Purchased my first "expensive" RIG from my lhs. I really wanted a top-notch dab rig, so I started searching. My previous experiences were all local smoke shops, wheeling and dealing on $30-$80 china or basic US glass. Then I started checking out this forum, some glass pages on reddit, and began following some instagram accounts. There's some sticker shock at first, but I see it totally being worth it now if you find an artistic gem that calls to you, and/or great function.
Anyways, I'm still new at this. Very thankful to
@pxl_jockey for answering some questions and providing much helpful info. I was going to order a piece he also had, but went to my lHS (Gorilla Radio) to do some more looking. Ended up function testing a few, including a klien type and a recycler that changed colors with light (CFL?), a Leisure incycler with goldish-colored specs throughout. Ended up buying a Pyrology Change Up rig for $420. It water functioned the best to me of all I tried there, and then after researching the price online it seemed like my best deal there.
It's small and clear. I'll do an artsy piece next time now that I have what I feel is a great functioning piece. Pull is effortless, super tasty hits without any throat irritation, and no water splashing yet. I just got to re-adjust to a smaller rig!