Straight tube bongs are everywhere these days and for good reason. They've been around for centuries and bong connoisseurs still dig them today. They're super easy to use, won't break the bank and you'll get a smoking experience that's second to none. Let's take a look at the main features of the straight tube bong, the perks of puffing from one and how they differ from other bongs you might find at your local bong store.

What Is A Straight Tube Bong?

A straight tube bong is a must-have for any smoker. Whether you're into glass or silicone, this type of bong is super sleek and simple. It's got a joint on the lower half that connects the downstem and cone piece, plus there's a flat, round base for stability. And don't forget the comfy mouthpiece - it's all you need for a classic smoking experience. No doubt, this is one of the most popular bongs around.

How Does A Straight Tube Bong Work?

Straight tube bongs are super easy to use but still provide a really chill, smooth, and filtered session. They’re defined by their long cylinder shape and a joint where the downstem and cone piece is inserted. Before you start puffing, fill the tube with water so it's just below the downstem, making sure the hole and slits are covered. Throw some nicely ground nugs in the cone piece and light it up. As you inhale, the smoke is pulled through the downstem and filtered by the water. This helps keep out ash, tar and all that other gross stuff and also cools the smoke down so it's easier to take in. Then, the filtered smoke travels up the long, slim neck and you get to enjoy it. When you're finished, just take the cone piece out of the downstem and clean if necessary.

What Are The Benefits Of A Straight Tube Bong?

Straight tube bongs are totally awesome, with tons of features and advantages that make them the go-to bong for stoners everywhere including:

  • Easy To Use: Straight tube bongs are a great option for stoners just getting started or looking for something simple. All you have to do is fill the bong with water and load up the bowl with some dry herbs. The water will filter and chill the smoke for a nice, smooth hit. No need to worry about all the extra bells and whistles - these bad boys are designed to make smoking as easy as possible so you can just focus on getting ripped with your favourite strains.
  • Controlled Hits: The tight water chamber means you don't have to try so hard to take a rip. Unlike other bongs, a straight tube bong shoots the smoke directly to your face with minimal drag, giving you a smoother and more controlled hit.
  • Quick & Intense: Straight tube bongs come in sleek, tall shapes and this means more bubbling in the chamber, which makes a really pleasant purring sound. Not to mention, since there's less resistance, you don't have to inhale as hard to get that intense and flavourful hit.
  • Customisable: Straight tube bongs are the ultimate in customisability, with all kinds of attachments available to upgrade your session. These can include percolators and ash catchers, which will make your smoke super silky and delicious. Plus, many of these bongs already come with percolators like honeycomb discs and showerhead percolators built in, so you can get an even smoother hit.
  • Easy To Clean: The awesome thing about straight tube bongs is that they're easy to clean because there isn't any bends or curves. All you have to do is use a liquid bong cleaner such as Formula 420 and a brush to scrub away any resin build-up and you're good to go!

What Are The Disadvantages Of Straight Tube Bongs?

Even though straight tube bongs have some kickass perks, there are also a few cons that you should look into before you cop one including: 

  • Unstable: Straight tube bongs are usually pretty tall and can be pretty easily knocked over. Even though their bases can be flat and sturdy, it's sometimes still not enough to keep them upright - unlike beaker bongs, which have a flared base and are much more stable. And when you start adding extra stuff like ash catchers or percolators, the weight difference between one side and the other can cause your bong to topple over.
  • Bubbles Near Mouth: The downside of straight tube bongs is that the bubbles in the water chamber can sometimes come right up to your mouth which can be quite unpleasant. The skinny design means the bubbles can only go up and if it doesn't have any ice notches, there's a chance they'll reach your mouth when inhaling.

What Are The Different Types Of Straight Tube Bongs?

Straight tube bongs come in a variety of unique materials such as glass, silicone and acrylic with each having their own benefits to the overall bong smoking experience.

  • Glass Straight Tube Bongs: Glass is the way to go when it comes to smoking cannabis. It won't give off any funky flavours or smells like silicone, wood or ceramic, so you're guaranteed a cleaner, smoother and more enjoyable experience. Not only that, but if taken care of properly, glass can last you a good few years. Plus, glass looks great and comes in a bunch of cool sizes, colours and styles.
  • Silicone Straight Tube Bongs: Silicone bongs are like the unbreakable heroes of smoking devices, meaning you can take them with you wherever you go and use them all the time without having to worry about damage. Plus, their bold and bright colours and cool designs make them a super stylish way to blaze up. Plus, they won't break the bank like glass bongs. But, they can give off an unpleasant taste that can ruin the flavour of your smoke.
  • Acrylic Straight Tube Bongs: Acrylic straight tube bongs are usually cheaper than glass, making them the ideal pick if you're hitting the town with a crew or just looking for a bong that won't shatter at the least bit of turbulence. However, watch out for the toxins that can leach out when you light up, which can definitely ruin the flavor of your weed.

How Do You Clean A Straight Tub Bong?

Cleaning up your straight tube bong after a session ain't hard. Start off by giving it a rinse with some hot water to get rid of any ash or other gunk. Then, grab some liquid bong cleaner like Formula 420 and pour it in the bong, cover up all the openings and give it a good shake for a minute. Once everything looks good, pour out the cleaner and wash it with warm water. If there're any little spots that need some scrubbing, grab a soft tip brush or pipe cleaner to nix the extra resin. Make sure to let your bong dry out completely before you use it again.

Conclusion

Straight tube bongs are the OG of bongs and the OG never goes out of style. They're simple to use, big enough to get you high as a kite and easy to clean. Whether you go for glass, silicone or acrylic, these bongs are budget-friendly and can be pimped out with an ash catcher or a percolator. The only downside is they're kind of top-heavy and wobbly, but they're still an awesome option for folks who are new to bong-smoking or those who want a unique smoking experience.

Tags: Bongs