5 Things To Look For In A Dab Rig

Despite the popularity of bong to dab rig converter kits, most bongs are not ideal pieces for concentrates. The purpose of a bong is to soften the blow of thick cannabis smoke, but concentrates are not as harsh on the way down. If you happen to find yourself in the market for a concentrates piece in the near future, here are five things to keep in mind.

1. Small Mouthpieces Let You Truly Taste The Vapor

Photo Courtesy @BruceWayneGlass

When it comes to smoking flowers, a wide mouthpiece is preferred because the idea is to take a large hit. Dabbing doesn’t involve pulling a bowl to clear the chamber, because the nail allows air to constantly pass through unless a carb cap is being used. Therefore, a small mouthpiece won’t dampen your chances of finishing a dab, but instead allows you to truly appreciate the taste of the vapor.

2. Smaller Rigs Make For More Flavor

Photo Courtesy @KoreyGlass

Even if you take monster globs, there’s no real reason to use a huge bong as a dab rig, because there’s constantly vapor pushing through the chamber. More volume means more room for the vapor to lose potency and dissipate from the oxygen. Seek out glass that’s on the smaller side so that the taste and delivery of the dab are the best they can be.

3. Water Filtration or Bust

Photo Courtesy Leafly

If taking a dab out of a dry rig isn’t on your list of regrets, consider yourself lucky. Even though some rigs are made to be used without water, it’s not advised to take a lung full of concentrates without allowing it to cool off through water first. In certain situations, like hiking, it’s useful to have waterless glass for mobility and convenience, but not so much for daily use.

4. The Less Percolation The Better

Photo Courtesy Toronto Hemp Company

Smoke can be harsh on the lungs and throat, but with the use of internal glass percolators it’s very possible to get a reasonably smooth hit. While water is certainly your friend for dabbing, unlike with flowers, very little percolation is required for concentrates. Two and four hole percolators are ideal setups because they don’t chop the water up too much, but definitely cool off the dabs.

5. Glass Joints Matter

Photo Courtesy Dab Lab

Anyone that has purchased a bong or dab rig before understands that not all glass joints are the same size. There are three common sizes—10, 14 and 18 millimeters—and a male and female type for each measurement. The size of the joint dictates the airflow, and the sex decides what kind of nail to buy. Ten millimeters is typically preferred for small rigs because there’s more restriction, which is perfect for dabbing. Female nails tend to drip reclaim on the outside of the joint and are notorious for getting stuck to the glass, but that can be avoided with proper care. Male nails are great, but titanium nails are better off in a dropdown to prevent expanding the glass. With all these factors playing a role, it’s important to always research your options to figure out what you’re really looking for. 

(Cover Image Courtesy of Leafly)