Heady Dab Rigs

If you're after bold colors, trippy shapes, or mind-blowing craftsmanship, a heady rig adds serious personality to your setup.

At DankGeek, we've rounded up the best heady dab rigs that don't just perform—they wow. Ready to add something unique to your collection? Let's geek out together.

What are Heady Dab Rigs?

Heady dab rigs are where art meets function in the world of dabbing. These aren't your average pieces—they're functional tools that double as intricate works of art, handcrafted by skilled American glassblowers who pour creativity into every detail.

With unique designs, vibrant colors, and precision-built chambers for efficient percolation, heady dab rigs don't just look good—they deliver smooth and cool hits every time. If you want to level up your setup, these heady dab rigs offer the perfect blend of style, craftsmanship, and performance.

History of Heady Dab Rigs

Heady dab rigs have a rich backstory rooted in creativity, craftsmanship, and a passion for all things concentrate.

It all started in the 1970s when glass artists like Bob Snodgrass began experimenting with borosilicate glass, transforming simple tools into vibrant, functional art. These weren't your average pieces—they were colorful, expressive, and pushed the boundaries of what glass could do.

By the 1990s, the scene had evolved into a full-blown movement. Artists shared techniques at live demos, music festivals, and eventually online, giving rise to a tight-knit community of makers and collectors.

Today, heady rigs aren't just tools—they're statement pieces. From sculpted masterpieces to intricate color pulls, heady glass has become a showcase of serious flame-work skill and next-level design.

Pros & Cons of Heady Dab Rigs

Thinking of picking up a heady dab rig? These artistic beauties aren't just for show—they bring serious perks to your sesh. But like any great piece, they come with a few trade-offs.

Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of heady dab rigs.

Pros

• Exclusive Artistry: Each heady rig is a one-of-a-kind collectible, blending vibrant colors and intricate designs into a stunning piece of functional art.

• Thick & Sturdy Glass: Many heady rigs use thick, high-quality glass, which enhances durability compared to mass-produced pieces.

• Smooth Hits: High-end percolation systems often incorporated in these rigs provide smoother, cooler hits.

• Investment Value: Recognized artists' rigs can appreciate in value, making them collectibles for connoisseurs.

Cons

• Pricing: Unique craftsmanship and brand-name artists make heady rigs considerably more expensive than standard or scientific glass rigs.

• Fragility: The complex and artistic designs sometimes incorporate thinner sections or delicate details, making these rigs more susceptible to breakage.

• Difficult to Replace: Since each heady rig is a limited edition art piece, it is hard to replace or replicate a broken one.

• Harder to Clean: Intricate designs and fixed percolators can make cleaning heady rigs more challenging and time-consuming.

DankGeek's Heady Glass Rig Selection

Ready to level up your dabbing setup? DankGeek's heady glass rig selection brings together standout designs, top-tier craftsmanship, and serious functionality—all in one place.

Explore our collection of heady glass rigs today to find the perfect addition to your shelf.

Clayball Glass

Clayball Glass is all about elegance, function, and handcrafted California flair. Known for their cyclonic recycler action and custom fumed glass, these rigs deliver incredibly smooth hits wrapped in mesmerizing, color-shifting beauty.

Their signature rigs—often around 8 inches tall—feature inline percs and shimmering marbles and are signed by the artist, making each one a certified collectible.

Empire Glassworks

Empire Glassworks brings bold imagination and premium craftsmanship to every piece, blending NASA-grade dichroic glass with vibrant, pop culture-inspired designs. Their rigs don't just shine—they shimmer, shift color, and tell a visual story with every use.

Popular for their durability and flair, each rig is annealed at high temperatures for strength and offers smooth pulls through thoughtfully engineered chambers.

Glassic

Glassic makes handmade heady glass accessible with well-priced rigs that don't skimp on performance or personality. Balancing artistry with function, Glassic focuses on sturdy borosilicate builds and designs that perform beautifully without breaking the bank.

Alien Flower Monkey (AFM)

AFM combines scientific glass performance with extraterrestrial aesthetics, making it a top pick for daily use and collectors. Their rigs often boast thick 9mm glass, multi-arm percs, and neon cosmic colorways that deliver durability and visual pop.

Fan favorites like their beaker bongs and recyclers offer smooth hits, ergonomic comfort, and intergalactic vibes at accessible prices.

CaliBear

CaliBear earns top marks for fusing artistic innovation with robust construction, using thick borosilicate glass and eye-catching percs, like the Seed of Life. Rigs like the Wolf Head and Heady Eyeball combine ergonomic comfort with show-stopping design for smooth, splash-free hits.

CaliBear builds its rigs to impress, adding premium packaging, accessories, and detailed glasswork—all without breaking the budget.

Cheech Glass

Cheech Glass, officially endorsed by the legend Cheech Marin, is "The People's Glass" because it brings affordable artistry and durability to the masses. With vibrant colors, themed designs, and evolving percolator tech, its rigs offer solid performance and head-turning looks.

From daily dabbers to collectors, Cheech rigs deliver smooth hits and trusted quality with a cultural seal of approval.

Claw

Claw rigs are known for their mythical, dragon-inspired glasswork, often sculpted into fierce claws or fiery limbs that steal the spotlight. Artists like Mike Luna and Don Chile Ortega have helped elevate Claw into the collector realm, producing limited-run, artist-signed pieces bursting with color and detail.

Despite their exotic appearance, these rigs deliver smooth function, balanced form, and daily usability in compact, sturdy builds.

Pulsar

Pulsar stands out for mixing cutting-edge innovation with affordability, offering everything from classic borosilicate rigs to indestructible silicone builds and even electric dab solutions. 

Whether you're a beginner or seasoned collector, Pulsar's wide range and user-friendly features make it a go-to for heady glass fans on a budget.

Snowman Glassworks

Snowman Glassworks turns seasonal joy into functional glass art with rigs shaped like—you guessed it—snowmen. Crafted from thick, heat-resistant glass and accented with UV-reactive or glow-in-the-dark features, these rigs combine playful charm with smooth hits from multi-slit percs.

Perfect for display or daily use, they're compact and collectible and add a touch of winter magic to every session.

Essential Accessories For Your Heady Dab Rig

So you got your collector’s item and you’re ready to show it off to all the guys and gals. We’re just as excited as you are, but remember, a heady dab rig is still a work of art and needs to be protected more than your everyday piece. 

Here are some of our favorite accessories to make your dabbing experience unique while ensuring a safe and protected heady piece.

• Dab Mats and Pads: When rocking a heady rig, a quality dab mat will keep it safe from bumps and hard landings. Brands like StonerDays and DabPadz offer thick, stylish protection that cushions your glass in all the right ways.

• Cleaning Solutions: Keep those vibrant colors and intricate designs looking fresh with top-tier cleaning solutions. Formula 420 and Grunge Off remove the grime without dulling your prized rig's personality.

• Cleaning Tools: Intricate recyclers and tight welds? No problem. Magnetic cleaners and long-bristle brushes from Pulsar and SnowTree make it easy to reach every corner without risking your glass.

• Dab Tools: From scooping to swirling, dab tools are your best friend for clean, controlled sessions. Look to Honeybee Herb or AFM for durable, well-balanced tools.

• Carb Caps: Carb caps do more than trap heat; they enhance flavor and add flair. Favorites like Empire Glassworks and HEMPER offer caps that look as good as they hit, pairing perfectly with your heady setup.

• Dab Torches: Dab torches bring the heat with their reliable flame, sleek form, and just the right amount of power. Torches from Blazer or Special Blue are solid choices for consistent and efficient heating.

• Oils and Wax Storage: Sticky messes don't vibe with heady setups. Higher Standards and PILOT DIARY offer non-stick, smell-proof containers that keep your concentrates fresh and your stash area tidy.

• Storage Cases: Some heady rigs come with a custom case (like Glassic's Reaper Rig), but if not, cases from RYOT and MJ Arsenal provide padded protection for your precious pieces.

Cleaning & Maintenance for Heady Dab Rigs

Proper cleaning and regular maintenance are essential for preserving heady dab rigs' appearance, performance, and value. These artistic glass pieces often feature intricate designs and delicate percolators that require a gentle approach.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean and maintain your heady dab rig:

Cleaning Essentials

• Isopropyl Alcohol (91% or higher): Dissolves tough resin and concentrate residue.

• Coarse Salt (Epsom or Sea Salt): Acts as an abrasive for scrubbing internal glass.

• Dedicated Cleaning Solution: This must-have cleaning solution is designed for dab rigs and prevents residue buildup.

• Cotton Swabs, Pipe Cleaners, and Soft Brushes: These tools can reach small or delicate sections, such as percolators and recycler arms.

• Rubber Stoppers or Cleaning Caps: Seal openings for shaking solution inside without leaks.

• Warm Water: Used for rinsing and loosening debris before and after cleaning.

• Microfiber Cloth: For gentle cleaning and drying.

Step-by-Step Heady Rig Cleaning Guide

Step 1: Disassemble Carefully

• Remove all detachable parts (banger, carb cap, dab tool, etc.).

• If possible, detach percolator or mouthpiece sections (most heady rigs are single-piece, so skip if not applicable).

Step 2: Rinse with Warm Water

• Gently rinse the rig with warm water.

• Avoid extreme temperature changes to prevent glass cracking.

Step 3: Add Cleaning Solution

• Pour isopropyl alcohol and a few tablespoons of coarse salt into the rig.

• For especially delicate glass, use less salt and let the alcohol soak for longer.

Step 4: Seal and Shake

• Use cleaning caps or stoppers to seal all openings.

• Shake gently—avoid aggressive force or banging, especially with rigs featuring thin sections or glass attachments.

Step 5: Target Stubborn Areas

• If heavy buildup exists, let the cleaning solution soak for 30–60 minutes.

• Use pipe cleaners, brushes, or cotton swabs to reach and dislodge residue from percolators, tight corners, or recycler arms.

Step 6: Rinse Thoroughly

• Rinse the rig repeatedly with warm water to remove all alcohol and salt.

• Ensure no residual odor or debris remains, as isopropyl alcohol taste or salt crystals can linger.

Step 7: Dry with Care

• Allow it to air dry or gently pat it with a microfiber cloth.

• Avoid paper towels, which may leave lint or scratch the glass.

Maintenance Tips

• Routine Cleaning: For frequent users, a quick rinse with warm water after each session significantly reduces the frequency of deep cleaning.

• Deep Clean Weekly or Biweekly: Especially if using sticky concentrates or heavily colored tars.

• Protect Art Details: Avoid metal tools or abrasive pads on the outer surface or worked areas.

• Prevent Staining: Use filtered water to reduce mineral deposits and replace water after each use.

• Safe Storage: Store rigs upright and cushioned away from edges. Use padded cases or dab mats to prevent accidental damage.

• Special Care for Headiness: Artistic protrusions, marbles, or opal inlays require gentle handling—focus on gentle soaking rather than forceful agitation.

DankGeek's Top Picks for Heady Dab Rigs

Looking for a dab rig that turns heads and delivers buttery-smooth hits? You're in the right spot. DankGeek's favorite heady rigs bring the heat with beautiful designs, exceptional craftsmanship, and function that keeps up with the flair.

Explore our top picks and find the perfect heady rig for your collection.

Note: Some of these heady rigs are made in low quantities and are usually made-to-order.

FAQs

Why is Heady Glass So Expensive?

Skilled artists handcraft heady glass and treat each rig like a mini masterpiece. The vibrant colors, 3D designs, and wild shapes come from complex techniques like fuming and sculpting that take years to master.

Add in high-quality borosilicate glass and the time invested, and you've got a collector's piece, not just a smoking tool. That's why these beauties cost more—but they're so worth it.

What is the Difference Between Heady and Scientific Glass?

Heady glass is all about flair—it can look like a dinosaur, robot, or trippy swirl of colors. Scientific glass leans into pure function, using precise percs and clean lines to deliver ultra-smooth hits.

Think of heady glass as a gallery piece and scientific glass as lab equipment. Both are awesome—it just depends on your vibe.

Is Heady Glass Better Than Scientific Glass Bongs?

Heady glass bongs are like holding a piece of art in your hands: thicker, custom, and made for display as much as use. Scientific bongs are precision tools with ultra-refined percs and airflow.

Want smooth, no-frills function? Go scientific. Want a convo starter that rips hard? Heady's your move.

What Makes Heady Glass Bongs Different?

What makes heady glass stand out is the insane level of artistry baked into every piece. Techniques like wig-wag, fuming, implosion, and linework take years to perfect, resulting in glass that practically dances with color and dimension.

Is Heady Glass Worth It?

Totally! Heady glass rigs are more than smoking gear—they're collectible art pieces. Well-known artists in the glassblowing world often craft them using premium materials like borosilicate glass.