Best Dab Rigs for Beginners: What to Buy First
A dab rig looks intimidating if you’ve only used a bong before, but the basics are simple: smaller chamber, a banger instead of a bowl, and a lower learning curve than most people expect. Here’s what to look for in a first rig.
Go Small on Purpose
Unlike bongs, bigger isn’t better with a dab rig. A smaller chamber, like the Mini Banger Hanger by BOSS Glass ($48.50), needs less airflow to clear, which makes for an easier, more controlled first few sessions while you’re still getting a feel for dabbing temperature and technique.
Keep the Percolation Simple
A single recycler or straight tube path is easier to clean and easier to hit than a heavily perc’d piece. The 6″ Banger Hanger Mini Tube by Glob Squad ($68.50) is a good example of a rig that’s simple enough to clean in a few minutes but still smooths out the hit.
Check the Joint Size Before You Buy a Banger
Dab rigs commonly use 10mm, 14mm, or 18mm joints, and your quartz banger has to match. Confirm the joint size listed on the rig before ordering a separate banger, or buy a rig-and-banger set together like the AFM – MINI CAN RIG ($89.99) to skip the guesswork entirely.
What Else You’ll Need
A torch, a dab tool, and either a carb cap or a directional airflow banger round out a starter setup. If you’d rather skip the torch altogether, an e-nail coil (see our e-nail and banger collection) heats the same quartz banger electronically instead.
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Browse the full dab rig collection to find your first piece.
