If you are trying to understand dab rigs, the terminology can get complicated quickly. Dab rig, oil rig, concentrate rig, quartz banger, nail, recycler, carb cap, terp pearl, 10mm joint, 14mm joint, e-rig, nectar collector — they all describe different parts, designs or ways of building a concentrate setup.
This guide brings everything together in one place.
Whether you are buying your first rig, replacing a banger, comparing a compact rig with a recycler, deciding between glass and silicone, or simply trying to understand what all the terminology means, this guide will help you narrow down exactly what makes sense for you.
You can also browse the complete Dab Rigs Canada collection at Urban Bongs to compare available designs while you read.
What Is a Dab Rig?
A dab rig is a water pipe designed primarily for cannabis concentrates rather than dry herb. You may also see one described as a dabbing rig, concentrate rig, oil rig, wax rig or simply a rig.
Although dab rigs and bongs can look similar, the component attached to the joint is usually different. A traditional bong normally uses a bowl for dry material, while a traditional dab rig typically uses a heated surface such as a banger or nail intended for concentrates.
The rig itself contains a chamber and water. Vapour travels through the rig and water before reaching the mouthpiece.
This makes the phrase dab rig less about one specific shape and more about the purpose of the complete setup.
What Is Dabbing?
Dabbing refers to the use of a solid or semi-solid cannabis extract with equipment designed to vaporize that material.
Concentrates come in many textures and formulations, which is why you will hear terms such as wax, shatter, rosin, resin, budder, batter, crumble and sauce associated with dab rigs.
Urban Bongs sells the hardware and accessories used to build these setups. Cannabis products themselves should be obtained through legal, authorized sources where required.
How Does a Dab Rig Work?
At a basic level, a traditional dab rig brings together four functions:
- A heated surface such as a banger or nail
- A chamber through which vapour travels
- Water filtration inside the rig
- A mouthpiece at the end of the vapour path
The concentrate is used with the heated component rather than being placed into a traditional flower bowl. The resulting vapour travels into the rig, through the water chamber and toward the mouthpiece.
The exact experience changes considerably depending on the size of the rig, amount of water, percolator design, airflow, banger design and overall length of the vapour path.
What Are Dab Rigs Used With?
Dab rigs are associated with cannabis concentrates and extracts rather than conventional dry flower.
Common concentrate terms include:
- Wax
- Shatter
- Rosin
- Live resin
- Budder
- Batter
- Crumble
- Sauce
- Diamonds
- Hash concentrates
- BHO
- Honeycomb
- Other solid or semi-solid concentrates
The important thing from an equipment perspective is that these materials require a concentrate-compatible surface rather than an ordinary dry-herb bowl.
Who Is a Dab Rig For?
There is no single rig that makes sense for everyone. The right design depends on what matters most to you.
Some people want simplicity. Others want portability. Some care heavily about glass design and water movement. Others want durability or electronic temperature control.
That is why choosing a rig by how you actually want to use it is more useful than simply looking for the biggest or most expensive piece.
Which Dab Rig Is Right for You?
If You Want a Simple First Dab Rig
Start with a straightforward glass design without an overly complicated water path. A simple rig gives you fewer components to understand, fewer hard-to-reach areas to clean and a clear view of how the setup works.
A compact traditional rig with a compatible quartz banger is often the easiest place to begin.
If You Want Something Small
Choose a mini dab rig.
Mini rigs reduce the overall footprint of the setup, making them easier to store and transport. Many people also like the shorter vapour path and compact glass designs.
If You Want Something More Durable
Consider a silicone dab rig.
Silicone makes sense when you are more concerned about bumps, travel and day-to-day handling than having a completely rigid glass body.
This category is especially worth considering if your rig regularly leaves the house.
If You Love Watching Water Movement
Look closely at recycler dab rigs.
Recycler designs continuously redirect water through multiple pathways or chambers as air moves through the piece.
Beyond their distinctive appearance, this design changes the water movement and vapour path compared with a simple straight rig.
If You Want One Piece With More Than One Purpose
A 2-in-1 bong and dab rig may make more sense.
These setups are built around interchangeability. Depending on the design, changing the compatible attachment allows the same water pipe body to work with different setups.
This is one of the strongest choices if you do not want multiple large pieces occupying the same space.
If Precise Electronic Control Matters Most
An electric dab rig, commonly called an e-rig, is designed around electronically controlled heating rather than relying exclusively on an externally heated traditional banger.
Electric rigs appeal to people who value repeatability, convenience and temperature control more than the traditional glass-and-banger experience.
Types of Dab Rigs Explained
Glass Dab Rig
A glass dab rig is the traditional style most people picture when they hear the word dab rig.
Borosilicate glass is commonly used because it provides clarity, rigid construction and resistance to ordinary temperature changes when used as designed.
Glass also allows manufacturers to create complex chambers, percolators, recycler pathways and artistic designs.
Choose glass if you value visibility, traditional construction and access to the widest variety of rig designs.
Mini Dab Rig
A mini dab rig is simply a smaller concentrate rig.
Do not assume small automatically means basic. Mini rigs can still include percolators, recyclers, detailed glasswork and specialized water pathways.
Choose a mini rig if storage space, portability or a smaller tabletop footprint matters to you.
Recycler Dab Rig
A recycler dab rig uses interconnected chambers or tubes that continuously move water through the piece as you draw.
The movement gives recycler rigs their instantly recognizable appearance.
Choose one if you enjoy more advanced glass engineering, active water movement and a visually interesting setup.
Silicone Dab Rig
A silicone dab rig uses silicone for much of the main body while commonly using compatible glass, quartz or metal components elsewhere in the setup.
The major appeal is durability.
If your biggest concern is breaking an expensive glass body, silicone deserves serious consideration.
Browse Silicone Dab Rigs Canada to compare available designs.
Electric Dab Rig
An electric dab rig or e-rig integrates an electronic heating system.
Instead of building the setup around a manually heated traditional banger, electronic rigs automate much of the heating process.
They are especially appealing if you want fewer separate pieces of equipment and more repeatable temperature control.
2-in-1 Bong and Dab Rig
A 2-in-1 rig is built around compatibility with more than one type of attachment.
Depending on the product, it may include both a bowl and a concentrate-compatible component or support separately purchased accessories.
Choose one if versatility matters more to you than owning several separate water pipes.
Dab Rig Parts Explained
Understanding the parts makes buying accessories much easier.
Rig
The rig is the main water-pipe body.
It includes the chamber, water reservoir, joint and mouthpiece and may also contain one or more percolators.
Banger
A banger is the bucket-shaped component attached to the joint of many dab rigs.
Quartz is extremely common, which is why the terms quartz banger and dab banger appear so frequently.
Different bangers vary by:
- Joint size
- Joint gender
- Angle
- Bucket diameter
- Wall thickness
- Bottom thickness
- Shape
- Airflow design
You can compare replacement options in our Quartz Bangers & Dab Bangers collection.
Quartz Banger
A quartz banger is a banger made from quartz.
It has become one of the most recognizable components in modern traditional dab-rig setups.
When replacing one, compatibility matters more than appearance. You need to check the joint size, gender and angle before buying.
Nail
A dab nail is another type of heated concentrate surface.
The term is older and broader than “banger.” Nails can be made from materials such as quartz, ceramic or titanium and come in several configurations.
Today, people often use “nail” as a broad term even when referring to other concentrate-heating components.
Dome
A dome is associated primarily with older nail-style dab setups.
It surrounds the nail and helps contain and direct vapour.
Modern domeless bangers and nails have made domes far less common, but you will still encounter the term when reading older guides or looking at older equipment.
Carb Cap
A carb cap sits over a compatible banger or nail and influences airflow through the heated chamber.
Different carb-cap designs direct air differently, which is why the correct combination of cap and banger can matter.
Common styles include:
- Bubble carb caps
- Directional carb caps
- Spinner carb caps
- Vortex-style caps
- Flat caps
Dabber
A dabber is simply a tool designed to handle concentrate.
The words dabber and dab tool are often interchangeable.
Different tips work better with different textures. Some are pointed, while others use paddles, scoops or broader ends.
Browse Dabbers & Dab Tools to compare different styles.
Dab Tool
A dab tool is the broader term for a small implement used for handling concentrates.
Material, tip shape, length and handle design all vary.
Terp Pearls
Terp pearls are small balls designed to sit inside compatible bangers.
They are also called:
- Terp balls
- Dab pearls
- Banger beads
- Quartz pearls
When paired with the right airflow system, they can move around the banger and redistribute material across the heated surface.
Spinner Cap
A spinner cap is a carb cap designed to create rotating airflow inside a compatible banger.
It is commonly paired with terp pearls because the airflow can cause the pearls to rotate.
Joint
The joint is the connection between the rig and its removable attachment.
When buying replacement parts, this is one of the most important specifications to understand.
10mm Joint
A 10mm joint is a compact connection commonly found on smaller rigs.
If you own a compact or mini rig, do not assume it uses 14mm. Check the actual specifications first.
14mm Joint
14mm is one of the most common connection sizes across modern water pipes and dab rigs.
You may also see it described more precisely as approximately 14.5mm depending on the manufacturer.
18mm Joint
An 18mm joint is a larger connection more commonly found on larger pieces and higher-airflow setups.
Male Joint
A male joint inserts into a female connection.
Female Joint
A female joint receives a male attachment.
This distinction is critical when replacing a banger because matching diameter alone is not enough.
45-Degree Banger
A 45-degree banger has an angled neck designed for rigs where the joint sits at an angle.
90-Degree Banger
A 90-degree banger is designed for more vertically oriented connections.
Look at how the joint sits on your rig before choosing between 45-degree and 90-degree designs.
Adapter
A glass adapter changes some aspect of the connection between two compatible pieces.
Adapters can be used for different joint sizes, genders or configurations depending on their design.
Drop-Down Adapter
A drop-down places the banger farther away from the main body of the rig and changes its position relative to the joint.
It may also help keep some residue farther away from the primary joint area depending on the setup.
Reclaim Catcher
A reclaim catcher is an attachment positioned between the rig and banger that is designed to catch some condensed residue before it travels farther into the main rig.
The major practical advantage is maintenance: less material reaching the main chamber can make regular cleaning easier.
Percolator
A percolator, commonly shortened to perc, is an internal glass feature that breaks airflow into smaller paths through water.
There are many designs, including:
- Showerhead percolators
- Tree percolators
- Honeycomb percolators
- Matrix percolators
- Inline percolators
- Disc percolators
- Slit percolators
Diffusion
Diffusion describes the breaking up of airflow as it passes through water.
More holes or slits generally create more individual bubbles, although more complexity can also change drag and cleaning requirements.
Drag
Drag describes how much resistance you feel when drawing air through the piece.
Some people prefer an extremely open pull. Others like more resistance.
There is no universally correct amount; it depends on your preference and the rig design.
Mouthpiece
The mouthpiece is the opening at the top or end of the rig where air exits the piece.
Diameter, shape and angle can all affect comfort.
Chamber
The chamber is the main internal area through which water and vapour move.
Base
The base is the bottom support of the rig.
A wider base can make a compact rig feel more stable on a flat surface.
Dab Rig Accessories Explained
A rig is only one part of the complete setup.
Our Dab Rig Accessories Canada collection brings together compatible parts and tools that can help you replace, maintain or customize your setup.
Common dab accessories include:
- Quartz bangers
- Nails
- Carb caps
- Dab tools
- Terp pearls
- Adapters
- Reclaim catchers
- Cleaning tools
- Storage accessories
- Replacement components
What Is an E-Rig?
An e-rig is an electronic dab rig.
Instead of relying entirely on a traditional externally heated banger, an e-rig incorporates powered heating into the device.
You may also see terms such as:
- Electric dab rig
- Electronic dab rig
- Electric rig
- E-rig
- Portable e-rig
- Smart dab rig
These terms generally describe the same broad category.
An electric rig makes the most sense if you prioritize convenience and repeatable electronic control.
What Is an E-Nail?
An e-nail means electronic nail.
It electronically heats the concentrate surface rather than requiring the same manually heated arrangement found in a conventional setup.
An e-nail and an e-rig are related but are not necessarily the same thing.
An e-rig is usually a complete electronic device, while an e-nail may be part of a larger traditional-style rig setup.
What Is a Nectar Collector?
A nectar collector is a compact concentrate device with a different layout from a traditional dab rig.
It is sometimes described as a dab straw because of its long, direct shape.
Some models include water filtration, while others are much simpler.
A nectar collector makes the most sense if portability and a minimal setup are more important to you than owning a traditional tabletop rig.
Dab Rig vs Nectar Collector
Choose a traditional rig if you want a dedicated water chamber, larger glass design and access to a broad range of bangers and accessories.
Choose a nectar collector if you want something more compact and direct.
Dab Rig vs Bong
A bong and a dab rig share the same basic water-pipe concept, but they are normally configured for different materials.
The simplest distinction is:
- Bong: typically configured with a bowl for dry herb.
- Dab rig: typically configured with a banger or nail for concentrates.
The bodies themselves can sometimes look extremely similar.
That is why the attachment and intended configuration matter as much as the general shape.
Can You Use a Bong as a Dab Rig?
Some water pipes are intentionally built as convertible or 2-in-1 designs and accept compatible attachments for different configurations.
That does not mean every bong and every dab accessory automatically work together.
You still need compatible joint dimensions, gender and geometry.
If versatility is what you want, it is much easier to start with a purpose-built 2-in-1 Bong & Dab Rig rather than guessing whether unrelated parts will fit.
Dab Rig vs Bubbler
A bubbler is a compact water pipe. The term generally describes the body style rather than specifically identifying a concentrate setup.
A bubbler configured with a traditional bowl is different from a dab rig configured for concentrates.
Dab Rig vs Dab Pen
A dab pen is a much smaller electronic concentrate device, generally built around a battery, chamber and mouthpiece.
A traditional dab rig uses a larger water-pipe body.
Choose a rig if water filtration and a larger stationary setup matter to you. A pen is primarily about compactness and portability.
Concentrate Glossary
Dab
A dab is a common term for an amount of concentrate associated with dabbing.
Concentrate
Concentrate is the broad umbrella term for cannabis products in which certain plant compounds have been concentrated.
Extract
An extract is a concentrate produced through an extraction process.
The words extract and concentrate overlap heavily, although technically not every concentrate needs to be produced using the same extraction method.
Wax
Wax describes concentrate with a soft, wax-like texture.
Shatter
Shatter describes a harder, brittle concentrate that may resemble thin amber glass.
Rosin
Rosin is produced using heat and pressure rather than hydrocarbon solvents.
Live Resin
Live resin is associated with processing fresh or fresh-frozen plant material rather than conventionally dried material.
Budder
Budder describes concentrate with a softer, whipped consistency.
Batter or Badder
Batter or badder refers to concentrate with a batter-like texture.
Crumble
Crumble has a dry, crumbly consistency compared with stickier waxes or sauces.
Sauce
Sauce is a term associated with concentrate containing a more liquid, terpene-rich portion, sometimes alongside crystalline material.
Diamonds
Diamonds refers to crystalline cannabinoid formations that may be sold alone or alongside sauce.
BHO
BHO stands for butane hash oil and describes cannabis extract produced using butane during processing.
Terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found throughout nature, including cannabis.
When people talk about aroma and flavour differences among concentrates, terpenes frequently enter the conversation.
What Does 710 Mean?
710 is slang associated with cannabis oils and concentrates.
Turn the number 710 upside down and it resembles the word “OIL.”
That association is why you may encounter 710 in concentrate culture, product names and industry terminology.
What Is a Cold Start Dab?
Cold start or reverse dabbing refers to a technique where the heating sequence differs from the traditional approach.
You may encounter the term while comparing banger styles or reading concentrate forums, even if you ultimately prefer a conventional setup.
What Does Low Temp Mean?
Low temp is shorthand for lower-temperature dabbing.
The term frequently appears alongside carb caps, quartz bangers and terp pearls because those accessories are often discussed in relation to controlling airflow, heat retention and concentrate movement.
What Does High Temp Mean?
High temp refers to higher-temperature use.
From an equipment perspective, repeated overheating can also affect the appearance and condition of quartz, which leads to another common term: chazzing.
What Is a Chazzed Banger?
A chazzed banger is quartz that has developed a cloudy, stained or rough appearance after repeated heating, residue buildup or improper maintenance.
Keeping the banger clean and following appropriate care instructions can help preserve its surface.
What Is Reclaim?
Reclaim is condensed residue that accumulates inside dab rigs and accessories over time.
You may notice it around joints, downstems and chambers, which is one reason regular maintenance matters.
How to Keep a Dab Rig Clean
A simpler rig generally takes less effort to maintain than a complicated multi-chamber piece.
If easy cleaning is high on your priority list, pay attention to:
- Number of chambers
- Number of percolators
- Narrow glass pathways
- Removable components
- Accessibility of the joint
- Overall rig size
Browse our Bong & Dab Rig Cleaning Products for cleaners, brushes and maintenance accessories.
What Material Is Best for a Dab Rig?
There is no universal winner because each material solves a different problem.
Borosilicate Glass
Choose borosilicate glass if you want:
- A traditional rigid rig
- Clear visibility
- Complex percolator designs
- Recycler designs
- Artistic glasswork
Silicone
Choose silicone if you want:
- More resistance to accidental drops
- Travel-friendly construction
- Flexibility
- Easy handling
- Something less delicate than an all-glass body
See our Silicone Dab Rigs collection if durability is your priority.
Does Dab Rig Size Matter?
Yes, but bigger is not automatically better.
Rig size changes:
- Water capacity
- Vapour-path length
- Portability
- Storage requirements
- Stability
- Cleaning effort
- Overall feel
Choose a Small Dab Rig If...
- You have limited storage space
- You want something portable
- You prefer a shorter vapour path
- You want a lighter setup
- You do not need a large multi-chamber piece
Choose a Larger Dab Rig If...
- You prefer a larger water chamber
- You want more elaborate percolation
- You like substantial tabletop glass
- Portability is not important
- You value complex visual designs
What Is the Best Dab Rig for a Beginner?
If this is your first setup, simplicity has real value.
Look for:
- A stable base
- A common joint size
- A straightforward glass chamber
- An included compatible banger if possible
- Easy access for cleaning
- A manageable overall size
You do not need the most complicated recycler or the largest multi-percolator piece simply because it has more features.
Start with something you understand and can easily maintain.
What Is the Best Dab Rig for Travel?
For travel, prioritize:
- Smaller overall dimensions
- Fewer fragile protruding components
- Easy disassembly
- Simple storage
- Durable construction
That usually puts Mini Dab Rigs and Silicone Dab Rigs near the top of the list.
What Is the Best Dab Rig If You Care About Durability?
Silicone is the obvious category to investigate first.
You still need to protect separate glass or quartz components, but the primary body is considerably less fragile than an all-glass rig.
What Is the Best Dab Rig If You Love Glass?
Look at traditional glass rigs and recyclers.
This is where you will find the greatest variety in:
- Glass shapes
- Percolators
- Recycler tubes
- Chambers
- Colour accents
- Artistic designs
What Is the Best Dab Rig If You Want the Least Complicated Setup?
Choose a simple traditional rig or an electronic rig designed around convenience.
Avoid buying a highly complex setup merely because it looks impressive if you know you do not want additional parts, cleaning requirements or a steep learning curve.
What Is the Best Dab Rig If You Want a Statement Piece?
This is where elaborate recycler glass, themed designs and artistic rigs come into their own.
Function still matters, but at this point appearance becomes part of the reason you own the piece.
Scientific Glass vs Heady Glass
Scientific Glass
Scientific glass generally describes function-focused designs built around clean geometry, recognizable laboratory-inspired forms and technical percolation.
Heady Glass
Heady glass generally refers to more artistic, highly decorative or individually expressive glass pieces.
The distinction is not absolute. A rig can combine both functional engineering and artistic glasswork.
What Is Borosilicate Glass?
Borosilicate glass is a heat-resistant glass material commonly used for quality smoking accessories and laboratory glassware.
It is widely used for water pipes because it handles normal temperature changes better than ordinary household glass.
What Does Glass Thickness Mean?
Glass thickness tells you how thick certain walls of the piece are.
Thickness can contribute to how substantial a piece feels, but it should not be used as the only measure of quality.
Design, joints, welds, proportions and overall construction matter as well.
What Is a Recycler?
A recycler continuously circulates water between different areas of the rig while air moves through it.
You will recognize one by its additional external or internal pathways connecting multiple areas of the piece.
See our Recycler Dab Rigs if this style appeals to you.
What Is an Incycler?
An incycler uses recycler-style water movement with much of the recycling mechanism integrated inside the main chamber.
Think of it as a more internally contained interpretation of the recycler concept.
What Is a Dab Rig Kit?
A dab rig kit is a package containing a rig plus one or more accessories needed for the setup.
Depending on the kit, that can include:
- A rig
- Banger
- Carb cap
- Dab tool
- Storage container
- Other compatible accessories
Always read the included-items list. The word “kit” does not guarantee every possible accessory is included.
What Does Dab Rig Complete Mean?
A listing described as a complete dab rig usually means that the primary rig and required main attachment are included.
However, manufacturers use the term differently, so check the actual specifications rather than relying only on the word “complete.”
Dab Rig Keyword Glossary
Here is a quick-reference glossary of the most common terms you are likely to encounter.
- Dab rig: Water pipe configured for concentrates.
- Dabbing rig: Another name for a dab rig.
- Oil rig: Older/common synonym for a concentrate rig.
- Concentrate rig: Dab rig.
- Wax rig: Informal term for a rig used with concentrates.
- Glass dab rig: Rig with a predominantly glass body.
- Mini dab rig: Compact dab rig.
- Silicone dab rig: Rig using silicone for much of its body.
- Recycler dab rig: Rig that recirculates water through multiple pathways.
- Incycler: Recycler-style mechanism integrated largely inside the chamber.
- Electric dab rig: Electronically heated dab device.
- E-rig: Shortened term for electric dab rig.
- E-nail: Electronic heating system used with a dab setup.
- Banger: Bucket-style concentrate-heating attachment.
- Quartz banger: Banger made from quartz.
- Nail: Concentrate-heating attachment.
- Carb cap: Accessory placed over a compatible banger to manage airflow.
- Spinner cap: Carb cap designed to create rotating airflow.
- Dabber: Tool for handling concentrate.
- Dab tool: Another name for a dabber.
- Terp pearl: Small bead used inside compatible bangers.
- Terp ball: Another term for a terp pearl.
- Banger bead: Another term for a terp pearl.
- Reclaim: Condensed residue that accumulates in a rig.
- Reclaim catcher: Attachment designed to catch some residue before it enters the rig.
- Joint: Connection between the rig and removable attachment.
- 10mm: Small joint size.
- 14mm: Common medium joint size.
- 18mm: Larger common joint size.
- Male joint: Connection that inserts into a female joint.
- Female joint: Connection that receives a male joint.
- 45-degree: Angled accessory connection.
- 90-degree: More vertically oriented accessory connection.
- Adapter: Component used to alter a compatible connection.
- Drop-down: Adapter that changes the location of the attached banger.
- Perc: Short for percolator.
- Percolator: Internal feature that diffuses airflow through water.
- Diffusion: Breaking airflow into multiple paths through water.
- Drag: Resistance felt when pulling air through the rig.
- Nectar collector: Compact concentrate device sometimes called a dab straw.
- Dab straw: Informal name for a nectar collector-style device.
- 710: Concentrate/oil-related slang.
- Cold start: Term for an alternative heating sequence.
- Low temp: Lower-temperature approach.
- High temp: Higher-temperature approach.
- Chazzing: Cloudy or degraded-looking surface on a heavily heated banger.
- Wax: Soft concentrate texture.
- Shatter: Brittle concentrate texture.
- Rosin: Concentrate produced through heat and pressure.
- Live resin: Extract associated with fresh or fresh-frozen plant material.
- Budder: Soft whipped concentrate texture.
- Badder: Batter-like concentrate texture.
- Crumble: Dry, crumbly concentrate.
- Sauce: More liquid concentrate consistency often associated with terpene-rich material.
- Diamonds: Crystalline concentrate structures.
- BHO: Butane hash oil.
What Should You Look for Before Buying a Dab Rig?
Before choosing a rig, ask yourself seven questions.
1. Where Will You Use It?
If it rarely moves from one table, a larger glass rig may be perfect.
If it travels frequently, compact glass or silicone starts making more sense.
2. How Important Is Durability?
If breaking glass is your biggest concern, start with silicone.
3. How Much Cleaning Do You Want to Do?
Simple chambers are easier to reach. Complex recyclers and multi-percolator rigs provide more intricate water paths but also create more places for residue to collect.
4. How Much Space Do You Have?
Measure where you plan to keep the rig.
A beautifully designed 12-inch piece is not the right purchase if you need something that fits inside a small cabinet.
5. What Joint Size Do You Want?
Common joint sizing makes future accessory replacement easier.
6. Do You Want Traditional or Electronic Heating?
Traditional rigs give you access to a huge ecosystem of bangers and accessories.
Electric rigs prioritize electronic convenience and control.
7. Do You Want Function, Art or Both?
Some rigs are almost entirely utilitarian.
Others are objects you want displayed even when they are not being used.
Decide how much appearance matters before you spend more for elaborate glasswork.
Build Your Dab Rig Setup
If you already know which direction you want to take, you can build the entire setup through Urban Bongs.
Start with our Dab Rigs Canada collection.
Then narrow it down by the type of experience you want:
- Mini Dab Rigs for compact setups.
- Recycler Dab Rigs for active water circulation and advanced glass designs.
- Silicone Dab Rigs when durability and portability matter.
- 2-in-1 Bong & Dab Rigs when you want more flexibility from one water pipe.
- Nectar Collectors when compactness matters most.
Complete Your Setup With Dab Rig Accessories
Once the rig is chosen, compatibility becomes the next priority.
Browse Dab Rig Accessories for replacement and add-on components.
Need the main heated attachment? Go directly to Quartz Bangers & Dab Bangers.
Need something for handling concentrates? Browse Dabbers & Dab Tools.
And when maintenance time comes around, our Bong & Dab Rig Cleaning Products make it easier to keep the glass, joints and reusable components in better condition.
Dab Rig FAQ
What is a dab rig?
A dab rig is a water pipe designed primarily for use with cannabis concentrates. Instead of a conventional dry-herb bowl, it normally uses a compatible heated component such as a banger or nail.
What is a dabbing rig?
A dabbing rig is another name for a dab rig. Other common terms include concentrate rig, oil rig and wax rig.
Are dab rigs and bongs the same?
No, although the main water-pipe bodies can look similar. Bongs are typically configured with bowls for dry material, while dab rigs are configured with concentrate-compatible attachments such as bangers or nails.
Can I use a bong as a dab rig?
Some water pipes are specifically designed as convertible 2-in-1 pieces. Compatibility depends on joint size, gender, angle and the specifications of the individual product. A purpose-built 2-in-1 setup is the easiest choice when you specifically want both configurations.
What size dab rig should I buy?
Choose size based on your space, portability needs, preferred water capacity and the complexity you want. Mini rigs make sense when compactness matters, while larger rigs can accommodate more elaborate chambers and percolators.
What is the most common dab rig joint size?
14mm is extremely common, while 10mm and 18mm are also widely used. Always check the specifications of your exact rig rather than assuming the joint size.
What is the difference between a nail and a banger?
Both provide a heated surface for concentrates. “Nail” is an older, broader category of attachment, while a banger usually describes the modern bucket-shaped design commonly made from quartz.
What is a quartz banger?
A quartz banger is a bucket-shaped quartz attachment used with compatible dab rigs.
How do I know which banger fits my dab rig?
Match the rig's joint size, joint gender and angle. Common sizes include 10mm, 14mm and 18mm, with 45-degree and 90-degree configurations also available.
What is a carb cap?
A carb cap is placed over a compatible banger or nail to control airflow through the chamber.
What are terp pearls?
Terp pearls are small heat-resistant beads placed inside compatible bangers. With an appropriate airflow design, they can rotate and help move concentrate across the heated surface.
What is a recycler dab rig?
A recycler moves water repeatedly between connected sections of the piece while air passes through it, creating distinctive circulation and a longer, more complex water path.
What is a mini dab rig?
A mini dab rig is a compact version of a traditional concentrate rig. It is useful when you want less glass, less storage space and better portability.
What is a silicone dab rig?
A silicone dab rig uses flexible silicone for much of the main body, normally combined with compatible heat-resistant components elsewhere in the setup. It is particularly attractive when durability matters.
What is an electric dab rig?
An electric dab rig, or e-rig, integrates electronic heating and typically provides a more automated alternative to a traditional manually heated rig.
What is a nectar collector?
A nectar collector is a compact concentrate device with an elongated design that differs from the conventional water-rig-and-banger layout. Some models also incorporate water filtration.
What accessories do I need for a dab rig?
That depends on what your rig already includes. Common additions include a compatible banger, carb cap, dab tool, cleaning products and replacement accessories.
Where can I buy dab rigs in Canada?
Urban Bongs carries a large online selection of dab rigs, mini rigs, recycler rigs, silicone rigs, 2-in-1 pieces, quartz bangers, dab tools, nectar collectors and related accessories for delivery across Canada.
Find the Dab Rig That Actually Fits You
The number of dab-rig terms can make the category look more complicated than it really is.
Start with what matters to you.
If you want small and convenient, look at mini rigs.
If you want durability, look at silicone.
If you want intricate water movement and glass engineering, look at recyclers.
If you want one piece that can support more than one setup, investigate 2-in-1 rigs.
If you want electronic control and less dependence on a traditional manually heated setup, an e-rig deserves your attention.
And if you already know exactly what kind of rig you want, skip the terminology and go straight to our Dab Rigs Canada collection.
Once you have the rig, Urban Bongs also has the Dab Rig Accessories, Quartz Bangers, Dab Tools and Cleaning Products to finish the setup properly.
