Beginner's guide to Choosing the Right Bong or Water Pipe
When you're new to the world of bongs, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. With so many options to choose from such as glass, silicone, and ceramic; each has its own unique benefits. The size, shape, and features like percolators or ice catchers also play a role in the overall smoking experience. If you're wondering how to choose the perfect bong as a beginner, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. So lets get started!
What Is a Bong, and Why Should You Use One?
A bong, also known as a water pipe, is a filtration device used for smoking. The key component of a bong is it's use of a water chamber to filter the smoke. This filtering process helps cool the smoke before you inhale, and also removes any ash. These factors make for a smoother inhalation compared to other smoking methods like pipes or joints.
The basic advantages of using a bong include:
- Cooler Smoke: The water cools your smoke, reducing irritation to the throat and lungs.
- Smoother Hits: The filtration removes some of the impurities, resulting in a smoother, cleaner hit.
- Better Flavor: Many users find that bongs keep more of the natural flavors of the herb. This is because bongs reduce the burnt taste that comes with traditional smoking methods.
- Customization: Users can tailor bongs to suit their individual preferences with various attachments like percolators, diffusers, and ice catches. All these can help make our piece perfect for your smoking style.
Now, let’s dive into the factors you should consider when selecting your first bong.
1. Materials: Glass, Silicone, or Ceramic?
The material of your bong will significantly affect its durability, ease of use, and smoking experience. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular bong materials and their benefits:
Glass Bongs
Glass is by far the most popular material for bongs because of it's overall look, ease of cleaning, and decent durability. Since glass is a non porous material it doesn’t affect the flavor of your smoke, so you get a pure, clean hit. Glass bongs are also transparent, making it easier to see the smoke as it fills the chamber and to monitor the cleanliness of the bong.
- Pros: Pure flavor, transparent, customizable (many have intricate designs or features like percolators).
- Cons: Fragile, can be expensive, requires careful cleaning.
For beginners, borosilicate glass is a great choice because it is more durable than regular glass and can withstand higher temperatures.
Silicone Bongs
If you're looking for a bong that's nearly indestructible, silicone is a great option. These bongs are highly durable, flexible, and portable. They’re ideal for people who are on the go or for anyone prone to accidents.
- Pros: Extremely durable, portable, affordable, easy to clean (many are dishwasher safe).
- Cons: May slightly affect flavor, less visually appealing, limited design options.
A silicone bong can be a great beginner option if you’re concerned about breakage or want something travel-friendly.
Ceramic Bongs
Ceramic bongs are a bit heavier and more fragile than silicone or glass, but they offer a unique aesthetic and often come in creative shapes. They retain flavor well and offer a smooth smoking experience.
- Pros: Retain heat well, offer pure flavor, often come in unique designs.
- Cons: Fragile, less portable, can be harder to find.
Ceramic bongs are more of a niche choice, but they offer a unique experience that some users prefer for special occasions.
2. Size and Portability
Bongs come in various sizes, ranging from small, portable pieces to large, stationary models. As a beginner, size is a crucial factor to consider because it can affect both the ease of use and the smoking experience.
Small Bongs (5-8 inches)
Smaller bongs are more portable and easier to store. They're great for casual use or if you're someone who prefers to take your bong on the go.
- Pros: Portable, discreet, easier to clean.
- Cons: Less filtration, harsher hits due to less cooling time for the smoke.
If you're looking for something simple and easy to handle, a small bong might be a good fit for you. They're ideal for those who want a quick, low-maintenance smoking experience.
Medium Bongs (8-14 inches)
Medium-sized bongs are the most common choice for beginners. They offer a good balance between portability and performance, providing better smoke filtration and cooling than small bongs without being too cumbersome.
- Pros: Good filtration, easy to handle, suitable for both solo and group sessions.
- Cons: Not as portable, may require more frequent cleaning.
For most beginners, a medium-sized bong offers the best combination of usability and performance.
Large Bongs (14 inches and up)
Larger bongs are usually favored by more experienced smokers because they offer superior filtration and smoother hits, thanks to the increased space for smoke to cool. However, they can be more difficult to handle and clean, and they’re not very portable.
- Pros: Maximum filtration and cooling, smoother hits, larger hits.
- Cons: Bulky, harder to clean, less discreet.
If you plan on doing most of your smoking at home and want the best possible experience, a larger bong might be worth considering.
3. Percolators and Other Features
Many bongs come with added features that improve the smoking experience. Here are a few popular ones to keep an eye out for:
Percolators
Percolators are an extra chamber that further filters the smoke through water, making the hit even smoother. They come in various designs, such as honeycomb, tree, or showerhead percolators.
- Pros: Extra filtration for smoother hits.
- Cons: More parts to clean, can add to the price.
As a beginner, you don’t necessarily need a bong with a percolator, but it’s a nice feature if you want a more refined smoking experience.
Ice Catchers
Ice catchers are notches inside the neck of the bong that hold ice cubes. The ice cools the smoke even more as it passes through the chamber, resulting in an extra-smooth hit.
- Pros: Cools the smoke for a more pleasant hit.
- Cons: Adds complexity to the bong, requires regular cleaning.
If smoothness is a priority for you, an ice catcher can be a great addition to your bong.
Ash Catchers
Ash catchers are attachments that prevent ash and debris from entering the main chamber of the bong, keeping it cleaner for longer.
- Pros: Keeps bong cleaner, adds extra filtration.
- Cons: Adds bulk, requires cleaning on its own.
4. Budget Considerations
When buying your first bong, it's important to consider your budget. Bongs come in a wide price range, from inexpensive silicone pieces to elaborate glass designs that can cost hundreds of dollars.
As a beginner, it’s a good idea to start with something affordable yet functional. You can always upgrade to a more expensive bong as you become more experienced and knowledgeable about your preferences.
Conclusion
Choosing the right bong as a beginner comes down to considering factors like material, size, features, and budget. Glass bongs offer the best flavor and experience but can be fragile. Silicone bongs are great for durability and portability, while ceramic bongs provide a unique aesthetic.
Start with a medium-sized bong for a balance of portability and performance, and consider whether you want extra features like percolators or ice catchers to enhance your smoking experience. Whichever bong you choose, make sure it suits your needs and preferences to ensure an enjoyable and smooth introduction to the world of bongs.