What is a dab rig?

Dab rigs, also called oil rigs or wax rigs, are small water pipes built specifically for concentrates. Unlike regular bongs, they’re designed with shorter vapor pathways and minimal percolation to preserve the flavor and potency of your dabs. Since dabbing doesn’t involve combustion, smaller is better – less airspace means your vapor arrives cleaner and more flavorful.

What makes a good dab rig?

The best dab rigs are compact, sturdy, and free of unnecessary percolators or extra chambers. Borosilicate glass is the standard material since it handles torch heat at the joint without cracking, stays easy to clean, and doesn’t affect flavor. Look for something simple – anything overly complex is working against you when it comes to concentrate flavor.

What to look for when buying a dab rig

• Mouthpiece: Dab rigs work best with a small mouthpiece. You’re sipping vapor, not clearing a chamber of smoke. An angled mouthpiece is a nice touch if you prefer to leave the rig on the table while you hit it.
• Material: Borosilicate glass is the best choice. It stays cool, handles heat at the joint without stress fractures, and cleans up easily. Silicone rigs are virtually indestructible but slightly alter the flavor of your dabs.
• Joint size: 10mm is the most common size for dab rigs since it restricts airflow and improves flavor. 14mm is also common and gives you more accessory options. Make sure your banger matches the joint size and gender of your rig.
• Percolation: One water chamber is all you need. You want just enough water to cool the vapor without filtering out flavor. Avoid rigs with multiple percs or extra chambers – less is more for concentrates.
• Size: Smaller is better. Less volume in the vapor pathway means less oxygen diluting your hit. A compact rig in the 6 to 8 inch range is the sweet spot for most users.

How to dab with a rig

You’ll need a dab rig, quartz banger, carb cap, dab tool, butane torch, and your concentrate of choice.

1. Fill your rig with water and fit your banger into the joint.
2. Heat the banger evenly with your torch until it reaches your target temperature. A laser thermometer helps, but if you don’t have one, heat until glowing and let it cool for 30 to 45 seconds.
3. Use your dab tool to place a small amount of concentrate into the hot banger.
4. Cover with your carb cap and sip slowly from the mouthpiece until the rig is clear.
5. After your session, wipe the banger clean with a cotton swab and a little isopropyl alcohol while it’s still warm.

If you want more flavor and more control over your temperature, check out our guide to cold start dabbing – it’s a gentler technique that’s easier to dial in and produces great results.

Dab rig vs. bong – what’s the difference?

Both are water pipes, but they’re built for different purposes. Bongs are larger with more percolation and longer vapor pathways designed to cool combusted smoke. Dab rigs are smaller and simpler – shorter pathways and less filtration mean your concentrate vapor arrives with more flavor intact. You can dab out of a bong, but a purpose-built rig consistently performs better for concentrates. For a full breakdown, see our bong vs. dab rig guide.

Are small rigs better than big ones?

For concentrates, yes. A smaller rig has less volume for vapor to travel through, which means less oxygen diluting your hit and more flavor making it to your lungs. Bigger rigs can work for dabs, but you’ll consistently get better results from a compact setup.

How much does a dab rig cost?

Quality glass dab rigs typically run between $30 and $150 for everyday use. Simpler designs cost less and still perform well – sometimes better than more ornate pieces for pure flavor. For most people, the $50 to $100 range covers everything you need: solid borosilicate glass, a clean design, and the right joint size for standard accessories.