Have you ever wondered what the difference between a dab rig and a water pipe? Are you looking to vaporize concentrate and don’t know what to shop for? Let’s break down and educate ourselves on the differences between a rig and a water pipe.
What Is A Dab Rig?
A dab rig is a specific type of water pipe used for the consumption of wax or resin substances. A dab rig has some distinct characteristics that set it apart from other water pipes.
The best dab rigs find the balance between minimal surface area and a long travel distance from the banger to the mouthpiece. The less surface area a rig has, the less vapor will end up wasted and condense on the side of the piece. However, the longer distance the vapor travels, the smoother and cooler the hit!
What Is A Water Pipe?
A water pipe by definition, is a piece that diffuses smoke through water during the smoking process. For our purposes, we will be using “water pipe” to refer to everything, excluding rigs (e.g. beakers, bubblers, and straight tubes), which are primarily used for flowers and herbs. Water pipes can have a variety of percs, sizes, and materials.
Dab Rigs And Water Pipes: Their Functions And Using.
Although Dab rigs and Water pipes are both used for the consumption of herbal products, they serve two different purposes. A dab rig is used in addition to a banger or a nail, to vaporize concentrates and cool that vapor through a series of tight tubes and percs.
A water pipe is used in addition to a bowl piece to combust herbal material. The smoke is then filtered through a series of chambers and percs to cool and remove harsh flavors.
Dab Rig Or Water Pipe: Which Should I Choose For Herbs Or Concentrates?
Dab rigs and water pipes are both optimized for use with either herbs or concentrate. Dab rigs should always be the first choice for vaporizing concentrates. Water pipes, on the other hand, are best suited for smoking herbal blends.
Differences Between Dab Rig And Water Pipes.
There are many differences between dab rigs and water pipes, from materials to perc count!
| Dab Rig | Bong |
| Typically, a long vertical downpipe. | vertical or 45° Downstem, or a downpipe. |
| Minimal surface area. | Can range from 6 to 36+ inches. |
| Minimal percs w/ wider holes. | A ranging variety and quantity of percs. |
| Typically glass (Rarely silicone). | Glass, Silicone, Acrylic, Ceramic. |
Dab Rig and Water Pipe: Different Accessories
Dab rigs and water pipes use a vastly different array of accessories to either vaporize or combust their smokable material.
| Dab Rig | Bong |
| Butane torch. | Lighter. |
| Banger/Nail. | Bowl piece. |
| Dabber. | Downstem. |
| Reclaim Catcher. | Ash Catcher. |
| Carb Cap. | Screens. |
Do Bongs And Dab Rigs Cost The Same?
Dab rigs and water pipes are sold at a varying range of prices. Water pipes can cost anywhere from $20 to $2000+, depending on the quality and design of the piece. Rigs, however, tend to start at a higher price range of around 60-70$ and up. Rigs tend to be more intricate, so they tend to cost more than the more basic waterpipes.
Conclusion
When deliberating between a water pipe and a rig, it is essential to consider your material of choice. Dab rigs are perfectly optimized for vaporizing concentrates.
The long vertical downpipe ensures that the heat of the vaporization process is away from the main body of the piece, and the wider percs ensure that they do not get clogged with wax.
Water pipes are more varietal and can range in percs, sizes, and prices. Water pipes should mainly be used for smoking herbal blends. You can use each style of the piece for their opposite use; however, keep in mind it will not be an optimal smoking experience.
