If you visit a smoke shop you are likely to find a a variety of glass pieces. Bongs and dab rigs are two of the most common pieces of glass. They are used simileraly but in most cases there use is quite different. Knowing the difference is critical for optimal satisfaction and use.
Based on my experience with both devices, choosing a dab rig or a bong has little to do with the appearance of the devices. Take for instance the type of vapor, the method of deliver, and the end result,. All of these will make the use of a bong or rig optimal. I will outline the important information.
What is a Dab Rig?
Dab rigs are smaller than bongs and use some sorts of concentrates such as wax, shatter, live resin or rosin. Instead of a bowl, a dab rig has a nail or a banger which used together with a torch and vaporizes the concentrates.
Mike, a bud-tender for five years now, says that “dab rig changed the game for concentrate lovers. You get hits that are pure and potent and that you just can’t get from flower.”
Lookah has some fantastic examples of dab rigs that highlight the art that goes into creating these pieces.
What Are Bong?
Bongs are water pipes designed to smoke dry herbs and flower. Bong utilize water filtration to cool and smooth the smoke before entering the lungs. Bong can vary in size and shape, ranging from basic straight tubes to advanced pieces with multiple percolators.
The most basic design comes with a bowl where one packs their herb, the mouthpiece, and a downstem that connects to the chamber with water. When the bowl is lit and there’s an inhale, smoke is generated and pulled down through the water to be filtered and then received.
Bongs and dab rigs are very similar but there are some key differences.
Size and Design
The size difference is one of the first things people will notice. Dab rigs are generally much smaller than bongs and there is a reason for that.
Dab rigs are compact in size, which in most cases, is better because concentrates produce vapor instead of smoke. You want that vapor to travel a short distance, which maximizes flavor and potency. These pieces of equipment are mostly in the range of 6 to 10 inches.
Bongs can be had in all sizes with the most compact piece being 6 inches and the largest piece being 3 feet. They are much better for smoke filtration and cooling, which is down to the extra space. These pieces allow for the smoke to cool before entering the lungs.
Heating Method
Dab rigs are the most different in this regard. They require external heating with a torch to heat the nail or banger to the right temperature (between 350-450F). Some newer models have electronic nails that heat to the desired temperature and hold it there.
Bongs are much simpler, using a lighter or a hemp wick to combust the dry herb in the bowl. No torches needed, just light and inhale.
Material Consumption
Dab rigs are designed exclusively to be used with concentrates, aka the sticky, highly potent extracts which need to be vaped. These include:
⦁ Wax
⦁ Shatter
⦁ Live resin
⦁ Rosin
⦁ Budder
Conversely, bongs use dry flower. They grind up the flower, then pack it into the bowl, and smoke it.
Water Filtration Differences
Both use water, but in different techniques. Dab rigs have much smaller water chambers because it’s the vapor and not smoke which is being filtered. The water cools and moisturizes the vapor, but too much filtration can detract from the flavor and potency of the concentrates.
Bong water filtration is more aggressive. The multiple percolators, along with the large water chambers, cool and filter the smoke from burning dry herbs.
Temperature Control
With dab rigs, temperature control is crucial. Hit is too hot, and it’ll burn the dab, which is a waste and creates a terrible taste. Too cool, and it won’t vaporize. Most dabbers utilize temperature guns and electronic nails for proper precision.
Unlike dab rigs, bongs don’t need temperature control. Just light the bongs and the water does the cooling for you.
Maintenance and Cleaning
As a concentrate lover, maintaining the dab rig is important. “Dirty rigs ruin the flavor of good concentrates,” says Sarah, from Colorado.
Dab rigs need a lot of cleaning. Sticky concentrates leave residue, and the nail or banger swabbed with isopropyl alcohol should be cleaned.
Bongs should be cleaned, too, but weed residue is easier to deal with. Over time, little bits of ash and resin builds up, but it’s not as sticky as concentrate residue.
Cost Considerations
A dab rig comes with more accessories than a bong, and thus costs more. Add the torch, dabber tools, quality nails or bangers, and the concentrate per gram, it’s more than a gram of bud.
The initial investment for a bong is usually cheaper. All that is required is the competitive apparatus, a lighter, and some dry herbal. Lookah recently released a collection of bongs that are of good quality and affordable, making them available for everyone.
Conclusion
Every smoker has a certain piece that they gravitate towards based on their preference. Some enjoy classical bongs whilst other enjoy the modern dab rigs. Dabbing rigs packs a punch when it comes to providing a concentrate experience. The flavor that dab rigs offer is amazing. On the other hand, Bongs offer a smooth, delicate experience that many enjoy.
You are in luck, there are smokers who enjoy both bongs and dab rigs. As the mood shifts, the time of the day changes, or the availability of smoker tools, bongs and dab rigs are a great combination. Lookah has both concentrate and flower options.
Regardless of your preference, I advise you to buy dab rigs or bongs that are made of high quality glass. These make the experience worthwhile and also last a long time. Also, remember to learn the right techniques and always keep your tools clean.
