More Banger For Your Buck: Choosing Your Perfect Dab Rig

Dabbing emerged from a once niche consumption method decades ago to a worldwide consumer vertical. From the classic glass rig to the automated and electronic portable, pocket-sized pen, consumers have ample options to choose from.

However, amidst the surge of new brands and products, a wave of cheap alternatives have hit the market in recent years. Consumers should be aware of several product specs and brand intangibles when shopping for a dab rig. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when selecting the ideal dab rig:

Silicon And Paint-Free Options

As dab rigs gain popularity, cheaper and less-than-reputable silicone and painted options flood the market.

While visually appealing, materials like silicone or glass will sometimes utilize painted pathways and device components that can present a potential health risk to consumers. 

Whether you are a low- or high-temperature dab consumer, silicone and painted pathways present a risk for inhaling toxins released from heated plastic. In addition to toxin risks, silicone rigs are often called out for their wax build-up, which significantly diminishes the vaping experience and creates ample cleanup. 

Cutting out the cheaper options doesn't mean your device has to look any less appealing. Many traditional dab rigs and water pipes can also come with painted elements, ensuring safety and aesthetics through the use of rods or dye glass, so you don't run the risk of inhaling toxins when the device is heated.

Quartz Banger, Glass Body

When it comes to bangers and carb caps, quartz outpaces the competition. Borosilicate glass no doubt has a place at the table, with it being a more affordable to assemble, still durable rig structure option. But that isn't the case regarding bangers and carb caps. Quartz is the superior choice due to its heat resistance and durability. 

The good news is that most dab enthusiasts have got the message. Our interactions at industry events and meetups show that virtually every knowledgeable consumer vapes with a traditional borosilicate water pipe with a quartz banger. While buyers can no doubt go in another direction, the consensus among the dabbing community is clear on which rig provides the best experience. You shouldn't always go with what the crowd's doing, but it's a wise idea in this case.

Sealed Components

A well-designed dab rig should provide consumers with an enjoyable experience with minimal cleanup. While some think dabbing is rife with messy wax runoff, that doesn't have to be true. With leading rigs, the clean up is manageable while the hits are smooth and flavorful. 

Many of the best dab rigs followed the traditional glass water pipe path. Whether you're smoking flower or wax, the experience remains the same. Once heated, the smoke or vapor passes through the downstem and into the water before cooling and reaching the top of the device.

Some of the leading dab brands emulate the classic water pipe smoking experience, but in vaping form, and sealed components are critical in replicating the results. A sealed carb cap guarantees that the air is heated, contained, and effectively circulates the air with each pull. When using a sealed carb card, the concentrate can be evenly vaporized directly up through the water and to the user with minimal dilution. Each hit offers the concentrate's flavor, aroma, and effects without creating a ton of mess to clean up.

Industry-leading devices don't stop at closing the carb cap. By sealing off the device's electronic components, including the atomizer, consumers don't have to contend with messy, multi-compartment cleanups. Nor do they have to worry about wax runoff clogging the rig or causing a mechanical failure. 

Sealed components no doubt pay off in the long run. You can definitely save a few bucks with a cheaper option. But the backend costs associated with replacing parts, cleanup, and, most importantly, extracting waste and burnoff no doubt add up fast. For a few more dollars, you can keep cleanup to a minimum, save cash, and take more enjoyable hits. 

Direct Temperature Control

If given the chance, dabbing enthusiasts will vouch for their preferred temperature all day. Consumers want device versatility so they can customize their experience to their ideal preferences. Shoppers looking for control and versatility should look for devices with wide temperature control range (300F to 800F).

You might have gotten away with a device having just a few temperature settings back in the day. But as technology continues to refine and progress, those sparse options won't cut it anymore. Most dabbers suggest starting, and likely remaining, at a lower temperature to avoid terpene boil-off, loss of flavor, aroma, effects, and possible combustion risks. However, some dabbers, including the folks at the Hot Dabs Podcast, vouch for the higher temperatures. No matter your preference, consumers should have the choice to discover which suits you best.

Customer Service Support And Warranty

With so many brands to choose from, consumers shouldn't settle for anything less than stellar products and even better customer service.

Much like customer support, rigs should have a warranty in case something goes wrong. Consumers should prioritize brands that guarantee product quality for a year or longer. Otherwise, the customer is getting short-changed after spending their hard-earned cash on a device they thought would last–and that's never fair. 

Buy The Best Dab Rig For You

While premium dab rigs come at a higher cost when compared to other smoking and vaping devices, their quality and durability truly justify the investment. Cheaper alternatives might seem tempting, but often result in safety hazards and frequent malfunctions with them being made using cheaper materials and less sophisticated tech. By prioritizing safety, performance, and customer support, consumers can make informed decisions and enjoy a superior dabbing experience for years to come.