Admit it. What you really want to know is which one gives you the best high, a bong or a dab rig? Well, that depends. Some marijuana consumers feel that there’s not a big difference between a dab or a bong high, but most experts see it differently. 

Dabs and oil rigs are designed to work best with marijuana concentrates, such as wax, shatter, or oil. Bongs, however, are most commonly used with marijuana dry flower. Both use glass water pipes for the filtration process that turns smoke into vapor, but that’s where similarities end.

Mellow High Or Intense High From Marijuana

Of course there are many factors to consider, but when it comes to determining which is best for getting high, bong hits are generally milder than dab hits.

One obvious reason for the super strength of dab hits is that marijuana concentrates are already more potent than the marijuana flower that you’d use in a bong. In general, the potency of oils and wax could be up to 85% while flower usually hovers around 15%.

The Coughing Factor

When it comes to smoother marijuana hits, some people say they cough less with dab rigs than with bongs. It’s probably safe to say, though, that coughing can happen with either method.  But coughing while smoking a bong is usually deeper and more abrasive. For those who prefer more flavor and smoother hits, dabbing is the better choice. Likewise if you have sensitive lungs, dabbing is your best bet.

Ease Of Use Of Bongs And Dab Rigs

Functionally speaking, one of the main differences between bongs and dab rigs has to do with the complexity of design. Bowls on bongs are packed with dry herb and lit with any kind of lighter. Dab rigs, however, are more intricate and use a “nail” instead of a bowl. The nail is found on the part of the dab rig called the glass joint. When you heat the nail using a hand torch and then place oil or wax on top, the concentrate is vaporized before you inhale it. 

Safety First

Now let’s talk safety. Don’t try to make a homemade dab rig. A bonafide, well-designed dab rig is your best choice. It’s worth it to invest in a reliably made dag rig with the right kind of nail. Look for one that will preserve heat sufficiently to produce a lot of vapor. But be sure the nail doesn’t get so hot that the concentrate will combust. If that happens you’ll end up inhaling more smoke than vapor and losing the beneficial components of the marijuana.

To get the most from a dabbing experience, make sure that you only use marijuana products with clean lab tests. And of course know your limits. If you’re new to dabbing, start small and very gradually work up from there. Keep in mind that as a new dabber you should be getting around 40 dabs from a gram of oil.

To Splurge or Not to Splurge

When it comes to cost, dab rigs will most often be more expensive than glass bongs due to the nail. Nails can be made with different materials, and some, such as titanium, can be quite pricey. In the end, when considering bongs and dab rigs, the most important factor in reaching your decision is a matter of your own personal preferences. Maybe you’d like to own both and alternate between the two for your marijuana consumption!