The use of water bongs for cannabis consumption has been around for centuries and is still a popular method of consumption today. Water bongs, also known as bubblers, are devices used to filter and cool the smoke that is inhaled when consuming cannabis. By running the smoke through water, the smoke is cooled and the toxins and other impurities are filtered out, resulting in a smoother and possibly more potent smoking experience. Water bongs are usually constructed from glass and have a long neck that ends with a bowl for the cannabis flower. The bowl is packed with the desired amount of cannabis and lit, allowing the smoke to pass through the water and then up the neck of the bong where it is inhaled.
Water bongs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, with some being smaller and more portable than others. In addition to providing a smoother smoking experience, water bongs can also offer some health benefits. By running the smoke through water, the majority of the toxins and other impurities are filtered out, resulting in a cleaner and potentially more potent smoking experience. The cooler temperature of the smoke also helps to reduce the irritation and coughing associated with smoking.
There are many kinds of bongs on the market! Fancy Bongs, Glass Bongs, High–end Bongs, Low–cost Bongs. Discover which Bong is ideal for you! In this Guide to the Different Types of Bongs, we‘ll go over the numerous kinds of Bongs that are in demand nowadays. There are numerous bong types, shapes, materials, and designs, from Miniature Glass Bongs and Big Beaker Glass Bongs, to Synthetic and Metal Bongs.
What Defines a “Bong”?
As many of you likely know, a bong is a water–filtered smoking tool for smoking dry herbs or concentrates. Often referred to as a water pipe, the word bong is originally taken from the Thai word “bang“ which is a long cylinder or tube, typically made from bamboo, and also used for smoking herbs. Nonetheless, currently, bong is the well–known term used to describe a water pipe.
What is the Advantage of Using a Bong for Smoking?
So why go for a bong for smoking herbs? When smoking herbs, the flame is lit on the bowl, allowing the smoke to be inhaled. While a standard dry pipe still poses the risk of irritating the smoker‘s throat and lungs over time, the bong offers a water filtration system. The smoke passes through the liquid which cools it off and filters out the heavier carbons and plant resins, making for a smoother and more pleasant smoking experience.
Varieties of Bong Materials
Bongs are available in various materials, such as Glass, Metal, Ceramic, Silicone, and Acrylic. Glass bongs are the most widely used. Metal bongs are usually more of a quick–fix for a smoker, such as the thermos bong. However, the metal bowl accompanying the bong is not ideal for regular use, and due to the porous nature of the metal, it is difficult to keep it clean after extended use.
Ceramic Bongs:
Ceramic bongs have a long history, predating the glass bong scene. These are typically crafted out of ceramic clay, which is then fired and glazed to create a variety of shapes such as skulls, wizards, or art pieces. They offer a better smoking experience than metal bongs, but not as long lasting as a glass bong. Ceramic bongs usually have a metal bowl, which does not offer the best flavor or health benefits.
Silicone Bongs:
Silicone bongs are created from poly rubber, making them heat resistant and hard to break. However, they are usually made in China and may contain unsafe materials when smoked multiple times. With regular cleaning, the material can become increasingly porous and trap residuals, carbon, and potentially mold, making it hard to completely clean.
Acrylic Bongs:
Acrylic bongs are the worst type, constructed out of acrylic plastic. They are not friendly to flavor, cannot be cleaned effectively, are not heat resistant, and not beneficial to health. The only benefit of acrylic bongs is their low cost. We would not recommend using these bongs, as even a seashell will give you a better smoking experience.
Glass Bongs:
The best type of bong is the glass bong. These are generally made of either Borosilicate Glass or Hard Glass, and Soft Glass or Soda Lime Glass.
Borosilicate Bongs:
Borosilicate glass uses boric acid for production, which gives it greater strength and acid resistance, and has a thermal expansion coefficient of 33, making it suitable for regular heating and cooling applications. These are some of the most excellent glass bongs you can purchase.
Soft Glass Bongs:
Soft Glass or Soda Lime Glass, on the other side, utilizes soda and lime in its creation, which reduces the melting point of the glass and makes it easier to work with when heated. This soft glass has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 90, 96, or 104, and it is not as capable of withstanding thermal shock as borosilicate. Due to this, soft glass bongs tend to be thick glass bongs with some weight to them. More so than their borosilicate bong counterparts. Both types of glass are great, with borosilicate having an advantage due to its strength.
Types of Glass Bong Designs:
Glass Bongs come in various designs and can be used for a variety of types of smoking, Small Dab Bongs are utilized for dabbing concentrates, or you could pick a large beaker bong for the highest water capacity for your herbs. Whatever type of glass bong you select, they all operate basically the same way. Smoke travels downstream, through the water, and out the mouthpiece. The primary distinctions will be in size, kind of percolator, and overall design and colors.
Small Dab Bongs:
These pieces are typically used for dabbing concentrates. They have a smaller air and water volume and typically come with minimal percolation or filtration. This is because concentrates are already stripped of plant matter and carbons, and further filtration might take away from the active ingredients. Rather than using a Glass Bong Bowl, a Quartz Banger is usually used for vaporizing concentrates.
Glass Beaker Bongs:
These bongs get their name from their resemblance to a glass lab beaker, which has a larger volume for water and a more stable base. Usually, these water bongs are designed for smoking herbs, as the copious amount of water provides great filtration and cooling of the smoke. Plus, you need a glass bong bowl and downstream piece to go with it.
Round Bottom Bongs:
Also known as bubble bottom bongs, they have a big sphere at the base for holding maximum water capacity, similar to beaker bongs. Round bottom bongs are fairly steady due to the large base, although not as stable as beaker bongs. These large glass bongs are mainly for smoking herb, although a banger attachment can also be used for smoking concentrates.
Conclusion: See We Told You Nothing Was ‘Bong’… Just Some Helpful Tips.
Choose a glass bong that suits your needs and preferences and you‘ll be enjoying a great smoking session in no time. Just remember, when using a water bong, it is important to use clean, filtered water. Not only will this help to ensure a cleaner smoking experience, but it will also help to keep the bong free of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. Additionally, it is important to use a clean bowl and to change the water regularly.
