Bongs have been around for a long time, but became more popular in the 70’s, when the ‘hippy glass-blowing’ movement started. It was at this time that the first patent was filed for a glass bong. Nowadays, good bong glass blowers are sought after for their artistry and skills. Bongs have evolved a lot since the early times, giving rise to many unique shapes and some truly beautiful pieces that are almost too gorgeous to deface with resin coatings. All those different shapes and sizes gives one pause. Is one shape or size better than another? Which one should I use for the best smoke experience?
Types of Bongs
Bongs can be made from several materials besides glass. There is ceramic, plastic, bamboo and metal. It is interesting to note that the word ‘bong’ comes from the Thai word ‘baung’ which is a cylindrical bamboo tube that people in Thailand and other places have been smoking out of for thousands of years.
There are seven basic types of bongs:
Straight Tube Bong
This is exactly what it says: a straight tube closed at one end with a stem and a bowl for your weed. You add water to the tube, enough to cover the bottom of the stem, and weed to the bowl for a simple, straightforward smoke. This can be made from any material.
Beaker Bong
A variation of the straight tube, this is also called a ‘scientific’ bong. It’s usually made of laboratory-grade borosilicate glass and the large, cone-shaped bottom makes it more stable.
Round Base Bong
More stable than the straight tube bong but a bit less stable than the beaker bong. Makes you think of an Alchemist with its potion bottle-like shape.
Percolator Bong
The reason people choose to smoke out of a bong is to make the intake process feel much smoother. Whereas, the goal of dabbing is to isolate and enjoy flavor. A percolator aims to further that goal by cooling down the smoke, and providing premium filtration.
Recycler Bong
This is a multi-chambered bong that filters the smoke first through a percolator, then the first chamber of water and on to a second, larger chamber of water for another filtration, providing a very smooth, cool draw. The process itself is so fun to watch (watch the video above) from a clean piece.
Zig-Zag Bong
This bong has a bend or curve in the tube. Some have two or more curves and besides the cool and unusual appearance, the zig-zag works as a splashguard so no water inadvertently goes in your mouth.
Bubbler
This is smaller than a regular bong, but also uses water to filter and cool the smoke. These come in many shapes and are a bit more convenient than bongs as their size is usually just a little bigger than a pipe.
Finding Your Bong Match
Deciding on a bong can be bewildering, especially once you start looking at all the different types, sizes, materials and complexities they come in. Bigger isn’t always better either. For the cooler and smoother draws, glass bongs have the most variety and also the most complexity. Ceramic bongs make it more difficult to figure out when the water needs to be changed and the bong cleaned. The same goes for metal and bamboo.
Do I Need a Carburetor?
A bong carb is a small hole that is placed on the side of a pipe or bong. When you inhale while holding the hole, smoke fills the empty bong chamber. When the chamber is full, you simply release your finger from the carb and inhale the smoke.
Whether or not the bong has a carburetor is another thing to think about. Most bongs already come with one, but some use a slide instead (more on slides below). Having or not having a carburetor may be a selling point for you. If you haven’t tried a slide, you might want to try it out. However, in our opinion the bong carb is easier to use and keep clean than a slide.
What is a Bong Slide?
With the bong carb all you have to do is block the opening with your thumb and release it when you’re ready. Using a slide, however, is a little trickier and many find it difficult to get the slide back in again once they’ve pulled in out for the inhale.
Does the Size of My Bong Matter when Smoking Cannabis?
The size of the tube and shape of the bong matter only for your lung capacity and desire, or ability to keep it clean. If your lung capacity isn’t very large or you’re just starting out, a smaller, a smaller bong or one with a straight tube will probably be better for you. If you are lazy about cleaning, get a simple bong – either straight tube, beaker or round base bongs will fit the bill. If you travel a lot, maybe a plastic or silicone bong or a small bubbler will work. Glass breaks easily, so be careful if your bubbler is glass.
If you are looking to upgrade your smoke to a smoother toke and looking for something visually interesting, either the recycler bong or percolator bong will fit the bill. Be aware, however, that the more complex the bong, the harder it will be to clean. All the pieces will need to be cleaned on a more consistent basis in order to keep them looking beautiful and easier to smoke from. You could also go for a ceramic figurine bong or an etched or ornate designed bamboo bong.
Check out these Vietnamese bamboo bongs! How fun would it be to smoke some good herb from one of these?
Designer Bongs
Bongs vary greatly and manufacturers have their own unique shapes and designs to show off.
Snoop Dogg has a line of glass bongs that each have a specific use, including one just for dabbing.
Fans of Rick and Morty can get excited about this 6.6 inch, borosilicate, 100% handmade glass bong.
Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong have their own unique signature line of hand pipes, water pipes and bubblers made of 100 percent borosilicate glass in fun and quirky designs.
Then we have the Trailer Park Boys and their spin on bongs, including Kitty Love, a beaker style bong that is nearly impossible to knock over and is adorned with many little kitty faces.
Quartz Electro Water Rig
One-of-a-kind quartz mineral electroformed copper water ring is a beautiful piece of functional art. Designed and made in Los Angeles by Envy Glass the superior quality glass rig will turn heads. Make your smoking experience unique and fun, collectible and functional.
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And the Marley family (Remember the king of ganja, Bob Marley?) has all kinds of weed products and naturally, they have their own smoky glass bong and pipe series. Check out this elegant set? Bob himself would be proud to smoke out of this sweet set.
The Best Bong Fits Your Personality
There are many other manufacturers that are not celebrities, but their bongs are still noteworthy, beautiful and functional. The type of bong you decide on will depend on your specific needs, habits, your budget and what design speaks to you. If you get a chance to try out the various types, do so as it will give you a better handle on their functionality.
Now all you have to do is buy your bong and decide who lights up first, so you can get a good relaxing (and smooth) toke.
