Bongs and dab rigs are both popular styles of glass for enjoying cannabis, but are they really the same thing? Let's take a look the similarities and differences between these two essential pieces of smoking equipment.

What is a bong?

First off, a bong is also known as a water pipe that is used as a smoking device for dry herbs or flower. It consists of a bowl or slide to hold your herb, a downstem with some slots or holes for percolation, a water chamber, and a mouthpiece. When the herb is lit, the smoke is filtered through the water, cooling it and creating a smoother smoking experience. Bongs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, from classic glass bongs to metal and silicone options. Check out all the different kinds of bongs we offer here.

What is a dab rig?

A dab rig on the other hand is specifically designed for consuming cannabis concentrates, such as wax, shatter, oil, crumble, diamonds and sauce, rosin, etc. Unlike a bong, which is optimized for smoking dried herbs, a dab rig features a banger or nail instead of a bowl. The banger or nail is typically made of quartz, titanium, or ceramic and is heated with a torch until it reaches your desired temperature. Once heated, the concentrate is placed in the banger, where it vaporizes and is inhaled through the rig. Dab rigs often have smaller chambers than bongs to provide more concentrated hits. You can find our collection of dab rigs here.

Key differences

While bongs and dab rigs share some similarities, there are several key differences between the two:

1. Intended use: Bongs are designed for smoking dry herbs, while dab rigs are specifically made for consuming concentrates.

2. Components: Bongs typically have a bowl for holding your herb, while dab rigs have a banger or nail for vaporizing concentrates.

3. Size: Dab rigs are often much smaller and more compact than bongs for tasting terpene profiles. Bongs are often much larger to allow the smoke a chance to cool off. 

4. Heating method: Bongs are usually lit with a lighter, while dab rigs require a torch to heat the nail to the appropriate temperature for vaporization.

In summary, while bongs and dab rigs may look similar and can sometimes be interchangeable, they serve different purposes and are designed for different types of smoking experiences. Whether you prefer the smooth hits of a bong or a terpie taste from a dab rig, there's a smoking device out there to suit your preferences. So, the next time you're shopping for glass, remember to consider whether you're looking for a bong or a dab rig to enhance your cannabis experience and if you ever find yourself needing help, hit us up in the chat on the home page and we would be happy to help.