Bong 101
First and foremost we have to answer the question ‘What is a bong?’
A bong is a type of water pipe used for smoking marijuana. The bong was created to cool the cannabis smoke and provide a smoother, less harsh hit. Modern day bongs have a tube that rises from a base. The base holds water and has an angled hole for the downstem. A bowl is inserted into the downstem, directing smoke down into the base of water, then up through the tube and out of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece of the bong goes over the lips, rather than into a person's mouth.
Now that we got the definition out of the way, let’s dive into the bong breakdown:
Bong Styles:
Glass Bong
The most common bong style: the glass ones. They represent the pinnacle of bong elegance, combining looks and performance.
When you think of a bong, you probably imagine the smooth curves of glass. Available in various shapes and sizes, glass bongs cater to a wide range of preferences while delivering smoke performance that won't break the bank.
Acrylic Bongs
Acrylic bongs are also popular due to being affordable, strong and easy to carry.
These bongs offer quality to even those with limited budgets, demonstrating the appeal of plastic design at a lower cost. Acrylic bongs can also withstand even the clumsiest high accidents, unlike glass bongs which can break easier.
Source: dankstop.com
Silicone Bongs
When silicone bongs first became a thing, people had concerns about whether they were safe to use or not. This being said, it's important to check that your silicone bongs are free of BPA, safe for health, and heat resistant.
Silicone bongs set a new standard for toughness, almost impossible to break. You can bend them, crunch them, toss them around, and they won't shatter. Their portability is a great advantage for travelers because they can easily fit into a bag and there’s less risk of damage.
Source: welcometosummer.land
Ceramic Bongs
With a history spanning thousands of years, ceramic bongs show how timeless they are. They're simple and lovely, typically featuring a carburetor cap for precise air control. What really makes them unique, though, is the wide variety of designs, from fun to straight up funky.
What is the difference between a bong and a bubbler (or water pipe)?
Bongs are water pipes that stand upright, and you put the mouthpiece over your lips.
Bubblers are a different kind of water pipe with a mouthpiece that goes between your lips. So, we consider them as water pipes, separate from bongs.
Key tip: All bongs are water pipes, but not all water pipes are bongs.
What's the difference between a bong and a dab rig?
Just like a bong, a dab rig uses water to filter marijuana when inhaling the smoke. However, bongs use a bowl piece for burning the flower, while dab rigs use a nail or banger for vaporizing oil (aka dabbing).
Dab rigs are often smaller and have multiple chambers and filters that push the vapor to take different paths before reaching your mouth.
You can use any bong for concentrate vaporization if you switch out the bowl piece for a nail or banger. But, bongs aren't designed specifically for concentrate use, so it's better to use purpose-built dab rigs for the best experience.
Types of Bong Designs
Straight Tube
The straight tube bong is great for beginners. Their clean, uncomplicated design blends efficiency and beauty together.
Pro tip: Their slender shape means you need to handle them with care to prevent accidents.
Beaker Base
The beaker base has a strong build - guaranteeing a smooth, dependable smoke.
These bongs are popular for their stability, thanks to their broad base that tapers gradually as it goes up.
These bongs have a wide base that brings numerous benefits. They provide phenomenal water filtration, a roomy water chamber, stability when standing, and space for larger puffs. Beaker base style bongs are equally powerful and versatile.
Round Base
The world of bongs is all about creativity, and round-based bongs are a great example.
Imagine a bowl-shaped base and an unconventional charm. They may not stand straight, but they certainly grab your attention. Round base bongs are for those who want to add a unique touch to their experience while still maximizing performance.
Percolator
These are the masters of smooooooth smoke.
Percolators work by filtering and cooling your hits for a quality smoking experience. It's a blend of science and pleasure, giving you a high-class high.
Tree Percolator
Picture many arms connected to a center tube, leading the smoke through a thorough filtration process. That's what Tree Percs are!
Their design guarantees thorough filtration as the smoke travels up, down, and through finely made diffusers. Exclusive to glass bongs, Tree Percs transform each puff into its own little adventure.
Honeycomb Percolator
Take a look at the detailed beauty of Honeycomb Percs, which you can find in high-end bongs.
Their honeycomb diffusers offer exceptional filtration. When you take a puff, this filtration delivers a hit that even stoner aficionado will appreciate.
