RigGo vs. Traditional Dab Rig

Introduction

The world of concentrate consumption is evolving rapidly. For years, traditional dab rigs have been the gold standard for enjoying waxes, shatters, and rosins. But as lifestyles become more mobile and technology advances, portable solutions like the RigGo are changing how enthusiasts approach their sessions.

This guide provides a comprehensive comparison between the RigGo—a palm-sized portable dab rig—and traditional glass dab rigs. Whether you’re a seasoned dabber looking for portability or a newcomer trying to decide where to start, this article will help you understand the key differences and make an informed decision.

What is a Traditional Dab Rig?

A traditional dab rig is a specialized water pipe designed specifically for vaporizing cannabis concentrates. Unlike dry herb pipes, dab rigs use high temperatures to instantly vaporize concentrates, delivering potent and flavorful hits.

How Traditional Rigs Work

The process involves heating a nail or banger (typically made of quartz, titanium, or ceramic) with a butane torch until it reaches the desired temperature. Once heated, you apply a small amount of concentrate to the hot surface while inhaling through the mouthpiece. The vapor passes through water for cooling and filtration before reaching your lungs.

Core Components

• • Glass body: The main chamber that holds water and directs vapor flow

• • Nail/Banger: The heated surface where concentrates are vaporized (quartz bangers are most popular)

• • Butane torch: Used to heat the nail to optimal temperatures (typically 400-700°F)

• • Carb cap: Restricts airflow to maximize vaporization efficiency

• • Dabber tool: Used to handle and apply concentrates to the heated surface

What is RigGo?

RigGo is a revolutionary palm-sized portable dab rig that brings professional-level dabbing into a compact, travel-ready form factor. Developed by Artrix, it eliminates the need for torches, complex setups, and fragile glass while maintaining the quality experience that concentrate enthusiasts demand.

How RigGo Works

RigGo uses an electronic heating system powered by a 400mAh battery. The device features a flat mesh ceramic core that heats concentrates loaded into a 0.5mL ceramic tank. What sets RigGo apart is its innovative dual-mode airflow system—simply attach it to any standard water bottle for water-filtered hits, or use it in dry mode for quick sessions without water.

Core Components

• • Ceramic tank (0.5mL): Premium ceramic construction for pure flavor

• • Flat mesh ceramic heating core: Provides even heat distribution for complete vaporization

• • 400mAh battery: Compact power source with 2X extended battery life

• • Full-screen display: Intuitive interface for temperature and settings control

• • Borosilicate glass preheating section: Food-grade glass combined with 316L stainless steel

• • Dual-mode airflow straw: Switch between water-filtered and dry modes instantly

Size & Portability

This is perhaps the most dramatic difference between the two options.

RigGo Dimensions

• • 53.8 × 47.5 × 66.8 mm (2.12 × 1.87 × 2.63 inches)

• • Weight: 49.50g (approximately 1.75 oz)

• • Fits comfortably in your palm or pocket

Traditional Rig Dimensions

• • Typically 6-12 inches tall (mini rigs) to 18+ inches (full-size)

• • Requires additional accessories: torch, dabber, carb cap, concentrate container

• • Fragile glass construction limits transport options

Use Case Comparison

• • Home sessions: Traditional rigs excel here with their larger chambers and ritual experience

• • Travel/outdoor use: RigGo wins decisively—no torch, no fragile glass, instant readiness

• • Concerts/events: RigGo’s discreet size and quick operation make it the clear choice

• • Hiking/camping: RigGo + any water bottle = instant portable rig setup

Hardware & Heating

Traditional Rig: Torch + Quartz

Traditional rigs rely on butane torches to heat quartz, titanium, or ceramic nails. This method offers virtually unlimited temperature range but requires skill to master. Users must time their heating and cooling cycles—typically heating for 30-60 seconds, then waiting 45-90 seconds before dabbing to reach optimal low-temperature zones (400-550°F for terpene preservation).

RigGo: Electronic Ceramic Core

RigGo uses a flat mesh ceramic heating core with 3-level adjustable voltage (output power: 5.6-7.5W). The second-level precision heating technology ensures every bit of concentrate is used efficiently while preserving full flavor. The full-screen display shows your current settings without requiring you to memorize complex temperature commands.

Temperature Control Comparison

Concentrate Compatibility

Traditional Rig

Traditional rigs are format-agnostic. You can dab any consistency—shatter, wax, budder, crumble, live resin, live rosin, diamonds, sauce, or any combination. Simply drop it on the heated nail. This versatility is one of the traditional rig’s greatest strengths.

RigGo

RigGo features a premium ceramic bowl and core designed to be compatible with most types of concentrates. The flat mesh ceramic heating core handles various consistencies while the ceramic tank material ensures pure flavor without contamination. However, very runny consistencies may require more careful loading into the 0.5mL tank.

Session Experience

Setup Time

• • Traditional rig: Used to take 20+ minutes when you factor in setup, heating, cooling, and cleanup

• • RigGo: Dab in seconds—just power on, select your setting, and go

Battery Life & Continuous Use

RigGo’s 400mAh battery is optimized for extended sessions with “2X battery life” compared to similar devices. While a traditional rig never “runs out” (as long as you have butane), RigGo offers the convenience of not needing to refuel torches or worry about flame consistency.

Vapor Quality

Water Filtration

This is where RigGo truly innovates. Traditional rigs use built-in water chambers for filtration. RigGo takes a different approach: attach it to any standard bottled water (or other bottled drinks) for instant water-filtered hits. The dual-mode airflow system lets you switch between water-filtered mode for smooth, hydrated vapor or dry mode for quick, travel-friendly sessions.

Flavor Preservation

Both systems can deliver excellent flavor when used properly. Traditional rigs depend on hitting the right temperature window—too hot burns terpenes, too cold wastes concentrate. RigGo’s precision heating technology is designed to “preserve every flavor” by maintaining consistent heat throughout the session.

Customizable Experience

RigGo offers a unique feature: customizable hits with different bottled drinks. While water remains the standard, adventurous users can experiment with flavored beverages to discover unique flavor combinations—something impossible with traditional fixed-chamber rigs.

Potency & Effects

Extraction Efficiency

Traditional rigs can achieve very high extraction rates when used correctly, but technique matters significantly. Cold starts, hot starts, and carb cap technique all affect efficiency. RigGo’s tagline “Every Bit Used” speaks to its design philosophy—the precision heating system aims to vaporize concentrates completely without waste.

Effects Comparison

Both methods deliver the full potency of your concentrates. The key difference lies in consistency: traditional rigs can produce varying results based on technique, while RigGo’s electronic heating provides more predictable outcomes. For medical users who need consistent dosing, RigGo’s repeatability may be advantageous.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Traditional Rig Maintenance

• • Banger cleaning: Q-tip after each dab, occasional torch-cleaning to burn off residue

• • Water chamber: Regular water changes, periodic isopropyl alcohol cleaning

• • Reclaim buildup: Requires alcohol soaks or specialized cleaning solutions

• • Time investment: Moderate—proper maintenance is essential for flavor quality

RigGo Maintenance

According to Artrix, RigGo is “designed for hassle-free use—there’s no complex cleaning or maintenance required.” The self-contained ceramic core and smart airflow design keep each hit pure and consistent. This “simply use and go” approach offers minimal effort with maximum flavor.

Cost of Ownership

Traditional Rig Costs

• • Initial setup: $50-500+ for rig, $20-100+ for banger, $30-60 for torch, plus accessories

• • Ongoing costs: Butane refills ($5-15), replacement bangers (they degrade over time), cleaning supplies

• • Hidden costs: Glass breakage is common—many users have broken multiple rigs

RigGo Costs

• • Initial purchase: Disposable device cost (contact Artrix for pricing)

• • Ongoing costs: Replace a new one when using up the battery power

Pros & Cons Summary

Who Should Choose What?

Choose a Traditional Dab Rig If You:

• • Primarily dab at home and don’t need portability

• • Enjoy the ritual and process of traditional dabbing

• • Want maximum temperature control and customization

• • Already comfortable with torch techniques

Choose RigGo If You:

• • Need portability and discretion

• • Travel frequently or enjoy outdoor activities

• • Are new to concentrates and want an easy entry point

• • Value convenience and quick sessions

• • Want water filtration without the bulk

• • Prefer minimal maintenance and hassle-free use

Consider Both If You:

Many enthusiasts find value in owning both: a traditional rig for home sessions where the ritual matters, and a RigGo for travel, outdoor adventures, or quick sessions when time is limited.

Conclusion

The choice between RigGo and a traditional dab rig ultimately comes down to your lifestyle and priorities. Traditional rigs offer an unmatched ritual experience, unlimited temperature control, and work with any concentrate—but they’re fragile, stationary, and require significant skill to master.

RigGo represents a new paradigm: professional-level dabbing in a palm-sized package. Its innovative ability to transform any water bottle into an instant rig, combined with precision electronic heating and hassle-free maintenance, makes it ideal for the modern, mobile concentrate enthusiast.

Neither option is universally “better”—they serve different needs. What matters most is finding the tool that fits your lifestyle, whether that’s the ceremonial experience of a glass rig at home or the instant gratification of RigGo wherever life takes you.

Ready to experience portable dabbing redefined? Learn more about RigGo at Artrix.