Bongs 101: A Complete Guide to Different Types of Bongs

There are several ways to enjoy weed: smoking a joint, using a weed vaporizer, or taking a hit from a bong. Whether you're a daily cannabis toaker or completely new to the weed scene, taking a bong hit is almost a right of passage on your cannabis journey.

Everyone remembers their first bong rip, and for most, it's an incredible experience that they wish to savor time and time again. There is something special about that large inhale of cool smoke, the sudden onrush of euphoria as the THC mingles in your blood and rushes to your brain.

But with so many different types of bongs, knowing which to choose can be challenging.

But don't stress; at 420buy, we're here to offer advice on the different types of bongs so you can choose the one that's best for you.

The Two Key Factors: Style and Material

Before we go into the details of each bong type, it is essential to understand the two different aspects that determine the quality of a bong. The design or style of a bong and the material from which it is made.

The design and shape affect the function of a bong, determining the airflow, the draw from the mouthpiece, and the amount of filtration. A larger bong will require a larger inhale to draw the smoke through. The more percolators and recyclers a bong has, the more resistance or suction it needs when you inhale.

The material of a bong will determine its durability and how easy it is to maintain and clean.

Glass bongs are non-porous, so they have a purer taste. Some materials like wood, acrylic, or metal can impart a flavor to the smoke. However, metal and silicone bongs are much more durable and ideal for road trips, parties, or clumsy friends.

Both aspects are essential when choosing the right piece for your needs. 

Different bong styles or shapes.

Beaker Bong/Erlenmeyer Flask Bong

A beaker bong is a classic bong shape named after its appearance, which is that of an Erlenmeyer flask.

This bong features a wide base that tapers to a straight tube leading up to the mouthpiece.

The wide base of this bong makes it very stable, while the large chamber allows for more water and smoke to move around for better filtration. This results in bigger and smoother hits. Beaker bongs come in many sizes, from mini beakers around 7 or 8 inches tall to larger beakers up to 20 inches or more in height. The larger the beaker, the more lung capacity you will need to get a good draw on it. For those new to bongs, a smaller beaker will be plenty big enough. You'll want a big bong to generate more clouds if you're into huge party hits and have lungs like Michael Phelps.

Straight Tube Bong

Perhaps the simplest of bongs is the straight tube bong, another popular design. It's just what it sounds like a straight tube with a base and a bowl. These bongs are easy to use, clean, and customize with add-on ash catchers. The simple design means these types of bongs are easy to make and can be inexpensive.

Most straight tube bongs come with a removable downstem; some brands will add extra percolators or ice pinches. Make sure you remove the downstem before dropping any ice in as if it goes past the ice catch, it could break your downstem.

Straight tube bongs can be relatively small; a 9 to 12-inch one makes for a good first-time bong purchase. Some straight bongs can be huge, 3ft or more in length, and take some considerable lung capacity to draw the smoke, though. These are best left for those wanting to show off on Instagram or YouTube. These very large bongs are too big for daily use and are painful to clean. Unless you have the arm span of an orangutan, you'll need a friend to light the bowl.

Round Base Bong

A round base bong might be your go-to if you're looking for something with a bit of retro flair. These are similar to the beaker bong but with a rounded ball-shaped chamber rather than a conical flask-shaped one.

This design holds a decent amount of water and delivers smooth hits. They also generally have a simple removable downstem and are easy to clean. They are simple to make and, therefore, relatively cheap, so they are a good option for those wanting something affordable to get into bong smoking.

Multi-Chamber Bong

Multi-chamber bongs are more complex than the previously mentioned styles. They can have two or more chambers, often with percolators between them. This offers an extra layer of filtration to cool the smoke.

If you select one of these, make sure the airway isn't too narrow, as that can increase the draw required to clear the smoke from the chamber.

The benefit, however, is that these bongs offer smooth hits that are easier on the lungs.

Percolator Bong

A percolator bong (or "perc" bong) is designed with one goal: smooth, cooled smoke. Percolators come in various shapes, like tree percs, showerhead percs, inline percs, and disc percs, but they all serve to filter and cool the smoke through water diffusion.

As the smoke and water is pulled through the percolator, it is dispersed into a cloud of tiny bubblers. The larger and more slits or holes in a percolator, the more filtration it will add to your water pipe. However, keep in mind that the more complex the percolator, the harder it will be to clean and the more resistance it will add to the draw when inhaling on the pipe. Typically, one percolator is sufficient, but some devices can have two, three, or even four percolators. These can create silky smooth hits but need a higher lung capacity to pull through the smoke in one breath.

Honeycomb Bong

The honeycomb bong is a type of percolator bong that uses a flat disc with numerous holes to filter the smoke. They provide exceptional cooling and filtration; however, the small holes in the percolator can get clogged with ash.

It is better to use an ice catcher with these types of bongs to make them easy to clean. Many smokers consider honeycomb percs to offer some of the smoothest hits with little to no drag.

Cyclone Bong

Also called a tornado bong, the cyclone bong is another common type of perc bong. It features a disc with directional spiral slits in it that create a tornado-like effect inside the chamber. Not only does this look cool, but it also offers excellent cooling and filtration.

Zong Bong

As the name suggests, the Zong bong has a zig-zag design on its neck. This funky shape increases the distance the smoke has to travel, cooling it down and giving you a unique visual experience when you clear the chamber. Zong bongs are generally combined with a round base chamber on the bottom and can have multiple zig-zags in the neck.

Mini Bong

Mini bongs are perfect if you like to travel with your device. These are minute devices with a simple chamber and percolator, often a disc perc. They make good daily driver devices and, due to their size, are relatively cheap, with many choices for $50 or less.

These portable water pipes provide the smooth filtration of a regular bong but in a more compact and travel-friendly size, typically around 6-8 inches tall.

Bubblers

A bubbler is technically not a bong; it is a hybrid between a pipe and a bong. It's small and portable, like a pipe, but has a water chamber part to cool and filter the smoke. Bubblers are often elaborately designed and great for those who want a quick, smooth hit.

Dab Rigs

For concentrate lovers, the dab rig is the go-to smoking device. Designed specifically for wax and other concentrates, dab rigs are often smaller than a typical bong. Rather than a glass bowl, they come with a quartz banger or nail, which is heated up with a torch and used to vaporize the concentrates.

You can use most small bongs as a dab rig by simply removing the removable bowl and adding the correct size banger. Many dab rigs have a recycler action where the water and vapor are pulled in a cyclical manner as the user inhales. This creates a good amount of filtration and can look really cool as well.

 DIY Bongs

In a pinch, many smokers get creative with DIY bongs. Whether it's a fruit like an apple or a more complex homemade device, these bongs can be fun to make and use. However, be cautious about the materials you use, as some can release harmful toxins when heated so avoid plastics, painted cans and other harmful materials.

Bong Materials Explained

Now that you know the various styles, let's talk about the materials. The material a bong is made from can significantly affect your smoking experience in terms of taste, durability, and maintenance.

 Glass

• Most common material: Glass is the go-to for bongs because it's easy to clean, doesn't affect the flavor, and can be shaped into various designs.
• Scientific glass (borosilicate) is extra tough and resistant to thermal shock, making it more durable than regular glass.

• Indestructible and portable: These bongs are perfect for travel or if you're clumsy. They can be bent, dropped, and stuffed into a backpack without breaking.
• Easy to clean: Most silicone bongs are dishwasher-safe.

• Old-school and artistic: Ceramic bongs are heavier and more fragile but are often beautifully designed. They provide a clean, smooth hit and come in many unique shapes and colors.

• Budget-friendly: Acrylic bongs are cheap and nearly unbreakable, but they can affect the flavor of your smoke and aren't as smooth as glass or silicone bongs.

• Durable but affects taste: Metal bongs are highly durable, but many smokers find that the metal can alter the taste of the herb.

Conclusion

Whether you're looking for a classic beaker bong, a portable mini bong, or a super-smooth honeycomb bong, there's a style and material out there to suit your smoking preferences. Remember, the right bong for you depends on what you value most—portability, aesthetics, durability, or smooth hits. Happy smoking!