If you’re one of the 12% of Americans who uses cannabis, either recreationally or as medicine, you’ve probably come to appreciate a quality smoking piece. And for many, the classic bong is the preferred piece of equipment.
But purchasing a bong isn’t as simple as grabbing the first pipe you see and calling it a day. Particularly not when it comes to buying bongs online and you can’t examine the product in person.
To help make the process simple, here are a few key properties to look out for before making your selection.
1. Choosing the Right Type of Piece When Purchasing a Bong
The first step is picking out the right style for you. Gravity pipes and bubblers are the two main types of bongs, each with its pros and cons.
In brief, a bubbler uses water to cool and filter your smoke before you inhale it. Gravity bongs are less common and allow users to take very large hits.
There’s no right or wrong answer, only a difference of personal preference. Before you make your choice, you should read more about each style’s benefits to decide which is right for you.
2. Choosing a Sturdy Material
After which style you opt for, the material your bong is made of is the next more important choice. And when comparing bong prices, you’ll notice that it can make a hefty difference in terms of cost, too.
Plastic tends to be the cheapest choice and is usually more durable. However, many smokers opt for glass or ceramic alternatives, as cheap plastic adds an unpleasant flavor to the smoke.
The trade-off is that glass and ceramic pieces are heavy, fragile, and expensive. Oftentimes they’re handmade, adding to the expense and making replacing damaged bongs difficult, if not impossible. And because of their weight and vulnerability to damage, you could consider them less portable, too.
Again, there is no right or wrong choice. What matters is which prioritize durability and portability or visual appeal and a clean smoking experience.
3. Finding a Size You Can Accommodate
Choosing between different bong sizes depends on your lifestyle and smoking habits.
For the smoker on the go, a mini bong might be the most practical choice. Or if you enjoy entertaining guests, an appropriately flashing piece of glasswork can make you the envy of all of your friends.
Don’t forget that the bigger the bong the bigger the chamber tends to be and the faster you’ll find yourself smoking through your herb.
Making the Right Choice Every Time
It can be easy for first-time shoppers to underestimate the number of factors that go into purchasing a bong. And in haste to get a new pipe in hand, it’s common to make a purchase you’re less than satisfied with.
That’s why it’s important to keep these factors in mind. By selecting the right type, size, and material type, you can be sure to make a purchase you’re happy with for years to come.
Of course, bongs are only one option. To see other popular smoking alternatives, be sure to keep up with our latest lifestyle news and guides.