There are so many bongs out there that buying one can be a daunting task.
Between the different styles, designs, and glass thickness, it can be confusing to start somewhere.
Types of bong
There are three main types of bongs. Straight tube, breaker bongs, and recycler. Straight tubes are known for their dense smoke that is clear and quick. Beaker smokes give voluminous clouds of less dense smoke; it is harder to clear but quick. Recyclers are used for smoking concentrates, recycling water for the purpose.
It is recommended for beginners to start out with straight tubes and beaker bongs before switching over to a recycler.
Thickness of glass
Glass thickness is an important feature of a glass bong because it makes all the difference in how long your bong lasts. While thicker glass is better, you still have to factor in the bong’s place in its environment. If the bong is being used in a single room, you don’t have to worry too much about the thickness. But if you have a bunch of friends frequently visiting over, it is ideal to get the thickest glass possible in case an accident happens.
Thin glasses have a width between 2 to 3 mm. The average width is 3 to 5 mm, and the thickest ones can go somewhere around 6 to 7 mm. The latter is very hard to break, but generally, any bong above 3.5 mm is considered a safe choice.
Percolators
Marijuana enthusiasts are divided about the use of percolators because there are no clear favorites. Everyone has the one that works for them and then sticks with it. Percolators give an additional layer of filtration to the smoke, making the experience more enjoyable and smoother.
That being said, if you are new to bongs and smoke, you do not need a percolator. However, they are nice to have.
Branded glass bong
Although the weed world is known for reliable glass makers, many brands have a somewhat loose monopoly over the market and command a hefty price for their products. As such, not every marijuana user can afford them. As cannabis became more mainstream with time, unbranded products flooded into the market for a fraction of the price. The well-known brands will squeeze every dollar out of you, while a lesser known brand will give the same features at a cheaper price.
But if you are an enthusiast and want to shell out over $10,000 on popular brands, no one’s stopping you.
How durable is the stand?
Whenever you’re purchasing a glass bong, take a cursory look at the base to ensure that it is sturdy enough because this will make or break your bong. The general rule of thumb is that wider bases provide more stability. Some water chambers have a couple of extra inches added in vertical height. This can make them a little risky. The last thing anyone wants is for their costly bong to fall and break.
Joint sizes
Joints come in two sizes, 14mm and 18mm. There are other sizes, but these two are more common. You want to buy bongs that are of the same size as your joint because if you accidentally break a slide, they will all still fit together, making for a more seamless experience.
Dry herbs or concentrates
What purpose will your new bong serve? Is it primarily for dry herbs or concentrates? Bongs can be used for either by adding the correct attachment. To use dry herbs, all you need is a dry herb bowl. To use your bong for concentrates, you need the correct size dab nail. While it is common for users to use the same piece for dry herbs and concentrates, it is recommended to have a dedicated piece for the best experience possible.
Bong accessories
The best thing about bongs is that they can be modified with aftermarket add-ons. The most popular accessory is ash catchers. This is a removable glass attachment that can be attached to any bong to prevent ash and debris from contaminating the water pipe. Ash catchers help keep the water pipe clean and add a new layer of filtration. The only catch is that you need to make sure the ash catcher can fit.
According to the advice shared by the experienced staff of SmokeSmith Gear if your bong is too small, it might not be able to support the added weight of an ash catcher. However, larger bongs can easily accommodate them. So, if you plan on using bong accessories, consider investing in larger bongs. If you’re content with the bare bones experience of a singular bong, go for a smaller one.
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