When it comes to cannabis, the massive variety of cannabis products and a sheer number of consumption accessories can be overwhelming. But to keep it simple, this post is about plain and simple, bongs. Bongs have been around for decades, and they come in many shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. Whether you are adding to your collection or buying your first piece, bongs are a great choice to level up the classic, pipe-smoking experience.
What Is A Bong?
A bong is a type of water pipe that allows you to combust herbs (like cannabis), using water as a smoke filtration system. People often opt for bongs because it delivers almost instantaneous results and the water filter makes the hits smoother than those of a typical pipe.
Types of Bongs
While glass is accepted far and wide as “the” material for bongs, there are other materials bongs can be made from as well. Here are five common materials:
1. Glass
There are many reasons that glass is the most common and highly recommended material. Not only can glass be blown into beautiful designs, but high-quality glass bongs have an extremely smooth hit. When looking at glass bongs for sale, make sure quality is a priority; you don’t want any harsh chemicals entering your lungs.
When doing your research, you should look for scientific glass (or borosilicate glass), because industry-grade glass is the best quality, Additionally, glass bongs are the easiest to accessorize. You can add ash catchers, bangers, percolators, screens, caps, ice and more. The more accessories you can add, the more functional the piece can be. Also, since most glass bongs are transparent, you can also see how big the hit will be – just another added bonus.
2. Metal
Metal bongs are affordable and durable. However, that’s where their benefits end. The metal affects the smoothness and flavor. Generally, metal bongs are opaque and cannot be accessorized. That makes their use more limited. It’s no surprise that metal bongs are hard to find.
3. Silicone
Silicone is a newer material with fairly positive results. Silicone bongs are very pliable, durable, and cost-effective. Many even come with lifetime warranties. However, they are smaller and lack the good percolation that glass offers. Some silicone bongs also come with metal bowls which affect the taste just like a full metal bong. Unfortunately, they don’t have many accessories either.
4. Ceramic
Ceramic bongs are the old-school original choice for smoking. Pottery goes back thousands of years, so there are benefits of this perfected bong option. You can find unique, large designs for a reasonable price. Ceramic is also durable, beautiful, and creates smooth hits. It handles temperature changes better than glass. However, glass beats out ceramic in terms of accessories, transparency, and percolation.
5. Acrylic
Acrylic bongs are the most affordable alternative. They are available in a range of colors and shapes. The hard plastic, on the other hand, is easily broken and has a bad flavor. Be wary of where your acrylic bong is made. Most are made by foreign producers who do not always follow safety regulations. Even the cheap price tag will add up over time with regular replacements.
What’s the Best Bong Material? Glass.
There are benefits and drawbacks of each bong material. While it comes down to personal preference, glass is the best choice. Remember to look for scientific glass to reduce any harmful chemical intake. When you purchase your next bong, weigh all your options. There are many materials, sizes, and shapes to select from, surely there is one perfect for you!
