Bong vs Dab Rig: The Difference Between a Dab Rig and Bong in Simple Terms

We see it debated all the time - the bong vs dab rig. 

When I first entered the wonderful world of herb years ago, this wasn’t even a debate. You smoked flower. Nobody was taking dabs. But everything is different now. Dabs are becoming more and more popular, and it’s easy to see why:

• They’re more flavorful.
• They’re more potent.
• The act of dabbing is just plain fun! 

But the pieces you use to enjoy dabs and flower are totally distinct. We put together this quick resource on the difference between a dab rig and bong to help you understand the nuances and pick the right glass for your preferences.

Whether you end up deciding to buy a dab rig or glass bong, your search ends here.

Bong vs Dab Rig (Quick Comparison)

Are Dab Rigs and Bongs the Same Thing? 

Absolutely not - and the difference between a bong and dab rig is as simple as what you put inside them. Now, can you technically use a bong as a dab rig, or vice versa? Yes. You just need to swap a few components out. 

For example, you could add a banger to your bong and enjoy your extract with it. On the other hand, it’d be really easy to replace your dab rig’s banger with a bowl to spark up some herb.

The better question is: should you use these two smoking devices interchangeably? We think the answer is absolutely not. A dab rig has been meticulously designed to provide the best dabbing experience. A bong is specifically made for smoking flower. You’re selling either one short by not using it for its intended purpose.

So What’s Really the Difference Between a Dab Rig and Bong?

We know that sounds crazy…they both hold water and filter smoke. The whole bong vs dab rig thing can’t be that different, right? Wrong. Here’s the difference between a dab rig and bong as simply as we can possibly explain it.

Components/Accessories

The most important distinction between a bong vs dab rig is this:

• Bongs use a bowl
• Dab rigs use a nail/banger

The bong’s bowl piece holds herb. It has a small hole in the bottom that the smoke travels through into the main chamber as soon as you ignite the bowl and begin inhaling.

Whether it’s a glass or quartz banger, though, a dab rig works differently. You don’t “fill” the banger. Rather, you first heat up the banger with a torch until it’s red hot. Wait 15-20 seconds for it to cool a little. Then, place a little extract on the tip of a tool and insert it inside the banger, touching the glass as you inhale. You’ll watch it instantly begin vaporizing.

That’s another key difference between bongs and rigs. Bongs need a lighter (or just a match). Dab rigs need either a torch or an e-nail. 

Source Material

By this point, you know that a dab rig is meant for consuming concentrates, be it live resin, rosin, diamonds, or any other type of extract. You use a dab tool to insert a small bit of concentrate into the banger while inhaling.

In contrast, bongs are made for smoking flower. You already know how it goes - you grind up your herb, pack a bowl, and ignite the flower. Pull the bowl when you’re ready to clear the main chamber. 

The Design of the Piece

You’ll notice that despite some overlap in the overall design, bongs and dab rigs look different. That’s intentional. Maximum percolation is often a good thing with bongs. The whole idea behind percolator bongs is smoother, cleaner rips. 

On the other hand, dab rigs have minimal percolation, if any at all. Too much percolation can actually reduce the potency of your dab. If the oil vapor comes in contact with too much water, it can reduce the effectiveness of your hit.

Size and Hits

Bongs come in a lot of different sizes, ranging from tiny, travel-friendly pieces to massive, lung-busting glass works of art. 

But dab rigs are almost always small. Usually no bigger than 12-16 inches tall. Oil vapor will be trapped and dissipate in the water. This means you want to inhale the smoke as quickly as possible, which is why most dab rigs are on the shorter side.

Bottom Line on the Dab Rig vs Bong Differences 

There you have it - the bong vs dab rig debate in a nutshell.

All that’s left to do is ask yourself, how do you want to partake? Herb, or extract? That answers the bong vs dab rig question for you. Then, you just have to narrow it down among the different types of dab rigs and bongs for sale at Badass Glass!

Frequently asked questions

Is a dab rig considered a water pipe?

Yes! A water pipe is literally any device that filters the smoke/vapor through water. 

Are dab rigs cleaner than bongs?

Technically yes, because there’s no combustion. You’re not “burning” plant matter. You’re vaporizing it. 

Can I use a dab rig as a bong?

You can, but we always encourage people to have separate pieces for herb and extract because they’re just not optimized to be used for both. 

Do dab rigs smell just like bongs? 

Not nearly as much. Again, you’re not burning plant matter. That changes everything. 

Related Resources 

How much are dab rigs | Dab pen vs rig | E-rig vs dab rig