If you’ve spent any time around concentrates, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Grab the rig.” And if you’re new to the world of dabs, that sentence might sound a little intense. A rig? Like construction equipment? Not quite.
In cannabis culture, a rig usually means a dab rig—a type of water pipe designed specifically for vaporizing and inhaling cannabis concentrates like wax, shatter, live resin, or rosin. It looks similar to a bong at first glance, but it’s built for a different purpose and a different experience.
In this guide, we’re going to break down exactly what a rig is, how it works, how it’s different from a regular bong, and why so many concentrate users prefer it. We’ll also talk about how rigs pair with modern concentrate products like THCA diamonds, live resin disposables, and terpene-rich extracts you can find at brands like Binoid CBD. No medical claims, no overcomplicated science talk—just a clear, real-world explanation for everyday THC users.
Let’s get into it.
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So… What Exactly Is a Rig?
A rig (short for dab rig) is a specialized water pipe designed to vaporize cannabis concentrates instead of burning flower. Unlike a traditional bowl where you light ground cannabis with a flame, a rig uses a heated surface—usually called a nail or banger—to instantly vaporize concentrates when they touch it.
Instead of combustion, you’re working with vaporization. That’s a big difference.
When you use a rig, you heat the banger with a torch (or use an electric heating system), let it cool slightly, then place your concentrates inside. The concentrate instantly melts and turns into vapor, which travels through water for cooling and filtration before you inhale it.
The result? A strong, flavorful, and efficient experience that’s very different from smoking flower.
What Makes a Rig Different From a Bong?
At a glance, rigs and bongs look similar. Both typically have:
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A glass chamber
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A water filtration system
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A mouthpiece
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A downstem-style airflow path
But the function is where things change.
A bong is made for burning flower. You pack ground cannabis into a bowl and apply direct flame. The smoke travels through water before reaching your lungs.
A rig is made for concentrates. You’re not burning anything. Instead, you’re vaporizing extracts on a heated surface. The airflow, chamber size, and design are usually optimized for vapor instead of smoke.
Rigs also tend to be smaller than traditional bongs. That’s intentional. Vapor is lighter and thinner than smoke, so smaller chambers help preserve flavor and potency instead of letting vapor sit and stale inside a large piece.
The Main Parts of a Dab Rig
To really understand what a rig is, it helps to know its basic components.
First, you have the glass body. This holds the water and provides the filtration system. It can be simple and compact or artistic and elaborate, depending on the style.
Next is the banger or nail. This replaces the traditional bowl. Most modern rigs use quartz bangers because quartz heats evenly and preserves flavor better than older materials like titanium.
Then there’s the carb cap. This small accessory sits on top of the banger while you inhale. It helps regulate airflow and keeps heat inside the banger, allowing concentrates to vaporize more efficiently at lower temperatures.
You may also see tools like dab tools (for handling sticky concentrates) and sometimes terp pearls, which spin inside the banger to distribute heat more evenly.
While it might look like a lot at first, once you see it in action, it makes sense quickly.
Why Do People Use Rigs Instead of Just Vaping or Smoking?
Great question.
For many users, rigs offer three big advantages: intensity, flavor, and efficiency.
1. Stronger Experience
Concentrates are much more potent than traditional flower. Instead of 15–25% THC, you’re often looking at extracts that can test significantly higher. A small dab can feel very different from a typical bowl.
For experienced users, that concentrated effect is part of the appeal.
2. Better Flavor
Because rigs vaporize instead of burn, you’re not inhaling combustion byproducts. This allows the natural terpene profile of the concentrate to shine through.
If you’ve ever tried a terpene-rich live resin product—like some of the live resin disposables or THCA concentrate options available at Binoid—you’ve probably noticed how bold and strain-specific the flavor can be. A rig is one of the cleanest ways to experience that flavor at home.
3. Efficiency
Concentrates are, well, concentrated. You use less material to get the desired effect compared to packing multiple bowls of flower.
For people who prefer higher potency and quick sessions, a rig can feel more streamlined.
Types of Rigs
Not all rigs are the same. There are a few main styles you’ll see in the wild.
Traditional Glass Dab Rigs
This is the classic setup: glass body, quartz banger, torch heating. It’s simple, reliable, and gives you full control over temperature and technique.
Many concentrate purists prefer this setup because it lets them dial in their ideal heat range.
Mini Rigs
Smaller rigs are popular because they preserve flavor better and are easier to handle. Since vapor doesn’t need a huge chamber, many modern rigs are compact by design.
Recycler Rigs
These have more complex water pathways that continuously cycle water while you inhale. The goal is smoother vapor and better cooling.
They often look intricate and artistic.
Electric Rigs (E-Rigs)
E-rigs remove the torch from the equation. Instead, they use a battery-powered heating element with adjustable temperature settings.
For casual users who don’t want to deal with open flames, e-rigs can feel more approachable.
How a Rig Fits Into Modern THC Culture
The rise of concentrates has changed the way people consume THC.
In the past, most users stuck to flower. Today, concentrates like live resin, THCA diamonds, and high-terpene extracts are everywhere. Brands like Binoid CBD offer a range of products—from disposable live resin vapes to potent concentrate options—that reflect this shift toward stronger, more refined experiences.
A rig is basically the classic at-home setup for enjoying those concentrates in their purest form.
While disposable vapes are convenient, a rig session can feel more intentional. You’re setting up your glass, heating the banger, choosing your temperature. It becomes part of the ritual.
And for many users, that ritual is half the fun.
Temperature Matters More Than You Think
One of the biggest learning curves with rigs is temperature control.
If the banger is too hot, you’ll scorch the concentrate and lose flavor. If it’s too cool, the concentrate won’t fully vaporize.
Many experienced users prefer “low-temp dabs.” That means letting the banger cool slightly after heating it before applying the concentrate. Lower temperatures often mean smoother vapor and better terpene preservation.
This is especially important if you’re using terpene-rich products. Whether you’re dabbing a live resin extract or enjoying a strain-inspired concentrate similar to what you might find in Binoid’s lineup, lower temps typically highlight flavor more clearly.
Is Using a Rig Complicated?
At first glance, yes. In practice, not really.
The process usually goes like this:
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Heat the quartz banger with a torch for 20–40 seconds.
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Let it cool for a short period.
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Place your concentrate inside.
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Cover with a carb cap.
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Inhale slowly.
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Clean the banger after use.
After a few sessions, it becomes second nature.
That said, rigs are generally better suited for users who are comfortable with concentrates. If someone is brand new to THC, starting with lower-dose products like gummies or milder vapes might feel more manageable.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Rigs need regular cleaning to maintain flavor and performance.
Residue can build up in the banger and glass over time. Most users clean their bangers with isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs shortly after each dab. Keeping things clean preserves taste and extends the life of your setup.
Compared to flower pieces, rigs can actually stay cleaner longer since you’re not dealing with ash.
Are Rigs Just for Hardcore Users?
Not necessarily.
While rigs are often associated with heavy concentrate users, the experience really depends on what you put into it. A small dab can be moderate. A large one can be intense.
It’s all about personal preference.
The concentrate market has expanded so much that users now have options ranging from ultra-potent THCA extracts to more balanced blends with specific cannabinoid ratios. Whether someone prefers a bold, heavy-hitting session or something more mellow and terpene-forward, the rig itself is just the delivery tool.
The Social Side of Rig Culture
Rigs have also become part of cannabis social culture.
Sharing a rig session can feel similar to passing a joint, but with a bit more ceremony. There’s a rhythm to it—heat, cool, cap, inhale, clean, repeat.
Glass artistry has also become a huge part of the scene. Some rigs are simple and functional. Others are hand-blown art pieces that collectors proudly display.
For some users, owning a beautiful rig is part function, part self-expression.
Do You Need a Rig If You Already Have a Vape?
Not necessarily.
Vapes—especially high-quality live resin disposables—are incredibly convenient. You can grab them, take a draw, and go about your day. Binoid’s concentrate-based vape options are designed for exactly that kind of ease.
A rig is more of a sit-down experience. It’s less portable but often more customizable.
If you enjoy the ritual, stronger hits, and dialing in temperature control, a rig might be worth it. If you prefer quick and discreet, a vape might be your go-to.
Some users keep both in rotation.
Final Thoughts: What a Rig Really Is
At its core, a rig is just a tool. It’s a device designed to vaporize cannabis concentrates efficiently and smoothly.
But culturally, it represents something bigger.
It represents the evolution of cannabis from simple flower consumption to a more refined, extract-focused experience. It represents flavor appreciation, terpene awareness, and a deeper understanding of cannabinoids. It represents a shift toward precision and potency.
For casual THC users who are curious about concentrates, understanding what a rig is can open the door to a different side of cannabis culture. It doesn’t mean you need the biggest torch or the fanciest recycler. It just means knowing that there’s another way to enjoy your extracts.
Whether you stick to live resin disposables, experiment with THCA concentrates, or eventually pick up your own quartz banger and glass setup, the important thing is finding what fits your vibe.
At the end of the day, a rig isn’t about looking hardcore. It’s about experiencing concentrates the way they were designed to be experienced—clean, flavorful, and intentional.
And once you understand that, the word “rig” doesn’t sound intimidating anymore. It just sounds like another way to enjoy THC on your own terms.
