What is a Bong？How do Bongs Work?

Whether you're an experienced smoker or a newbie, you've probably wondered: what exactly is a bong and how does it work?

I completely understand the confusion on your face and don't worry, I'm going to explain in detail how a bong is constructed and how smoke flows through it.

After reading this article, you will have confidence in all there is to know about a bong, its many functions, and what happens to the smoke as it progresses.

What is a Bong?

Bongs, also known as a bubbler, binger, or billy, is a historic water pipe used for smoking marijuana.

The word bong is probably of Thai origin and describes a bamboo smoking instrument.

A bong usually consists of a cylindrical neck, a water-filled base, a mouthpiece, a bowl, and a downstem.

Read on to learn more about what a bong is, how a bong works, and the role of water in a bong.

Different Types of Bongs

Glass Bongs

Glass bongs are glass pipes that use water to filter smoke.

Glass bongs are made from blown glass and therefore can be made into countless shapes, sizes, colors, and textures.

This feature makes glass bongs extremely customizable: glass blowers often add features such as ice catchers and percolators to cool down smoke and enhance the smoking experience.

Silicone Bongs

Silicone bongs are pipes made of silicone that use water to filter smoke.

These bongs are typically made with low-toxicity materials, to ensure users aren’t breathing in noxious fumes when smoking. 

This material is also heat resistant.

Silicone bongs often have some parts that are made of glass, and come with a glass or titanium bowl.

Ceramic Bongs

Ceramic bongs have a long history of being a preferred smoking method for many.

Ceramic bongs are bongs made of ceramic that filter smoke through water.

Although rarer than glass bongs, they produce the same clean taste.

Aesthetic-wise, ceramic bongs are generally equal to glass bongs, though they certainly have different vibes.

Acrylic bongs

Acrylic bongs are pipes made of acrylic that use water to filter smoke.

They are lightweight, durable, and the most affordable water pipe option.

Types of Bong Designs

Straight Bong

Straight bongs are ideal for beginners and are known for their simplicity and efficiency. 

The cylindrical design of this bong is easy to use, store, and clean. 

However, they offer limited cooling and filtration because of their low water capacity. 

For better filtration, opt for a multi-chambered straight bong with a multi-layered diffuser.

Beaker Bong

The Beaker bong is a timeless classic in the world of smoking accessories, renowned for its broad base that enhances both stability and the smoothness of the smoking experience.

The distinctive triangular base of the beaker bong provides a robust structure, ensuring that it stands firm against accidental bumps or nudges, even from a playful pet.

Percolator Bong

Unique Percolator bongs are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to provide a cool and smooth smoking experience.

The percolator in a percolator bong acts as an additional filter, providing better filtration and removing more impurities from the smoke. 

This results in a cleaner and smoother hit, making it a popular choice among those who are sensitive to harsh smoke.

LOOKAH's smoke filters come in a variety of designs, some with sophisticated smoke tube designs, while others combine unique features such as honeycomb percolator bongs or ice pinch bongs. 

Also read: What is a Percolator Bong and How do Percolators Work?

How do Bongs Work?

If you are new to using bongs, you need to know the parts to understand how best to use them.

Let's jump right into how the smoke travels through a bong:

1. Bong Bowl - Where the smoke starts

When the bong bowl is lit, smoke is generated.

The intensity of your inhalation affects smoke accumulation.

A slower pull is preferable for fuller, denser smoke, allowing time for effective filtration later.

2. Downstem - Filters Smoke First

Acts as a primitive percolator, guiding smoke from the bowl into the water chamber.

The downstream dips into the water, where interaction with the water cools the smoke and increases its surface area through bubble formation, enhancing cooling.

3. Chamber - Second Primary Smoke Filtration and Cooling

Smoke flows from the downstem into the chamber where it undergoes significant cooling. 

Water in this chamber further cools the smoke, preparing it for further filtration if applicable.

4. Percolator - Advanced Bonus Smoke Filtration

Features multiple slits or holes for additional smoke diffusion.

Provides advanced smoke filtration and cooling, effectively doubling the cooling effect as compared to the initial lighting.

5. Ice Pinch - Extra Cooling on Smoke

Positioned above the chamber, the ice in this section cools the smoke further as it passes by.

Delivers an even cooler and smoother inhalation experience.

Why is There Water in a Bong?

As we just briefly mentioned in the introduction to this topic, the main purpose of water in a bong is to act as a filter.

When you use a water bong, you inhale while lighting the bowl - which pulls smoke across the water, up the tube, and into your lungs.

When smoke is pulled across the combination of water and bubbles, it leads to a cooler, smoother hit - and thus, a more enjoyable experience for the smoker.

This is why in the pipe vs bong debate, the bong tends to win.

The filtration capabilities of a water bong are two-pronged:

• Water cools the smoke before it reaches your lungs

• Water traps particulate matter from the smoke

To truly help you understand the key purpose water serves in the bong, let's take a deeper look at each of these forms of filtration.

Water cools the smoke before it reaches your lungs

This is perhaps the most important function of water in a bong.

By the time the smoke passes through the water and reaches your lips, it will have cooled off significantly.

This makes for a much smoother hit that's easier on your lungs.

Water traps particulate matter from the smoke

As the smoke passes through the water, any particulate matter (such as ash) will be trapped in the water.

This means you won't be inhaling any harmful particles when you take a hit from your bong.

Also read: Is Bong Water Good for Plants or Anything else?

Can You Use a Bong Without Water?

The main benefit of dry vaping is that it provides a more intense stimulus as there is no water to filter the smoke, but it is not suitable for people who are sensitive to the irritating nature of smoke.

Due to the lack of water filtration, a dry vaping bong may also have a higher risk of inhaling ash or hot particles into the user's mouth, which can be uncomfortable or even dangerous.

For this reason, it is important to understand the proper way to inhale a bong.

Ultimately, the decision to use a dry suction bong is a personal preference that varies from user to user.

It is best to try both options to find what works best for your personal preferences and smoking habits.

Bongs VS Bubblers - What's the Difference?

Bongs are water pipes that stand upright, and you put the mouthpiece over your lips.

Bubblers are a different kind of water pipe with a mouthpiece that goes between your lips.

Just remember: All bongs are water pipes, but not all water pipes are bongs.

Bongs VS Dab rigs - What's the Difference?

Like bongs, dab rigs use water to filter cannabis when lighting the herb.

However, bongs use a bowl piece for burning flowers, while dab rigs have a nail or banger for vaporizing oil, known as dabs.

Moreover, dab rigs are often smaller and have multiple chambers and filters that push the vapor to take different paths before reaching your mouth.

It's worth mentioning that you can use any bong for concentrate vaporization if you switch out the bowl piece for a nail or banger.

But bongs aren't designed specifically for concentrates, so using purpose-built dab rigs for the best experience is better.

How Much Do Bongs Cost?

Bong prices, or bong costs, can vary greatly.

To find the perfect bong, it’s important to balance quality and cost.

Consider factors such as material, size, and brand to find a bong that suits your needs and budget.

Conclusion

Now that we've covered the functions of a bong, and how smoke travels through each accessory, you should now hold your head up high knowing you are knowledgeable in the fundamentals of a bong.