Concentrates are one of the most popular ways to enjoy cannabis today, but the gear you use makes a huge difference in the experience. From flavor and smoothness to portability and price, choosing the right tool can be the difference between a quick, satisfying dab and a frustrating setup. The three most common options—dab straws, nectar collectors, and oil rigs—each have their own strengths, drawbacks, and learning curves, and knowing how they compare will help you find the setup that fits your style.
At House of Pipes, we see every type of dabber walk through our doors, from beginners looking for something simple to experienced users ready to invest in precision rigs. That’s why we stock all three options, along with the accessories you’ll need to get started. Whether you’re dabbing on the go, upgrading to a smoother session, or building out a serious at-home setup, understanding the differences between these tools is the first step toward making the right choice.
What Is a Dab Straw?
A dab straw is the simplest way to consume cannabis concentrates without investing in a full rig. Sometimes called a honey straw, it’s essentially a straight glass or silicone tube with a tip that you heat using a torch or lighter. Once the tip is hot, you dip it directly into your concentrate and inhale through the other end. There’s no bowl, nail, or complicated setup—it’s about as direct as dabbing gets, which is part of its appeal.
Portability and simplicity are the biggest benefits of a dab straw. They’re small enough to fit in a pocket or stash bag, making them perfect for people who want to take concentrates on the go. Setup takes only a few seconds—just heat the tip and you’re ready to dab. There are no extra moving parts, water chambers, or delicate attachments to worry about, which makes dab straws easy to use and even easier to clean. For many, the low price point is another advantage, since they’re often the most affordable way to try dabbing.
That simplicity comes with some trade-offs. Because there’s no water filtration, the vapor from a dab straw can be harsher on your throat and lungs compared to a rig or nectar collector. Hits are often hotter, and you lose some of the smoothness and flavor that water-cooled setups provide. Dab straws also give you less control over dosing, since it’s easy to take in more concentrate than you expected. For some users, especially those who prefer smoother or more flavorful hits, this can be a dealbreaker.
Overall, dab straws are best for beginners or casual concentrate users who value portability and low cost over precision or comfort. They’re a great way to experiment with dabs without committing to a bigger setup, and many people keep one around even after upgrading—especially for travel or quick sessions.
What Is a Nectar Collector?
A nectar collector takes the basic dab straw concept and upgrades it for a smoother, more controlled experience. Legend has it that it was first conceived in the backwoods of Oregon. Instead of being just a straight tube with a heated tip, a nectar collector usually comes with modular parts that improve both function and comfort. It’s still designed for vertical use—you heat the tip, touch it to your concentrate, and inhale—but the design tweaks make a noticeable difference in how it feels.
One of the biggest improvements is the addition of a water chamber. Just like a mini bong, the chamber filters and cools the vapor before it reaches your throat, cutting down on the harshness that dab straws are known for. Many nectar collectors also feature detachable tips made of quartz, titanium, or ceramic, which not only improve durability but also let you swap out parts depending on your preference. The vertical orientation keeps your concentrates stable in a dish or container, reducing spills and mess compared to balancing them on a dab tool.
These upgrades translate into real benefits for the user. The water chamber makes draws significantly smoother, and detachable tips let you control the temperature and quality of your hits with more precision. Nectar collectors also make it easier to conserve concentrates, since you can touch the hot tip directly to the amount you want instead of guessing how much to load. Overall, the design allows for cleaner, cooler, and more measured dabs without requiring the full setup of an oil rig.
Because of this balance of portability and performance, nectar collectors are especially appealing to intermediate users. They’re still relatively compact and travel-friendly, but they provide enough refinement to satisfy people who dab more regularly or want smoother, tastier hits. For many, a nectar collector is the natural upgrade after starting with a dab straw, offering better comfort without losing the convenience of a simple, portable device.
What Is an Oil Rig?
An oil rig is the classic way to enjoy cannabis concentrates, borrowing from the design of a traditional water pipe but adapted specifically for dabbing. Instead of a bowl for flower, an oil rig uses a specialized attachment—usually a nail or banger—that’s heated to vaporize concentrates. Once the concentrate touches the hot surface, it instantly produces vapor that travels through the water chamber, giving you a smooth and flavorful hit. Oil rigs come in many sizes and styles, from compact tabletop rigs to large, artistic heady pieces, but the principle is the same: water filtration paired with precise concentrate vaporization.
Nails, bangers, and torches are essential parts of the oil rig setup. The nail or banger is the heated surface where the concentrate is vaporized, and they’re typically made from quartz, titanium, or ceramic for durability and heat retention. A torch is used to heat the surface to the right temperature, although some users opt for electronic nails (e-nails) for more control. Once the surface is hot, the concentrate is placed inside with a dab tool, and a carb cap may be used to regulate airflow. This process takes a little practice, but once you get the timing and temperature right, oil rigs deliver unmatched potency and flavor.
The benefits of an oil rig are hard to ignore. Because of the water filtration, hits are smoother and cooler than with dab straws or nectar collectors. The larger chamber and precision heating also let you enjoy the full terpene profile of your concentrate, preserving flavor while delivering strong, efficient hits. Rigs are built to last, with sturdy borosilicate glass and replaceable parts that can handle heavy use. For serious concentrate users, oil rigs offer the highest level of performance, control, and durability of any dabbing tool.
Of course, those benefits come with trade-offs. Oil rigs are less portable than dab straws or nectar collectors, since they require more setup and are typically larger and heavier. They also tend to cost more, especially when you factor in accessories like torches, carb caps, or e-nails. For beginners, the learning curve can feel intimidating compared to the simplicity of heating a straw tip. Oil rigs are best suited for at-home use, where you can take your time with the process and enjoy the full potential of your concentrates without worrying about convenience.
Dab Straw vs. Nectar Collector vs. Oil Rig: Which Is Right for You?
When it comes to cost, portability, smoothness, and learning curve, each tool has a clear place in the lineup. Dab straws are the cheapest and simplest option—great if you just want to try concentrates without a big investment. They’re also the most portable, small enough to toss in a bag or pocket. The trade-off is that they can be harsh, with little to no filtration, and they don’t provide much control. Nectar collectors sit in the middle: still affordable and compact, but with upgrades like water chambers and detachable tips that smooth out the vapor and give you more consistency. Oil rigs are the most expensive and least portable but deliver unmatched smoothness, flavor, and power. For someone who takes dabbing seriously, a rig is hard to beat, but it’s not as practical on the go.
Each option also fits a different type of user. Dab straws are best for casual or occasional concentrate fans who want something quick and easy. Nectar collectors appeal to people who dab regularly and want better comfort without losing portability. Oil rigs are ideal for at-home heavy users who care about flavor, precision, and getting the most out of their concentrates. Knowing where you fall on this spectrum—casual vs. regular vs. heavy—goes a long way toward helping you choose.
Budget and lifestyle should guide your decision as much as performance. If you’re experimenting or on a tight budget, start with a dab straw and see how you like the concentrate experience. If you want a daily driver that still works when you’re traveling, a nectar collector offers the best balance. And if you’re building a dedicated at-home setup and don’t mind spending more, an oil rig is the gold standard. There’s no single right answer—just the tool that fits your habits, your budget, and the way you like to dab.
Find Your Perfect Dabbing Setup at House of Pipes
Whether you’re drawn to the simplicity of a dab straw, the versatility of a nectar collector, or the precision of an oil rig, the right tool depends on how you like to dab. Each option comes with its own balance of cost, portability, smoothness, and control, and understanding those differences makes it much easier to find a setup that truly fits your lifestyle.
At House of Pipes, we stock all three options along with the accessories you’ll need to get started. Our staff can walk you through the differences in person, show you how each piece works, and help you choose based on your budget and habits. With 26 locations across Oregon and Washington, you’ll always have access to reliable gear and real guidance. If you’re ready to upgrade your concentrate experience, stop by House of Pipes and find the dabbing setup that’s right for you.
Legal Disclaimer
All products are intended for legal use by adults 21 and over. Please comply with all local laws and regulations when purchasing or using smoking accessories. House of Pipes does not condone or promote illegal activity.
