Dabbing has become a very popular way for consumers to enjoy cannabis concentrates. The fast and efficient way for users to dose gives you a more intense and longer lasting effect compared to traditional methods of smoking. But before you can take your first dab you need the right dab rig. There are literally thousands of styles of dab rigs out there, so which one is the right one for your? We'll go over some key factors in choosing the perfect dab rig for your needs.

Size & Portability

Dab rigs are usually smaller than bong water pipes, and for good reason. Where traditional bongs are larger so they can hold more volume so smokers can milk and store a large amount of smoke before snapping, or clearing it all at once with a big rip. Dab rigs on the other hand are mean to be drawn with a consistent breath, there is no build up of vapor inside the chamber. In fact if you have too much build up of vapor inside the rig, it can actually start to cool down and form back into a solid. If you have ever seen a "dirty" dab rig before that is all just reclaimed vapor that has condensed back into a solid and now is either floating in the water or stuck to the wall. What a waste! So when picking the perfect dab rig for you make sure you get something that you can clear more than 2-3 times with one breath. If you have lower lung capacity then you may want to get a smaller piece for the best results.

The smaller the piece is also makes it more portable so if you plan to be dabbing on the go and smaller piece will come in clutch, but if you plan to mainly keep it at home you have more options and can pick something a little more intricate.

Joint Size & Angle

Dab rigs come in every joint size and angle out there, but they offer different benefits and features so which is right for you? First lets talk angles, the joints come in 2 standard angles 90 degree (straight up) or 45 degree (slanted). The 90 degree angle is meant for dab rigs with a wider base. They usually are meant to sit on a table or counter and are not meant to be held while dabbing. This allows the user to have both hands free to use dabbers, carb caps and torches to their preference. The slanted angle or the 45 degree are usually on smaller rigs with slimmer or more rounded bases and can either be leaned backwards or held in the hand on the go. Both angles gets full support from the accessories market and most all bangers are available in both angles.

Next is joint size, there are 6 sizes generally available 10mm, 14.4mm and 18.8mm in both male and female joint sizes. Finding a glass dab rig in 18mm joint size will be rare as that would mean the body would have to be rather large to need such a big gauge joint size. This size is usually reserved for large glass bongs for flower. As mentioned earlier dab rigs are usually on the smaller size so 14mm and 10mm is much more commonly used. 10mm is more suited for micro dosing and dab rigs with a very small foot print. Think tennis ball size or smaller. The drawback of the 10mm is that if you try to take a large dab out of a 10mm nail, you may end up flooding it or causing it to clog prematurely so if you like to take larger dabs then the 10mm may not be for you. Which leaves the 14mm, the defact-o industry standard. 90% of the dab rigs you will see on the market will be 14mm and more specifically 14mm female, which will require a 14mm male joint accessory.

Percs & Filtration

Which dope perc should you get for your dab rig? Well as mentioned earlier dab rigs and bongs function differently. On a bong you would want some massive diffusion and filtration to make the smoke more clean and smooth, but on a dab rig that's the opposite of what you want. Less is more on a dab rig, remember the more you cold down your vapor the more it will condense and turn back into a solid. You can get a “smoother” vapor but you will end up wasting allot of your dab. So depending on how you prefer to consume your dab if you are looking to micro dose then you want the bare minimum filtration. A simple popped hole stem will be more than enough. If you plan to take gram dabs? You want something that can diffuse all that vapor like a honeycomb or a gridded showerhead perc. As you filter the vapor more you also reduce the flavors in your vapor, so if you enjoy the taste of your wax you may want to opt for a lower filtration perc.

Material, its not all just glass?

While its true most of the dab rigs out there are made of glass, more specifically borosilicate glass (pyrex), there are also dab rigs made from acrylic, metal, silicone and soda lime glass (soft glass).

If you are taking the time to research this, then honestly glass is the way to go, borosilicate glass has several benefits over the rest of the options. Metals and plastics all leech and effect the taste of the vapor. (Ever drink soda from a metal can vs a glass bottle?) Durability over softglass, function over pretty much all of them and also complexity. Glass by far offers the most options and complex chambers, shapes, and percs. So if you want a dab rig that will last and that you will continue to enjoy, the choice is clear.

Brand & Value

Finally there is which brand of dab rig do you go with. When picking which brand to go with here are some things to consider. Build quality, reputation, import or domestic?, and value. Remember high price doesn't always mean high quality and low price doesn't always mean low quality. Make sure you are getting a good value for your dab rig by researching and checking reviews.

Choosing the perfect dab rig is not so complicated after all but it is an important step in your dabbing journey. All the factors we covered will effect the performance and reliability of your dab rig so take your time and pick wisely and you will be rewarded every time you grab the torch.

Will you get the best experience? 

No

But you can do it.

Rigs generally have a smaller volume and less filtration so generally you don’t want to cool/filter the vapor too much or it will turn back into a solid (ever see peoples rigs that have wax floating in the water?)

Bongs on the other hand are designed to carry combusted flower smoke into your lungs so they should have more volume to allow more water and a chamber of clear space above to build up smoke inside for you clear all at once. It should also have a steam that diffused so it can break up the smoke into thousands of tiny bubbles so it will filter and cool down that harsh smoke and make it smoother so its more enjoyable for the user.

So you can see the dab rig and bong are pretty much exact opposites the only thing they have in common is they both hold water, and diffuser and a glass joint.

Glass bongs with multiple chambers are a popular choice among serious smokers due to their enhanced filtration and cooling capabilities. These glass bongs feature two or more chambers for smoke to pass through, providing the smoker a smoother and cooler hit compared to traditional single chamber bongs.

The smoke is produced and collected in the first chamber of a multiple chamber bong, which is equipped with a bowl piece and a glass downstem (usually diffused). When the material is lit and the smoke is inhaled, it travels through the downstem and percs in the water and then into the first chamber. From there, the smoke moves into the second chamber, which is also filled with water. The water helps to filter and cool the smoke, removing impurities and carcinogens. The smoke then rises up into the final chamber before being inhaled by the smoker.

On top to their many practical benefits, glass bongs with multiple chambers are also known for their unique and visually appealing designs. These glass bongs often feature intricate scientific glasswork and can be a conversation piece in any smoke session. Some people like looking at the piece and trying to figure out how it works before they hit it. However, it's important to note that multiple chamber bongs can be more difficult to clean and maintain compared to single chamber bongs due to the additional chambers and passageways for resin and other substances to build up in. Proper cleaning and maintenance is essential to ensure the optimal performance of a multiple chamber bong. So keeping up with the upkeep is key with chambered bongs. No one wants to smoke out a dirty gunked up bong.

Overall, glass bongs with multiple chambers offer a smoother, cooler, and more filtered smoke experience while also adding a touch of style to any smoke session.

If you already have a banger nail (who doesnt?), do you really need a terp slurper?

A terp slurper banger is a type of dab nail that is designed to maximize the production of terpenes, the aromatic compounds found in cannabis and other plants that contribute to the flavor and effects of the concentrate. It is typically made of quartz, ceramic, or another heat-resistant material and has a large, shallow dish-like shape to allow for maximum surface area contact with the concentrate.

A regular banger, on the other hand, is a type of dab nail that is used to vaporize concentrates, but it is not specifically designed to enhance the production of terpenes. It may be made of the same materials as a terp slurper banger, but it may have a different shape or design. Some regular bangers have a deeper, more cylindrical shape, for example, rather than the shallow, dish-like shape of a terp slurper banger.

In general, the main difference between a terp slurper banger and a regular banger is that the former is specifically designed to enhance the production of terpenes, while the latter is simply a tool for vaporizing concentrates.

There are several ways to smoke Delta 8 THC, including:

1. Joints: Delta 8 THC flower can be rolled into joints and smoked like regular marijuana.
2. Pipes: Delta 8 THC flower can be packed into a pipe and smoked.
3. Bongs: Delta 8 THC flower can be placed in a bong and smoked.
4. Vaporizers: Delta 8 THC flower can be vaporized using a vaporizer. Vaporizing the flower rather than smoking it may reduce the amount of harmful substances that are inhaled.
5. Blunts: Delta 8 THC flower can be rolled into a blunt and smoked.

It is important to note that smoking Delta 8 THC or any other substance may have negative health effects. Inhaling smoke of any kind can irritate the lungs and airways, and it can also expose the user to harmful substances that are produced when the substance is burned. If you are considering using Delta 8 THC, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and to make informed decisions about your use.

There are a few ways in which terp pearls can be used for dabbing:

1. Improved heat distribution: Terp pearls can help to distribute heat more evenly throughout the banger, leading to a more efficient and consistent vaporization of the concentrate. This leads to less waste.
2. Enhanced flavor: The movement of the terp pearls as they roll around the chamber can help to agitate the concentrate and release more terpenes, resulting in a more flavorful dab.
3. Cooler dabbing temperature : Because the terp pearls help to distribute heat more evenly, the overall temperature of the dab doesnt need to be as hot, so you can run with a colder start and stil get a full flavorful dab. So if you have an issue with flashing your dab, this may be helpful for you.
4. Easier temperature control: By using terp pearls, the user can more easily control the temperature of the dab because each pearl will act as a heating element to spread heat around inside the banger chamber.

Terp pearls can vary depending on the specific banger and rig setup being used and the preferences of the smoker. Some users may find them to be a useful tool for enhancing their dabbing experience, while others may not notice much of a difference. So your mileage may vary depending on the type of oil you are consuming and the temp range you are dabbing at.

Instructions

1. Take your Plant Extraction Tube and make sure it is properly cleaned and dry.
2. Fill your Extraction Tube with your desired dry plant material. (Make sure the material is fully dried and coarsely ground)
3. Apply your desired micron size filter to the open end and clamp it tight with a steel hose clamp. (We prefer two coffee filters doubled up)
4. Place the tube over an open container and run butane fluid through the tube. Keeping the tube in an upright position at all times. Be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses at all times.
5. Once the extraction fluid has been completely depleted into the container, place the container into a well ventilated area. (The butane will start to evaporate rapidly)
6. Allow the extraction fluid to completely evaporate. (This process can take 24-48 hours) You can use an electric hot plate to speed this up - DO NOT USE AN OPEN FLAME SOURCE to heat up
7. Remove spent plant material from tube and discard.
8. Clean and dry tube and filter.

The good news about the process is, it’s easier than you think!

What you’ll need:

• Distilled water
• 99% Isopropilic alcohol
• Cotton Swabs
• Salt

Avoid:

• Bleach or Acid-Based Products (Vinegar, Lye, Ect) as they can damage the surface of your dab nail.
• Abrasive tools (Sandpaper, Sponges)

Deep Cleansing:

Now that we’ve covered the tools you’ll need, we can get into the deep cleansing process

step by step:

1. Soak it Up: Fill-up a container with 99% Isopropilic alcohol and coarse salt, and leave it overnight, make sure your dab nail is completely submerged in the solution.
2. Give it a rinse: This part is self-explanatory, grab the dab nail and rinse it with warm water to take away any alcohol residue.
3. Scrape it off: You can use your dab tool to scrape out any excess gunk that may have accumulated on the bowl.
4. Heat up: Heat up your dab nail, this should help you loosen up whatever is left, take an Alcohol Soaked Q-Tip & cleanse the bowl, taking out whatever may be left.
5. Repeat step 4 as needed: This depends completely on the initial estate of your dab nail, repeat until you’re happy with the results.

Maintenance:

Now if you want to avoid deep cleansing your dab nail every other day or you’re just a neat freak such as me, you’ll want to pay attention now.

Keep a Q-tip pack at your dabbing station at all times, every time you dab you just take a Q-tip and pick up the oil residues while the dab nail is still warm, revolutionary, I know… But trust me, this will avoid you a lot of trouble when deep cleansing.

Now if you’re a Germophobe like me you may wanna keep ISO Alcohol near the Q-tips as well and pass an alcohol-soaked cotton swab through the bowl while it’s still warm, remember if it cools off; the damage is done and a Deep Cleanse will be in order.

Pro-Tips:

• Do not Overheat it: Temperatures over 1000°F, will definitely cause some cloudiness and lower your dab nail’s lifespan.
• More is More: We’re are talking quality vs quantity here, if you spend more on a quality quartz dab nail you’ll be able to taste, feel and see the difference in the long run, we suggest (insert brand name) if you want to get the best bang for your buck.
• Set up a Station: Setting up a dabbing station has many pros but the biggest for me is that I never need to worry about looking for my cleaning supplies high & low, that way I don’t end up procrastinating on the maintenance process.

If you follow this quick guide on dab nail cleaning and maintenance we can assure you’ll prolong the lifespan of your tools.

Do you have any tips I may have missed here? Share them below so we can keep the information flowing.

Glass bubblers are perfect for smoking on the go. The size is no larger than most cellphones these days. All you need is some water and you are ready to spark.

Here are some of our choices for the best bubblers that are portability and function.

#3 EVO 8" Micro Mini Gridded Waffle Bubbler 

This bubbler features a removable mouth piece so you can easily put it away in a backpack or a even a pocket without the mouth piece protruding out. The gridded waffle perc performs awesome. Great for flavorful flowers. $36 See more

#2 EVO Glass Recycler Matrix Bubbler

This bubb has 3 great things going for it. 1. its a recycler, if you have ever had stale smoke you will know how great of a bonus this is.  2. it has a gridded matrix perc which will diffuse flower like a champ but won't over diffuse oil so this bubbler could be used for oil as well. 3. it has a removable mouthpiece so you can put it away in a bag easily $60 See more

#1 EVO Glass Hammer Head Bubbler

Here is another bubbler with a removable mouthpiece. Noticing a trend? This Evo bubbler has a stereo hammer head perc which will filter double the ammount of diffusion. This model is more intended for flower. The side firing perc will create more reclaim if use with oil. Will still work but won't perform as well. $40 See more

So What The Heck Is An Ash Catcher?

It is actually pretty simple. An ash catcher is for those of you who have a flower tube. It works as an accessory and it is very easy to add to pretty much any flower tube. No one in the world likes to take a hit from a pipe that is all dirty. At the same time, cleaning one is pretty brutal and no one really wants to do that either! But ash catchers will really help you out as they will make sure to catch any of the nasty stuff that can come from smoking, you know the gross, nasty residue we are talking about! Many ash catchers that are out these days have all kinds of “science” stuff done to them which basically helps to filter the smoke before it gets anywhere near the main chamber. So it helps your hit be really smooth and it also helps to keep things nice a clean!

Picking The Right Ash Catcher

We all have our favorite water pipe and we want to help you out to make sure you know how to ensure you pick the right ash catcher for it. Do not worry it is pretty darn easy as long as you follow our things you need to know.

What You Need To Know About Picking The Right Ash Catcher

Joint Size

There are three main sizes of glass water pipe. 10 mm, 14 mm and 18 mm. The first thing that you want to do is figure out what size your pipe is. This really is not hard at all and you can pretty much tell, just from looking at your pipe which size you have.

Joint Gender

Hey, we may not discriminate here, but the fact of the matter is you need to know if your water pipe is female or male! You want as tight a fit as possible so if you have a 14 mm male joint on your tube you want a 14 mm female joint on the ash catcher. Just think of it as being like opposites attract.

Joint Angle

Mostly all of the water pipe joints out there are set at a 45 or 90 degree angle. Just like how the joint size has to match up with the ash catcher so does the angle So if the joint you have is sitting at a 45 degree angle, the ash catcher you get will also have to sit at a 45 degree angle.

Size And Weight

This is something not too many people think about, but you want to think about the weight of your water pipe. Let’s say you have a really cool water pipe that is around ten inches in size. The last thing you want is to whack a six inch tall ash catcher! It will make your piece very top heavy and will cause it to most likely topple over. At the same time, if you have a really tall, kind of show piece bong, you will want a more aesthetically pleasing ash catcher that is going to complement its epic look!

Ash catchers offer a smoother hit and help keep things nice and clean so we hope that you smokers out there will have a think about adding one to your setup!