Different Types Of Bongs
Bongs have been a go-to for cannabis lovers for centuries, offering smooth, water-cooled hits. They come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, each delivering a unique experience. There's a perfect bong, whether you want portability, artistic flair, or massive rips.
Common Bong Materials
Material is only one element of what makes a bong special. The material used to make a bong dictates your water pipe’s durability, taste, and price. Some materials offer better filtration, while others are built for portability. Let’s break them down:
Glass Bongs
Glass bongs are a popular choice among smokers. They offer the cleanest taste because they don’t affect the flavor of your smoke. They come in many designs, from simple straight tubes to intricate percolator styles.
The downside is that glass can break easily, especially if not made of borosilicate glass (a heat-resistant, durable type). Still, most smokers prefer glass for its high quality and smooth hits.
Silicone Bongs
Silicone is an excellent choice if you want a tough, unbreakable bong. You can bend, drop, and even pack it in a bag without worrying about it shattering.
Silicone bongs are also super easy to clean since many can be removed. They’re perfect for on-the-go smokers or beginners who don’t want to worry about breaking their bong.
They might not offer the same premium feel as glass, but their durability makes them popular.
Acrylic Bongs
Acrylic bongs are cheap, lightweight, and colorful. This is a good option if you’re new to bongs or want something budget-friendly.
The downside? Acrylic can affect the taste of your smoke. It’s not as smooth as glass or silicone, but it’s still a solid choice for travel or casual use.
Ceramic Bongs
Ceramic bongs are heavy, stylish, and unique. Many are handmade with intricate designs, making them great for collectors.
Since thick ceramic makes your smoke cooler for a smoother hit. But be careful—ceramic bongs are fragile and can break very easily.
Metal Bongs
Metal bongs are nearly indestructible. If you want a bong that will last forever, metal is the way to go.
However, metal can alter the flavor of your smoke, which is why it’s not as popular as other materials.
Popular Bong Designs
Beyond materials, bong design impacts your smoking experience. Let’s explore some of the most popular styles:
Beaker Bongs
The classic beaker bongs are smoking household staples for a reason. Their great design features classic wide bases, which make them more stable and less likely to tip over.
Beaker bongs have larger water chambers holding more smoke for better filtration, making them ideal for beginners. They also feature an easy-to-clean design.
One advantage of beaker bongs is that they’re easier to add ash catchers. At SnowTree, many of our beaker bongs come equipped with removable bowls and percolators, providing customization options for a personalized experience. On the flip side, beaker bongs are relatively bulky and thus less portable than other design types.
Multi-Chamber Bongs
Also known as double or triple-chamber bongs, these take filtration to the next level. They have two or more chambers, each with a filtration system or water section, helping to cool and filter the smoke even more than standard bongs.
The extra filtration makes for smoother and cleaner hits, but the complex design can make them harder to clean and maintain. Due to their advanced build, they also tend to be more expensive and less portable.
Percolator Bongs
Percolator bongs are all about filtration and smoothness. They have built-in percs (short for percolators), which help break the smoke into smaller bubbles. This increases surface area, cools the smoke, and makes hits less harsh on your throat.
Percolator bongs come in many styles, each offering a slightly different experience. Let’s look at some of the most popular percolator types.
Types Of Percolator Bongs
- Honeycomb Percs – A flat disc with multiple tiny holes resembling a honeycomb. These provide excellent diffusion by breaking the smoke into many tiny bubbles. The result? Cooler, smoother hits with minimal drag.
- Showerhead Percs – This design has vertical slits, creating a smooth bubbling effect when you inhale. It’s simple yet effective, offering excellent smoke filtration without adding too much resistance.
- Matrix Percs – A 360-degree percolator with multiple holes for maximum filtration. This type cools the smoke evenly and delivers super-smooth hits.
- Inline Percs – A horizontal tube with slits placed inside the bong’s water chamber. It spreads the smoke evenly and cools it down efficiently, making each hit less harsh.
Recycler Bongs
Recycler bongs are a type of bong that features a unique water filtration system. They incorporate a second chamber, often called a “recycler,” that circulates the water back through the main chamber. This constant motion cools and filters the smoke, making each hit ultra-smooth.
Many people love recycler bongs for dabs and concentrates because they preserve flavor better than traditional bongs. If you want a cleaner, cooler, and tastier smoking experience, a recycler bong is a top choice!
On the downside, the intricate design of recycler bongs makes them complex to clean and maintain.
Gravity Bongs
Gravity bongs are a unique method of smoking that utilizes gravity to create a powerful hit. Gravity bongs are for those who love big, powerful hits. They use water or air pressure to force dense smoke into your lungs, delivering a strong, head-rushing experience.
The water-filled bottle creates a vacuum, which forces the smoke up through the downstem when the downstem is reinserted.
There are two main types: bucket-style and waterfall gravity bongs. Both work by trapping smoke and releasing it in a single, intense inhale, making them favorites among experienced smokers who want to get the most out of their herb.
Straight Tube Bongs
Simple and efficient. Straight tube bongs are the definition of simplicity. They have a long, cylindrical shape with a downstem and water chamber at the bottom. The straight tube connects the bowl to the mouthpiece. This design allows for quick, direct hits with minimal drag.
These bongs clear fast, are easy to clean, and work well for beginners or experienced smokers. If you want a no-fuss, classic smoking experience, a straight-tube bong is a solid pick!
Mini Bong
Mini bongs are small but mighty! They’re compact, portable, and perfect for personal smoking sessions. Since they use less water and cannabis, they help conserve your stash while still delivering smooth hits.
These tiny bongs are great for travel or discreet use. A mini bong is a fantastic option if you’re always on the go or want a quick and easy smoke!
Best Bong Type For You
Not sure which bong is right for you? No worries! The perfect bong depends on your needs, experience level, and smoking style. Let’s break it down so you can find the best match.
- Best Bong For Beginners: If you’re starting, go for a beaker or straight tube bong. These are simple, easy to use, and give a smooth smoking experience without too much effort.
- Best Bong For Smooth Hits: Percolator, recycler bongs, or multi-chamber bongs—advanced filtration for cooler hits. Want the smoothest experience possible? Look for a bong with percolators. These built-in filters help cool and diffuse the smoke, giving you a cooler, silkier hit.
- Best Bong For Convenience & Travel: Silicone or mini bongs—lightweight, unbreakable, and portable.
- Best Bong For Heavy Smokers: If you smoke often and want something powerful, go for a gravity bong or a multi-chamber bong. Gravity bongs give massive rips using water pressure. In contrast, multi-chamber bongs provide extra filtration to handle large amounts of smoke.
- Best Bong For Budget Buyers: Acrylic and silicone bongs are some of the cheapest options. They’re durable, easy to use, and do the job without breaking the bank.
- Best Bong For Best Flavor & Quality: Glass bongs—clean taste, premium feel, and top-tier smoke filtration. Glass bongs are the way to go if you want the purest flavor.
Find Your Perfect Bong at Snow Tree
Choosing the right bong is all about personal preference. Whether you want a classic beaker bong, a high-quality glass bong, or a portable mini bong, Snow Tree's online smoke shop has the best selection of smoking devices. Check out our collection today and upgrade your smoking experience!
FAQS:
Are Dab Rigs the Same as Bongs?
Not exactly! While dab rigs and bongs look similar, they serve different purposes. A bong is designed for smoking dry herbs like cannabis.
A dab rig, on the other hand, is made for concentrates, oils, and waxes. Instead of a regular bowl, it has a banger (a type of nail) that you heat up with a torch.
What Is a Banger?
A banger is a bowl-like attachment for dab rigs that heat and vaporize concentrates. It’s usually made of quartz, titanium, or ceramic and is designed to handle high heat.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Different Bong Materials?
Each bong material has its own strengths and weaknesses:
- Glass – Provides the cleanest taste but is fragile.
- Silicone – Unbreakable and flexible but lacks a premium feel.
- Acrylic – Affordable and lightweight, but may affect flavor.
- Ceramic – Stylish and artistic but breakable.
- Metal – Extremely durable but can alter taste.
Are Bongs Better for Lungs Than Water Pipes or Bubblers?
While bongs offer slightly more filtration and diffusion than bubblers or standard water pipes, leading to cool smoke and removing some impurities, it’s important to understand that no smoking method is truly safe for your lungs.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Percolator Bong?
Percolator bongs provide extra filtration, cooler hits, and smoother smoke by breaking up bubbles and increasing surface area.
Bong Features to Look For?
When shopping for the perfect bong, consider these key features:
- Material – Glass for flavor, silicone for durability, acrylic for affordability.
- Percolators – Help with cooler, smoother hits.
- Water Chamber Size – Bigger = more filtration, smaller = easier to carry.
- Ice Catchers – Hold ice cubes for extra cooling.
- Removable Downstem – Makes cleaning easier.
- Ash Catcher – Keeps your bong cleaner for longer.
Can I Add Ice Cubes to My Bong?
Yes! Many bongs have ice catchers (notches inside the neck) that hold ice cubes. Ice cools the smoke even more, making it smoother and less harsh.
Do I Have to Use a Grinder for My Cannabis if I’m Using a Bong?
You don’t have to, but it makes a huge difference! A grinder breaks up your cannabis into smaller, even pieces, which helps it burn more evenly in the bowl. This means better airflow, more efficient burning, and smoother hits.
Do Silicone Bongs Melt?
No, they can’t melt with regular use. Silicone bongs are heat-resistant.
If you only apply heat to the bowl (not the silicone itself), your silicone bong will last a long time.