Anatomy of a Dab Rig:

A Beginner's Guide to Dabbing Gear

If you're dab-curious and considering buying your first dab rig, it's totally normal to feel a bit overwhelmed. You're not alone—many of our customers feel the same way when they’re faced with the new parts and terminology of a dab rig. But don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it seems. This guide is here to walk you through the gear, the technique, and everything in between, so you can confidently enjoy your first dab. Let’s break it all down step-by-step so you can get to dabbing like a pro!

How is a Rig Different from a Bong?

The most obvious difference between a rig and a bong is the size. Dab rigs are typically smaller than bongs because they’re designed to house vapour, which is less dense than smoke. A smaller chamber allows the vapour to "brew" more efficiently, ensuring better flavour and a thicker vapour.

Rigs also tend to feature more advanced percolators and filtration systems than your standard bong. Percolators in a rig are designed to increase aeration, cooling, and diffusion of the vapour, resulting in a much smoother, more satisfying hit.

If you've ever owned a bong, you're already familiar with some of the basic components—like the body, downstem, and bowl. A dab rig has a similar structure but with a few important differences. Instead of a bowl, you’ll find a banger and a carb cap, which are designed specifically for concentrates.

What is a Banger?

Think of the banger as the concentrate equivalent of a bowl—only instead of lighting it from the top, you heat it from underneath, causing the concentrate to melt and vaporize.

A banger is typically made of quartz and consists of two parts: the bucket (where the concentrate goes) and the joint (which connects to your rig’s downstem). Bangers come in different sizes, so make sure you know your downstem joint size when shopping.

Important Note: You can’t use a regular soft flame lighter (like a Clipper or Bic) to heat your banger. It needs to be heated with a torch lighter to reach the high temperatures necessary for dabbing. When properly heated, the banger glows red-hot. You’re not burning your concentrate—you’re heating the surface beneath it, similar to using a stovetop. This produces vapour rather than smoke, leaving behind a sticky residue called reclaim.

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Yo Dabba Dabba | Beveled Banger & Cyclone Carb Cap Set

Yo Dabba Dabba | Beveled Banger & Cyclone Carb Cap Set

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Nice Glass | Carb Cap

What is a Carb Cap?

A carb cap is a glass, silicone or titanium cap that fits over the top of your banger, acting as a seal to regulate airflow and maximize vapour production. Think of it like the choke on a hand pipe—it controls the airflow, creating suction and allowing the vapour to “brew” inside the bucket. By trapping the vapour, it keeps all that flavourful goodness right where you want it—ready to inhale, not dissipating off into the air.

Carb caps come in many designs. Some are simple and straightforward, while others combine style with extra functionality. Directional flow carb caps, for example, are designed to spin terp pearls inside your banger, helping to evenly distribute heat and get the most out of your concentrates.

Nice Glass | Carb Cap

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What Are Terp Pearls?

Terp pearls are small quartz balls you drop into your banger along with your concentrate. When used with a directional flow carb cap, they spin as you inhale, ensuring even heat distribution and preventing the concentrate from pooling in one spot. Plus, they’re mesmerizing to watch in action. Bonus points for style and function.

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Soul | 8" Dual Flame Large Torch

Do You Really Need a Torch?

Yes, you absolutely do.

A torch lighter is a non-negotiable part of your dab rig setup. Our staff pick? The Soul - Dual Flame Torch. It heats quickly, holds an ample amount of butane, and has a lock-on feature so you don’t need to hold down the trigger while you're dabbing.

Soul | 8" Dual Flame Large Torch

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The Safe Dabber’s Checklist: Torches, Temps & Tips

Get familiar with your torch before lighting up. Know how to adjust the flame, lock it, and safely turn it on and off.
Never leave a lit torch unattended. Use the lock function with caution—convenient, but not foolproof.
Tie back long hair and avoid loose or dangling clothing to prevent accidental burns or singeing.
Always aim the flame away from yourself, others, pets, and anything flammable.
Let your torch cool completely before refilling it with butane and ensure it is stored upright.
Likewise, let your banger cool completely before touching or cleaning it—quartz retains heat longer than you might expect!
Feeling the heat? If your banger sits uncomfortably close to your face, use a dropdown adapter to add distance and make sessions more relaxed.
New to dabbing? Try a cold start dab—pre-load your concentrate into a cool banger and gradually heat it from below. This beginner-friendly method simplifies the process and helps prevent common mistakes, like overheating your concentrates or accidentally burning yourself. For the smoothest experience, aim for a low-temp dab between 204°C to 260°C (400°F to 500°F).

Check out this guide to dabbing temperatures for a detailed breakdown of what to expect at each heat level.

How Do I Handle the Concentrate Without Making a Mess?

Enter the dab tool. Dab tools are designed to scoop, scrape, and drop concentrates into your banger without the mess. Our favourite line? Skilletools — durable, stainless-steel tools inspired by (you guessed it) dental instruments.

Made from heat-resistant, high-quality materials, they’re easy to clean and come in a variety of shapes to suit different concentrates. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned dabber, Skilletools has the perfect tool for you.

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Skillet Tools | Pro Set

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Randy's | Black Label 12oz

$9.95

How Do I Clean My Rig?

Cleaning your rig is easy with a little help from isopropyl alcohol. Iso-based cleaners break down reclaim, leaving your banger and rig looking like new. In fact, you may find cleaning a dab rig easier than a bong since no debris falls into the body of the rig.

For regular cleaning, fill your rig with an isopropyl-based cleaner (Randy’s Black Label), let soak, and rinse thoroughly. After each session, clean your banger immediately with a Randy’s Black Label Snaps cotton swab, pre-filled with isopropyl alcohol. This helps prevent chazzing by stopping concentrate from seeping into the pores of the quartz over time. For a deeper clean, soak your banger in cleaner for 10-15 minutes, then rinse well.

If stubborn spots remain, use a torch to heat the banger and burn off any leftover buildup. Soaking cleaners like Grunge Off are also great for deep cleaning small parts like bangers and carb caps — just submerge, let the cleaner do the work, and rinse. Bonus: Grunge Off is reusable!

Randy's | Black Label 12oz

$9.95

Ready to Take Your First Dab?

Dabbing might seem a little technical at first, but once you get familiar with the parts and how they work together, it quickly becomes second nature. Now is the perfect time to elevate your cannabis experience and dive into the rich, flavourful world of dabs with your brand new rig.

Take it slow, stay safe, and don’t be afraid to experiment—finding your ideal setup is part of the fun. With a little practice and the right tools, dabbing can unlock next-level potency, purity, and flavour that flower just can’t match.

Ready to gear up? Check out our Dabbing Rigs collection. Still have questions? Our knowledgeable associates are always happy to walk you through the setup, show you the latest tools, or help you find the perfect rig to match your vibe. Stop by and let’s get you dabbing with confidence.

Welcome to the world of dabs. You’ve got this—and we’ve got your back. 💪