What Is A Bong?
A bong, also known as a water pipe, is a device used for smoking cannabis or other herbs.
It's made up of several components, including a water-filled chamber, a tube or neck, a downstem, a cone piece or bowl, and a mouthpiece.
The water-filled chamber is a crucial element of the water pipe, as it serves to cool and filter the smoke before it is inhaled through the mouthpiece.
This process not only reduces the harshness of the smoke but also makes it smoother and easier to inhale.
HOW DOES A BONG WORK?
Bong smoking involves water filtration, where a combination of chambers and tubes cool and filter the smoke.
The herb is lit in the cone piece, and the smoke is then bubbled through the water in the bong's chamber.
This water acts as a filter, removing harmful toxins and impurities. Additionally, it cools the smoke, making it smoother to inhale and less harsh on your throat and lungs.
When smoke is filtered through water, it creates bubbles that effectively increase the surface area of the smoke.
This reduces harmful substances while ensuring more of the beneficial compounds are inhaled.
To inhale the smoke, it travels up the bong's neck and is then drawn through the mouthpiece.
By taking slow and steady breaths, you can optimise the amount of smoke you inhale without causing discomfort to your throat and lungs.
ARE BONGS BETTER THAN JOINTS OR VAPES?
Smoking from a bong, joint or vape have its own unique benefits and disadvantages.
When deciding which method to choose, it’s crucial to take personal preferences into account.
Let’s take a closer look at each:
Bongs offer a cooler and cleaner smoking experience by passing the smoke through water and chambers.
This process filters out toxins and impurities, allowing for a more enjoyable inhale.
Additionally, the increased surface area of the smoke ensures a higher concentration of beneficial compounds.
However, it's important to note that bongs or a dab rig require regular cleaning and may be a bit bulky and delicate.
Joints, made from rolling papers, blunt wraps, palm leaf wraps or hemp wraps, are a portable and convenient choice for smoking while traveling.
They don't need much preparation or extra equipment.
Nonetheless, joints can cause irritation to the throat and lungs because of the direct inhalation of smoke.
They might also contain harmful additives or chemicals and can be challenging to roll.
Vapes are a smoke-free option to conventional smoking techniques.
By heating the substance at a specific temperature, vapes produce vapour instead of smoke, resulting in less harmful chemicals being inhaled.
Additionally, vapes are discreet and emit minimal odour compared to traditional smoking.
Nonetheless, vapes can be costly, necessitate regular upkeep, and may not offer the same level of satisfaction as smoking from a bong or joint.
HOW DO I USE A BONG?
Using a bong is a relatively simple process. Follow these steps to get the most out of your bong:
1. Fill With Water
To prepare your bong, fill it with water. Be careful not to overflow the chamber, but make sure to cover the downstem opening.
2. Grind & Pack
Grind your cannabis buds using a weed grinder or scissors into a smaller, fluffy consistency.
Firmly pack into the cone piece situated at the top of the downstem.
3. Get A Grip
Secure your hold on the bong by firmly grasping the chamber with one hand and the tube with the other.
4. Light It Up
To begin, ignite the herb in the cone piece by using a lighter or a match.
Simultaneously, inhale through the mouthpiece.
5. Inhale Smoke
When you take a breath, the smoke goes through the water, cooling and filtering it.
This makes it smoother to inhale and less harsh.
6. Remove Cone Piece
When the smoke fills the chamber, take out the bowl and keep inhaling through the mouthpiece.
7. Exhale The Smoke
Once you've reached your smoke limit, simply remove the mouthpiece from your mouth and release the exhale.
8. Clean Your Bong
Regularly cleaning your bong is crucial for an optimal smoking experience. Don't forget to keep it fresh!
WHAT ARE BONGS USED FOR?
When considering buying a bong or dab rig, it is crucial to first understand its intended use.
Do you need it for medical purposes? Is it strictly for recreational use at home? Or do you require a portable rig for travel?
Identifying the purpose of the bong will streamline the process of selecting the most suitable style, shape, and size for you.
When purchasing a bong for medical cannabis, it is advised to invest in a high-quality, expensive bong made from thick scientific borosilicate glass.
This ensures a safer and cleaner smoking experience. Reputable brands like Bud, Higher Concepts, GRAV or ROOR offer durable glass bongs that provide long-lasting usage and deliver tastier and smoother hits pf your medical cannabis.
Moreover, such bongs allow for better dose control, particularly for daily medicinal users.
For recreational users, social smokers, or partygoers, a medium-sized glass bong in the price range of $30 to $150 would be suitable.
Affordable glass bongs are often crafted from high-quality glass and provide flavourful hits that enhance the taste of your preferred strains.
Opting for a mid-range glass bong from renowned brands like Bud or Chongz guarantees an excellent smoking session, especially when enjoying it with friends.
If you're a frequent traveller in need of a reliable bong, consider opting for a silicone or acrylic one.
These types of bongs offer exceptional durability and are highly resistant to breakage, unlike glass.
This makes them ideal for individuals who are always on the move.
Additionally, a small bong measuring under 25cm is easy to pack discreetly, ensuring your smoking habit remains under wraps.
WHAT IS MY BONG SMOKING EXPERIENCE?
When exploring the realm of bong smoking and selecting a bong, assessing your smoking expertise is essential.
The type of bong you opt for will vary based on whether you're a novice or a seasoned daily user.
Beginners who are unsure of their bong preferences and needs will find that a basic bong with a simple design is the most affordable option.
This allows them to practice and get comfortable with smoking cannabis through a bong before investing in a more sophisticated one.
The Bud Beaker Bong 25cm is an ideal choice for any beginner.
If you're an intermediate bong smoker seeking to enhance your smoking experience, consider upgrading your bong to improve taste, smoothness, and performance.
Opting for a bong with additional features like a percolator and ash catcher can be a logical progression. These features help break up the smoke into smaller bubbles and prevent ash from entering the bong.
The Bud Matrix Percolator Bong is highly recommended in this regard.
For experienced bong users looking to enhance their smoking experience, upgrading to a more sophisticated bong with double percolators, ash catchers, ice notches, and other advanced features can provide smoother hits and superior filtration.
Showcasing personal style and taste, these bongs come in unique designs and colours, making them great conversation starters and a source of pride for the owners.
One notable option is the Bud Jellyfish Percolator Bong.
WHAT ARE THE BONG MATERIALS OF A TYPICAL BONG?
Choosing the material of your bong primarily depends on how you plan to use it, where you'll be smoking and your budget.
Each material comes with its pros and cons, so let's take a closer look at each one:
Glass bongs are highly favoured for their pure taste, long-lasting build, and transparent smoke visibility.
On the flip side, a glass waterpipe tends to be delicate and pricey.
Silicone bongs are durable and versatile, perfect for on-the-go and outdoor activities.
With their low-maintenance nature and wide range of vibrant options, they offer convenience and style.
Nonetheless, it's worth noting that silicone bongs may not deliver the same pristine taste and purity that glass bongs do.
Ceramic bongs offer striking aesthetics and original designs while being sturdy and low-maintenance.
Nonetheless, they tend to be heavier and may offer less effective filtration compared to glass bongs.
Acrylic bongs offer affordability with a wide range of colour and design options.
Their lightweight and durable nature make them a popular choice.
However, it's worth noting that acrylic bongs may not match the purity and flavour of glass bongs, and cleaning them can be challenging.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF BONGS
When it comes to different types of bongs, personal preferences and priorities play a crucial role.
Smokers have different preferences - some seek a smoother smoking experience, while others value ease of use and cleaning.
We'll explore the top five popular bong types and shapes available in the market:
Beaker bongs are popular for their large base, providing increased stability and a larger chamber for bigger hits.
However, they require extra effort to clean and may not have the same visual appeal as other styles.
Percolator bongs feature separate chambers and multiple percolators, which ultimately leads to a remarkably smooth smoking experience.
Nonetheless, it's important to note that they do require more maintenance and can be challenging to clean.
Straight tube bongs are known for their simplicity and efficiency.
They provide a direct hit and are a breeze to clean.
However, it's important to note that they may not offer the same level of filtration as percolator bongs, potentially resulting in a harsher experience on the throat.
Round base bongs provide enhanced stability due to their wider base.
Additionally, the larger chamber allows for bigger hits, and their cleaning process is effortless.
However, their visual appeal may not match other styles.
Gripper bongs feature a convenient pistol-grip design for ease of use and a comfortable grip.
These bongs are also known for their effortless cleaning.
However, it's worth noting that they may not provide the same filtration quality as percolator bongs.
ARE BIG BONGS BETTER THAN SMALL BONGS?
When it comes to bongs, the bong size comes down to personal preference, its intended use and your smoking lifestyle.
Let's take a closer look at three different bong sizes and how each one could benefit your next smoke.
Small bongs offer the benefits of portability and discretion.
They are effortlessly portable and can be easily concealed, making them perfect for outdoor or public smoking.
However, it's important to note that they produce less smoke, which could potentially impact the strength of the hit.
Medium bongs are the perfect blend of portability and potency.
With their ability to generate ample smoke, they deliver a stronger hit. At the same time, they remain conveniently portable.
Additionally, medium bongs provide a wider range of percolation options, elevating the overall smoking experience.
Large bongs provide an exceptionally smooth smoking experience thanks to their size and extensive percolation choices.
They generate ample smoke, making them perfect for communal smoking gatherings.
Nonetheless, they are less portable and necessitate more storage space.
HOW MUCH DO BONGS COST?
Sticking to a budget when choosing a bong is key.
Bongs for sale vary in price from as low as $30 to as high as $600 or more.
Finding the right priced bong for you and your budget is one of the hardest factors to negotiate, so let's take a look at the difference price points the pros and cons of each.
Cheap bongs are typically priced under $50.
A budget-friendly bong is often constructed with subpar materials such as plastic or fragile glass.
Due to their low cost, they are prone to breakage and may lack a satisfying smoking sensation.
Nonetheless, they can be a suitable choice for novice smokers uncertain about maintaining a regular smoking habit.
A mid-range priced bong is usually between $50 - $150.
These bongs are often made from higher-quality materials such as thick borosilicate glass, designed by reputable brands, feature added extras such as percolators and ash cacthers and also come in a variety of unique shapes, colours and styles.
Expensive bongs are priced $150 and above.
Premium bongs offer an enhanced smoking experience with their superior craftsmanship.
Crafted from top-notch materials, they boast exceptional durability, ensuring long-term value for your investment.
These high-end bongs are remarkably easy to clean and maintain, minimising the growth of harmful bacteria.
Additionally, their advanced features deliver a truly seamless and refreshing smoking session.
WHAT BONG BRANDS SHOULD I CONSIDER BUYING FROM?
With the popularity of medicinal cannabis growing, so too is the demand for bongs.
We have seen a surge in new bong brands coming to the market along with long-term reputable brands still producing quality rigs for many years.
Some of our favourite bong brands you should consider include:
Bud is an online bong brand who prioritise your needs by offering dependable and straightforward smoke solutions for everyday use.
With their cutting-edge Aussie bongs, exceptional craftsmanship, and trendy designs, they provide meticulous attention to detail that is sure to impress both cannabis enthusiasts and occasional smokers.
Higher Concepts is another online bong brand known for their unmatched commitment to quality.
They take pride in offering durable and elegant glass bongs that provide great value for money.
Their range of high-quality glass bongs not only meet but exceed the expectations of both smoking novices and experts.
They also offer bong parts such as cone pieces, stems, ash catchers and more.
Chongz is the ultimate leader in awesome designs, vibrant colours, and top-performing bongs.
Their glass and acrylic bongs collection is widely recognised as one of the most popular choices in the country due to its durability, reliability, functionality, and affordability.
GRAV, based in Austin, Texas, is a renowned glassware brand that has been dominating the industry since 2004.
They offer a wide range of exceptional smoking products, including the world-famous Gravitron gravity bong, meticulously crafted Sip Series Collection, stylish cone pieces, and functional ash catchers.
With their innovative and revolutionary designs, GRAV has built a strong reputation for delivering breathtaking smoking experiences.
ROOR is a highly esteemed smoking brand known for its meticulous attention to detail, top-notch craftsmanship, and advanced glassblowing techniques.
Established in 1995, this industry leader from Germany has quickly gained a reputation as the go-to choice for smokers and collectors alike, thanks to their unmatched expertise in crafting exceptional bongs and groundbreaking innovations.
DO I NEED BONG PARTS SUCH AS CONE PIECES, DOWNSTEMS OR ASH CATCHERS?
Every bong at Glass Bongs Australia, the country's best head shop, comes with a cone piece and downstem.
With these added bong parts, this means it is ready to use as soon as it arrives on your doorstep.
As you become more experienced, you may be iterested in improving your smoke by upgrading your bong parts and adding extras such as an ash catcher.
Bong parts you may want to upgrade or replace over time include:
When it comes to bong smoking, the cone piece you choose can make all the difference.
Opting for a cone piece that is both vibrant, adaptable, and long-lasting ensures that your smoking experience will always be top-notch.
Whether you're in search of a unique, intricately crafted cone piece to elevate your bong's appearance, need a replacement for a broken piece or damaged bowl, or simply want to expand your bong parts collection, discovering the perfect cone piece for you and your bong is always fun.
When it comes to your bong rips, don't settle for anything less than smooth and filtered perfection.
High-quality downstems are must-have bong parts for achieving a consistently velvety and flavourful pull.
Look for one with diffusor slits at the base - they're the top choice for enhanced filtration and an all-around superior smoking experience.
And the best part? Downstems come in a variety of vibrant colours, making it easy to find the perfect match for your bong and show off your personal style.
Ash catchers are must-have bong parts for your bong.
They come in various sizes, styles, and colours to suit your preferences.
These handy attachments not only prevent ash, tar, and resin from contaminating your bong but also enhance your smoking experience.
By adding an extra chamber and water filtration, ash catchers cool the smoke and remove impurities, giving you smoother, bigger, and more enjoyable hits.
Upgrade your bong with an ash catcher and discover a whole new level of satisfaction.
Enhance and customise your bong experience effortlessly with adapters and connectors.
These versatile bong parts come in a wide range of sizes, allowing you to seamlessly switch between different bong parts like cone pieces, bangers, nails, and downstems.
With unique male-female designs and sizes ranging from 10mm to 18mm, you'll find the perfect fit for all your bong components.
If you use your bong for dabbing concentrates, then a strong and durable banger and nail is essential.
You can choose between titanium or quartz.
Titanium is incredibly sturdy, ensuring they won't easily break or crack under intense heat.
On the other hand, quartz bangers are highly durable and heat up quickly and efficiently.
While they may be pricier than glass options, quartz nails offer excellent flavour, smooth airflow, and resilience against cracking or warping when exposed to high temperatures.
WHY DO I NEED TO CLEAN MY BONG?
Maintaining a clean bong is essential for an enhanced smoking session.
When residue and smoke build up in the bong, it can result in unpleasant flavours and odours.
This buildup can obstruct the bong's airflow making it difficult to inhale air through the device.
As a result, the bong's effectiveness is compromised, and the overall experience becomes less enjoyable.
It is highly recommended to clean your bong after every use to prevent residue buildup.
By regularly cleaning your bong, you can ensure that it remains both hygienic and fully functional.
HOW DO I CLEAN MY BONG?
Cleaning your bong is essential for a safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable smoking session.
Here's a quick guide on how to effectively clean your bong:
1. Disassemble Your Bong
Empty the bong by dismantling it and promptly pouring out the used water down the sink.
2. Wear Gloves
Wear kitchen cleaning gloves to protect your skin.
3. Fill Your Bong With A Bong Cleaner
Fill your bong with a bong cleaner, such as Formula 420. If you don't have a bong cleaner, isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt can do the trick.
4. Cover The Bong's Holes
Cover the mouthpiece and joint opening with cleaning plugs or caps or your hands while wearing kitchen cleaning gloves.
5. Give The Bong A Shake
Give your bong a good shake and force the liquid around the bong into all the nooks and crannies. After a minute or two, pour out the solution.
6. Use A Bong Cleaning Brush
Use a soft tip cleaning brush or pipe cleaner to scrub off any remaning residue and build up. Be gentle and careful not to scratch your glass bong while using a brush.
7. Rinse Your Bong
Once you're happy with the results, rinse your bong under warm water ensuring all solvents and cleaners are gone.
8. Dry Your Bong
Let your bong dry completely before reassembling and using again.
WHERE CAN I BUY A BONG ONLINE?
Purchasing a glass waterpipe from an online head shop, such as Glass Bongs Australia, is a great option.
Their huge selection of bongs for sale in unique styles, shapes and sizes from the world's biggest brands makes it easy to find the right bong for you.
With a fantastic price range, with aussie bongs starting as low as $39, you can score a rig without breaking the bank.
If you're in need of any help with choosing a bong, their customer service team can be contacted at hello@glassbongs.com.au.
They will guide you through the purchasing process and provide fantastic insights into what would be the ultimate water pipe for your smoking lifestyle.
Plus, you can pick up other essentials such as a grinder, rolling tray, bong parts, bong cleaners and more!
CONCLUSION: IT'S TIME TO BEGIN YOUR BONG JOURNEY
By the end of this guide, you'll have everything you need to score the ultimate bong that fits your vibe.
Picking the right bong might not be a one-hit wonder, but as you explore different materials, styles, shapes, and brands, you'll stumble upon the holy grail of rigs that's made just for you.
When in doubt, blaze through this guide and get a little refresher on all things bongs. Trust us, it's high time you find the perfect match.
