This guide covers glass and hardware for use with legal products only, in line with your state's laws. TAG makes no health claims about any material you choose to use.
Most hobbies need supplies to be fully enjoyed. You cannot rock out without a guitar, unless you are air guitaring. The same applies to glass. Sure, you have your basic dry pipes and water pipes, but there are other supplies you will want if you plan to use legal herbs in both solid and vapor form.
Or do you? It is possible to run your water pipe for both dry herb and concentrates. You do not necessarily need a dab rig like these, but it is a decent idea to have one for each. So how does this work? Let us get to it.
What Is Your Preference?
You might be new to this. That is fine, there are important things to learn, and you are at the right site. Figuring out which water pipe to get can be overwhelming when you are not sure whether you want dry herb or concentrates. This piece, with a Super Slit Showerhead Frother, looks pretty cool, right? But what about this 10" Klein Incycler? A nice glass piece, for sure.
The important thing is what you want out of your relaxing time. If you enjoy legal herbs more than concentrates, you are more likely to line your shelves with pieces like this 14" beaker style water pipe.
That does not mean you are cut out of the concentrates side. The same goes if you lean toward concentrates. You do not have to own one of each, but it is more convenient if you do. Feel like cleaning your pipe every time you switch? You may have to if you run one piece for both.
Two Pipes, Two Kinds of Accessories
Have you noticed there are both male and female parts to the gear out there? That is because many pieces are designed to work together. You are not the only one who wants the convenience of using both herbs and concentrates with one piece. Lots of people prefer this for convenience and some to save a couple of dollars.
When you are new, you may not be sure where to spend your cash (though the fact you visited this online headshop means you are ahead of most). No problem. It is pretty basic. Male water pipes take female slides and nails and vice versa. Watch your measurements too, as 14 and 18mm joint size is key to keeping your purchase optimized.
If you are leaning toward herbs but want to try concentrates at some point, start with a female slide and a male jointed water pipe. This gives you the space to connect a female accessory like a titanium nail or banger so you can try the other options.
If you are the other way around, start with your male jointed nail and look for a nice female joint to help you along. See how easy that was? You can cover both options with two simple pieces of gear.
Nails for Days
Nails are common for concentrates. They come in several sizes and materials, which means several price points. If you need cheaper because you are starting out and do not want to commit, look at ceramic or quartz nails.
Titanium nails cost more than quartz, but they are a great investment. If you are confident concentrates are where your interest is, you could splurge on an electric nail, better known as an e nail. This one will set you back some, but it is worth it. The only downside is that you need to be near an outlet to use it.
The type of nail also affects the draw. Some nails run hotter than others, which determines whether your concentrate vaporizes cleanly. Ideally you want your concentrates heated between 400 F and 800 F. Working within that range keeps the draw clean rather than scorching material. (It is an art. See this article on dab rigs for more details.) Do what works best for you, so try your options and find your sweet spot. The e nail helps conserve your concentrates and provides precise temperatures so you are not burning through them as fast.
Set It Up
You should be feeling pretty confident by now. We have laid it out here that you can do both herbs and concentrates with minimal gear until you decide which you prefer.
While there is a lot to remember such as size, joint type, and material, this is not rocket science. Using glass is supposed to be relaxed and enjoyable. You may want to keep separate pieces for herbs and concentrates just to keep things cleaner and easier to manage, but you do not have to. No one is going to twist your arm into getting both, and if you are trying different setups, there is nothing wrong with making your dab rig or water pipe do double duty until you are satisfied.
You may never own two separate rigs, and that is okay. This is your time to relax. No one can decide for you which option is best. Being able to customize how you enjoy it is one of the best things about any hobby.