As a unique smoking tool, the glass Bong not only plays an important role in traditional culture but also has become more and more popular in modern life for its unique smoking experience. 

However, faced with a wide range of bongs on the market, how to choose a product that suits you?

In this article, we will explain in detail how to choose the best bongs from three aspects: price, material, and type.

Credit for photo: Healthline.com

What Are Bongs？

Bongs, also known as water pipes or simply "bongs," are a popular smoking device or an inhalation device same as hookah used for smoking tobacco and other cannabis.

They are designed to provide a smoother and cooler smoking experience compared to direct inhalation from a pipe or joint. 

Here's a more detailed look at the construction and function of each part of a typical bong:

You may want to know more:

What Bongs Are Components?

A bong is a complex device with several components that work together to create a smooth, filtered smoking experience. 

Here's a breakdown of the components of a bong:10 Best Bongs to Smoke at Home You Must Have in 2024

Bowl 

The bowl is an essential component of a bong, where you pack and light your herb to begin the smoking process. 

Typically made from materials like glass, ceramic, or metal, the bowl is designed to hold the herb securely while you inhale the smoke. 

Bowls come in various sizes, with the most common being 10mm, 14mm, and 18mm in diameter. 

The size of the bowl plays a significant role in how much herb it can hold and how long it takes to pack it. 

Larger bowls, such as the 18mm size, can hold more material, making them ideal for group sessions or less frequent packing. 

Smaller bowls, like the 10mm size, are better suited for individual, controlled hits and are often used when you want to conserve herbs.

In terms of design, most bowls are shaped like an inverted cone or a rounded basket, with a small hole at the bottom to allow the smoke to pass through into the downstem. 

Joint

The joint is a critical component of a bong, serving as the tapered connection point where the bowl attaches to the downstem. 

This joint ensures that the smoke travels smoothly from the bowl through the downstem and into the water chamber for filtration. 

Glass joints come in two main configurations: male and female. A male joint has a protruding, narrow end that fits into a female joint, which has a wider opening. 

The opposite is true for female joints, which fit into male counterparts. The most common joint sizes are 14mm and 18mm, with the latter typically being larger and able to hold more material. 

The joint must form a perfect, airtight seal between the bowl and downstem to ensure optimal smoke flow and prevent any air leaks that would compromise the smoking experience.

If the seal is not airtight, smoke can escape, leading to inefficient hits and a less satisfying session. 

The glass joint plays a key role in maintaining the bong’s overall functionality, so it must be properly fitted and well-maintained. 

Whether male or female, the joint’s tightness is crucial for ensuring smooth, uninterrupted hits.

Downstem 

The downstem is an essential part of a bong, acting as the conduit that connects the bowl to the water chamber. 

Its primary function is to allow smoke to travel through the water, where it is filtered and cooled before reaching the mouthpiece. 

This process not only helps to smooth out the harshness of the smoke but also removes impurities, making each hit more enjoyable. 

Downstems are typically between 3 to 5 inches long and feature small slits or holes at the bottom, which create bubbles when the smoke passes through. 

These bubbles increase the surface area of the smoke, enhancing filtration and cooling efficiency. Depending on the bong's design, the downstem can be either removable or fixed.

Removable downstems are preferred by many users because they make cleaning easier, allowing access to hard-to-reach areas where resin and debris can accumulate. Fixed downstems, while more difficult to clean, often provide a sturdier, more streamlined design. 

Additionally, downstems come in two common angles: 45°and 90°. 

The angle is determined by the bong's overall design, with the 45° angle typically used for bongs with a more horizontal setup and the 90° angle used in straight-tube bongs. 

Both angles are designed to ensure efficient smoke flow into the water chamber, though the right angle may vary depending on personal preference and bong style.

 Water Chamber 

The water chamber plays a pivotal role in the overall smoking experience, as it is where the smoke is filtered and cooled before it reaches your mouth. 

As smoke travels through the downstem into the water chamber, it passes through the water, which helps to filter out impurities and cools the smoke for a smoother, less harsh hit. 

The size and shape of the water chamber are important factors in determining how efficiently the smoke is filtered and cooled. 

Larger water chambers provide more space for smoke to interact with the water, resulting in better cooling and improved filtration. 

Conversely, smaller chambers may not filter or cool the smoke as effectively, but can still provide a satisfying experience depending on the overall bong design. 

The water level inside the chamber must be carefully adjusted for optimal performance. 

Too much water can lead to splashback, where water is drawn up into the mouthpiece when inhaling, making the experience unpleasant. 

Too little water, on the other hand, reduces the filtration and cooling effects, resulting in a harsher, less enjoyable hit. 

Finding the right balance is important to ensure smooth, cool, and clean hits. 

Bong Neck 

The bong neck is a crucial part of the bong’s design, serving as the vertical section that connects the water chamber to the mouthpiece. 

Its primary function is to allow the smoke to travel upwards after being filtered and cooled in the water chamber, delivering it to the user for inhalation. 

The length of the neck plays a significant role in the quality of the hit, with longer necks providing more time for the smoke to cool as it travels toward the mouthpiece. 

This additional cooling time helps smooth out the harshness of the smoke, leading to a more enjoyable and less irritating experience.

Mouthpiece 

The mouthpiece of a bong is where you place your lips to inhale the smoke, making it an essential part of the smoking experience. 

The design of the mouthpiece can vary greatly depending on the bong, with some being wide and round, while others may have a narrower, more ergonomic shape. 

The size and shape of the mouthpiece are often tailored to personal preference—some users prefer a larger mouthpiece for bigger hits, while others opt for a smaller, more controlled opening

Best Bong for Smooth Hits: What to Look For When Buying

Credit for photo: the-bong-shop. business.

The hunt for the best bong for smooth hits involves consideration of what these features can contribute and how aspects like size, shape, material, etc, and additional ones like percolators, ice catchers etc can enhance your smoking experience. 

This is fundamental for whether you are an experienced smoker or not; these aspects will help guide you toward finding a bong that is suitable for your needs and takes you the smoothest hits over and over.

1. Best Bong Size for Smooth Hits

It is obvious that bong size plays a very important role when it comes to hitting your desired target.

For instance, the larger the bongs, the more chances you have of getting that cool smooth hit (the bigger the bong the more neck it has, and that means more time the smoke has to cool). 

A bigger stem and neck means a cooler hit, so for that smooth experience that’s the way to go about it. 

This makes it easy on the throat because the smoke is cooled before entering the lungs.

• Small Bongs: Designed for quick, hard hits, small bongs are easily portable, and tend to be easily cleaned but do tend to be harsh on the throat.
• Medium-sized Bongs: With these, ease out the general aspect; they are still portable but not that easy. Smooth; as good as medium size bongs can go, they are great for almost all smokers because of its size.
• Large Bongs:  Larger bongs allow for larger, cooler hits, and they often feature additional enhancements like ice catchers and percolators for smoother smoke. However, they can be heavier, harder to clean, and less portable.

2. Best Bong Shape for Smooth Hits

The shape of the bong also determines its functionality and its aesthetic appeal.

The most common shapes are straight tube bongs and beaker bongs, however, themed bongs and bent neck bongs have some aesthetic appeal while improving the way one uses the bong.

• Straight Tube Bongs: These provide a direct, straightforward path for smoke and are easy to clean. They are basic and do the job well, permitting filtration and smoother hits.
• Beaker Bongs: Beaker bongs have a wider base which brings about a larger water chamber that allows better filtration and cooling. Further, a wider base assists in providing stability of the bong and reduces the chances of it toppling over.
• Bent Neck Bongs: The angled neck of these bongs makes it easy for the user to use them since it assists in directing the smoke to the mouth at a more natural angle. The design of such bongs also assists in preventing splashback thus keeping the water out of the mouth.
• Themed or Artistic Bongs:  If you don’t want a plain bong you can get one that has stylistic features designed to turn heads as you smoke or do the hits that can range from pop culture to complicated crafting. Such bongs tend to be for looks but some improvements can be made to make hitting them easier.

3. Best Bong with Ice Catcher for Smooth Hits

In case you want added coolness in your hits, add a bong with an ice catcher. 

It is used to place ice cubes in the neck of the bong, making the smoke softer even after it is inhaled as it passes through the ice cube before reaching the lungs.

Bongs that have ice cubicles are very suitable for those who are extreme smoothness seekers. 

The ice cubes help people ease their irritation because the amount of ice is increased which cools down the smoke in the bong. 

This mechanism is now popular in larger bongs because of their longer necks, but now mid-size bongs have that too.

4. Material: Glass, Ceramic, or Silicone?

When choosing a bong, the material significantly impacts both the quality of your hits and the bong's durability, so look for bongs made of durable materials like borosilicate glass with thick bases and smooth joints for added stability and ease of use—typically, a bong with thick glass (over 3mm) is a good indication. 

Here are the pros and cons of the most common materials:

• Glass Bongs: The gold standard for smooth hits, glass bongs offer pure, clean taste and excellent filtration. High-quality glass, such as borosilicate glass, is durable and resistant to heat. Glass bongs are easy to clean and maintain, and many feature intricate designs or artistic shapes. However, they are fragile and can break if dropped.
• Ceramic Bongs: Ceramic bongs often have unique, artistic designs but can be fragile like glass. They typically offer good filtration, but they may not be as durable or easy to clean as glass.
• Silicone Bongs: Silicone bongs are an affordable and durable option, especially for beginners. They're nearly indestructible, making them portable and travel-friendly. While they might not offer the same smoothness as high-quality glass, silicone bongs provide a decent smoking experience at a lower cost.

5. Percolators: Why They're Key for Smooth Hits

A percolator is an additional filtration device that diffuses smoke through water, increasing its surface area and cooling it down for a smoother, less harsh hit. 

Percolators come in various types, including honeycomb, tree, and showerhead percs, each offering different levels of filtration.

• Honeycomb Percolators: These percs have small holes in a honeycomb-like pattern, providing excellent diffusion and cooling of the smoke. They deliver smooth hits with minimal drag.
• Tree Percolators: These have multiple arms that provide significant diffusion, cooling the smoke effectively while ensuring a smooth hit.
• Showerhead Percolators: Showerhead percs feature slits that create bubbles as the smoke passes through, cooling and filtering the smoke for a smoother, cooler hit.

6. Price: Quality vs. Budget-Friendly Bongs

When selecting a bong, it’s important to balance price with quality. High-quality bongs, such as those made from borosilicate glass, offer durability, a smoother smoking experience, and easy cleaning. 

They are typically more expensive, but they can last for years if properly cared for.

If you're on a budget, silicone bongs or acrylic bongs are more affordable options. 

While they may not provide the same premium experience as a glass bong, they still offer durability and are easy to clean, making them a good choice for beginners or casual smokers.

However, don't be afraid to invest in a high-quality bong. 

Over time, a well-made bong will last longer, saving you money on replacements, and providing you with consistently smooth hits.

Conclusion

Choosing the right bong for you requires a thorough consideration of its construction, function, material, and type.

In terms of aesthetics, you need to find a balance between investment and budget, taking into account the quality of the materials required and safety in use.

One last thing be safe when using bongs!