The Complete Bong Shopping Buyer's Guide

When it comes to purchasing a bong, the variety of options can be overwhelming. This guide aims to simplify the process by breaking down the essential aspects of bong shopping, including types, materials, features, and tips for buyers.

Types of Bongs

1. Straight Tubes:

   • Description: Features a downstem leading to a straight tube.
   • Advantages: Clears faster with less drag, making it easier to inhale.
     
     

2. Beaker Bases:

   • Description: Resemble an Erlenmeyer flask with a wider base.
   • Advantages: Offers more surface area and volume for bigger, cleaner rips.

3. Recyclers:

   • Description: Typically used for dabs, these bongs pull water up through a tube into a chamber.
   • Advantages: Provides excellent cooling and filtration, resulting in smoother hits.

4. Ice Bongs:

   • Description: Equipped with notches to hold ice cubes.
   • Advantages: Cools the smoke for a smoother hit.

5. Percolator Bongs:

   • Description: Contains percolators that filter and cool the smoke.
   • Advantages: Provides smoother and cooler hits.

6. Honeycomb Bongs:

   • Description: Features honeycomb percolators with multiple holes.
   • Advantages: Maximizes filtration and cooling.

7. Dab Rigs / Oil Bongs:

   • Description: Designed for vaporizing concentrates.
   • Advantages: Provides a clean and potent hit.

8. Custom Bongs:

   • Description: Tailored to individual preferences.
   • Advantages: Unique and personalized designs.

9. Gold Line Bongs:

   • Description: High-end bongs often featuring gold accents.
   • Advantages: Luxurious and aesthetically pleasing.

10. Silver Line Bongs:

    • Description: High-end bongs often featuring silver accents.
    • Advantages: Elegant and stylish.

11. Cheap Bongs:

    • Description: Budget-friendly options.
    • Advantages: Affordable and functional.

12. Small Bongs:

    • Description: Compact and portable.
    • Advantages: Easy to transport and store.

13. Big Bongs / Huge Bongs:

    • Description: Large-sized bongs.
    • Advantages: Provides massive hits.

Materials

• Glass: The most well-rounded and cost-effective material.
  • Heady Glass: Handcrafted, unique, and intricate but expensive and delicate.
  • Production Glass: Mass-produced, affordable, and sturdy.

Features to Look For

1. Glass Thickness:

   • Range: From 2mm to over 5mm.
   • Importance: Thicker glass is sturdier and less prone to damage.

2. Downstem:

   • Natural Downstems: Integrated into the bong, with no upgrade options.
   • Physical Downstems: Removable and customizable, allowing for upgrades.

3. Joint Size:

   • Common Sizes: 10mm, 14mm, and 18mm.
   • Importance: Determines compatibility with accessories.

4. Percolators:

   • Types: Include Showerhead, Turbine, Disc, Inline, Honeycomb, Froth, Chandelier, Tree, Pancake, Stereo Matrix, Halo, and Fritted Disk percs.
   • Function: Different percolators offer varying levels of smoothness and drag.

Extra Features and Accessories

1. Splashguard: Prevents bong water from entering the mouth.
2. Ice Catcher: Cools down smoke for smoother hits.
3. Ash Catchers: Adds an extra chamber for filtration and keeps the bong cleaner.

Tips for Buyers

1. Cleanliness: Choose a bong that is easy to clean, especially if it has multiple percolators.
2. Size: Opt for common joint sizes (14mm or 18mm) for easier accessory compatibility.
3. Stability: Ensure the bong has a stable base, especially if you plan to use accessories.
4. Cost: Stick to your budget and consider the total cost, including necessary accessories.

Best Bongs for Beginners

1. Straight Water Pipe: Simple design, available in three sizes, includes a slotted downstem and 14mm bowl slide.
2. Stack Water Pipe: Features four percolators and a built-in ice catcher for smooth hits.
3. Beaker Water Pipe with Tree Perc: Combines classic beaker design with a tree percolator and built-in ice catcher.

Conclusion

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of bongs, materials, essential features, and practical tips for first-time buyers. Whether you prefer a simple straight tube or a more complex recycler, understanding these elements will help you make an informed decision and enhance your smoking experience.