Glass 101
Bong vs Dab Rig vs Hand Pipe: What's the Difference?
Walk into any head shop and you will see three big families of glass: bongs, dab rigs and hand pipes. They look similar at a glance, but they are built for different things. Here is how to tell them apart.
By the Mister Smokes team · Updated 2026-10-19
Bongs (waterpipes)
A bong, also called a waterpipe, uses water to cool the smoke. Common shapes are the straight tube, the beaker base and the round base. Beakers are stable and hard to tip, while straight tubes are classic and easy to clean.
Dab rigs
A dab rig is a smaller water piece built for concentrates. It uses a banger or nail instead of a bowl, and it is usually heated with a torch. Rigs are shorter than bongs because concentrates do not need as much length.
Hand pipes
Hand pipes are small, dry pieces you can hold in one hand: spoons, sherlocks, steamrollers and one-hitters. There is no water, so they are compact, portable and the lowest-cost way into glass.
Quick comparison
Use this as a rough guide when you are deciding what to look at first.
- ✓Bong: water-cooled, larger, mainly for dried flower use
- ✓Dab rig: water-cooled, smaller, built for concentrates, needs a banger and heat
- ✓Hand pipe: dry, pocket-size, simple and portable
- ✓Oil burner pipe: small dry glass piece made for concentrates
Which should you start with?
If you want something you can toss in a bag, start with a hand pipe. If you want a smoother, cooler experience at home, look at a bong or a rig. We keep all three in stock at our Buena Park store, and the team can show you the differences in person.
Common Questions
What is the difference between a bong and a dab rig?
Both use water, but a bong is bigger and built around a bowl, while a dab rig is smaller and built around a banger or nail for concentrates.
Is an oil burner the same as a dab rig?
No. An oil burner pipe is a small dry glass piece, while a dab rig uses water. Both are made for concentrates.
What is the easiest piece to travel with?
A hand pipe or silicone pipe is the easiest to carry, since they are small and have no water.
Where can I compare glass in person in Buena Park?
Visit Mister Smokes at 7685 Knott Ave. We are open daily and you must be 21 or older with valid ID.
Come See It In Person
Mister Smokes, 7685 Knott Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620
Mon–Sat 10am–9pm · Sun 10am–8pm · 21+ with valid ID