Congratulations on your choice to acquire a new exquisite piece of heady glass! When your budget is set, it’s time to begin exploring glass bongs, glass pipes, or dab rigs that will enhance your lifestyle. Initially, the impressive array of heady glass available for purchase online might seem a tad daunting. However, having numerous options is advantageous, you simply need to filter them down somewhat.
This article delves into the contrasting aspects of a dab rig and a glass bong. Flower pieces, designed specifically for smoking the buds and leaves – or the “flowers” as they’re popularly referred to – of the cannabis plant, are made of glass. The most rudimentary flower pieces are dry pieces that don’t necessitate the use of water for their proper functioning. Spoon pipes and chillums are among the most frequently used dry flower pieces.
All you need to do is fill the bowl with freshly picked or finely ground cannabis, light it up, and breathe in the intoxicating aroma. However, the simplicity of dry flower pieces doesn’t compromise their potency. Bard, the famous glass artist, is also making waves with his unique eyeball series of Sherlock and spoons pipes, and we offer a variety from Crush Glass to suit varying tastes. There are marked differences between glass bongs designed for smoking flowers and dab rigs designed for vaporizing concentrates, so it’s essential to choose a new piece that enhances your chosen cannabis consumption method.
What Is a Dab Rig?
Dab rigs, strikingly akin to bongs, are a unique type of high-quality glassware. They are essentially bongs designed specifically for use with concentrates.
A wide array of dab rigs is available, with the most basic resembling a traditional bong. However, a nail or banger is present in place of a bowl. Instead of loading the bowl with flowers, apply a small amount of concentrate to a pre-heated nail.
To use an electric dab rig under $100, first, heat your nail or banger until it glows red-hot. Allow it to cool slightly before applying a minuscule amount of concentrate while inhaling through the mouthpiece. You may also cover the nail with a dome to trap all the vapor. Like a bong, the vapor will pass through a water chamber before reaching your mouth.
Unlike conventional smoking methods, dabbing requires a unique heat source. When utilizing a dab rig, a blowtorch is typically used to heat your nail!
What Is a Bong?
A bong is a specialized apparatus utilized for the inhalation of cannabis. Its function is to cool the smoke, thereby offering a more pleasant and less harsh experience for the user.
Contemporary bongs are typically designed with a tube that extends upward from a base. This base is designed to accommodate water and comes equipped with an angled aperture that can house a downstem. A bowl, which is placed into the downstem, directs the smoke down into the base, passing it through a refreshing layer of water before it rises up into the tube. The smoke then exits through the mouthpiece and into the smoker’s lungs. Rather than being inserted into the smoker’s mouth, the mouthpiece is designed to rest against the lips.
Despite being frequently marketed as “For tobacco use only,” bongs have their roots in regions where the tradition of cannabis consumption predates the introduction of tobacco.
Benefits of using a bong
Bongs are predominantly utilized for water filtration purposes, and to temper the heat of the smoke, with some even incorporating ice cubes or specialized elements such as frozen glycerine coils for added cooling effect.
Some individuals assert that the heightened intensity of a bong hit exceeds that of a conventional pipe or joint, owing to the substantial volume of smoke encompassed in a single bong rip.
The efficiency of the filtration process is directly proportional to the surface area of the water involved. This is the primary reason for the widespread use of percolators. These devices, also known as diffusers, enhance the water surface area by generating minuscule bubbles, thus mitigating the harshness of intense bong rips.
This method facilitates a smoother inhalation process, enabling an individual to intake a larger quantity of smoke in a single instance.
However, it remains a topic of debate whether the water in a bong effectively filters out harmful substances like toxins, carcinogens, and irritants from the smoke. Further in-depth research is warranted in this area.
The Differences of Dab rigs and Bongs
The primary difference between the two lies in their use. A bong is primarily used for smoking dry, packable materials, like herb. In contrast, a dab rig is used for smoking oils, waxes, and concentrates. These substances are potent, providing a more intense experience than dry herb.
Another notable difference is the heating method. Bongs use a traditional bowl that is lit with a lighter or match. Dab rigs, however, use a “nail” or “banger” that is typically heated with a butane torch. The nail or banger is then touched to the concentrate to vaporize it, and the vapor is inhaled.
The design and aesthetics of the two tools also vary. Bongs are often larger, with more intricate designs and are typically made of glass, though they can also be made from materials like acrylic and ceramic. Dab rigs are usually smaller, providing a more streamlined experience, and are often made of borosilicate glass, which can withstand the high temperatures required for dabbing.
It’s also worth mentioning the difference in the filtration process. Bongs use water to cool and filter the smoke, making for a smoother hit. Dab rigs also use water for filtration, but the water in a dab rig is used to cool down the vapor, not to filter out particulates. The dabbing process doesn’t produce the same type of combustible smoke, so it doesn’t need as much filtration as a bong does.
The two devices also require different accessories. Bongs require a bowl for packing the herb and a lighter or match for combustion. Dab rigs need a dab tool to handle the concentrate, a torch for heating the nail, and a carb cap to control airflow during the inhale.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are similarities in appearance and function between a dabbing rig electric one and a bong, the differences are significant. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the user’s preference for consumption method, potency, and experience. Whether you prefer the traditional feel of a bong or the concentrated intensity of a dab rig, both offer unique ways to enjoy cannabis. As always, consume responsibly and enjoy the journey.