How to Start Dabbing:
Gear, Setup, Tips, & Accessories
Lock in. It's time to "concentrate".
From Left to Right: Wax, Budder, Shatter, Oil.
Whether you’re a THC concentrate veteran or a newbie staring with a quartz banger like it’s a spaceship control panel, dabbing can feel intimidating.
Fear not! We’re here to decode the best way to consume dabs, whether you’re chasing flavor with low-temperature dabs or just want to yeet yourself into orbit with a red hot rip!
What's the Deal with Dabs?
Q: Who are concentrates for?
A: EVERYONE!
Dabs (aka cannabis concentrates) pack a punch: higher potency, faster effects, and flavors so intense they’ll make your taste buds write poetry. Thanks to terpene-rich concentrates, you’re not just getting high—you’re getting a VIP ticket to Flavor Town.
Potency, Flavor, Vapor:
Flavor: Terpenes or "terps" are the elements that make up the flavor profile of any cannabis consumable. By concentrating the flavors and active ingredients in your flower, you'll be sure to get the strongest punch of flavor available, with any smoke-able.
Potency: Compared to whole-flower, concentrates pack a punch! With higher levels of potency and improved bio-availability in each dose, you can save some cash and lung capacity by adding some hash concentrates to your monthly routine.
Vapor: Unlike whole flower and other combustibles, most concentrates are consumed by vaporizing them in indirect heat. This provides a smoother pull, that can often be easier on the lungs!
What is the difference between a "rig" and a "bong"?
If you’re looking at a glass water pipe and wondering if it’s a "bong" or a "rig," the answer is often: It’s both!
Technically, the main difference isn't the glass itself, but the attachment you put in the joint.
A bong uses a glass bowl to combust dry flower.
A Dab Rig uses a quartz banger (or nail) to vaporize concentrates.
On the left, you see a piece with a bowl, and on the right, you see a piece with a banger and carb cap!
Designing your Dab Station
To dab like a pro, you’ll only need four things:
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A Dab Rig (obviously).
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A Dabber tool (for handling sticky situations).
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A heating element (aka your new best frenemy, the torch).
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A chill spot to relax afterwards.
Don't forget to set the scene! Many concentrate enthusiasts enjoy curating a dedicated space in their home for their sessions
Emergency Dab Techniques:
No rig? No problem! Try these easy workarounds.
Use a Nectar Collector (A fancy quartz straw for concentrates)
Any Glass Pipe (Dry or wet each work great!).
An electric dab-rig device
(E-Nail attachment or an
“all-in-one” like a Puffco Peak).
Hot Knives (for when you’re feeling very 1982).
Use any style of rolling paper to roll your shatter, butter, or wax into a joint (because why not?).
Don't have ANY of the above? We've got you covered!
Build your dream glass dab rig using Prism’s 3D Bong Builder. Our top sellers in the dab rig category? The Honeycomb Base (for smooth hits), The Straight Tube Base (for folks who enjoy flower AND concentrate), any of our new MINI bongs, and of course, the Klein Incycler (because science).
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The Deets on Dab Tools
"Bangers, Carb Caps, Dabbers, and Torches, Oh My..."
It can be a lot to wrap your mind around, especially after a strong sesh. To make finding the tools you need easier, let us break down exactly what you'll be looking for...
What is a Dab Rig?
A dab rig is any glass piece that you use to consume cannabis concentrates. While it's a pretty broad term, it can be useful to refer to when shopping for a piece. Typically, rigs are smaller in size and more direct in function. Many concentrate purists gravitate towards honeycomb bases, straight bases, and Incycler-style rigs. While any glass piece can be a rig, some, simply do it better!
What is a Banger?
A quartz banger is the MVP of dab rigs—the chamber where concentrates transform into vapor clouds. Crafted from quartz (think "indestructible glass with a PhD in heat resistance"), it scoffs at your blowtorch, heats up faster than your ex’s texts, and holds warmth like a grudging hug.
While quartz bangers are the go-to these days, you may still see some other, older, options on the market. Titanium skillets, while a bit outdated, are still a solid option.
What is a Carb Cap?
It’s a tiny hat that traps heat, turning your banger into a convection oven. For extra pizzazz, try a directional carb cap or terp pearls—tiny glass beads that spin like disco balls, stirring your concentrate for max flavor.
What is a Dab Torch?
If you are planning on using a banger for your concentrate needs, a torch is a must-have. The two most common styles you'll encounter are Butane and Propane.
Propane burns hotter (≈1,980°C) than butane (≈1,430°C), making it harder to regulate temperature. Overheating can combust concentrates instead of vaporizing them, producing harsh and potentially harmful byproducts.
The Butane fuel designed for dab torches is often highly refined to remove impurities. Propane may contain additives or contaminants that can leave residues or introduce toxins when inhaled.
What is a Dabber?
The Swiss Army knife of dabbing. If you're looking for metal stainless steel dabbers are king (no off-gassing here!). If you prefer glass dabbers, you'll have tons of options at your local or online smoke shop too!
For gadget lovers, a 510 threaded dab tool lets you melt concentrates with a button press. No more shaking your dabber like a ketchup bottle!
Pro-Tip: Want the benefits of a digi-knife without paying for one? Warm your steel dabber with indirect torch heat, directly above your concentrate, to slide your dabs off like butter.
Ready for Part II?
Now that you've got the lay of the land, we're going to hook you up with some pro-tips and secret tricks...
In part 2 of this blog, we’ll break down every dabbing technique (from caveman-style high heat to cold starts), explore the properties of different styles of concentrates, and teach you how to clean your rig like a pro.
CHECK OUT OUR 3D CUSTOM BONG BUILDER!
