Buying the perfect bong – tips and recommendations

The water in the bong serves several functions:

• Cooling: It lowers the temperature of the smoke, making inhalation more comfortable.
• Filtration: It filters out dirt, ash, and some harmful substances from the smoke.
• Moisture: The smoke becomes less dry, which reduces irritation to the lungs.

It’s important to change the water regularly to ensure a clean and healthy experience.

Bong bowls vary in size, material, and purpose:

• Size: Common sizes are 14.5 mm and 18.8 mm.
• Material: Glass is the most popular, but there are also bowls made of metal or ceramic.
• Design: Standard bowls are simple, while diffuser bowls have additional holes to better distribute the smoke.
• Special bowls: Some are designed for herbs, while others are for oils or concentrates.

It’s important to choose the right bowl for your intended use to get the best experience.

Smaller bongs made of acrylic or silicone are particularly suitable for beginners. They are robust, easy to handle and inexpensive. They are also easier to clean and less fragile than glass bongs. For beginners, a simple design without many additional functions, such as percolators or diffusers, is also recommended, as these can make use a little more complicated at first.

The main difference lies in the usage and design:

• Bong: Typically used for quick consumption of herbs or other substances. It is compact and designed to produce dense smoke.
• Shisha (Hookah): Used for longer smoking sessions, usually with flavored tobacco. It has a larger bowl and hoses for multiple users.

The smoking experience also differs, as bongs provide more intense smoke, while shishas offer a milder, more social experience, often meant for shared enjoyment.

A percolator is an add-on in some bongs that further cools and filters the smoke. It creates bubbles in the water, increasing the surface area the smoke comes in contact with. This results in:

• Better cooling: The smoke becomes even more pleasant to inhale.
• Additional filtration: Toxins and residues are more effectively removed.
• Smoother smoking experience: Ideal for sensitive smokers.

Percolators come in various designs, such as spiral, dome, or honeycomb shapes, each offering different filtration and cooling effects.

Yes, bongs can be used for various substances, including:

• Herbs: The most common use.
• Oils and concentrates: Special heads or “dab rigs” are required for these.
• Ice water: Some bongs have ice chambers to further cool the smoke.

It is important to clean the bong thoroughly depending on the substance used, to avoid residue build-up and unwanted tastes.

If your bong is damaged, here are some options:

• Repair: Glass bongs can often be repaired by specialists. Small cracks can be fixed with heat-resistant glue.
• Spare parts: If only a part like the chillum or the bowl is broken, these can easily be replaced.
• Replacement: In some cases, especially with inexpensive models, repairing may not be worth it, and buying a new one may be the better option.

To prevent damage, always store your bong securely and steadily.