A concentrate rig, also known as a "dab rig", is a specific type of water pipe used for enjoying oils, concentrates, or extracts. As the popularity of using concentrates continues to grow, dab rigs have grown exceedingly advanced, making it more convenient to enjoy different consistencies of concentrates. Modern concentrate rigs are smaller than what they used to be, allowing dab rigs to be able to take up space in a variety of areas without being the "center of attention" during a get together or session.
How Do Concentrate Rigs Work?
Concentrate rigs offer highly concentrated draws that are tamed through moisture-conditioning for a smoother inhale. Oftentimes with a glass dab rig, a nail is heated by a torch, after which a dabber tool is used to place a bit of wax on the heated element. The user inhales as the wax is vaporized. The pressure of the inhalation pulls a highly potent and dense cloud through the water chamber of the dab rig. The vapor attaches to moisture as it bubbles up from the water to travel up the mouthpiece and into the lungs.
When it comes to choosing the best dab rigs, size matters. Small concentrate rigs have tighter passages and chambers, forming a more direct, drag-free pathway for vapor to travel down. This straight blast to the lungs ensures that vapor has little time to dissipate. Instead, a dense, powerful rip is delivered. Mini dab rigs like those offered by MJ Arsenal deliver very concentrated draws due to the lack of area for the vapor to take up before you inhale.
A smaller chamber is also conducive to potent, flavor-rich draws. Vapor will attach to moisture for a smoother hit, but the flavor won't get diluted by too much water filtration.
In general, concentrate rigs range between 6" and 9" with chambers sized perfectly for concentrates. That said, larger dab rigs exist, sometimes featuring a purposefully compressed chamber to deliver better dabs despite their bigger sizes.
If you need advice on how to take care of your concentrate rig, check out our guide on how to clean a dab rig here and