Did you know that over half of Americans have tried marijuana at some point in their lives? And almost half of those who tried it became habitual users.
Smoking marijuana is becoming more and more popular all over the world, and that trend will likely only gain steam in the coming years.
Along with that growing usage comes an explosion of various instruments with which you can smoke. There are several different types of apparatus, to start with, from bowls to pipes to bongs, you first need to narrow down which you’re looking for.
Each comes with its advantages, but in this article, we’re going to focus on bongs– more specifically, how to choose the best bong for you.
To learn a bit about the different factors you need to take into consideration when shopping for your next bong, keep reading!
1. Cost
Perhaps the most important factor in any purchase is cost.
Before you even begin shopping, you need to set a realistic budget that you will stick to as you browse. Depending on the materials used and the quality of the piece, bongs can get expensive fast.
2. Material
Continuing on with the last point, the material used to make the bong will greatly factor into the price. For example, a plastic, acrylic, or ceramic bong will be much less expensive than glass, but you’re going to sacrifice on beauty and lifespan.
A glass bong will be the most attractive, as well as easiest to clean, making it last longer than its cheaper alternatives.
3. Anatomy
A bong, or water pipe, is made up of a few different parts, each of which will vary depending on the apparatus. These parts consist of the joint, downstem, bowl, smoke chamber, and optional carb.
The size of the various parts of the bong will determine the size and strength of the hits you can take from it, which is something to take into account when doing your shopping. If you’re a novice, you don’t want to buy the biggest bong you can find, as you will likely struggle to clear it.
4. Glass Thickness & Durability
Let’s be honest, when you’re stoned, it’s much easier for graceful movements to go out the window. And the last thing you want to do is break your new investment the day you get it.
This is why glass thickness and durability are important. As mentioned previously, a plastic bong won’t be as breakable during individual smoke sessions, but won’t have the lifespan of a glass bong in the long run.
Assuming you’re going with glass (which is your best bet), you want to be sure you’re choosing a glass thickness that will give you maximum durability. Thick glass is the most popular way to go, but you can also pick a shorter bong or one with a wider base to increase its resilience to clumsiness.
5. Size
Next to price, size is the most important factor to consider. This is because you can go overboard and waste hits because of it. If you’re an old hand when it comes to smoking, by all means, buy a tall bong with a large smoke chamber.
However, if you’re just getting your feet wet with bongs, it’s best to go with a more modest size. This will enable you to enjoy your smoke without getting too big or strong of a hit and going too far.
6. Quality
The old saying, “you get what you pay for” is true in many facets of life, including bong purchases. At the end of the day, if you buy a cheap shoddy bong, you’re going to get shoddy results.
Getting started with a new hobby or buying something new for yourself is exciting! But it’s better to wait a little longer to give yourself time to save and buy a quality bong than to take the leap too quickly and have to repurchase in a month or two because the one you have isn’t usable.
7. Percolation
If you’re new to bongs, percolation might sound a bit intimidating, but it’s quite simple! Percolation is the process of the smoke being filtered heavily as it moves through the water.
There are a few types of percolators to consider, each with its own benefits and drawbacks, including propeller, swiss, tree, and showerhead percs. Each version filters the smoke in a slightly different way, giving variations in the results you will achieve with your experience.
8. Accessories
Last but not least, there are a few accessories to choose from that may enhance your experience. Many of these add-ons come with their own purpose, such as greater filtration of the smoke. But they will also change the appearance and even increase the beauty of your piece.
You have splash guards, which help prevent dirty water from getting into your mouth, ice pinches that cool the water and therefore the smoke as you inhale it, and ash catchers, which give a bit of additional filtration and catch any errant ash.
These aren’t necessary, but if you want the best experience possible, are worth considering.
Use These Tips to Choose the Best Bong for You!
Well, there you have it! By using these tips, you should be able to shop for the best bong for you with confidence, even if you’re just getting started with marijuana.
Ultimately, you need to ask yourself what your smoking experience looks like. Are you traveling with your bong? Will it primarily sit on your coffee table as artwork when it’s not in use? How often are you using it?
Answering these questions will help you to decide the type and size you need to be looking for.
Remember, go into your shopping experience with a set budget. Bongs are often beautiful works of art, but that craftsmanship comes at a price.
And if you need to, don’t be afraid to save up for a bong and accessories you really love! A quality bong will last for years and years if you care for it properly.
Looking for more tips on choosing the best tools to enjoy your next smoke even more? Check out our blog!