Of all the ways to smoke cannabis, using a bong has always been a popular choice among smokers. Bongs provide a smoother way of smoking and can help reduce the amount of cough and choke that sometimes happens when smoking marijuana. There are many different types of bongs, and many choices when it comes to the design you’re looking for. Your choice will ultimately depend on your budget and your own personal preference.
What is a Bong?
Bongs are essentially water pipes, although not all water pipes are bongs. Bongs are really just a smoking device that filters the marijuana smoke through water before you inhale it. This system can help remove toxins from the marijuana, and also improve the buzz, making you more stoned. Due to the fact that it removes many toxins and carcinogens, smoking from a bong is also thought to be healthier than smoking a joint or smoking from a pipe.
What is the best material for a bong?
Before you can start even thinking about the design you want your bong to have, you need to think about the material you want your bong to be made of. There are many to choose from, and each has its own pros and cons.
Glass bongs
Of all the different materials to choose from, glass is most popular for bongs. Glass is easy to clean, does not affect the flavour, and even easy to monitor to determine if it needs a cleaning. Because glass bongs have the most benefits and are the most popular, they are also typically the most expensive.
Plastic bongs
The material second to only glass bongs are plastic bongs. People like these bongs because they are extremely durable, which also makes them great for travel. Plastic bongs are also cheaper than those made of glass. If these bongs have any downside, it’s likely that the taste of your cannabis may be affected by the plastic.
Ceramic bongs
Ceramic bongs are not typically used for every day, but they are great to break out on special occasions. These bongs are extremely fragile. However, because clay is so easy to manipulate, you can find different and unique shapes when you choose ceramic. These bongs are also typically a bit more expensive than plastic, but not quite as pricey as glass.
Metal bongs
Metal bongs can typically be much cheaper than other types of materials, but they also have their downsides. Firstly, then can greatly affect the taste of your cannabis. Secondly, due to the fact that metal is not transparent, it’s difficult to know when it’s time to clean your bong.
Bamboo bongs
A material that is not used as commonly as plastic or glass, but that is extremely durable, is bamboo. Sometimes these bongs are simply a tube of bamboo that’s been sealed. Other times, these bongs are decorated with paint, varnish, and metal. When these bongs are properly cared for, they can easily last a lifetime.
How does a bong work?
Although bongs come in many different shapes and sizes, they mostly have the same parts and follow the same principle of using water to filter smoke.
All bongs have a water chamber that sits at the bottom. This is the area that holds the water, which acts as a filter for the cannabis smoke and makes the smoke cooler and smoother.
Extending straight up from the water chamber at the bottom is the tube of the bong. This is what allows the smoke to rise from the water chamber and out through the mouthpiece so the smoke can be inhaled. Sometimes these tubes are simply just straight, while other times they go in many directions and pass through many different chambers. It’s thought that this design will bring a better and more potent buzz.
Connecting the bowl that holds the cannabis and the water chamber is the downstem. This is a much smaller tube. One end sits within the water in the chamber. The other sits outside of the bong, typically though a small hole, that holds the bowl.
Of course, you can’t talk about the downstream without talking about the bowl that stems holds. The bowl simply holds your cannabis and allows you to light it.
Lastly, some bongs are also equipped with carb holes. These holes can be covered up with your thumb or finger and then released as you inhale to allow fresh air to enter. Sometimes, the downspout works as the carb hole and you simply pull out the bowl to allow that fresh air in.
What are the different types of bongs?
There are lots of different types of bongs made from a variety of materials and with different filtration systems.
Beaker Bongs
Known for its stable, wide base, the classic beaker bong is a favorite among herb enthusiasts for good reason. Its design minimizes tipping, allowing for taller builds and bigger hits. Innovations such as percolators and ash catchers enhance its functionality, while ice notches are often included for cooler smoke. This makes the beaker bong both versatile and durable.
Straight Tube/Cylinder Bong
Characterized by its straightforward design, the straight tube bong offers affordability without sacrificing quality. Often equipped with percolators and ice catchers, these bongs come in various sizes and materials, including resilient silicone. Whether stemless or with a traditional downstem, straight tube bongs provide a pure and strong hit.
Multi-Chamber Bong
Offering an advanced level of smoke filtration, multi-chamber bongs have multiple percolators that refine smoke through several chambers. This not only cools the smoke effectively but also enhances its flavor and smoothness, making each hit pleasurable.
Mini Bong
Perfect for discreet use and easy transport, mini bongs pack the functionality of their larger counterparts into a compact size. They're especially favored for their affordability and portability, making them ideal for personal use or travel.
Dab Rigs
Specialized for consuming concentrates, dab rigs are designed to maximize the flavor and potency of wax and oils. Typically smaller than average bongs, they feature a quartz banger where intense heat is applied. The design often includes multiple percolators to ensure a smooth vapor, which is less harsh than smoke.
DIY Bongs
Embrace your creativity by constructing a bong from household items or natural materials. While often a fun project, it’s important to use safe materials, especially for the bowl, to avoid inhaling harmful fumes.
What is the benefit of a percolator?
A percolator in a bong enhances the filtration and cooling of smoke, leading to a smoother and cleaner hit. It works by breaking the smoke into smaller particles, increasing its exposure to water where impurities and toxins are filtered out more efficiently. This process also cools the smoke more effectively before inhalation, reducing the harshness on the throat and lungs.
What is an ice trap?
An ice trap, often referred to as an ice catcher, is a feature in some bongs designed to hold ice cubes within the neck of the bong. This setup cools the smoke as it passes over the ice, leading to a much smoother and cooler inhalation experience. By cooling the smoke, an ice trap reduces the harshness on the throat, making for a more pleasant smoking session.
Bong FAQ
What type of bong is best for beginners?
A beaker bong is best for beginners due to its stable base and simple design, making it easier to use and less prone to tipping over.
Is it healthier to smoke from a bong or a pipe?
Smoking from a bong is generally considered healthier than a pipe because the water filtration removes more tar and toxins from the smoke.
Is smoking a bong healthier than rolling a joint?
Yes, smoking from a bong is healthier than rolling a joint as the water filtration significantly reduces the inhalation of combusted particulates.
What gets you more high, joints or bongs?
Bongs typically get you higher than joints or blunts as they allow for a larger amount of smoke to be inhaled in a single hit.
Which is better for you, a bong or a vape?
A vape is better for you than a bong as it heats cannabis to a point where it releases vapor without burning it, reducing the intake of harmful substances.
Do all bongs need a bowl?
Yes, all bongs need a bowl, as it holds the cannabis during use and is essential for directing the smoke through the water filtration system.
