While a vape offers a discreet and quiet way to get a hit, a bong gives the same effect with a nagging drum topping it with an unmistakable smell that cannot be ignored.
Bongs are for serious smokers, which means if you want to elevate your art, you should have at least a piece in your collection.
The only thing is that it can be a bit of a challenge to choose the perfect piece for you. In this post, we will look at the various bong types and how you can choose a piece that works perfectly for you. Let’s get right into the juicy details.
A Bong: What it is?
So, what is a glass bong? Simply stated, a bong is any water-cooled smoking pipe. To use the device, you place your herb in the bowl, light it, and inhale the smoke through the mouthpiece. Before the smoke gets to your mouth, it first travels through the water to get cooled.
With this, you only get cooled smoke into your lungs, which makes for much smoother and flavorful smoke with minimal coughing, even for new smokers. A simple water pipe bong comes with a metal bowl for the flower and a downstem that connects the water section to the bowl.
Should I Focus on the Look and Design when Choosing a Bong?
The design and shape of a bong are often a matter of preference. It does not significantly affect the experience derived from actual smoking with it. Some bongs look like round or triangular lab flasks. Some look like tall glass tubes, while others come in more stylish designs.
Although bong lovers would tell you that the shape and design are important because they determine the strength of the hit, the truth is that this opinion is subjective. It is generally a matter of personal preference and aesthetics.
What Features are Included in a Bong?
Percolators, chambers, and carburetors are the top features that you will find in a bong. Of course, it is not all bongs that have all these features. Some do and some do not. If your water pipe comes with a network of miniature winding tubes with the main piece, it means it has a percolator.
A percolator allows your smoke to cool even further before it gets to your mouth and lungs. When you inhale, the smoke first goes through the network of channels and tubes. In the process, it cools the smoke, giving it a smoother and flavorful feel.
Some other models of bongs come with a carburetor, popularly referred to as a carb. A carb is a tiny hole located on the side of the bong. It is quite different from the hole on a glass pipe. When you cover or release the hole on a bong with your finger, it increases or limits the volume of cool fresh air that goes through.
When you cover the carb, the bong becomes hotter with a more significant hit. However, when you leave it open, you get a cooler draw but with a weaker hit. There are also multi-chamber bongs, which come with a range of bigger, connected tubes from which the smoke goes through.
It is quite similar to a percolator but its chambers are on the outside of the device instead of the inside. The location of the chamber makes for a cleaner and smoother hit.
Some bong models come with a second chamber where water is stored for effective cooling of your hit twice. A multi-chamber device is often more experience because of its intricate setup. It can also be difficult to clean the device because of the complicated design.
Gravity Bong: A Popular Choice
Gravity bongs are some of the most popular smoking devices out there. It is an electricity-free, automatic, and water-fueled device that can send even the most seasoned smoker into the lowest orbit. A high-quality gravity bong costs a couple of hundreds of dollars.
While it may seem a bit pricey, it is a fun, fast, and exceptionally effective way to get high quickly. How does it work? You first need to fill up the bowl with your favorite herb and then the lower chamber with water. Next, light up your bud and place the device upside down.
Wait for the water to drain from the upper chamber to the lower part. The change in the pressure when you turn the device pulls the smoke from the lower part of the bowl to the upper chamber and allows the water to cool the smoke.
Wait patiently for the entire water to pool in the lower chamber and then spin the device around again. The pressure from the water is then pushed out via the mouthpiece to deliver the coolest smoke ever.
How do I Choose the Best Bong?
Choosing the best bong for you is a matter of your preference and smoking habits. It depends on how often and how much you smoke. If you are looking for something reliably sturdy, but small, a stylish miniature bong may be a good idea.
If what you want is a presentation piece that you can show off when your friends visit, then a classy large bong would be ideal. The best part is that you can find amazing options that you can explore. With a bit of research, you are sure to find the perfect piece that suits your need.
To choose the best bong as a new user, it will be a good idea to ask your friends. They should be able to share their experiences and recommend some great ones. You can also check online and read reviews on designs that catch your fancy.
Conclusion
Do not rush to make a purchase. First, determine what your needs are before you start researching a piece to buy. Take your time to review different designs and styles that appeal to you. You should not choose a piece based on the look or the cost. Check the features and read users’ reviews on each of them before you choose.
