Every year, new dab rigs come out that are better than the previous year's. This article will share with you the best of those new products for 2021. Whether you're looking for a cheap option or something more high-end, there is bound to be one in this line up that fits your needs!
What is a Dab Rig
Dab rigs are water pipes that are designed for vaporizing cannabis concentrates.
Like a bong filters smoke, dab rigs have the same process— only with vapor from concentrates instead.
Most rigs are simply small water pipes. You could theoretically use a bong as a dab rig and any dab rig as a bong with just swapping out the nail and bowl. The idea is not for everyone, but it can be done if you are up to the task!
A dab rig is a chamber that's usually made from glass and connected to a banger or nail, instead of a normal bowl found on a bong.
What is a banger?
A banger is a type of nail for dab rigs. A “nail” is the general term for the equivalent to a bowl on dabs, and "bangers" are specifically that kind of little cup style you can use with one or two nails in it (depending on what size rig your using). All bangers are nails but not all nails have to be just basic-looking ones - experiment!
A quartz banger is the standard for most and many of the best dab rigs actually will come packaged with accessories including a banger.
Reviews of 10 Top Rated Dab Rigs
This short and sweet glass dab rig from Famous X is quality and simple. This water pipe features a 14mm female joint and comes with a 14mm male quartz banger. It's a small rig that hits well and Famous X is known for quality handblown, borosilicate glass. The Bell stands at 6 inches and has a shower-head perc which provides extra filtration and makes your hit more smooth. These rigs all comes with the Famous Brandz black star which makes them a solid choice to start your collection.
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Dr. Dabber Switch is a perfect electric dab rig for those who want to smoke on the go. The sleek looking SWITCH Kit features an induction heating vaporizer that's compatible both with dry herb and with concentrates! You can transform the kit from a dab rig into an electric herb vaporizer in seconds with one click of a button for ultimate convenience. The device has a glass mouthpiece and bowl and a ceramic heating chamber. It offers complete temperature control with 25 pre-calibrated settings. These settings are perfect for a variety of different needs and situations. The battery life on the SWITCH is surprisingly very impressive and the LED display and simple button interface makes it very easy to use. Whether you are dabbing or smoking on the go.
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The Halo dab rig by Evolution is such a simple and sleek design. It looks small, but don't be fooled because it has all the power of your average size oil rigs for just 6.75 inches tall! You get smooth hits that feel like you're smoking from a huge rig every time with this compact bubbler - not to mention how cool they look on any coffee table or desk in your home.
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The Evolution Squall is the perfect balance between power and precision. This glass water pipe combines a reinforced downstem, slitted inline percolator, Honeycomb disc percolator with an opaque white mouthpiece to produce a cool smoking sensation that will leave you wanting more!
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Father's day is coming up and the perfect present for any dad would be this "Father Time" Hourglass Dab Rig! This elegant dab rig measures 17.8 cm / 7 inches in height with a fixed showerhead percolator, joint, and colored rimmed mouthpiece that produces smooth filtered hits every time. It has a 14 mm joint size for male bangers. Whether you're treating your pops or yourself to some new gear- Father Time is a great choice.
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The CHI dab rig is one of the newest additions from rapper Snoop Dogg's Pounds glass line. These pieces are known to be sturdy glass for the heaviest of smokers. Named after the windy city, Chicago, this CHI semi-domed rig will take you on a flight and is a great way to enjoy concentrates. The CHI is a sturdy dab rig make from premium quality borosilicate glass. This is the device to allow you smoke your waxes. It also comes equipped with fixed downstem and 14.5mm female joint for excellent stability.
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When it comes to electric dab rigs, Puffco Peak is popular, and for good reason. It's the first desktop vaporizer with water filtration. This new innovation combines the control of an e-nail and dabbing experience, but also features a never before seen technology that provides for clean hits every time by filtering out harmful residue from your concentrates. With Puffco Peak you can take consuming concentrates to another level! This is a top choice for an electric dab rig.
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For those who have been searching for a sleek, gold dab rig that will be the center of attention in any social setting, look no further. Contact features an 18.8mm ground joint and is complete with a diffused downstem to produce optimal filtration while also providing smooth hits without compromising quality! The "Contact" by Famouz Branz is a great straight glass tube rig with a 14mm banger and ice notches throughout. No carb hole is on this piece. This luxurious, gold-plated dab rig features a removable inside cut slitted diffused downstem that allows for smoother hits and improved filtration. It also has black accents on the base and mouthpiece. Definitely a great rig for enjoying your wax.
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These new dab rigs from Famous X are perfect for anyone who likes to enjoy their concentrates on the go. With a variety of shapes and colors, you're sure to find one that suits your style best! Drip by Famous X is handblown and made from borosilicate glass. This rig is small, only 7 inches/ 17.8 cm in height and provides flavorful hits because of the slited drum percolator to provide extra filtration that makes your hit extra smooth.
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With the Ogre, you'll be able to take hits of monstrous proportions. In addition to this rig's external appearance being nothing short of intimidating and its ability produce big smoke clouds with each hit, it also has a hand drawn design that results in in one terrifying package. The slightly bent straight tube design is made from hand-blown borosilicate glass and has a fixed downsteam along with a drum percolator. Like many rigs on this list, it is a 14mm female joint, meaning you need a 14mm quartz banger. I also recommend a carb cap on a water pipe like this.
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The Best Types of Dab Rigs
Just like bongs; dab rigs come in various shapes, sizes, and percolator types. Water filtration is very important, but ultimately it comes down to personal preference.
Generally, it's agreed that smaller rigs are better for concentrates due to the fact you are able to taste the flavor of the hit a lot easier.
With a dab rig you want less diffusion than a regular bong. This is because dab vapor is has less harsh than the smoke from dry herb, and should be preserved to its fullest integrity with cool water filtration. You are dealing with complex terpenes that need to have their full flavor profile intact in order for you to enjoy the flavor when inhaled without burning your lungs or irritating them too badly.
How to use your dab rig
The process of using an oil rig can be intimidating and unfamiliar, but with time it will become second nature. Once you have a good understanding of the simple steps involved in consuming cannabis concentrates on one, they are incredibly efficient way to do so.
- It is important to fill up your rig before you do anything else. As with a bong, this water will help cool and filter the vapor coming off of your dabs. This way you can be assured that every hit tastes as good as it should!
- Using a butane torch, make sure to heat up the nail until it is bright red. This will ensure that any small particles are burned off and that you begin with the hottest possible surface for your dab.
- After that, it may sound counterintuitive, but you should let your nail cool down so that you don't scorch the dab. The amount of time to wait is dependent on what material it's made from and how thick it is.
- Apply the dab on on surface of the banger and slowly take in as much vapor as possible without overdoing it - this will ensure that all those tasty terpenes are delivered directly into your lungs for maximum enjoyment!
- A hit from a dab rig is much more prolonged and drawn out than a hit from a hit of flower. This is because it takes time for the concentrate to be completely heated into vapor
How to Choose the Right Dab Rig for You
The best vapor is in small rigs. The more volume your rig has, the less potent it will be and you lose flavor too!
Of course, flavor and enjoying the quality of concentrate isn't everyone's forte.
Dab rigs come in all shapes and sizes, but the most common setup with a torch is standard and easy to use. Standard beaker-style dab rigs are usually about 7-9 inches tall with a water filtration for smoother hits.
An everyday rig like this with a torch is a smart option for would-be dabbers looking for their first piece, but you also have other options such as:
- E-rigs
- Nectar collectors
Think about your environment and living situation when you heat your rig and take dabs, this will help narrow your search, and you'll be taking dabs in no time. Your needs are the most important factor when choosing the best dab piece for your collection. You also want to make sure you purchase from a responsible company in the cannabis industry that cares about the health of their customers.
Considerations When Buying a Dab Rig
The following are the main factors that you should consider in your search for a rig. It's important to find something that is solid and sturdy. Keep in mind that the ware and high temperature from smoking wax will take a toll on your pipe.
Size
Your rig should be just the right size to offer you awesome flavor and produce some potent vapor. As mentioned, smaller rigs are going to provide a more condensed delivery of the flavor and terpenes that you want to enjoy from the vapor when you are dabbing. Generally, the best dab rigs are compact in size. Search for something that works for you.
Portability
If you live an active life and smoke on the go, you might want to consider the portability of any dab rigs that you invest in. Unless you want to bring a giant rig with all of your accessories, pipes that are larger will generally stay in one place. Luckily, electronic dab rigs are a good solution.
Material
Oil rigs aren't all made from hand blown glass. Some other materials that are heat resistant include silicone and certain parts and accessories are made from ceramic or titanium (like a nail in electric rigs).
Price
If you want the chamber of your rig to filter smoke with a fancy perc or something like a recycler design, you will be paying more for your rigs. But, if you want the basics, you can cut costs and price will be less of a concern.
FAQs about db rigs
What are the types of dab rigs?
There are a few different kinds, but the ones listed in this review are a standard glass water pipe with various types of perc options. Another popular material that dab rigs and water pipes are made from is silicone.
However, there are also other types of rigs to enjoy concentrate with.
Electric dab rigs
Some who enjoy concentrate prefer electronic rigs or e-rigs for dabbing on the go. These are units that don't require a torch and are easy to pack up. These rigs offer extreme temperature control.
Nectar collectors
A straight glass piece with a nail on the end is a simple, portable way to enjoy concentrate. They are also pretty easy to clean.
How long will my dab rig last?
Maintenance and cleaning is very important when preserving the quality of your dab rigs. Frequent rinsing and thorough cleaning with isopropyl alcohol or other solutions is recommended.
Of course, all good things come to an end, and with dab rigs that usually means breaking or cracking. Overall, just be cautious and careful not to drop any rigs.
What are the best dab accessories?
There are a number of accessories to go along with your rig.
Besides a basic quartz banger or nail, there are other materials like a ceramic titanium nail. A carb cap is another basic accessory that will go on your banger when taking a dab. Nails are one of the most important parts of your set up.
A torch is another necessity for most dabbers. You need something you heat your nails with.
Summary
Dab rigs are different than pipes that you use for dry herb. Besides the main different of having a nail, rigs are generally shaped differently due to the unique flavor from dabs. Dabbing is a constantly evolving form of cannabis consumption, meaning the devices that we use to consume are also evolving.
Features and trends will continue to evolve, so dabbing concentrate might look different in years to come. But for 2021, this collection of dab rigs are the best on the market for pretty much anyone who is looking to start dabbing.
Keep up with us on Instagram @theDabbingPro for more updates on the cannabis concentrate industry.