How Much is a Bong? Cost Guide

Bongs, or water pipes, are known for their ability to filter out hazardous carcinogens and smoke-borne toxins, making them a healthier and popular option for smokers.

Want to buy the best bongs and water pipes? Finding the perfect bong can be challenging since they come in many shapes, sizes, materials, features and prices.

Whether you're a seasoned bong user or a curious beginner, understanding the cost of bongs is essential to make informed purchasing decisions.

In this article, we'll delve into the pricing layers of the bong market and explore the various factors that influence bong prices to help you find one that fits your budget.

Additionally, we'll provide tips on finding the top bong stores and hot deals to save money on your next water pipe.

What is a Bong?

A bong is a water pipe used for smoking dry herbs, tobacco, or cannabis.

It consists of a chamber filled with water, a bowl for packing dry herbs, a downstem that directs the smoke into the water, and a mouthpiece for inhaling smoke.

This water-filled device filters and cools smoke during use, reduces harsh on the throat and lungs, allowing for smoother hits.

Bongs have been part of various cultures for centuries, with ancient versions discovered in parts of Asia and Africa.

They come in different shapes, sizes, and materials, offering various options.

While glass pipes are the most popular, there are still impressive bongs made from Silicone, Acrylic, Ceramic, Metal, and even Wood.

More info about: What is a bong? Different Types of Bongs in Brief

Different Types of Bongs

You can buy bongs made from various materials. Each material has it's own pros and cons.

Different materials offer varying levels of flavor purity, durability, maintenance needs, and aesthetic appeal.

1. Glass Bongs: Glass Bongs delevers the cleanest, purest flavor.

Its crystal-clear clarity lets you watch those mesmerizing bubbles as you smoke.

Borosilicate glass is heat-resistant, meaning it won't crack easily under high temperatures.

2. Silicone Bongs: Silicone Bongs are virtually unbreakable, making them ideal for travel, festivals, or outdoor adventures.

Plus, they're incredibly easy to clean and come in a wide range of fun colors and funky designs.

3. Acrylic Bongs: While acrylic bongs may not be as durable as glass or offer the same level of flavor purity, they're budget-friendly and available in a vast array of styles and colors.

It's a fantastic way to start, experiment with different designs and see what kind of bong you prefer.

4. Ceramic Bongs: For smokers who appreciate a unique aesthetic and a connection to traditional smoking practices, ceramic bongs offer a distinct appeal.

5. Metal Bongs: Metal Bongs are renowned for their robustness and durability, rendering them a dependable choice for those who desire a long-lasting smoking experience with a water pipe.

However, they may impart a metallic flavor during use and necessitate more frequent cleaning than glass or silicone bongs.

How Does a Bong Work?

Before discussing how a weed bong works, we must understand the different parts that make it.

Bowl: a small, removable glass basin that holds the marijuana in place for igniting.

Downstem: a glass tube that holds the bowl in place, and directs the smoke into the water chamber.

Water Chamber: the chamber of the water bong that holds the water (usually round or beaker-shaped)

Neck: a straight tube for smoke to travel through that connects the base to the mouthpiece.

Carb Hole: a small hole that allows smokers to control airflow by covering or uncovering it

Although these are the main parts of most bongs, some unique ones usually contain more features, like percolators, ash catchers, and splash guards.

Once the marijuana in the bong's bowl is ignited, the ensuing smoke journeys through the downstem into the water in the main chamber of the bong.

The water chamber functions as a filter for your cannabis smoke, where it travels to get cooled off before you inhale it.

This process not only chills the smoke but also purges certain heavier, water-dissolvable elements, ensuring a gentle intake.

Additional Bong Features: Beyond the Basics

Want a bong that does more than just hold water? Check out these extra features that can totally elevate your smoking experience:

Diffused Downstem: Creates tons of tiny bubbles for ultimate smoke filtration.

Ash catcher: An ash catcher, also called a precooler, is a secondary filtration system for your bong.

The attachment pre-filters the smoke before running it into the glass bong, which helps keep the water pipe's main chamber clean.

Ice Catcher: An ice catcher is a small addition to some bongs that hold the ice above the water level.

It cools down your smoke for a smoother, less harsh hit.

Percolator: It filters and diffuses your smoke, making it way easier on your lungs and throat.

There are tons of percolator styles, such as showerhead percolators or honeycomb percolators, each with its own unique benefits.

Recycler: Continuously recycles the water for extra-clean hits and maximum flavor.

Splash Guard: Splash guards are handy in preventing the water from the base of the pipe from reaching your lips as you inhale.

The splash guard includes holes so vapor can still pass through, but the top is domed so the water falls back into the base of the pipe.

Pricing Breakdown: How Much Do Bongs Cost?

Bong costs from $10 for basic acrylic models to over $300 for high-end glass bongs with advanced features like multiple percolators and artistic designs.

Cheap/Beginner bongs: $10 - $50

Cheap bongs (acrylic, silicone, mini bongs) are $10 - $50. Of course, these primarily cater to basic needs rather than anything overly complex.

They might feature basic percolation systems, usually with downstems. 7-11 inch are great beginner bongs.

Mid-range/Affordable bongs: $50 - $200

Mid-range options, such as silicone and simple glass bongs, typically cost between $50 and $200, depending on size and percolator.

Venturing into this territory unveils bongs equipped with enhanced features like multiple chambers and Percolators, ice pinchers, and high-quality borosilicate glass construction known for its resilience.

High-end/Expensive bongs: $200 and more

Expensive glass bongs costs $200 and Beyond, usually feature powerful filtration and cooling, artistic designs, and a higher quality manufacturing.

Here, bongs transition from mere smoking apparatus to functional art. Intricate designs, multiple accessories, and a blend of craftsmanship and function define this bracket.

Depending on the type of bong and its features, prices can vary significantly. Material, height, filtration, and cooling impact bong prices the most.

Bongs have various parts, features, and add-ons that impact the overall experience, ranging from harsh coughing hits to ultra-smooth inhales rich in flavors.

The more you pay for a bong the smoother, cleaner, and tastier the bong rip is!

The 8 Factors that Determine Bong Prices

The cost of bongs can vary widely based on several factors.

Each of these factors listed below plays a role in how much you'll pay for a bong, so consider what's most important to you before making your purchase.

1. Material

Different materials offer varying levels of flavor purity, durability, maintenance needs, and aesthetic appeal.

Bongs usually come in materials like glass, acrylic, and silicone, which affects their price. Glass bongs often cost more because of their craftsmanship and quality.

Regular Soda-Lime glass, Acrylic and silicone are cheaper, making them great for those on a budget.

Borosilicate glass is particularly durable and resistant to thermal shock, making it a popular choice for premium bongs.

2. Craftsmanship

The level of craftsmanship and attention to detail influences the price of bongs.

Hand-blown or handcrafted pieces are generally more expensive due to the skill and time involved in their creation.

Intricate designs, custom artwork, or unique shapes can also increase the overall cost of the piece.

3. Size and Complexity

Larger bongs that have more intricate pieces and require more materials and labour to make. This means they usually have a higher price tag than smaller ones with simpler designs.

4. Additional Features

Bongs with extras like percolators, ice catchers, ash catchers, diffusers, or removable parts can be pricier than basic models.

These features improve the smoking experience with smoother hits and easier maintenance, increasing the product's value.

5. Brand Reputation

Well-known brands like Lookah, GRAV, Session, ROOR, Higher Concepts, Empire Glassworks, Biohazard, Bud, Pulsar, Diamond Glass, etc often charge more for their smoking devices due to their reputation for quality.

6. Accessories

Some bongs come with additional smoking accessories like grinders or cleaning tools, adding value and cost.

7. Where to Buy

Prices can differ from shop to shop and online vs in-store.

Online might offer much cheaper prices but watch out for shipping costs.

8. Limited Editions And Collectible Pieces

Limited edition or collectible bongs, particularly those created by well-known artists or in collaboration with popular brands, can be quite expensive because of their exclusivity and potential for increased value over time.

For instance, Her Highness drop exclusive limited edition bongs every few years.

The 6 Tips for Saving Money When Buying Bongs

Find your perfect bong without overspending by following these tips:

1. Explore Different Materials

Although glass bongs are commonly preferred, considering alternative materials like acrylic or silicone can provide cost-effective options that maintain functionality.

2. Seek Out Discounts and Special Offers

Stay vigilant for sales, promotions, and clearance events at nearby smoke shops and online vendors.

These opportunities frequently present discounted rates on bongs and smoking accessories.

3. Shop Online

Online head shops often have lower prices and better deals than local brick-and-mortar stores.

Just be sure to factor in shipping costs and only order from reputable vendors.

4 . Opt for Simpler Designs

Bongs that boast intricate designs or additional features often come with a heftier price tag.

In order to maximise cost-effectiveness, it is advisable to choose bongs with simpler designs, especiall you are new to the world of bong smoking.

This will allow you to become familiar with the experience before deciding whether to invest in a more advanced and expensive piece at a later stage.

5. Stay Away from Premium Brands

While premium bong brands offer quality products, their prices can be substantially higher than budget or mid-range options.

Consider more affordable brands like Lookah for cost savings.

6. Check for Package Offers

Certain retailers provide package offers that include bongs alongside necessary accessories such as grinders or bong cleaners.

Availing these packages can offer enhanced value for your money.

Conclusion

Even with as many ways such as dry herb vaporizers, pipes and joints to consume cannabis flower, bongs remain a top-tier option.

Bongs come in every price range. But Remember that a bong's price doesn't always equate to its quality.

By exploring different price ranges and features, you can customise your choice to fit your preferences and budget.

Whether you prefer affordable options like acrylic bongs or want something more luxurious like artisanal Borosilicate glass bongs, you can approach your purchase with confidence.

Lookah has a wide selection of bongs within every price range. With lots of choices available, you’re sure to find the perfect bong to fit your budget and smoking needs.