Nothing will kill the vibe faster than a bong that lets you down. Maybe it arrived with a crack, broke off after only a few uses, or just can’t deliver the kind of hits you were hoping for. What seemed like a great deal at the time now feels like a complete waste of money. Could all of this have been avoided? Well, with a bit more knowledge, you’ll be better off.
Getting to know the different types of glass, thickness, design features and build quality will help you pick out a bong that delivers on smooth hits and actually feels like it’s worth the cash you spent on it.
Types of Glass
Not every glass bong is made equal, and which one you choose can make a big difference in how long it lasts and performs. Whilst it can be tempting just to grab the first bong you see, the type of glass it’s made from is a key factor to think about.
Borosilicate glass is generally the best option. It’s super heat-resistant and way stronger than regular glass. So, even if you get a bit heavy-handed with the torch, it won’t crack or shatter. This glass bong is ideal for daily use and a safer long-term investment.
Some bongs are made from regular old soda-lime glass, which is a lot cheaper but also a lot thinner and more likely to break. It might seem like a good option from a price point, but the replacements will add up quickly in time. You also have acrylic and silicone options, which are way more durable and travel-friendly. But, they don’t offer the same clean taste or smooth smoking experience that glass does.
Thickness
The thickness of the glass also plays a big part in how well a bong will hold up to regular use. Thicker glass isn’t just more sturdy, it’s also less prone to chipping and breaking. A good thickness to look for is anywhere from 3mm to 5mm, which should give you better durability and insulation for smoother hits that are a lot cooler.
If a bong feels too light or flimsy in your hand, it’s likely going to get damaged pretty easily. Pay close attention to areas like the joint, neck and base. These are the parts that are most prone to damage and should have a consistent thickness. If the glass is uneven or super thin in these spots, it’s a sign of lower quality.
When shopping online, make sure to check the product description for thickness details. Good sellers will have all the specs listed out and some great photos, so you can make a more confident decision before you buy.
Craftsmanship
A well-made bong will have even glass, tidy welds and joints that are aligned. These details may not seem important, but they make a big difference, smoother hits, less air leak and overall a more refined feel.
If you see rough edges, uneven glass or imperfections, it’s because it was mass-produced with little attention to detail. These flaws can lead to poor airflow and durability issues down the line. Take a minute to inspect the craftsmanship, and you can avoid low-quality pieces.
Size and Portability
The size of your bong should match your lifestyle and smoking routine. If you need something discreet or travel-friendly, smaller bongs are easy to carry and store. But keep in mind, these bongs will hit slightly harsher due to less filtration.
Larger pieces like beaker bongs and straight tubes will hit cooler and smoother due to more airflow and more room for smoke to travel. But these bongs take up more space and also require more cleaning and maintenance.
Joint Size and Compatibility
The joint is the most important part of any bong. It’s the connection point that holds the downstem in place and secures the bowl piece. Choosing the right joint size ensures proper airflow and compatibility with different accessories.
Bong joints come in two styles: male and female. A female joint requires male accessories and vice versa. There’s no difference in performance between the two. It just comes down to personal preference and the type of accessories you plan to use.
The most common joint sizes are 10mm, 14mm and 18mm. The size of the joint determines the size of the bowl piece you’ll need, so make sure to match them correctly. If you want flexibility or plan to build a collection of accessories, adapters are super useful. They allow you to change the size or gender of the joint, giving your bong more compatibility and opening up future upgrades.
Filtration and Cooling Features
When you’re choosing a bong, you must check out the filtration system. The type of system you go with can completely change the way each hit feels – all smooth and cool, or a bit harsh. The real heroes here are Percallators. They break that smoke up into teeny bubbles, increasing the surface area and really amplifying the filtration so your inhaling is cleaner.
Popular types like the Swiss, Honeycomb, Matrix, and Showerhead percs tend to deliver a reliable, efficient smoke diffusion every time. Then there are the more bespoke models like the sprinkler, turbine, and UFO percolators. These create some pretty wild visual effects like whirlpools or smoke shooting straight up, and they manage to bring both style and performance to the table.
Some of the more advanced percs, like the ratchet, disc, and doughnut, are top of the line when it comes to diffusion. But they can also increase drag and need a bit more TLC when it comes to cleaning. If you’re after the smoothest hit possible, then a multi-chamber bong is the way to go. These things basically have multiple percolation stages, so smoke gets filtered several times before it even makes it to your lungs.
If cooling is your top priority, then ice bongs are the ones. They come with built-in ice catchers in the neck, so you can pop ice cubes inside and watch as the smoke cools right down and becomes silky smooth. Ideal for people who just love a chilled, comfortable inhale.
Keeping it Clean
Cleaning your bong is a total non-negotiable if you want a smooth and enjoyable smoke. Any bongs that come apart at the seams (like downstems and percs) are a breeze to clean and maintain. Some other features like splash guards or ash catchers can also help keep things tidy, making cleaning an absolute doddle.
On the flipside, all those fancy designs with multiple chambers or complicated percs might look pretty sweet, but they can be absolute nightmares to clean. If you’re after low-maintenance, go for simple styles. You can’t go wrong with a good ol’ straight tube or beaker bong – they’re basic, but still deliver the goods without the hassle.
