{"id":2257,"date":"2020-08-31T20:53:19","date_gmt":"2020-08-31T20:53:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/weedmaps.com\/learn\/?p=2257"},"modified":"2026-03-09T20:34:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T20:34:18","slug":"bongs-vs-dab-rigs-get-know-cannabis-gear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/weedmaps.com\/learn\/products-and-how-to-consume\/bongs-vs-dab-rigs-get-know-cannabis-gear","title":{"rendered":"Bongs vs dab rigs: get to know your cannabis gear"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When it comes to weed consumption, bongs and dab rigs<\/a> are two staples of today's cannabis scene. And while there are many similarities between the two devices, there are also a number of very important differences that dictate compatibility with flower or concentrates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To break it down: Generally, bongs are designed for smoking flower<\/a>, using a simple water filtration system to cool and filter the smoke before inhalation. A dab rig<\/a> uses the same core water filtration concept as a bong, but the two also utilize completely different components when it comes time for consumption. While a bong is equipped with a bowl<\/a> that holds flower, a dab rig will sport a banger<\/a> or nail<\/a>, which is designed specifically for vaporizing super-potent cannabis concentrates<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide will help you with what you need to know about bongs<\/a> and dab rigs, including a primer on how each works, the key similarities and differences, how to select the right gear for your cannabis consumption needs, as well as the history and cultural impact of these iconic forms of paraphernalia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tBongs vs. dab rigs: How they work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tube Bongs<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A bong typically consists of a removable bowl, a downstem<\/a> that extends into a water chamber, a neck through which the smoke travels through, and a mouthpiece, from which the consumer inhales the smoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The physics of a bong are relatively simple. You pack the bowl with cannabis flower, then ignite it while pulling steadily through the mouthpiece. The smoke travels from the bowl down into the water, where it bubbles its way up into the neck. When you remove the bowl, the smoke rushes out of the neck, through the mouthpiece, and into your lungs.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t

\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"man\n\t\t\t<\/a>Photo by: Gina Coleman\/Weedmaps<\/cite>
The key component to the entire bong experience is the bubbling action. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\t\t\t