Dab Rig vs Bong – What's the difference?

Dab rigs, also known as oil rigs, are specialized water pipes designed for vaporizing concentrates like wax, oil, and honey. Unlike traditional bongs, which are used for smoking dry herbs and flowers, dab rigs are tailored to provide the best experience when consuming concentrates. The primary purpose of a dab rig is to deliver a smooth, flavorful hit by vaporizing the concentrate at high temperatures. This is achieved through the use of a dab nail, which is heated with a dab torch before the concentrate is applied. The vapor then travels through the water chamber, cooling and filtering it before it reaches your lungs. Most dab rigs are made from durable borosilicate glass, ensuring they can withstand the high temperatures required for dabbing.

Definition and Purpose

A bong is a type of water pipe designed for smoking dry herbs, flowers, and other plant material. The primary purpose of a bong is to provide a smooth and filtered smoking experience by using water to cool and filter the smoke. Bongs are available in various sizes and styles, ranging from simple and portable to elaborate and stationary designs. The water chamber in a bong helps to remove impurities and cool the smoke, making each hit smoother and less harsh on the throat and lungs. Whether you’re a casual smoker or a connoisseur, there’s a bong out there to suit your needs and preferences.

Bongs are versatile water pipes that have been a staple in the smoking community for years. They are specifically designed for smoking dry herbs and flowers, offering a cleaner and cooler smoking experience compared to traditional methods. Bongs come in a wide range of sizes and styles, from small, portable options to large, intricate designs with multiple percolators and ice catchers. The key feature of a bong is its water filtration system, which not only cools the smoke but also filters out harmful substances, providing a smoother and more enjoyable hit. Whether you’re looking for a simple, straightforward piece or a complex, artistic design, there’s a bong to match every preference and budget.

Key Components

While both dab rigs and bongs are water pipes, they have distinct design differences that cater to their specific uses. A dab rig typically consists of a small water chamber, a dab nail, and a mouthpiece. The dab nail is a crucial component, as it is heated with a dab torch to vaporize the concentrate, which is then inhaled through the mouthpiece. On the other hand, a bong features a larger water chamber, a bowl piece, and a mouthpiece. The bowl piece is used to hold the dry herbs, which are then combusted and inhaled through the mouthpiece. Both dab rigs and bongs are often made from borosilicate glass, known for its durability and resistance to high temperatures. This ensures a safe and long-lasting smoking experience, whether you’re vaporizing concentrates or smoking dry herbs.

Size actually does matter........

This is one of the most distinct elements that set dab rigs and bongs apart. Dab rigs tend to have a simpler design compared to bongs, emphasizing fewer filtration components. When you’re smoking dry herbs or flowers, you’ll want a larger piece. Also, you’ll definitely want multiple percolators or ice catchers for maximum filtration and cooling. But, when you’re smoking concentrates, you’ll want a smaller piece with minimal percolators. Why, you ask? Because when combusting flowers in a bong, the smoke can travel long distances without losing potency.

In fact, the longer it travels and the more percolators it travels through, the smoother it will be going into your lungs. When you’re vaporizing concentrates at lower temperatures than combustion, you’ll want to use a smaller piece with minimal percolators. This way, the vapor reaches your lungs as quickly as possible without losing flavor and potency.

Do bongs and dab rigs cost the same?

For the most part: yes they do, depending on how fancy you want to get. The thing that makes dab rigs typically cost more than a bong is the accessories you need to dab correctly. You’ll need a dab nail, dab torch, carb cap, and dabber tool.

Bongs made from cheaper materials like acrylic or silicone are more affordable, but a borosilicate glass bong is a premium option that may cost more due to its durability and design.

If you’re shopping on a budget, check out our Bongs & Dab Rigs under $100. And if you want to get a complete dab rig set-up for an amazing price, check out our bundle section!

Can I use the same piece for dry herbs and concentrates?

Yes, you can! If you want to smoke dry herbs, add a bowl piece to your bong. And if you want to vaporize concentrates, add a dab nail! However, we highly recommend having two separate designated pieces: one for flowers and one for dabs. Basically, this is because the flavor you get from dry herbs is completely different than the flavor you get from concentrates. And it will definitely enhance your dabbing experience.

Mixing the two can often lead to an unpleasant taste, and make for a not-so-great smoking experience. Using different pieces will also make cleaning them much easier. A dab rig doesn’t get as resonated as a bong - there isn’t combustion or plant material.

Final Thoughts

Keep in mind: this information is here so you can get the most out of what you're smoking. But a lot of it comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer to smoke flowers from tiny bongs and some people prefer to dab out of big dab rigs. At the end of the day, you should choose whatever you prefer.

But, if you're going to be spending your money on dry herbs or concentrates, you'll want to get the most you can out of them. And choosing the right dab rig or bong is the best way to do that. When you browse our website, keep in mind that any water pipe you see can function as a dab rig or a bong simply by adding the correct attachment.

No you can't, you need a dab nail to smoke concentrates. A bong bowl design will cause all of your concentrates to fall inside your bong wasting them all. In addition bong bowls are made of glass not quartz which is needed to withstand the extreme temperature of a dab torch.

Yes, 100% if you plan on smoking concentrates regularly then we highly recommend getting a dedicated dab rig just for dabs and keeping the flower bong for flowers only.

Yes! all dab rigs contain water for filtration to help filter out residue and cool down your smoke before you inhale it.