If you’ve never smoked marijuana before, you probably want your first time to be special. One of the best ways to make it happen is to invest in the right equipment. Smoking the reefer will be much more enjoyable if you do it using a high-quality bong.
But how to find a suitable bong for your needs? After all, you can’t expect the first online store you enter to be the best bong shop in the world. The secret is to educate yourself on various types of bongs before making a purchase.
You should consider your bong’s size, material, and design. For example, straight-base bongs require less effort to inhale but are less durable. On the other hand, a beaker-base bong features a cone-shaped base, making it more stable.
Here is all you need to know before buying your first bong:
Determine Your Budget
The first thing to consider when buying a bong is your budget. You can find bongs of all shapes and sizes, ranging from cheap plastic models to expensive glass pieces.
A bong usually costs from $20 to $300, depending on its size, material, and design. If you are a novice, avoid spending big money on your first bong. The cheaper alternative won’t make the experience unforgettable (unless it’s so bad the memory is impossible to erase), but it will help you learn what to expect from premium-quality bongs.
If you are set to spend some money on your first bong, make sure it is made of high-quality materials. Doing so will guarantee a better smoking experience later on.
Choose the Right Size
When it comes to size, it’s important to choose one that fits your needs. A smaller bong is great for portability but won’t provide the same experience as a larger piece. A bigger bong will deliver a more intense smoking experience, but it may be too cumbersome for some users.
Are you a beginner or an experienced smoker? The answer to this question will guide your purchase. A large bong may not be suitable for beginners because they’re more complex and, therefore, more challenging to handle.
Beginners should go for small bongs that are easier to use. If you have experience, you can go for larger and more complicated models. A great choice is the ‘beaker-base’ bong which can be used by everyone and comes in different sizes.
Pick the Right Material
Bongs come in different materials, such as glass, ceramic, silicone, and acrylic. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, glass is less durable than acrylic, so it requires more care when handling.
Here are a few of the most popular options:
Glass Bongs
Glass bongs are popular among smokers because they’re easy to clean and portable. Still, they can get pretty heavy when used with water, so glass bongs are better for dry herbs than for liquids. Glass is also not as durable as many other materials and will easily break if dropped, so you should be very careful with this type of bong.
Acrylic Bongs
Acrylic bongs are an excellent alternative to glass bongs since they’re lightweight, durable, and easy to carry around.
Acrylic is more flexible than glass, which makes it more resistant to cracks and scratches. Bongs from this material are suitable for holding liquids but not so good for dry herbs. However, if you want a reliable bong that’s light enough to carry around, acrylic is the way to go.
Ceramic Bongs
Ceramic bongs are great if you want to reap the benefits of glass bongs but cannot afford one. They are perfect for smoking dry herbs, as they will not impact your herb’s flavor. Yet, ceramics are also less durable than other types of bongs.
Bamboo Bongs
Bamboo bongs are probably the most durable kind on the market, but they’re also the least portable. These bongs are typically very simple, utilizing just one or two pieces of bamboo to create the entire bong.
Decide on the Design
The design of your bong plays a massive role in delivering an enjoyable smoking experience. As mentioned at the article’s beginning, straight-base bongs are easier to inhale but not as durable as beaker-base bongs, which feature a cone-shaped base, making them more stable.
Besides that, bongs come in two categories: dry and wet.
Dry bongs are those that don’t have water. Their main advantage is they require little maintenance and are easier to clean. On the other hand, they don’t filter smoke as well as wet bongs, which need a bit more time to clean.
Multi-chamber bongs provide a more intense hit by cooling the smoke before reaching your throat. It might be just what you need to unwind after a long day.
Consider Accessories
A bong is not a standalone product. It is part of a kit that includes various accessories that can enhance your smoking experiences, such as downstems, ash catchers, and percolators. When buying one, consider the following elements:
- Bowls — Your bong won’t be complete without this component. It is used to catch the smoke and store it until you are ready to inhale. There are numerous types of bowls, including metal, glass, wood, and plastic.
- Grinders — A grinder makes it easier to break down cannabis into small bits. The resulting bits are then placed inside the bowl for consumption. You can also use a grinder to roll your own joints.
- Screens — These are perforated metal or plastic pieces used to keep small particles out of the bong chamber. They prevent clogging, pull-through, and resin buildup. You can clean them using hot water and a brush.
- Downstems — This tube connects the bulb (the large chamber) to the bowl. It is used to filter smoke and remove unwanted odors. The downstem helps provide suction, pulling smoke or vapor into the water before getting inhaled.
- Diffusers — This glass piece sticks to the main chamber’s bottom and is designed to break up smoke into finer particles. In other words, it diffuses smoke when in water, creating a smoother, cooler hit.
- Ashcatchers — An ashcatcher is a perforated water pipe that connects the downstem to the base. It protects your bong water from resin, ash, and other impurities.
In Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best bong for your money, don’t worry. We’ve covered some of the most important factors to consider in this article.
As you can see, there is much more to purchasing a bong than just appearance. Remember that the size of your bong is crucial. The ideal bong allows you to inhale smoke without making you breathe heavily or cough.
When choosing a bong, take into consideration its material as well as its design. Also, consider including a water filter in your bong. It will help you eliminate unwanted toxins and make your smoking experience smoother.
Don’t forget that a bong is an investment. So, be thorough in your research and spend your money wisely. Once you’ve chosen the best bong for you, it’s time to enjoy the best marijuana experience possible!
