flower and dab rigs utilize a nail for dabbing concentrates. Not only are dab rigs designed for smoking cannabis concentrates, but they are intended to keep you safe during use so you want to make sure you go for a quality piece. Since dabbing requires some additional tools, like a torch, it’s important to have an ergonomic device that prevents injury. The art of dabbing has evolved over time, though. Many manufacturers are producing electric dab rigs that do not require a torch to heat.
Characteristics of a good dab rig
A good dab rig will be made of quality glass. It’s crucial that the piece be able to withstand frequent bouts of high heating and cooling off. Otherwise, you may end up with a broken dab rig. Sometimes dab nails are included when you buy a dab rig, other times you have to purchase one yourself. Regardless of how you get your nail, it’s important that it’s able to produce vapor without combusting. Typically, nails are available in glass, titanium, quartz, and ceramic. The ideal dab rig size will vary from person to person, but they’re generally fairly small. It’s important for dab rigs to be small enough to keep the vapor condensed. If the vapor path is too long, the vapor may dissipate and produce a weaker-than-desired hit. Price is an important factor, as well. There are some really nice and expensive dab rigs out there as well as some really not nice ones. The key is to find a balance between your budget and your personal preferences. Expect the price range to be similar to that of bongs, with plenty of options for all budgets. Electric dab rigs tend to be much more expensive than regular, though they make up for it in convenience and quality. You may have to buy other accessories as well, including a torch and possibly a dabber tool and nail to get started, so be sure to factor that into your budget. Here are some of our favorite dab rigs:
Our picks for best dab rigs
1. Banger Hanger Recycler by Diamond Glass
Retailing around $200, the Banger Hanger Recycler is a heavy-duty, quality dab rig. It produces large, smooth hits despite its small size. When you take a dab, the vapor travels down a 3-hole diffused stem and into the base. It then travels through two more chambers before hitting the mouthpiece. With the extra tubing and chambers, the vapor is cooled off before reaching the user. At just five inches tall, it packs a powerful punch.
2. MJ Arsenal Infinity Mini Rig
The MJ Arsenal Infinity rig has an intricate and sophisticated design and is handcrafted from borosilicate glass. With fab-egg percolation and a double uptake recycler, hits are smooth and flavorful every time. At just over five inches tall, this compact piece packs a lot of power and functionality. Plus, it retails at $64, making it a great deal for someone who wants a less expensive piece without sacrificing any quality.
3. Higher Standards Heavy Duty Rig
If you’re looking for a quality, heavy-duty rig that will get the job done, the Higher Standards Heavy Duty Rig is a good option. It’s seven inches tall with a very basic design that may at first glance make it look very generic. The name doesn’t lie, though. It’s made from medical-grade borosilicate glass and comes with slits on its diffused stem to produce bubbles and a smooth draw. This design allows for great airflow and an airtight seal. Retailing at $180, it’s a sturdy piece that should last users a long time.
The best electric dab rigs
1. Pulsar RöK
This electric dab rig is just under seven inches tall with three voltage settings, an all-metal body, and isolated air pathways. It has coilless quartz and ceramic atomizer cups and also comes with carb caps. Retailing at $250, this rig comes with a lot of accessories. You’ll get a dabber tool, wire brushes, different types of carb caps, coilless atomizer cups, silicone atomizer collars, and a charging cable among other tools. With different settings and the option to use fresh herbs, it’s a functional, high-quality piece that is perfect for a serious dabber. The material doesn’t get too hot and the vapor produced is clean and smooth.
2. Dr. Dabber SWITCH: Clear Edition
This dab rig is a gorgeous piece with a clear window into its intricate detail. Retailing at just under $420, you know this is a high-quality device. It’s extremely versatile, with 25 different heat settings and the ability to use with oil or flower. The battery life boasts well over a week for average users on a single charge. To get a full charge, you’ll only need to wait for about an hour. With customizable hold times, a self-cleaning mode, and auto cool-down cycles, Dr. Dabber takes a lot of the heavy lifting out of dabbing. If you’re serious about your dab sessions, Dr. Dabber may be worth checking out. We got to try the Dr. Dabber SWITCH (not the clear edition) a while back if you’d like to check out our review.
3. Puffco Peak
The Puffco Peak smart rig is another great choice for serious dabbers. It’s modern, sophisticated, and has nice haptic feedback. It comes with four temperature settings and takes about 20 seconds to heat up. The device also comes with a carrying case, cleaning swabs, a loading tool, and other useful accessories. The Puffco Peak takes about two hours to fully charge and will last an average of 30 dabs. Retailing just under $380, you can also pay for this device through Sezzle, where you can make four interest-free payments. We also got to try the Puffco Peak a while back. You can check out the review here.
Final thoughts on best dab rigs
If you’re buying a classic dab rig, the options are seemingly endless. Be sure to do your research and know what features you’re looking for before settling on your perfect rig. We rounded up some solid options, but there are plenty more quality dab rigs from all sorts of price ranges available. If you’re looking for an electric dab rig, it should be a little easier to narrow down your choices based on the available brands. Check out all the features of each one and be sure to check out some reviews before you make a final decision. Happy dabbing!