What size bowl or banger do I need?
Choosing the right bowl or banger for your bong or dab rig isn’t just about style — it’s about fit, function, and performance. Whether you're replacing a broken part or upgrading your setup, knowing your joint size, gender, and angle is key.
In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know so you can confidently match the perfect piece to your rig.
🔍 First: Understand the 3 Sizing Factors
There are three things you need to know to choose the right bowl or banger:
1️⃣ Joint Size (Diameter)
This is the width of the glass joint where the bowl or banger connects.
The most common sizes are:
- 10mm – Compact and found on small rigs or mini bongs
- 14mm – Most standard size for bowls and bangers. This can also be called 14.5mm
- 18mm – Larger joint size for big bongs and heavy hits. This can also be called 18.8mm
📏 How to measure it:
Use a ruler or caliper across the inner or outer edge of the joint — whichever applies to your piece. Another nifty way to measure the joint size of your accessory or bong/dab rig is using a penny. See this guide:
2️⃣ Joint Gender
- Male joint – Narrow and inserts into the female joint

- Female joint – Wider and accepts a male piece inside

🔁 Rule of thumb:
- If your rig or bong has a female joint, you’ll need a male bowl or banger
- If your piece has a male joint, you’ll need a female accessory


3️⃣ Joint Angle
- 90° – The joint sticks straight out horizontally from the bong

- 45° – The joint points down at an angle

🛠️ Why it matters:
You want your bowl or banger to sit upright. If the angles don’t match, the piece may sit awkwardly or spill concentrates.
🔥 What About Dab Bangers?
Bangers follow the same size/gender/angle system, but there are a few extra things to consider:
- Bucket size – How much concentrate you can load at once
- Wall thickness – Thicker quartz = better heat retention
- Auto-spinners or terp slurp styles – Need proper fit with carb caps and pearls
- Material – Quartz is most common, but some use ceramic or titanium
💡 Pro Tip: Most bangers are 14mm male with 90° angles, but always double-check your rig's specs.
⚖️ Why Getting the Right Fit Matters
Fit Mistake | What Happens |
---|---|
Wrong joint size | Doesn’t fit — too loose or won’t insert |
Wrong gender | Won’t connect at all |
Wrong angle | Banger or bowl sits tilted or spills |
Poor seal | Air leaks = less smoke or vapor buildup |
🧠 Final Tip: If You’re Not Sure, Ask Us!
When in doubt, send us a picture of your bong or rig and we’ll help you pick the perfect match. We know joints can be confusing — but you don’t have to figure it out alone.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions | 💡 Pro Tips for Bowls & Bangers |
---|---|
How do I know what size joint I have? Measure the inner diameter of your joint (for female) or the outer diameter (for male). Or compare with a known 14mm or 18mm piece. | 14mm is the most common size. If you're unsure, start there — it's compatible with most modern glass pieces. |
What’s the difference between male and female joints? Male joints are narrow and fit into female ones. Female joints are wider and accept male inserts. | Look at how your current piece connects. If your bowl slides into the joint, it's male. If it receives it, it's female. |
Can I use an 18mm bowl on a 14mm rig? Not directly. You’d need a size adapter to convert the joint. | Adapters exist for nearly every mismatch. Keep one on hand if you like to switch pieces often. |
Does the angle matter for a bowl? Yes — especially with bangers. A mismatched angle can make your piece awkward or unusable. | Always match 45° or 90° joints. This keeps your bowl upright and your banger centered. |
What material is best for bangers? Quartz is most common because it heats evenly and delivers great flavor. Titanium and ceramic are also available but behave differently. | Use thick quartz for better heat retention. Especially helpful for low-temp dabbing or cold starts. |
What if I don’t know any of this? Just ask us — we’re happy to ID your piece from a photo and recommend the right gear. | Take a picture next to a coin or lighter. It helps us estimate size if you're unsure what you're working with. |