Cannabis Gear: Let’s Differentiate Dab Rigs and Bongs

There are a number of ways to take in weed, given the modern-day cannabis landscape. In some cases, people prefer to smoke blunts. Some people prefer to just eat edibles, usually brownies made with cannabis butter. Others, however, are fans of either the dab rig or the bong. However, many people tend to misconstrue the two as being interchangeable.

What Is the Difference Between the Bong and the Dab Rig?

It's necessary to be able to differentiate the two. That's due to the fact that concentrates or flower compatibilities need to be defined as well. The last thing you want is to waste good weed or concentrate.

Bong

By default, the very design of the bong is meant for smoking flower. This is achieved thanks to a water filtration system that cools the smoke and filters it prior to inhalation. Cannabis flowers are lit with a hemp wick, match, or lighter. Size-wise, the range is quite immense: it can be anything from a handheld "bubbler" to major pieces. The latter are usually tabletop-only and multi-chambered.

Smoke is inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece. Other components include:

Downstern extending to a water chamber
Neck
Removable bowl

Use goes as follows:

1. Pack bowl with cannabis flower

2. Ignite while pulling through the mouthpiece

3. Keep pulls steady as smoke moves from the bowl into the water until it bubbles up the neck.

4. Remove the bowl so the smoke can rush out of the neck.

5. Inhale through the mouthpiece

The bubbling action is the crucial point of bong use. Smoke passing through water leads its temperature to drop and pulls heavier particles out. The latter means a smoother, cleaner smoke overall. Using a bong with an ice catch can bring even smoother smoke that's also cooler than usual.

Dab Rig

This device shares the water filtration concept of a bong. In some ways, it's a bong extension for concentrate exclusivity. Dab rigs vary quite a lot in today's market, but the most basic kind is visually similar to a bong. This adds to the common misconception that they're the same thing. However, there's a very notable difference. Instead of having a bowl like a bong does, there's a nail or banger there. A dab of concentrate is dropped on a heated banger for things to get going.

Use goes as follows:

1. Heat nail to extremely high temperatures until red hot.

2. Wait for the temperature to cool down enough as you dab a small amount of concentrate on the banger.

3. Trap vaporized concentrate by way of a dome over the nail.

4. Inhale through the mouthpiece.

Take note that the heating sources vary, unlike that of a bong. An e-nail or a blow torch is the best way to get things going.

Conclusion

Contrary to popular belief, the dab rig and the bong are not the same thing. Bongs are used for smoking flowers, while dab rigs are meant for concentrates. Their key differences also lie in their components and heat sources. Now that you know their differences, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision when it comes to shopping for your preferred smoking experience.

Looking for a bubbler rig? Shop at M&M Tech today! We make handcrafted bongs and glass dab rigs for your smoking needs.