Bongs

The process of choosing the right bong can seem challenging and confusing at first. Whether you have experience or are entirely new to smoking bongs, obtaining the correct information early on will help you make an informed decision when it comes to picking up your first (or next) water pipe. With that in mind, we've put together a guide that will detail everything you need to know.

What Is a Bong?

It may seem like a basic question, but where better to start than with an explanation of what, exactly, a bong is. In the simplest terms, it's a type of pipe used to smoke herbs, concentrates, resins, and even tobacco.

Usually composed of several interconnecting components, or as one complete piece, bongs are unique from regular pipes. They use water to cool the smoke produced, allowing for a smooth and flavourful hit. This, of course, is designed to remove any harshness when inhaling. Devices come in various sizes and are made from many different materials (more on this later), each with unique pros and cons.

History of Bongs

Bongs have been around for centuries. In 2013, archaeologists excavated a kurgan (an ancient type of burial mound) in Russia created by the Scythians, a fierce group of nomads who inhabited large parts of the central Eurasian steppe between the 9th and 1st century BCE. The excavations unearthed 2,400-year-old pure-gold bongs used by Scythian tribal chiefs to smoke cannabis and opium.

Self-made smoking devices were also used in Persia, along the Silk Road, and in China during the 16th century to enjoy tobacco. They were even popular among royalty, such as Chinese Empress Dowager Cixi, who was buried with at least three bongs. People still use bamboo variations to smoke tobacco in many parts of Asia, such as Vietnam and Thailand.

How Do Bongs Work?

The bongs you'll find on our site can be quite innovative, featuring various chambers or uniquely shaped bowls. Some glass designs are even available with special features or attachments, designed to be used with concentrates, for example.

While all of these accessories have a different effect on the overall smoking experience, all bongs essentially work the same way, using a bowl, stem, and water chamber to produce smoke. After packing the bowl with a smokable substance and adding water to the device's main chamber, the substance is lit. Smoke travels across the downstem, filtering through the water, ready for you to inhale out of the mouthpiece.

Why Should You Use a Bong?

There are plenty of reasons why some smokers prefer bongs over dry pipes, cigarettes, joints, or blunts. Some simply prefer the process, while others claim that they produce a smoother smoke. This may be true, seeing as the water helps to cool the smoke before it enters the lungs.

Many smokers attest that the water filters out more harmful chemicals than other filters. This may be true when smoking cannabis, as joints and blunts are often smoked without a filter. However, studies comparing tobacco smoke from cigarettes and water pipes have shown that both forms of smoking can have negative effects. Even though bongs have existed for thousands of years, there is a significant lack of research comparing this form of smoking with others.

How to Smoke Weed From a Bong

Smokers who have never experimented with bongs might feel a bit intimidated the first time they lay their eyes or hands on one. However, the process is actually quite simple. Here are the basic steps on how to smoke:

1. Make sure you clean your device before each use.

2. Fill your device with water via the mouthpiece until the stem is covered with roughly 2cm of water. Avoid overfilling, as it may splash in your face and cause a mess. Add ice to the water for a smoother smoke.

3. Pack the bowl with your preferred herbs. Make sure the bowl is packed tightly (just under the brim), and that your substance is not chopped too finely; otherwise, it may get sucked through the bowl and down the stem. Also, avoid clogging your bowl by overpacking it.

4. Place your mouth on top of the chamber, ensuring your lips are inside the mouthpiece. Lightly press your face against the mouthpiece to stop any of the smoke from escaping.

5. Light your substance and suck in air through your mouth simultaneously. The water should bubble, and the chamber should start to fill with smoke. Once the substance is bright red (or "cherried"), remove the flame to avoid charring it too much. Keep drawing in air until the chamber fills with the desired amount of smoke.

6. When you're ready to inhale, remove the stem from the device and draw the remaining smoke into your lungs.

NOTE: Some devices have a "carb hole" instead of a removable stem. This is a small hole either beside the stem or at the back of the chamber. As you light your substance and start to draw smoke into the chamber, be sure to block that hole with your finger to stop any smoke from escaping. Once you're ready to inhale the smoke, remove your finger from the carb and enjoy.

How to Clean a Bong

Nothing ruins a good smoke like a dirty bong. Below are some simple instructions to help you keep your water pipes nice and clean:

1. Dismantle the device. 

2. Rinse each individual piece with hot water, and let them all dry.

3. Fill a bucket with a simple cleaning solution (such as a mix of vinegar and baking soda), place the chamber inside, and gently scrub without scratching the material. Rinse the main chamber and repeat if necessary.

4. Repeat step 3 for each piece of your device. To clean any small areas, we suggest using Zamnesia Pipe Cleaners.

5. Make sure you rinse all pieces of the device with hot water to remove all of the cleaning solution. Then, set the individual pieces aside to dry completely.

NOTE: For the best results, we suggest using Bong Shine Cleaning Concentrate.

What Are the Different Types of Bongs?

As you may have guessed, there is no “one size fits all” attitude when it comes to bongs. They can be made from various materials, each having its own advantages and drawbacks. While it may take a little experimentation to figure out which bong type is right for you, whatever your preference, there's definitely a bong out there to satisfy your smoking needs.

Glass Bongs

Arguably the most common type, glass bongs have certainly come a long way. Previously seen as fragile, weak, and easy to break, this could not be further from the truth, thanks in part to the use of borosilicate glass. Borosilicate glass is a solid and temperature-resistant glass used in kitchen accessories (Pyrex) and scientific equipment such as beakers and test tubes.

Although you may find some water pipes made from inferior types of glass, borosilicate is the standard material used in modern bongs. While regular glass bongs are cheaper, they are much easier to break and generally of lower quality than borosilicate alternatives.

That said, the only real downside to borosilicate glass is that it tends to garner a higher price point than the other options. Nevertheless, you get what you pay for.

Acrylic Bongs

Another popular material is acrylic. Sometimes referred to as plastic bongs, devices made from acrylic are usually cheaper to buy and have a lower risk of shattering or breaking than glass and ceramic.

Acrylic bongs are robust and can be transported with relative ease. Perfect for taking to a friend's house for a smoking session. With a wide variety of designs ranging from the discreet to the ornate and the truly outlandish, acrylic devices are a hugely popular choice among all manner of cannabis enthusiasts. However, some cheaper acrylic bongs have been noted to impact the flavour and aroma of the smoke when heated. This can be avoided by purchasing from a reputable brand with favourable reviews.

Silicone Bongs

Alongside acrylic, silicone bongs are also highly sought after, despite being a relatively new innovation in smoking. Constructed from food-grade silicone, they offer a viable alternative to traditional glass-made devices. Although they may give off the impression of being flimsy due to their malleability, this makes them nearly indestructible.

They can withstand knocks, drops, and thus can be taken anywhere. This feature alone is of massive benefit to accident-prone smokers. Much like acrylic, silicone water pipes are available in a wide variety of colours and designs to suit any style and preference.

Ceramic Bongs

Ceramic bongs are arguably the oldest type known in the world, with ancient civilisations using them to smoke their herb. But do they still stand up today? Of course, the answer is yes; they are an extraordinarily sleek and reliable option compared to other types.

Offering a similar smoothness to glass, ceramic devices provide a flavourful pull without the potential of being tainted by low-grade materials. The main drawback of ceramic is the distinct lack of customisation available, as they are quite rigid pieces. However, there are plenty of designs available to suit all needs.

Metal Bongs

Something a little more obscure is the metal bong. Although highly robust, reliable, and cost-effective, they are generally an unpopular option among smoking enthusiasts. Many believe that the metal itself can taint the flavour, and the fact that the device isn’t see-through can make it hard to gauge just how big of a rip you're taking. For these reasons, metal devices can be a little hard to find, but there is no doubt that they're stylish and durable.

Wooden Bongs

Those seeking more of an all-natural smoking solution may want to look into getting a wooden bong. Constructed from hardwoods such as walnut, oak, and even bamboo, the wood is then treated to withstand the heat and moisture from smoking. Wooden alternatives are generally not seen as a popular or common choice among smokers. Because of their unique craftsmanship, wooden designs can be an expensive option, but are sure to add a touch of class to any home.

What Are the Different Parts of a Bong?

Bongs are typically constructed from five interconnecting parts. Though some designs will feature more components, the standard bong can be broken down into the following parts.

1. Bowl

   This component serves to hold your chosen herb as you light it. Available in various sizes, the bowl can be removed and replaced with ease. The removal also allows for a thorough clean after use.

2. Downstem

   Connected to the bowl is the downstem. This is a short piece of tube that allows the smoke to travel directly down into the base, after which it percolates through the water.

3. Base

   The base is the main body or chamber and has the function of holding the water. These can come in many different shapes and sizes (spherical, tubular, etc.).

4. Tube

   The tube extends up from the base and ends at the mouthpiece. Most tubes don't feature any additional extras, however, some bongs will include an ice pinch/catcher where you can place an ice cube to further cool the smoke.

5. Mouthpiece

   This is the part of the device from which you inhale. Usually, it is a wide opening that can be held up to your mouth with ease.

Which Bong Shapes Exist?

Like with other pipes, and smoking accessories in general, bongs come in all different shapes, sizes, and designs. Each profile serves a distinct purpose, and the slightest change in design or features can impact its function and effectiveness.

 Beaker bong

Arguably the most common type available is the beaker design. This shape features the standard tube that leads down a science beaker-shaped base. This wide base offers stability and sturdiness, not to mention large hits thanks to the large chamber size.

 Straight Tube Bong

Another common shape is the straight tube. This one is exactly as it sounds; the straight tube is composed of a single long piece of glass, without leading to a wider base or chamber. To compensate for the reduced chamber area, they are generally taller than the average water pipe and/or contain additional features like an ice catcher.

 Round Base Bong

Lastly, the round base is another shape you'll often see when browsing for bongs. This is a popular type as it has a real alchemical feel, almost as if you're holding a potion bottle. It is sturdier than the straight tube because of its flat, wide base, but works just as well when it comes to that flavourful pull.

Those are the three main types you're likely to encounter, but, of course, we're only scratching the surface. There are many more options when it comes to shape, including multi-chambered and recyclers. All have their pros and cons, but it really does fall to personal preference when it comes to choosing the device that's right for you. Some will prefer a more streamlined smoke, whereas others will enjoy more elaborate setups. A little research and experimentation will quickly help you determine the best option.

Special Bongs

While we've covered the basics in terms of shape and components, it doesn't end with just those types. Plenty of special options are available that add their own unique take on the classic look, design, and functionality.

What Is an Ice Bong?

As mentioned, some devices feature an ice catcher or pinch as part of their design. These are also known as ice bongs. Fortunately, just by looking, you can tell if a water pipe is equipped to hold ice.

Bongs that feature rivets or a notch in the tube are no accident in manufacturing. These little areas are designed specifically for you to drop a cube or two of ice into the tube. These act to cool the smoke and give you a deeper and smoother pull without impacting the overall flavour, aroma, or high.

EHLE Glass Ice Bong Minus 42º

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What Is a Percolator Bong?

At first glance, these may look overly complicated, but that couldn't be further from the truth. The percolator bong typically features small chambers situated inside the base. These pieces aren't just there for show; by containing many small holes, they allow the smoke to percolate into the water and provide a smoother hit. Available in a wide variety of configurations, such as honeycomb, tree, and turbine, percolators are a popular choice for those looking to filter their smoke further.

Black Leaf Glass Percolator Icebong with Dome Diffusor

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What Is a Gravity Bong?

Gravity bongs have come a long way from the humble plastic 2l bottle. Technology has, thankfully, made things a bit more sophisticated. While those home-made devices will always have their place, these bongs truly harness the power of gravity to push the water from one chamber to another. This, in turn, allows the smoke to percolate through the water, resulting in a powerful, potent, and cool hit.

Bukket Bong

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Is a Bubbler Also a Bong?

This has been a hotly debated topic for some time: are bubblers a type of bong? While they essentially have the same function, bubblers are often shorter in stature and do not feature a downstem, but they still use water to cool the smoke before inhalation. Because they are smaller in size, bubblers can be transported with ease, which can't be done with larger, more fragile designs.

Glass Bubbler (K. Haring)

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Bongs vs Joints

Which is superior? Which gives you a better high and more flavour? While there is no definitive answer, you won't have to look far to find someone with a strong opinion. However, as with everything in cannabis culture, it truly is down to personal preference.

The advantage of joints is that you can pre-roll them or roll them on the move; either way, you can take them with you wherever you go. Unfortunately, with bongs, you don't get that same level of freedom because of their size. However, that makes smoking them much more of a special event, and certainly one you can enjoy with friends.

Upkeep plays another role in the debate. The use of a bong will undoubtedly lead to some maintenance and cleaning. At the same time, this has become easier with the invention of various cleaning tools and features. Still, joint smokers won't ever have to contend with this, as they can simply smoke and dispose of any leftovers.

What the debate really boils down to is flavour and overall enjoyment of smoking. Smoking joints will come with some degree of harshness, and the pulls you take will be hotter due to the shorter travelling distance and lack of water cooling. But, some smokers prefer the harsher flavour and believe that's what gives the herb its "kick".

There's no right or wrong way to consume your cannabis. You may prefer to roll some strains into a joint and save others for packing into a bowl. Find out what works best for you.

What Bong Should You Buy?

We've given you a breakdown of everything you should consider when purchasing a bong. Now, it's down to you to find the perfect match.

As mentioned, it really does come down to personal preference, but take into account the material the device is made out of and its shape. Also, factor in your budget and how often you think you'll be smoking; is it worth purchasing that ornate glass bong you've been eyeing up if you rarely smoke? Only you can make that decision, but hopefully, we've made that much easier for you.

If you're looking for a good place to start your search for the perfect bong, might we suggest the Zamnesia Headshop! You can see exactly what our loyal customers are saying about the latest designs in our reviews section.