Difference Between a Dab Rig and a Bong

Yes, bongs and dab rigs are both water pipes, however there are some critical distinctions. They’re designed to satisfy different desires even though they both offer an excellent way to consume cannabis. Let’s investigate what makes them dissimilar from each other.

Trying to figure out the difference between a bong and dab rig? We’re here to help! While they may appear similar to someone who is unfamiliar with them, there are several key distinctions between the two. And even if you’re new to smoking, don’t worry – we all have to start somewhere. So read on as we explain everything you need to know about bongs and dab rigs, from what distinguishes one from the other device, why one requires a bigger torch than the other does.

We promise that by the end of this article, you will know enough about bong options to make a purchase confidently.

The differences between bongs and dab rigs

Bongs and dab rigs are commonly made of glass, and they are used to make smoking or vaporizing cannabis easier (we will discuss the difference between these two methods later). The most crucial distinction between bongs and dab rigs is what type of substance they are meant for.

Dried flower is traditionally smoked using bongs, while dab rigs–sometimes called oil rigs–are used to vaporize concentrates. Dabs come in the form of oils, waxes, and other sticky substances that are placed in a heat-resistant holder known as a dab nail instead of a bowl.

Both bongs and dab rigs look quite comparable at first, but there are key distinctions in areas such as design, function, use, potency, etc. Let’s explore those now.

Herb vs concentrates: a note on potency

Before exploring the specific differences between bongs and dab rigs, it is pertinent to establish a clear distinction in potency between dry herb and concentrates. Concentrates, as their name suggests, are cannabis products containing concentrated levels of cannabinoids.

To give you some perspective, a potent souche of herb will contain around 25% THC whereas the average concentrate has about 80% THC. So that’s one significant difference between bongs and oil rigs, even though it doesn’t have to do with the devices themselves.

Design

As stated above, bongs and oil rigs are mostly made from glass; however, it is not the typical fragile glass used in tableware. A heat and shatter-resistant type of glass called borosilicate is usually the preferred material because it is dependable over time.

When it comes to bongs and oil rigs, many materials can be used in the manufacturing process, but glass is far and away the most popular choice.

Bong

If you’re looking to enjoy a big hit, then bongs are the way to go. They’re typically larger than dab rigs, and feature a bowl- an element you’ll never find on an oil rig.

There is a plethora of bong styles available on the market, from straight-shaped to beaker-topped and round base. While designs differ, the basics of how they work stay uniform.

Dab rig

Dab rigs have historically been smaller than bongs for two reasons: portability and potency. Dabs are so potent that a huge chamber isn’t necessary to achieve hefty hits, and all of the necessary components are tightly contained inside the water chamber. On the outside, a dab nail (alternatively, a “banger”) is used to hold waxes and other concentrates. Inside the dab rig, you’ll very likely find a percolator to cool the vapor produced.

Dab nails and bangers are terms that people often use interchangeably, but there is a big difference between the two. Dab nails usually have a smaller surface area and are made of titanium while bangers have a larger surface area. They can also be made of different materials like glass or quartz. Banger prices also vary more than dab nail prices.

Not only are glass dab rigs an option, electronic versions like “e-rigs” or “e-nails” exist as well. They have benefits like being powered by batteries instead of a torch, and having the capability to select a temperature setting; both perfect for users wanting more delicate concentrates.

How they work

Dab rigs and bongs are similar in that they both use water to cool the smoke or vapor. The main difference is that bongs rely on the combustion of dry herbs, while dab rigs utilize a heated nail to vaporize concentrates.

Bong

Using a bong is as easy as pie. All you need is some finely milled dry herb, a little water, and a regular lighter. You don’t even have to be an experienced smoker – all types of smokers can enjoy using bongs.

First, fill the chamber with only enough water to wet the downstem. Then take your ground cannabis and carefully pack it into the bowl until it is tight. Once packed in, light the herb and gradually pull from mouthpiece so that smoke fills inside of bong. You’ll see chamber filling with cloudy smoke as result of passing through downstream and water–giving you smooth, cooled hit full of flavour.

Bongs are a type of water pipe that is popular among cannabis smokers. They are quick and easy to set up and use, which makes them one of the more user-friendly options for smoking cannabis. Many bongs come with built-in features called “ice catchers.” These allow you to place cubes of ice in the neck of the water pipe, which helps cool the smoke as it rises to your mouth.

Dab rig

Dab rigs function via water in order to provide cooler hits, similar to bongs. However, oil rigs use concentrates made from kief instead of marijuana leaves. You can either produce these at home or buy them from dispensaries (if your location permits it).

Making use of a dab rig is simple: percolator submerged with a little water, then heat the nail red-hot with your dab torch. Note that you’ll need something stronger than a regular lighter to provide an adequate flame–a bong just won’t cut it in this case. Let the nail cool for several seconds before using; it should retain some of its original colouration.

Next, find your dabber tool. This is an essential accessory that allows you to pick up small amounts of sticky concentrate and place it on your dab nail without making a mess. Using your dabber, transfer some concentrate from its container to the nail, and then inhale as the concentrate is quickly vaporized.

Similar to a bong, the vapor travels through the cooling water before it gets to your lungs, providing a more comfortable hit.

Smoke or vapor quality

When you hit a bong, the smoke is harsher than when you hit a dab rig. Even though heat is applied to the concentrate with a dab rig, there is no direct combustion. This results in vapor instead of smoke. Usually, this makes the hits smoother on your throat; however, not always.

Bong

Bong smokers will argue that the water in the bong cools and filters the smoke, making it smoother on your throat and lungs. The type of strain you’re using affects smoking quality, as does how tightly packed your bowl is. If you want an even smoother hit, try a bong with ice notches; these tiny reservoirs hold onto small pieces of ice which further cools smoke before reaching your mouth.

Dab rig

Dab rigs can vaporize many types of concentrates. The product is melted and turn into vapor when it touches the hot nail. To stop heat and vapor from escaping, some dab nails come with a carb cap or dome. This lets you have the best convection heating of your dabs for great-tasting vapor.

Prix

As with most things in life, price and budget will undoubtedly play a role in your purchase decision. Fortunately, many manufacturers of water pipes have recognized this and opted to produce products that cater for all price points. Of course, you can go extravagant and find an ornate gold-plated bong or haut-tech e-nail, but cheaper glass models will more than do the trick. It really depends on what you’re looking for from your experience.

Bong

The price of a bong largely depends on the material it’s made out of, with options including ceramic, metal, silicone, glass, and acrylic. For example, an acrylic or silicone bong will typically be cheaper than one made from borosilicate glass. In addition to this factor, some bongs contain many more features than others do—such as multiple percolators or chambers— which hike up the price tag.

Dab rig

Dab rigs made of glass tend to have a similar price range as bongs does, which can be helpful for those on a tight budget. But when it comes to choosing between materials, style and extra features, there are plenty of options available. For most dedicated dabbers though, they would go with something more sturdy like glass that can handle the heat. In recent years, e-rigs and/or e -nails have gained traction for being convenient because you don’t need a torch with you. Although the devices might come at a higher cost, it may be worth the investment in

the long run if you frequently dab while out and about.

Dab rig or bong: which should you choose?

Keep in mind your budget, and find a bong or dab rig that meets your needs. It’s necessary to set a budget regardless of what you’re looking for so that you don’t spend too much. There are smoking options for everyone whether you’re just beginning or intending to switch up your routine.

You don’t have to go on a long journey to find the best water pipes; they’re closer than you think.