For some people, rolling papers and roach clips may be all that’s necessary. Others are more inclined to use beautiful, hand-blown glass pieces, like those found at The Bern Gallery. Whether you’re looking to add a new bong to your collection or you’ve never had one before, there are some important things to keep in mind before purchasing.
These 3 things will help you decide on the right bong for you.
1. Size Matters
Where do you plan to use your bong? How often do you plan on toking up? How experienced are you with using a bong? How sensitive are your lungs and throat? Answering all of these questions honestly before you make your new purchase will ensure that you get exactly what you’re looking for.
If you plan on traveling with it, you’ll need something smaller as it will be easier to pack. A small bong for home use might not be the best option, as they require more frequent cleaning. If you’re planning on smoking regularly at home and don’t need a portable option, a medium-sized bong may be a better choice.
For the enthusiasts and the more experienced, a large, artistic or scientific piece might suit your needs best. Larger bongs may require a bit more lung power in order to get the absolute best hit, but they also give the smoothest hit, reducing the chance for throat and lung irritation. Large bongs typically also come with other cool features like ice chambers or other beneficial percs.
2. A Material World
Most bongs are made of glass. While you may assume glass is a fragile material, it doesn’t have to be. Most bongs are made from durable, high-quality glass called borosilicate glass (also known as scientific glass). Scientific glass doesn’t mean they look like beakers from 9th-grade science class, though. Glass blowers can form almost any shape they’d like using scientific glass. Your piece can then be decorative, functional, AND durable. Bongs made of scientific glass will be among the most expensive you’ll find available.
No matter the quality, glass is a popular option because it won’t add any additional flavor to your herb supply and it’s much easier to clean as compared to wooden pieces or bongs made from other materials. Other popular materials in bong construction are silicon, acrylic and ceramics.
Silicone bongs are very portable as they can be folded up and stashed away. They’re typically smaller, harder to clean and because they have less air flow, provide hits that aren’t as smooth. Acrylic bongs typically cost more than they are worth and many people don’t like the taste of the hits from them. Ceramic is very similar to glass except the bongs tend to be much heavier.
3. Accessorize
Using glass and/or ceramic bongs will give you the opportunity to use add-ons to enhance your smoking experience. If you want your smoke filtered and diffused, buy a bong with percolators. If cleaning your piece is a hassle, use an ash catcher to avoid collecting residue in more intricate chambers. Additionally, ice catchers allow you to add ice to the shaft of the bong which will keep your smoke cool, making for a smoother and more enjoyable hit.
To recap: a little research will go a long way in getting you the best bong. Here’s what you’ll need to know before buying that brand new piece of yours!
- Think ahead about how and where you’ll use your new bong
- Understand how size and material impact experience
- Select the size that works best for your needs
- Consider whether or not you’ll want add-ons
