Table of Contents
Did you know that there are bongs that are sold for $100,000? Thankfully, you can get one for yourself for much cheaper.
Whether you're a seasoned smoker or a newbie, you've likely pondered the purpose of a bong and the significance of its intricate, labyrinthine components. You might have also questioned their role in enhancing the overall high. Have you ever wondered about the bong usage statistics and the impact of missing a piece?
We will answer all these questions and more in the guide below!
What Is a Bong?
At its essence, a bong is a common way of consuming cannabis, especially dried flowers. There are many different slangs for a bong, such as water pipe, billy, bing, binger, and more.
Apparently, water pipes were used as far back as the Ming Dynasty to filter and cool smoke. And the word bong comes from the Thai word "baung", which refers to a traditional round wooden bamboo tube.
Bongs take on many shapes and sizes nowadays, that's why owners of bongs usually name their water pipes and consider them as part of their smoking family.
The History of Bongs
Ancient Origins
Bongs have ancient roots, with early versions found in various cultures around the world. Evidence suggests that bongs were used in regions such as Africa, Asia, and the Middle East as early as 2,400 years ago.
Evolution Over Time
From bamboo pipes to modern glass designs, bongs have evolved significantly. The development of glassblowing techniques in the 1960s revolutionized bong design, leading to the intricate and artistic pieces we see today.
How Does a Bong Work?
There's a very good reason why cannabis smokers use glass bongs to get that awesome high.
When you light up the bong bowl, the smoke then goes through bong filters, chambers, and percolators before hitting your mouth. In fact, the smoke gets filtered four times before it gets to your mouth. This reduces lung and throat irritation and allows the smoke to hit you even more smoothly.
Another advantage to keep in mind is that a bong can filter and cool the smoke through water, thus, giving you a smooth draw, even when you inhale a huge amount of smoke. You can maintain the pungent spectrum of aroma and flavor of cannabis while reducing its harshness on your lungs and throat.
Also, once you know what each part of a bong does and how it functions, you will be able to purchase an affordable bong for yourself, without wasting money on too many accessories, and improve your cannabis experience.
Parts of a Bong
There are five basic bong pieces to keep in mind when purchasing your personal glass bong.
Bowl - this is where the dried cannabis flower is loaded and combusted. It's a bulbous attachment and is often removable.
Carb - this is short for carburetor and is a small hole that allows the user to remove or clear the smoke from the entire chamber of the bong. This completes the bong toke and is usually a pull- or slide- mechanism. It will be exposed when the bowl is removed.
Downstem - this is the small tube that allows smoke to travel from the bowl to the base, where the water sits, allowing the smoke to percolate through the water (this is the first time the smoke is filtered). The downstem creates small bubbles which increases this surface area and allow for more cooling effects.
Base - this is the bottom of the bong and can take many different shapes and sizes depending on the design. The beaker- or bubble-shaped base creates another water chamber where the smoke can be filtered through (filtering the smoke a second time).
Tube - this tube ends with the mouthpiece and is the chamber that fills with smoke once filtered through the water. Some bongs will have an ice pinch included which acts as a catch to keep ice inside the tube of the water pipe allowing extra cooling of the smoke before it travels to the mouthpiece.
Optional Bong Pieces
Not every bong will have all these pieces attached, but you can always buy them as add-ons, to enhance your high. It's highly recommended.
Percolator (optional) - this is an extra water chamber with multiple slits and holes, through which the smoke gets filtered a third time. Hot smoke gets cooled down twice the amount, as it creates even more bubbles than your standard downstem.
Ice Chamber (optional) - this is where ice itself acts as a cooling agent. As soon as the smoke hits or touches the ice, it is chilled once more.
Splash Guard (optional) - this is usually found in higher-end bongs, and is a dome-like structure with multiple slits and cuts, allowing the smoke to pass through while trapping the unwanted water inside the chamber. This gives you a clear, smooth, and tasty hit.
As you can see, a bong is an intricate structure involving varying pieces that allow you as the user to experience the best high possible. A good bong is well worth its weight in gold.
Bong Bowl Piece
A bong bowl is the most important part of the weed bong and usually comes in two different sizes, 14mm and 18mm. It's a removable slide that attaches to the bong and holds the dry herb. A bong bowl piece comes in a variety of designs nowadays, as bong designers have fewer restrictions on them and become more creative.
Different Types of Bongs
There are many four primary types of bongs to keep in mind when purchasing yours. It's important to keep in mind the bong parts mentioned above, so you don't get confused when you see the various intricate bongs on the market today.
Chambered Bongs
If you want a clear, smooth hit, this is the best bong for you. They are also called multi-chambered bongs, and the chambers are stacked and equipped inside the bong on top of one another. This allows the highest smoke filtration as the smoke is filtered through 1 to 3 water chambers.
Percolator Bongs - What is a Percolator Bong
Percolator bong allows for an optimally balanced smoke diffusion and water filtration as each of the stacked chambers has a highly efficient percolator associated with it. It has many slits and holes for extra airflow and circulation and allows the smoke to cycle circularly, creating many bubbles.
Recycler Bongs
A recycler bong has a two-chamber system that recycles water in a loop-like fashion. The looping allows for less time for the vapor to come into contact with the air, increasing the dryness in your hit (decreasing the staleness of your smoke). You can recycle the smoke through the water as many times as you would like before taking a hit.
Straight Tubed Bongs
A Straight tubed bong is the simplest design for a glass bong with a straight tube and a water chamber at the base of the bong. This type of bong is not recommended for everyday usage due to low smoke and water filtration.
Benefits of Using a Bong
Smoother Hits
The water filtration system in bongs cools the smoke, making each hit smoother and less irritating to the throat and lungs.
Enhanced Filtration
Bongs filter out impurities and ash, resulting in a cleaner smoking experience.
Intense Flavor
The cooling effect of water preserves the flavor of the substance being smoked, providing a more enjoyable experience.
Versatility
Bongs come in various sizes and designs, making them suitable for different preferences and settings.
How to Use a Bong
Preparing the Bong
- Fill the water chamber with enough water to submerge the downstem.
- Attach the bowl and ensure all parts are securely in place.
Loading the Bowl
- Grind your herb to a medium consistency.
- Pack the bowl lightly to allow airflow.
Lighting and Inhaling
- Hold the bong with one hand and light the bowl with the other.
- Inhale slowly as the chamber fills with smoke.
- Remove the bowl to clear the chamber and inhale the remaining smoke.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Daily Cleaning
- Rinse the bong with warm water after each use to remove residue.
- Use a pipe cleaner or brush for hard-to-reach areas.
Deep Cleaning
- Soak the bong in a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove all cleaning agents.
Now You Know Exactly What Is a Bong
No longer do you have to wonder what is a bong and how does it work. With this knowledge at hand, you can purchase the best bong for you and your specific needs.
Purchase a glass bong for yourself from Inhalco by checking out our bongs for sale.
FAQs
What are the different types of bongs available? There are several types of bongs, including glass, acrylic, ceramic, silicone, and bamboo. Each type offers unique benefits in terms of durability, aesthetics, and smoking experience.
How does a bong work? A bong works by using water to cool and filter smoke. When you light the substance in the bowl and inhale, the smoke travels through the water chamber, where it is cooled and filtered before reaching your lungs.
What materials are used to make bongs? Bongs can be made from a variety of materials, including glass, acrylic, ceramic, silicone, and bamboo. Each material has its advantages, such as durability, ease of cleaning, and aesthetic appeal.
How do you clean a bong properly? To clean a bong, rinse it with warm water after each use. For a deeper clean, soak the bong in a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Use a pipe cleaner or brush for hard-to-reach areas.
Are there any health benefits to using a bong? Using a bong can be healthier than other smoking methods because the water filtration system cools the smoke and removes some impurities, making each hit smoother and less harsh on the lungs.
Can bongs be used for substances other than cannabis? Yes, bongs can be used to smoke various substances, including tobacco and other herbal blends. The water filtration system enhances the smoking experience for different materials.
Back to top*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All products are intended for legal usage. Before consuming cannabis in any form, please consult with a licensed health care provider, smoke at your own risk.
