Glass Bongs vs. Dab Rigs: What’s the Difference?
At first glance, glass bongs and dab rigs look pretty similar—they both use water filtration, and they’ll both get you where you need to go. (wink-wink)
But make no mistake: these two pieces are built for very different experiences.
A bong is all about cooling and filtering your dry herb smoke for a smooth, easy hit. A dab rig, on the other hand, is built for concentrates, delivering flavorful vapor without unnecessary dilution.
So, which one is right for you? Let’s break it down.
What is a Bong?
Bongs are the OGs of glass smoking gear, designed for non-tobacco smoking herbs. Their larger size and water filtration system make for cooler, smoother hits by removing impurities and excess heat.
How a Bong Works
Pack the bowl, light up, and draw the smoke through the water, which filters out impurities and cools it down before it reaches you. That’s why bongs hit smoother than dry pipes—the water does a lot of the heavy lifting for you. If your bong has a percolator or ice catcher, you’re in for an even smoother, chillier experience.
Bong Features:
- Water Filtration - Filters out ash and cools down harsh smoke.
- Percolators - Break smoke into tiny bubbles for extra-smooth hits.
- Ice Catchers - Drop in some cubes for a frosty pull.
- Larger Chambers - More time for the smoke to cool before inhalation.
Glass Bongs at MatchBoxBros
Looking for a solid glass bong? Here are a few top picks:
Cookies 2 Da Dome Beaker Bong
Fun, vibrant design with a huge water chamber for ultra-smooth hits.
GRAV Deco Beaker in Silicone
Built for durability, perfect if you tend to drop things.
JB Glass Beaker Water Pipe
A standout design that looks as good as it rips.
Gene Radiant Fusion 7.75” Water Pipe
A sleek, modern piece for smooth, flavorful hits.
What is a Dab Rig?
Dab rigs are built for concentrates like wax, oil, or shatter. Instead of burning dry herbs, rigs use a heated banger to vaporize concentrates, delivering a flavorful, potent hit without combustion.
How a Dab Rig Works
Dabbing is all about heat control—torch the banger, drop in your concentrate, and enjoy it as it vaporizes instantly. The right temperature makes all the difference—too hot, and you burn off flavor; too cool, and you waste product.
Recycler rigs keep the vapor cool and smooth, so you can taste every terpene without the burn.
Dab Rig Features:
- Banger (Instead of a Bowl) - The dish that gets heated to vaporize concentrates.
- Recycler Systems - Keeps water moving for cooler, smoother vapor.
- Precision Heating - The right temp = maximum flavor, zero waste.
- Smaller Size - Less air = more flavorful, terpene-rich hits.
Glass Dab Rigs at MatchBoxBros
Ready to upgrade your dabbing setup? Check out these top-rated dab rigs:
Bear Quartz The Sphere Dab Rig Set
A high-end, functional setup for serious dabbers.
Cookies Bayside 415
A fan-favorite with sleek design & smooth function.
JB Quacktastic Bubbler
Because who doesn’t want a duck-shaped rig?
Can You Customize Glass Bongs & Dab Rigs?
Of course! One of the best things about glass pieces is that you can customize them to fit your smoking style.
Bong Customization:
- Bowls in different sizes - Solo sesh or group smoke? Swap out your bowl.
- Diffused Downstems - An easy upgrade for smoother hits.
- Ash Catchers - Helps keep your bong cleaner for longer.
Dab Rig Customization:
- Carb Caps - Control airflow for efficient concentrate use.
- Quartz Bangers - Upgrade for better heat retention and flavor.
- Terp Pearls - Helps distribute heat evenly for a smoother dab experience.
MatchBoxBros Has Your Back
Sure, you could try using a bong as a dab rig or vice versa, but trust us—it’s not the same experience. If you want cool, smooth hits, go with a bong. If you’re after flavor-packed vapor, grab a dab rig.
Whatever your smoking style, MatchBoxBros has the perfect piece for you.
Browse our full collection of bongs, rigs, and accessories today.