Are you ready to embark on your journey into the world of bongs? Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, choosing the perfect bong requires careful consideration of your personal preferences and smoking habits. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the essential questions to ask yourself before investing in a bong to ensure it aligns perfectly with your needs.
Table of Contents
What is a Bong?
A bong also referred to as a water pipe, is an apparatus designed for smoking cannabis or other herbs. The device includes several parts and pieces: a water-filled chamber, tube/neck connection, downstream attachment point, and cone piece or bowl (or cone piece and mouthpiece). The water-filled chamber provides critical cooling and filtering functions before reaching your lips allowing a smoother inhaling experience and less harsh smoke intake.
How Does aA Bong Work?
Bongs employ water filtration to cool and filter the smoke. As the herb is ignited in the cone piece, the resulting smoke is directed through the water in the bong’s chamber. This water acts as a filter, removing impurities and toxins from the smoke. Additionally, it cools the smoke, making it more comfortable to inhale and gentler on your throat and lungs.
Filtering the smoke through water creates bubbles, effectively increasing the surface area of the smoke. This process reduces harmful substances while ensuring that you inhale more of the beneficial compounds. To inhale smoke through a bong, the smoke travels up its neck and enters its mouthpiece. By taking slow and steady breaths, you can optimize how much smoke you take in without experiencing discomfort.
Bongs vs. Joints vs. Vapes
Each smoking method—bongs, joints, and vapes—has its unique advantages and drawbacks, so choosing the right one boils down to your personal preferences:
- Bongs: Bongs offer a cooler and cleaner smoking experience, filtering out toxins and impurities through water. However, they require regular cleaning and can be somewhat bulky.
- Joints: Joints are portable and convenient for on-the-go smoking but can irritate the throat and lungs due to direct inhalation of smoke. They may also contain harmful additives.
- Vapes: Vaporizers are smoke-free and emit minimal odor, making them discreet. However, they can be costly and may not provide the same satisfaction as bongs or joints.
How To Use a Bong
Using a bong is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for an optimal experience:
- Fill With Water: Start by filling the bong with water, ensuring you cover the downstream opening without overflowing the chamber.
- Grind & Pack: Grind your cannabis into a fluffy consistency and pack it into the cone piece on the downstream.
- Get A Grip: Hold the bong securely, grasping the chamber with one hand and the tube with the other.
- Light It Up: Ignite the herb in the cone piece while inhaling through the mouthpiece.
- Inhale: As you breathe, the smoke is filtered and cooled by the water, making it smoother.
- Remove Cone Piece: When the chamber is filled with smoke, remove the bowl and continue inhaling through the mouthpiece.
- Exhale: Once you’ve reached your limit, remove the mouthpiece from your mouth and exhale.
- Clean: Regularly cleaning your bong is essential for an optimal smoking experience.
Determining Your Bong’s Purpose
Identifying the purpose of your bong purchase is crucial in selecting the right style, shape, and size:
- Medicinal Use: For medicinal purposes, invest in a high-quality, thick glass bong to ensure a safe and clean smoking experience.
- Recreational Use: Medium-sized glass bongs in the $30 to $150 range are ideal for recreational users, offering flavourful hits and quality experiences.
- Travel Purposes: If you’re a frequent traveler, opt for a smaller, discreet bong, which is resistant to breakage and easy to pack discreetly.
Tailoring Your Bong Experience
Tailor your bong choice based on your smoking expertise:
- Beginner: Start with a basic, affordable bong to get comfortable with the experience. The Bud Beaker Bong (25cm) is an excellent choice.
- Intermediate: Upgrade to a bong with additional features like a percolator and ash catcher to enhance your smoking sessions. The Bud Matrix Percolator Bong is recommended.
- Advanced: Consider a sophisticated bong with double percolators, ash catchers, ice notches, and unique designs for a premium experience. The Bud Jellyfish Percolator Bong is a notable option.
Glass, Silicone, Ceramic, or Acrylic Bongs
The material of your bong depends on your usage, location, and budget:
- Glass Bongs: Known for pure taste and durability but can be fragile.
- Silicone Bongs: Durable and versatile, ideal for outdoor use, but may not deliver the same purity as glass.
- Ceramic Bongs: Offer striking aesthetics but tend to be heavier and less effective in filtration.
- Acrylic Bongs: Affordable and lightweight but may compromise taste and require thorough cleaning.
Choosing the Right Bong Style
Bong styles cater to various preferences:
- Beaker Bongs: Large base for stability and larger hits, but may be more challenging to clean.
- Percolator Bongs: Multiple chambers and percolators for a smooth experience, although they require more maintenance.
- Straight Tube Bongs: Simple and efficient, offering a direct hit with easy cleaning.
- Round Base Bongs: Provide stability, bigger hits, and effortless cleaning.
- Gripper Bongs: Feature a pistol-grip design for easy use and cleaning but may offer less filtration.
Size Matters: Big vs. Small Bongs
The size of your bong depends on your preferences and usage:
- Small Bongs: Portable and discreet but produce less smoke.
- Medium Bongs: Offer portability and potency, generating ample smoke.
- Large Bongs: Deliver an exceptionally smooth experience with extensive percolation but are less portable.
Budget-Friendly or High-End Bongs
Stick to your budget:
- Cheap Bongs: Priced under $50, these may be made from subpar materials but can be suitable for beginners.
- Mid-Range Bongs: In the $50 – $150 range, these offer quality materials, added features, and unique designs.
- Expensive Bongs: Priced at $150 and above, premium bongs provide superior craftsmanship, durability, and a seamless smoking experience.
Buying bongs involves understanding your preferences, intended use, and budget. With this comprehensive guide, you’re well-equipped to make an informed decision that suits your smoking lifestyle. Happy smoking!
Buy bongs online now at The Bong Baron.
