Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or just getting started, choosing the right custom glass bong can significantly enhance your smoking experience. Bongs come in an array of shapes, sizes, and designs, each with its unique characteristics and purposes. This guide aims to help beginners navigate the world of bongs, making your first purchase a breeze.
What Is a Bong?
A bong is a filtration device often used for smoking cannabis or other herbal substances. The bong’s basic design includes a bowl (where you load your substance), a downstem (a tube allowing smoke to travel from the bowl to the base), a base (where the smoke is filtered through water), and a mouthpiece.
The Size of Your Bong Matters
When purchasing a custom glass bong, one must carefully consider its size, as it plays a significant role in its usability. If the waterpipe is too large, it becomes inconvenient to carry around, while a smaller one may not deliver the desired performance.
Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of different bong sizes and how they can cater to your needs.
Small Bongs:
Small bongs typically measure up to 8 inches in height. Opting for a smaller water pipe offers several benefits. They are discreet, easy to clean, store, and use.
However, compared to medium and larger water pipes, smaller bongs do have downsides. They may not provide the same level of performance and filtration as their larger counterparts, which have larger bases and percolators.
Medium Bongs:
Medium-sized custom bongs range from 8 to 16 inches in height. These bongs balance portability and functionality, making them an excellent choice for beginners.
Most medium-sized water pipes come equipped with percolators, which enhance diffusion and filtration, resulting in smoother hits.
Compared to larger bongs, medium-sized ones have few drawbacks. The primary difference lies in the additional chambers and percolators that larger water pipes may possess. These features ensure the smoothest hits and the highest levels of filtration during your smoking sessions.
Large Bongs:
Large custom bongs typically measure 18 inches or more, offering the ultimate bong experience for cannabis smokers. These waterpipes often feature ice catchers that cool down the smoke when ice is added.
One important factor to consider with large bongs is their longer necks, which prevent bong water from reaching your mouth, unlike medium and small water pipes.
However, it’s crucial to note that larger bongs are not as portable as their smaller counterparts. Cleaning and storing them can also be more challenging. If discretion and ease of maintenance are your priorities, we do not recommend opting for larger bongs.
Popular Materials:
Selecting the appropriate bong material is crucial for individuals new to smoking. These various materials play a significant role in your water pipe’s taste, portability, and durability throughout its lifespan.
Glass Bongs:
Glass is preferred for both beginners and experienced smokers. Glass bongs are made from durable and heat-resistant lab-grade borosilicate glass.
One of the advantages of glass bongs is their transparency, making them easy to clean and maintain. They are also non-porous, meaning they retain no residual flavors over time.
However, a potential downside of glass bongs is their fragility. They are more likely to break if accidentally dropped or tipped over than other materials.
Silicone Bongs:
Silicone bongs are known for their flexibility and durability. Unlike glass bongs, they are virtually indestructible and can withstand extreme temperatures.
Silicone bongs are dishwasher safe, making them easy to clean. They are made from BPA-free, food-grade silicone, which is considered safe for smoking.
It is important to note that silicone bongs may retain unpleasant odors and flavors over time, potentially requiring the replacement of the water pipe.
Ceramic Bongs:
Ceramic bongs are a popular choice among smokers due to their unique aesthetic. Ceramic is a sturdy material that can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for smoking cannabis.
Hand-crafted ceramic bongs can be considered as pieces of art, making them great display pieces in a room.
However, ceramic bongs have some downsides. They are heavy and fragile, easily breaking if dropped or bumped. Additionally, they tend to accumulate odors and flavors over time. Ceramic bongs are often more expensive compared to glass or plastic bongs.
For beginners, we do not recommend purchasing a ceramic bong due to these reasons.
Metal Bongs:
Metal bongs offer several advantages over other materials, particularly in terms of durability. If accidentally dropped or tipped over, metal bongs are less likely to break. Metal is also highly heat-resistant, making it suitable for smokers who use a torch to light their bowl piece.
However, there are notable drawbacks to using metal smoking accessories. Metal is a corrosive material, so over time, the water pipe may become corroded and require replacement. Metal bongs are also heavier compared to other materials, which may not be ideal for those seeking a lightweight option.
Acrylic Bongs:
Acrylic bongs, also known as plastic bongs, are inexpensive and easy to use. They are lightweight compared to metal or glass bongs.
However, acrylic bongs have poor heat resistance and may leach flavors due to their plastic composition. They lack the filtration found in other products, resulting in a subpar smoking experience. If you’re a beginner searching for the best bongs, we recommend avoiding acrylic bongs.
Bong Accessories:
Accessories can enhance your bong experience. Some common accessories include:
Percolators: These provide additional filtration, making the smoke smoother and cooler.
Ash Catchers: These keep your bong clean by catching the ash before it enters the bong.
Ice Catchers: These allow you to add ice to your bong, further cooling the smoke.
Price
Bongs can range from very cheap to incredibly expensive, depending on the material, design, and brand. Decide on a budget before you start shopping, but remember that buying a quality bong is an investment that can enhance your smoking experience.
Conclusion
Buying your first bong can be an exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming due to the many options available. By understanding what a bong is, the different types, sizes, and accessories, and how your lifestyle plays a part in your choice, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision.