Dab Rigs

Shop for dab rigs at our online headshop. Dab rigs or oil rigs (sometimes called wax rigs), are concentrate pipes - a type of water pipe designed specifically the use of waxes and oils or "dabs". Smoke Cartel has the best selection of glass dab rigs for sale, your new favorite dab rig is just a click away - with free shipping and instant returns.

Make the most of your honey, budder and shatter with a special dab rig. These water pipes are designed to diffuse heat, not provide intense filtration, to offer dabbers an easy pull and to maximize the favor of their concentrates.

We’ve also got a huge variety of recycler dab rigs, favored by dabbers because they are designed to keep your water and vapor constantly moving within the glass for minimum drag and maximum flavor.

Finding the perfect dab rig can be difficult, but we've tried to make the process a bit easier. We've curated a selection of the highest quality borosilicate glass rigs, and have a wide selection of dab tools to go with your rig purchase - from carb caps, to titanium nails and quartz bangers, to various dabber tools & more.

Dab Rig Shopping Tips:

Dab rigs can be smaller than regular water pipes, but don't be surprised that the price tags remain in the same range. We carry high-quality pieces that you can feel confident are an investment that will last a lifetime. You deserve the best!
Check out the percs! Glass blowing artists continue to engineer amazing ways to diffuse and filter smoke, and they're are A LOT of choices. Don't be overwhelmed; here's a guide all the different kinds of percolators!
Don't forget the nail! Dabbing requires a nail or banger to enjoy concentrates. We have an extensive collection in all sizes and materials.

Choosing a Dab Rig or Wax Rig

When dabbing first broke into the mainstream, dabbers often put heating elements on their large water pipes and called it a day. But dab rigs have changed significantly over the past several years, and dabbers have traded in beaker bongs and straight tubes for dab rigs that are half the size or smaller. Of course, larger pieces always make for an impressive presence!

Take the classic faberge egg rig design, for example. Fab eggs aren’t small in stature, but they possess a tight water chamber to bounce water and concentrate vapor against the walls of the piece. The point of concentrates is for a drag-free smoke, and that requires condensed chambers to easily send the vapor directly to your lungs. (To learn more about how size affects the flavors of your concentrates, check out this Knowledge Base article.)

After the style and shape of the rig itself, buyers are typically most interested in the nail—the piece of the pipe that the concentrates are vaporized upon. Nails come in several styles and materials and may be purchased separately or sold with the rig. If buying a nail separately, always make sure the size and “gender” of the attachment fit your current rig or glass pipe. Some nails come with a universal or adjustable fit, while others are one-dimensional.

Dab Rig Styles

Direct Inject / Classic

This is the most simple design. The nail column supports a bowl around the top to load in the concentrates. The vapor travels from the base of the bowl to the top of the nail column and down into the base of the rig. Because of its structure, this design doesn’t require a dome.

Daisy or "Castle"

Here the design the nail forms into a bowl on top with slits along the rim that pull the vapor into the base of the rig. Because of the structure, these nails don’t work well with carb caps, but they also don’t require a dome.

Angled Cut

These nails not only offer aesthetic appeal with a unique asymmetrical design, but also they may provide a larger surface area for concentrates to sit depending on what angle you are holding your rig. Domes are not necessary for this design either.

Standard

This design is usually the most affordable option, but it does require a dome to catch the vapors and redirect them down into the base of the rig. This nail has a cupped end where the concentrates are placed. After the user heats the nail and places the concentrates, the melted goodies will slide the dome over the top of the nail.

What's the ideal dabbing temperature? Get ready for the science.

Dabbing involves heating up a nail and dropping in a golden glob of goodness so it vaporizes. The cannabinoids, terpenes and other goodies are released starting at 315°F and keep coming until the heat reaches 440°, upon which you're in scorch territory.

But what's the right temperature for maximum enjoyment?

Most torch-wielders heat up their nail until it glows red, ensuring that it is actually hot enough, then letting it cool down. Impatient smokers don't wait long, while others take the time to let the nail mellow.

Pros & Cons

Higher temps provide more intensity and burn every last bit, but it can be harsh that coughing dance move is no joke) and it all vaporizers so quickly that you won't taste the delicious flavors.

Lower temps provide smoother hits are are ideal for experiencing the complex terpene profiles of particular cannabis strains, but they can leave valuable product behind and not push your consciousness into the stratosphere.

Personally, we're not in a hurry. We prefer lower temps for a most delicious sesh, and use Tip Tech Swabs to clean up our nails.

Low Temp Tips and Tricks

Heat up your nail as you normally would and wait about 30 seconds before hitting it. This means it should not be red hot on any part of the nail. If you can place your hand flat just above the nail and feel the heat without it being too hot for your hand, then it’s ready to hit. When getting the oils on the nail from the dabber, it’s important to let it just slide off the dabber so you can cap it quickly. The oil will look like it is starting to sizzle but no smoke will be coming from the nail. This is a perfect time to cap it, if all was done correctly. Once the cap is on you should see your smoke start to milk up in your piece.

Wait time will vary based off of nail material, thickness, and wear, so experiment. But listen, it's important to figure out a temp that works for you, so take time to figure this out. You can do it!

It is all about practice and researching what is perfect for you and your set up. Perfecting your low temperature dabbing and carb cap usage will give you the entire amazing flavor that your concentrates have to offer. You'll also save money by conserving your oils.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a dab rig and a bong?

Dab rigs (often called oil rigs) are a type of water pipe - similar to a bong, but designed specifically for use with waxes, oils, dabs, and concentrate use. They often come with a quartz banger, or other dab nail. Dab rigs are often smaller and more portable than bongs, and features percolators with more airflow and less filtration. That is because concentrates do not require as much filtration as their bong counterparts and the harsher combustible material smoke. Dab rigs are designed to maximize the flavor of your dabs and make a big difference when smoking your concentrates than using a bong.

Why should I buy a dab rig online?

There are a large variety of dab rigs when shopping online at a place like Smoke Cartel, an online headshop. We've working directly with the glassblowers and manufacturers to bring you the best quality dab rigs for the lowest and most affordable prices. We've cut out the middleman and don't compromise on the quality of our oil rigs. In addition - we are here to bring you the top brands in glass with the best deals. Everything even ships for free within the United States.

How do I choose the right dab rig for me?

Choosing the right dab rig for you doesn't have to be daunting! There are few things to consider before you decide on what the right dab rig for you is. First off, consider whether or not you need a recycler dab rig or a standard oil rig. A recycler offers a different experience and airflow. When choosing either, consider the size and joint size you need - especially if you intend to attach it to an e-nail or a dab rig of a specific size. As well, consider the height between the joint or dab nail and the mouthpiece, they vary and need to be a consideration as the nail element will be hot. Finally - choose a style that suits you best. Whatever your preference, you can rest assured you can find the right dab rig for you here at Smoke Cartel.