Nectar Collector vs Dab Rig: Which is Right For Your Sessions?

There’s nothing like the flavor and intensity cannabis concentrates bring to every session. From live resin to rosin, diamonds to shatter, each packs a potent, tasty punch. But, you can’t use the typical smoking devices for dabbing - you need either a nectar collector vs dab rig.

Each of these pieces is designed to help you vaporize your concentrate for smooth, flavorful hits using a torch - or in some cases, electricity. But the differences between a dab rig vs nectar collector are pretty jarring, and you need to be aware of these as you shop for your next piece.

Nectar collectors are definitely the more portable piece, and they’re a bit more straightforward to use. Heat the tip, dip it into your concentrate, and inhale through the mouthpiece. Super simple - but you don’t get as much control over the dab itself, and there’s way less filtration.

On the other hand, dab rigs are dabbing at its finest - how it was intended. They’re basically a bong, with a few nuances tailored to dabbing - like using a banger instead of a bowl, smaller stature for better flavor, etc.

They’re less portable and a bit more work, but trust us - it’s well worth it for the experience they offer. That’s why our dab rigs for sale are some of our most popular pieces. Take a look around and see which one catches your eye, or learn more about nectar collectors and dab rigs below!

What is a Nectar Collector?

A nectar collector is a handheld dabbing device designed for quick, direct use. Instead of loading concentrates into a heated surface like you would with a dab rig, a nectar collector flips the process - you heat the tip and dip it directly into your concentrate. Vapor is then inhaled through a mouthpiece on the opposite end. 

Most nectar collectors are made of glass or silicone and feature a vertical design with three parts: a body, a tip (usually quartz or titanium), and a mouthpiece. Some models include a small water chamber for basic filtration, though it's minimal compared to a rig.

Pros:

• Extremely portable and easy to carry
• No need for extra tools like a dab tool or carb cap
• Fast heat-up and simple to use
• More affordable than most dab rigs

Cons:

• Limited filtration means harsher hits
• Flavor tends to degrade faster at high temps
• Can be messy - dipping into jars often leaves residue
• Less control over vapor production and airflow

Nectar collectors are popular for on-the-go use or quick hits at home, but they’re not ideal for those who prioritize cooling, flavor, or consistent performance. That’s where the other half of the nectar collector vs dab rig comparison shines.

What is a Dab Rig?

A dab rig is a specialized water pipe built for vaporizing cannabis concentrates. There are a few more moving pieces here, like a glass or quartz banger (or nail) that you heat up separately. 

You’ll also need a dab tool for actually scooping up your concentrate and applying it to the banger or nail after you’ve used a torch (or e-nail) to heat it to your desired temperature. Then, you’ll inhale through the mouthpiece just like you would a nectar collector.

Another component, though, is the carb cap which you’ll place over your banger to help finish off the dab and keep the heat trapped in for the full experience. There’s a bit more involved with using a dab rig, but there’s a reason these are still the gold standard.

The water filtration cools and diffuses the vapor, resulting in a smoother, more flavorful hit. Dab rigs come in a range of sizes and configurations - from compact mini dab rigs to advanced recycler dab rigs multiple percs. You can also use electric dab rigs for simplicity.

Pros:

• Superior flavor and vapor quality due to water cooling
• Greater control over airflow and temperature
• Highly customizable with carb caps, terp pearls, and reclaim catchers
• Built for consistent, high-performance dabs

Cons:

• Less portable. Rigs are better suited for home setups
• Requires a bit more setup (torch, dab tools, etc.)
• Generally more expensive than nectar collectors

It’s impossible to beat a well-made dab rig if you are a concentrate connoisseur looking for the best possible flavor and you want more control over the experience. 

But if you’re still on the fence choosing between a dab rig vs nectar collector, keep reading below - we’ll provide some more context to help you choose between the two.

Nectar Collector vs Dab Rig: Key Differences to Consider

We want to preface this nectar collector vs dab rig comparison by saying each has its place in dabbing. It just comes down to what matters more to you - portability or flavor, convenience or experience. There are cost considerations as well. Here’s what you need to know.

Portability and Convenience

A nectar collector is for sure the simpler option if you’re looking for something easy to throw in a backpack or use without much setup. It’s small, lightweight, and doesn’t require accessories like a carb cap or dab tool. Heat the tip, dip into your concentrate, and inhale - that’s it.

On the other hand, dab rigs are a bit more stationary. Sure, there are mini rigs you can take on the go - but you also have to pack up everything else, and it can be a bit of a headache. These are meant for home use where setup space and storage aren’t an issue.

Flavor and Vapor Quality

Here’s where you’ll see a major difference between the nectar collector vs dab rig - the taste test and overall experience. 

Dab rigs use water filtration which cools vapor and removes impurities for smoother, cleaner hits. Combine that with proper temp control and you get significantly better flavor retention, especially at lower temps.

Nectar collectors lack this level of filtration by design. The vapor goes straight from the heated tip to your mouth, which can feel harsher and tends to mute delicate terpene profiles. 

It gets the job done if you’re not too concerned about tasting the full terpene profile as true-to-strain as possible, but it can leave connoisseurs underwhelmed. Think of the dab rig like a bong, a nectar collector like a pipe.

Heat Control and Efficiency

Dab rigs also give you far more control over temperature and vapor production, especially when paired with a good quartz banger. You can time your cooldown, use a carb cap, and dial in your hits. 

That’s harder to do with a nectar collector, where the tip can overheat quickly and burn your concentrate. It’s also worth noting that nectar collectors are notoriously wasteful. You can burn off material you didn’t mean to if you aren’t careful. It’s also easy to scorch the oil.

Setup, Maintenance, and Cleaning

Nectar collectors are straightforward. Fewer parts mean faster cleaning - just soak or rinse the tip and body, and you’re good to go. Maintenance is minimal, though they can get sticky over time if used frequently without cleaning.

Dab rigs require more upkeep, especially if you use reclaim catchers, terp pearls, or percolators. But with regular cleaning (a quick rinse and alcohol soak), most rigs are easy to keep in solid condition. The payoff is longer-term durability and a consistently clean hit.

Cost and Customization

Nectar collectors are typically less expensive up front. You can find decent options under $50, and even high-end models usually cost less than a quality rig. They’re less customizable, though. What you buy is what you get.

Dab rigs come in a wider range of prices, from budget-friendly to premium hand-blown pieces. Here at Badass Glass we have dab rigs under $20 and dab rigs under $100, but our more expensive models have headier designs, thicker glass, and unique features like percs.

Dab rigs also support accessory upgrades: carb caps, different banger styles, ash or reclaim catchers, and more. That customization adds cost but also long-term value. At the end of the day, you get what you pay for in choosing between a dab rig vs nectar collector.

Is One Better Than the Other?

Nectar collectors have earned their place in the concentrate world. They’re compact, easy to use, and ideal for travel or low-effort sessions. They work for quick hits without much setup. 

But a well-made dab rig is the clear upgrade if you’re after better flavor, smoother vapor, and more consistency. They offer more than just water filtration. You get temperature control, accessory compatibility, and the ability to dial in your session exactly how you like it.

Most users, especially those who dab regularly, find that a dab rig is a better experience. But either way, Badass Glass has you covered with the best pieces! We carry both styles from trusted brands backed by exceptional customer service from A to Z.

We make it easy to get started with high-quality rigs and nectar collectors that perform right out of the box. We only stock gear that’s built to last, chosen by our team, and inspected in-house. 

Whether you need a rig, a banger, or the full setup, we’ve got you covered - fast shipping, no filler, and glass that gets the job done. Shop now or reach out for one-on-one support!

Bringing Our Dab Rig vs Nectar Collector Comparison to a Close

Hopefully you feel clear about the differences between a dab rig vs nectar collector. Each has its place, and it’s as simple as deciding based on your preferences. 

Nectar collectors are all about convenience. Dab rigs are all about quality. If you’re focused on smooth hits, full flavor, and long-term performance, the rig wins every time.

Our blog has similar resources on bong vs dab rig or bubbler vs bong. You can also learn how to hit a dab rig if you decide to go with this style. At this point, though, the only thing left to do is choose between the nectar collector vs dab rig and upgrade your next session at Badass Glass!