Get ready to drop some dangerously delectable dabs with these radical rigs! Dab rigs, also known as oil rigs, are essential additions for any oil aficionado’s water pipe collection. If you’re new to dabbing and have no clue where to start, don’t fear! Using a dab rig is quite simple once you learn how they function and equip yourself with the correct tools. The information below will explain everything you need to know about dab rigs and the accessories required to have you dabbing like a pro in no time!
What is Dabbing?
Despite its name, dabbing has nothing to do with dancing or Cam Newton’s trademark touchdown celebration. So what exactly is dabbing? In the cannabis world, dabbing refers to the process of consuming high concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive chemical found in marijuana. THC levels in marijuana have been steadily increasing over the past few decades, thanks to hybridization and advances in cultivation techniques. As a result, today’s cannabis is much more potent than what was available even a few years ago. And that’s created a demand for even more potent products—like dabs. Dabbing is simply the process of smoking dabs.
What are Dabs?
Piggybacking off the above dabbing explanation, dabs are concentrated marijuana extract. They can be in the form of an oil, wax, or solid and typically contain anywhere from 50-80% THC. That’s up to four times the THC concentration of regular marijuana flower. Dabs are also referred to as wax, shatter, amber, extract, oil, budder, and other various nicknames. Despite the danger associated with consuming highly concentrated marijuana extracts, dabbing is gaining popularity—especially among younger cannabis users who seek a stronger high.
What is a Dab Rig?
Dab rigs, also known as oil rigs, are a type of water pipe used for smoking wax concentrates or dabs. Dab rigs are very similar to bongs and can often be used with a dry herb bowl piece for smoking flower too. Dab rigs differ from bongs because they are designed to maximize the filtration and flavor of concentrates. Additionally, oil rigs typically include a quartz banger or glass nail instead of the bowl piece you see on most bongs.
The average dab rig usually has smaller chambers, so the vapor can reach your mouth more quickly, resulting in more flavorful hits. The more time each dab spends inside your water pipe is more time that flavor can be lost from your concentrates. Dab rigs also feature a more narrow stem than bongs, promoting optimal airflow and preventing your concentrates from burning too quickly. Like bongs, most dab rigs include a percolator inside to help filter and cool the vapor with water before reaching your lungs.
How Does a Dab Rig Work?
Using a dab rig may seem daunting at first, but it is actually quite simple. First, you’ll want to evenly heat the quartz banger or nail using a butane torch. Once your nail is hot enough, use a dabber tool to apply your wax concentrates by touching them directly to the heated banger or nail. Make sure all the wax is melted off your dabber tool and into the banger while simultaneously inhaling through the mouthpiece. As you draw, the vapor will travel through the water pipe to be filtered and cooled before reaching your lungs.
Types of Dab Rigs:
There are many different types of dab rigs on the market today. Some of the most popular include recycler rigs, mini rigs, and e-rigs. Recycler dab rigs feature interconnected chambers that continuously recycle the water and vapor for smoother dabs. Mini rigs are tiny, portable dab rigs designed for on-the-go dabbing and extra flavorful rips. E-rigs are electric dab rigs that are excellent for reaching precise temperatures and use battery power to heat your nails, so you don’t need to keep a butane torch on hand.
Recycler Rigs
Recycler rigs are one of the most popular dab rigs on the market today. They get their name because they have interconnected chambers that continuously recycle water and vapor for very smooth dabs. Recycler rigs usually include a percolator or diffuser at the base. The diffuser separates the vapor into many tiny bubbles to break up and cool the smoke, which results in smooth, extra-filtered hits that are not as harsh on your lungs.
Mini Rigs
Mini rigs are particularly small, portable dab rigs perfect for on-the-go dabbing. Most mini rigs include a percolator, which helps filter and cool the vapor before reaching your lungs. Another benefit of mini rigs is the extra flavorful rips they produce because the smoke spends less time inside the chamber and reaches your mouth/lungs much faster than other oil rigs.
E-rigs are electric dab rigs that use battery power to heat the nail. E-rigs are becoming increasingly popular due to their precision temperature control and adjustable airflow, which allow you to fully customize and control your dabbing experience. The added safety of not using an open flame butane torch is another huge benefit of electric dab rigs. E-rigs usually come with all the accessories you need to start dabbing, making it convenient to get up and dabbing in no time. The one downside of e-rigs is that replacement atomizers are necessary every 3-6 months and are more costly than the standard quartz bangers found on glass rigs. E-Rigs are classified as vaporizers and can be found in our Epic eNails and eRigs collection.
Carb caps are used as a lid that goes on top of your banger after dropping in a dab. Carb caps are not necessary but are useful as they keep the vapor trapped inside the banger and help distribute airflow to heat your wax concentrates evenly. Removing the carb cap while hitting your dab rig clears the chamber of any vapor, similar to pulling a bowl slide when smoking a bong.
Dabbers are thin pencil-like tools made from steel, glass, or ceramic that makes scooping and maneuvering your dabs easier. They usually have a spoon-shaped ending and can be applied directly inside your heated banger to melt your dab.
The dab rig nail is the part of the rig that you will heat and apply your concentrates to. Dab rig nails come in different materials, such as titanium, ceramic, or quartz. They are also available in various angles and joint sizes to match your rig. Adding a nail or banger to your favorite bong instantly makes it a dab rig!
Concentrates are vaporized at high temperatures, requiring an intense heat source to reach those temperatures. The most popular heating sources are torches fueled with butane. E-rigs are a little different and require an atomizer. Each E-rig comes standard with a different atomizer, so some may last longer than others, but they usually need to be replaced after 3-6 months of use.
Dab timers and dab thermometers help you accurately measure your banger’s temperature, so you know exactly when it’s time to take your dab. Most dab timers and dab thermometers have an LED display showing your banger’s current temperature. This way, you can make sure that you always hit the sweet spot. Using a dab timer or dab thermometer with your rig is not entirely necessary, but we definitely recommend it for beginners.
Dab mats are made of non-stick material, usually silicone, and help to keep your rig in place while you dab. They also protect the surface you are dabbing on and provide a place to manipulate sticky concentrates and rest hot dab tools. Dab mats come in a variety of colors and designs, so you can choose one that matches your style. Dab Mats are another great accessory to keep handy, but they are not essential to begin dabbing.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I clean my dab rig?
Cleaning your dab rig is essential to optimize airflow and maximize the flavors of your wax concentrates. To clean your glass or titanium banger, you can apply heat from your torch for an extended period to burn off any residue. After that cools, remove the banger from the dab rig and place it somewhere safe. The best way to clean your rig is with a mix of high percentage isopropyl alcoholandrock salt. Fill your dab rig with alcohol and add some salt. Next, plug the openings and shake your dab rig vigorously to loosen any wax residue. Finally, rinse your dab rig with hot water and allow it to air dry.
Where can I buy a dab rig?
Dab rigs and E-rigs are available at many smoke shops and online retailers like CaliConnected.com! Before purchasing a dab rig, be sure to do some research to find the best deal and a reliable retailer. We constantly run promotions and have a price-match guarantee to try and always bring you the best-priced dab rigs online.
Is it illegal to buy a dab rig online?
The idea that it is illegal to buy a water pipe or dab rig online is a common misconception. In 2003, the Bush administration ordered the DEA to carry out Operation Pipe Dreams, a nationwide investigation that targeted smoke shops selling drug paraphernalia, specifically glass pipes and bongs used for marijuana. Operation Pipe Dreams landed infamous stoner Tommy Chong in handcuffs along with many other smoke shop owners and glassblowers. Ultimately, this targeted attack on the cannabis industry was deemed highly unsuccessful. As a result, laws were made infinitely more transparent for online head shops that, previous to 2003, operated in a cloud of confusion. Items like bongs and dab rigs can not be considered “drug paraphernalia” by the federal government until there is concrete evidence that one planned to use said items illegally.
Buying a dab rig or bong online is completely legal and becoming the norm as online retailers can offer a more extensive selection of water pipes than most brick-and-mortar smoke shops. Currently, federal law requires customers to be at least 18 years old and online retailers to confirm the age of every customer by checking state-issued ID with an accredited service. The services that online head shops use to check IDs will not land your name on some DEA list and remain entirely confidential. The bottom line is that it is not illegal to order a bong or dab rig online!
What is the best type of dab rig for me?
The best type of dab rig for you depends on your dabbing needs and preferences. A recycler rig will be a good choice if you are looking for cool filtered dabs. If you are a flavor seeker and want a dab rig that is more portable, then a mini rig would be a great option. If you are most concerned about safety and temperatures, an electric dab rig (e-rig) will suit you best.
If you have further questions, feel free to reach out, and our dedicated staff will help direct you to a dab rig that matches your smoking needs. Each type of dab rig offers a different dabbing experience, so take your time to compare and decide which style fits best for you!
