Bongs - those iconic glass pieces - have been a staple for cannabis smokers for literally centuries. No exaggeration - actually centuries ago there may have been people in Africa using bongs dating back to the year 1400 BC. Bongs are unique in that they combine the filtration and cooling properties of water with the intense smoke from cannabis. From the simple straight tube to the intricate percolator, bongs come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and designs. Whether you're a seasoned smoker or just starting out, there's a bong out there that's perfect for you.
Beaker Bong
Beaker bongs are timeless and popular among smokers due their easy-to-clean shape and their increased durability from their wide base. As the smoke bubbles through the water, it becomes filtered and cooled, resulting in a smoother and less harsh hit.
The wider base of a beaker bong allows for a larger water chamber, which can provide even better filtration and cooling. However, beaker bongs can be relatively bulky, making them less portable than some other types.
Straight Tube Bong
Straight tube bongs are one of the most basic and straightforward types of bongs, literally. They have a strait tube that connects the bowl to the mouthpiece, allowing for a direct and unfiltered smoking experience.
This simplicity can be appealing to some smokers who just want to get the job done. They're also relatively easy to clean since there isn't much to it. However, straight tube bongs may not offer the same level of filtration and cooling as other types of bongs, potentially leading to a harsher hit.
Percolator Bong
Percolator bongs feature a water-filled chamber with perforated discs or tubes known as percolators. As smoke passes through the percolator, it is forced to bubble through the water, resulting in a much smoother and cooler hit. Percolators also help to filter out impurities from the smoke.
However, percolator bongs can be more complex to clean and maintain, and the additional components can make them much more fragile.
Recycler Bong
Recycler bongs are a type of bong that features a unique water filtration system. They incorporate a second chamber, often called a "recycler," that circulates the water back through the main chamber.
This recirculation provides better filtration and cooling, resulting in a smoother and cleaner hit. However, recycler bongs are more complex to clean and maintain due to their intricate design. Additionally, the added components can make them more fragile and potentially more expensive than other types of bongs.
Multi-Chamber Bong
Multi-chamber bongs feature - you guessed it - multiple water chambers. Each chamber has its own percolator or filtration system. This design provides elite filtration and cooling, resulting in a smoother and cleaner hit.
The additional chambers also help to diffuse the smoke, making it less harsh on the throat. On the down side, multi-chamber bongs can be more complex to clean and maintain, and the added components can make them more fragile and pricey. Additionally, the increased number of chambers can make the bong less portable.
Silicone Bong
Silicone bongs offer a durable and versatile alternative to traditional glass bongs. Made from heat-resistant silicone, they are virtually unbreakable, making them ideal for outdoor use or for those who are prone to accidents!
Silicone bongs are also very easy to clean and maintain, and they come in a wide variety of colors and designs. However, some smokers find the silicone material is not as aesthetically pleasing as glass.
Also, some silicone bongs may not offer the same level of filtration and cooling as glass bongs, potentially leading to a harsher hit.
Gravity Bong
Gravity bongs are a unique method of smoking that utilizes gravity to create a powerful hit. They typically consist of a bottle, a chamber, and a downstem. You fill the bottle with water, place the chamber filled with cannabis on top, and then remove the downstem.
The water-filled bottle creates a vacuum, which forces the smoke up through the downstem when the downstem is reinserted. While gravity bongs offer a potent and efficient smoking experience, they also have drawbacks.
The concentrated smoke can be very harsh on the lungs, especially for inexperienced users. Additionally, the lack of filtration can lead to the inhalation of harmful particles. Stay smart!