Getting into concentrates? Welcome to the world of dab rigs — where the flavor hits harder, the gear works smarter, and the learning curve is surprisingly easy once you’ve got the right info.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know before your first dab — no fluff, just facts.
What Is a Dab Rig?
A dab rig is like the concentrate version of a bong.
Instead of burning flower with a lighter, you’re vaporizing oils or wax using a quartz banger and a torch.
The result? Potent, terp-rich hits with smoother airflow and less harsh smoke.
Dab rigs are typically:
- Smaller than bongs
- Designed for low-temp vapor
- Built to maximize flavor and efficiency
🔍 How Dab Rigs Are Different from Bongs
Here’s what sets them apart:
- Built for oil, not dry herb
- Use a quartz banger instead of a bowl slide
- Heated with a butane torch, not a lighter
- Smaller size = less drag, more flavor
- Optimized for smooth, low-temp vapor
You can use a bong for dabs — but it’s not ideal. Dab rigs are purpose-built for cleaner, more flavorful sessions.
What You Need to Get Started
Here’s your complete dab rig starter kit:
1. Dab Rig
A compact glass rig with a 14mm female joint (usually angled at 90°).
Browse Dab Rigs
2. Quartz Banger
The heatable glass bucket where your concentrate goes.
Shop Quartz Bangers
3. Dab Tool
Used to scoop and apply your wax or oil.
Grab a Dab Tool
4. Carb Cap
Traps heat and helps control airflow for maximum vapor efficiency.
Explore Carb Caps
5. Torch
Essential for heating your quartz banger — a butane torch works best.
Bonus Tip: Start with a small or medium-sized rig for better control.
How to Take a Dab (Step-by-Step)
Here’s a quick beginner-friendly process:
- Heat the banger with your torch for about 30 seconds (until it glows faintly)
- Let it cool for 30–45 seconds — this avoids burning your dab
- Use your dab tool to place concentrate into the banger
- Cover with a carb cap immediately
- Inhale slowly and smoothly
Pro tip: Lower temps = better terp flavor + smoother hits.
Keep It Clean
Clean gear = better dabs.
After each hit:
- Use a cotton swab to wipe out leftover oil
- Add isopropyl alcohol for a deeper clean
- Avoid chazzing (cloudy white residue from burned oil)
Final Hit
Dabbing doesn’t have to be complicated.
Once you’ve got the right gear and learn the steps, it’s actually one of the cleanest, smoothest ways to enjoy concentrates.
- Keep it simple
- Use real tools (not makeshift gear)
- Clean your setup after every session
- And most importantly — enjoy the flavor