Beginner’s Guide to Dab Rigs: Picking Your First One (Without Overwhelm)
So, you're dab-curious. Maybe you’ve seen sleek glass setups on your feed, or friends have hyped up “how flavorful concentrates are.” Whatever got you here — welcome. Let’s walk through everything you need to know before buying your first dab rig.
This guide is for beginners who want smooth hits, simple gear, and no stress.
What Is a Dab Rig, Anyway?
Think of it as a bong’s cousin — made specifically for vaporizing concentrates like wax, rosin, or shatter.
Instead of flower and a lighter, you’re using:
- A quartz banger to hold your dab
- A torch to heat it
- A rig (aka water pipe) to filter and cool the vapor
It’s about terpenes, flavor, and clean vapor — not clouds of smoke.
Key Dab Rig Parts (and What They Actually Do)
| Part | What It Does |
|---|---|
| The Rig | Your main glass piece — usually smaller than a bong |
| Quartz Banger | Like a bowl, but for concentrates — gets torched and vaporizes your dab |
| Torch | Butane-powered; heats the banger to dabbing temp |
| Carb Cap | Controls airflow and traps heat for smoother dabs |
| Dabber Tool | Used to pick up and place the concentrate |
| Optional: Terp Pearls or Inserts | Help with heat retention and spinning your dab evenly |
What Makes a Good Beginner Dab Rig?
Don’t overthink it. Your first rig should be:
- Compact: Small = less drag + more flavor
- 14mm Female Joint: Most common, easy to upgrade accessories
- Basic Percolation: One chamber is all you need
- Flat Top Quartz Banger: Ideal for airflow, heat control, and compatibility
Beginner-Friendly Rigs at The Encore Collection
Looking for a rig that checks all the boxes? Try one of these:
- Encore Mini Recycler Rig – Smooth, compact, and functional
- Encore Straight Tube Dab Rig – Classic setup with clean airflow
- Encore Sidecar Rig w/ Color Accents – Solid hits and sleek style
Shop Dab Rigs Built for Beginners
Pro Tips for First-Time Dabbers
Low Temp = Better Dabs
Heat your banger until it glows, then wait 30–45 seconds before dropping your dab.
Use Small Amounts
Concentrates are potent — you don’t need much.
Clean After Every Hit
Wipe your banger with a Q-tip and iso while it's warm to prevent buildup.
Watch for Reclaim
Sticky residue is normal and can be reused — or cleaned out.
Keep It Clean
Want to make your first setup last?
Read: How to Clean Your Dab Rig (Without Losing Your Mind)
Wrap-Up: Your First Rig, Done Right
You don’t need to drop a ton of cash or buy a 10-piece setup.
Start simple:
- Small glass rig
- Quartz banger
- Carb cap
- Dab tool
- Torch
Once you're confident with the process, then you can explore recyclers, slurpers, terp pearls, and upgrades.