Know Your Options: Types of Bongs for Your Next Session

The bong is the most essential tool for every smoker looking to make the most of their herb. Also known as a water pipe, bongs are smoking pieces that use water to filter and smooth hits of cannabis, tobacco, or any other herbal substances. The distinct difference between a regular pipe and a bong is the reservoir of water that helps to cool down the smoke and catch any debris like ash, giving the smoker a much purer and cleaner smoking experience.

There is a wide variety of bong types available, each one has its features that can change and or enhance a particular smoking experience or style. Most avid smokers tend to have a few different types of bongs to ensure functional quality and aesthetic diversity.

Beaker Bongs

The crème de la crème of bongs, the beaker bong is one you’ll find everywhere and anywhere. Often seen in college dorm rooms and on your best bud’s coffee table – the beaker bong is the standard go-to bong for every smoker. Characterized by its long cylindrical neck and large water reservoir, these bongs are sturdy and effective. Its large base is great for holding a lot of water, giving you very smooth hits consistently. The popularity of these bongs means that they are also one of the most popular types of custom glass. Despite their simplicity, a skilled glass artist can transform a beaker bong into a eye popping piece like this one:

Straight Tube Bongs

Probably the second most popular type of bong, the straight bong is very similar to the beaker bong and carries many of the same traits except for its slender design. Unlike the beaker bong, the straight-tube bong doesn’t have the same wide base, opting instead for a narrow design from top to bottom, with a flat foundation. The simple and sleek design of the straight-tube bong makes it easier to store compared to the beaker bong while retaining the efficacy of delivering direct and powerful hits. The simple straight forward design of the straight tube bong means that artists can go wild with customizing them, like this one here:

Round Base Bongs

The round base bong is similar to the beaker bong, with the key design difference of having a round, bubble-shaped base. These bubble-shaped reservoirs can hold a rather impressive amount of water, making them really effective at filtering and cooling your smoke. The only downside when compared to a beaker bong is that they don’t have the same level of stability. However, the round base has a certain design appeal of a classic bong look – which many people tend to appreciate and prefer. A good balance of functionality and style, these bongs are ripe for customization. Some even have really far out designs like this one here:

Percolator Bongs

Kicking it up a step in complexity, the percolator bong comes in various shapes and designs with different levels of filtration and diffusion. Whichever type of percolator bong you have, you can be guaranteed that the smoking experience you get from it is next level. Hits from a percolator bong are significantly less harsh than from the previously mentioned ones. Yet its complexity comes at a cost, as cleaning these bongs is much more challenging because of its internal intricacies. The complex style of this bong is great for artistic interpretation and radical design like this one:

Recycler Bongs

In the same vein as percolator bongs, the recycler bong also boasts a complex design meant to provide the smoothest possible hits by filtering through multiple chambers. However, the recycler bong differs by purpose – in that they exceed in filtration for long hits. This is achieved by a continuous water flow that runs through the bong that is drawn up with the smoke from a primary chamber into a secondary chamber where the two elements are separated. The water then returns to the main chamber “recycling” the water. These bongs are considered slightly easier to clean than a more complex percolator, making it a good balance for those seeking enhanced filtration but simpler design. Like the percolator bong, many glass artists let their creative inspiration run wild when coming up with unique designs for the recycler bong, just like this one:

Gravity Bong

Simple, effective, and cheap. The gravity bong is like the prototype or grandfather of all bongs, but that doesn’t mean you should sleep on it. Unlike other bongs, the water used in this two-piece design serves the purpose of creating a vacuum that pulls a hefty amount of smoke into the chamber and directly into your lungs. Since most gravity bongs are easy to make yourself, and usually are homemade creations of bored college students, they don’t get the same love and appreciation as other bongs. Yet I’m here to tell you that the gravity bong, while harsh and sometimes cumbersome, is still the perfect at home bong for large smoke sessions or super powerful hits. This bongs also get their due time with creative artists who craft unique pieces like this one:

When it comes to quality and aesthetics, there is no substitute for glass artists. When you buy a custom bong from a talented artist, you’re more than guaranteed a piece that will last and leave an impression. Buying from an untrusted source will most likely leave you with a bong that does not have the durability or flash that a bong from a trusted artist gives you.

The great thing about bong shopping is that it’s incredibly easy online, especially when you use Giggle Glass. Here at Giggle Glass we have the finest assortment of custom bongs made by talented glass artists. Giggle Glass offers a wide range of the mentioned bong types, with artists that are open to providing customization tailored to your tastes and preferences. So when it comes to your bong shopping needs, shop Giggle Glass!