Some personal experiences, from cheap bongs to high-quality bongs, to testing out the main difference between a unique design and a popular choice.
I’ve been into smoking devices for years now, and over time I’ve really come to appreciate the design and function of water bongs, dab rigs, and those fancier designer waterpipes. There’s just something super satisfying about finding that perfect bong for what you need—whether that’s a smoother smoke, something with a unique look, or just a good, reliable piece for your dry herbs. In this blog, I’ll share some of my own experiences with different types of smoking gear, from the classic beaker bongs to high-end glass water pipes, and I’ll go over what I’ve picked up about choosing bongs, keeping them clean, and getting the most out of each session. Let’s take a proper look at the world of bongs and dab rigs, and why they’ve become such a go-to for folks like me.
My First Water Bong: A Classic Beaker Bong
I still remember the first time I ever used a bong. It was similar to this classic beaker bong—one of those timeless shapes with a wide base for balance and a straight-up neck. I liked how simple it was and easy to use. The glass bowl was super easy to pack with herbs, and figuring out the right water level was pretty straightforward—just enough to cover the percolation slits at the base of the downstem. I learned quick that adding too much water just leads to splashback, and yeah, that’s not ideal when you’re trying to get a chill hit. Practice inhalations prior to loading is my recommendation.
That first rip totally blew my mind. The water filtration helped to cool everything down, made it way easier on the throat compared to the hand pipes I’d been using before. That smooth smoke was a total game-changer—I was instantly hooked. Beaker bongs, with that wide base and solid build, are still one of the best picks for beginners. They’re stable and kind of forgiving, and the larger sized water chamber can offer extra levels of filtration. And honestly, I’ve come to love how these simple shapes just give you what you need, no extra fuss.
Exploring Different Materials: Glass, Acrylic, and Silicone Bongs
Once I started building up my collection, I got curious about bongs made from different stuff. High-quality glass bongs, especially the ones made from durable borosilicate glass, pretty quickly became my fave. That borosilicate stuff holds up to heat, which is super important with hot smoke. Plus, glass doesn’t hold onto weird smells or tastes, so every session feels clean.
But glass ain’t the only game in town. I’ve tried acrylic bongs too—they’re super popular if you’re on a tighter budget. These cheaper bongs are light, tough, and good for when you’re out and about. Only thing is, acrylic can mess with the smoke flavour a bit, and they just don’t look as slick as glass ones. But hey, if you’re just getting started or wanna spend less, acrylic’s a solid choice.
Then there’s silicone bongs—I came across those on a camping trip. They’re nearly unbreakable, which is great if you’re a bit clumsy (guilty). Not any old silicone is appropriate though and Platinum Cured Silicone is the gold standard to deal with extreme heat safely.
Cleaning’s a breeze too—just throw ‘em in the dishwasher (minus the glass parts, obviously). Silicone doesn’t have that nice heavy feel like glass, but the toughness and portability are a big win. I still go for glass when I’m at home, but my silicone piece definitely earns its place when I’m on the move.
Straight Tube Bongs and Percolator Bongs: Finding the Ideal Bong
After messing around with the beaker style for a while, I wanted something different and grabbed a straight tube bong. Straight tubes are exactly what the name says—tall, cylinder-style bongs with a clean design. I really liked the hit they give—direct and strong. Since there’s not much drag, the smoke shoots right from the bowl to your lungs. But I did notice it was a bit harsher than my beaker bong, so I started looking for ways to smooth things out a bit.
That’s when I got into percolator bongs. They’ve got these little filter systems—percolators—that break the smoke into smaller bubbles, which cools it down more. First time I tried one, I was seriously impressed with how smooth the smoke was. Some percolator bongs get pretty fancy, with all these extra chambers, but I’ve found that just a tree perc or showerhead works great. If you’re after a smooth, chill smoke, percs are where it’s at.
Mini Bongs, Big Bongs, and Gravity Bongs: Size Matters
Size really does matter when it comes to bongs, and yeah, I’ve tried ‘em all—tiny mini bongs, big ol’ monster bongs, and even gravity bongs. Mini bongs are great for when you want a quick, discreet sesh. Easy to stash away, and you barely need any water to get going. Downside is the smaller size means less filtering, so the smoke can be a bit harsher.
On the flip side, big bongs are a whole vibe. I bring out the big ones for hangouts or when I really wanna settle in. Got a 24-inch straight tube that’s a beast—not the most practical daily driver, but man, it hits like a champ. Only thing is, cleaning them can be a bit of a pain, but I’ll talk more about that later. Just keep in mind that your lung function may determine the size you can handle. The larger the bong, the deeper the inhalation required.
Bubblers are a specific style of bong, they are generally modeled to resemble a hand pipe with an attached water chamber. The flower bowl is usually built in and there will be a carb hole located on one side to help clear out smoke.
Then there’s gravity bongs. My first one was the classic DIY style—a plastic bottle and a bucket. The way they use water pressure to pull in smoke is kind of genius, and the hits? Super intense. I eventually got a real glass gravity bong, which is way cleaner and easier to use. Not everyone’s into them, but they’re definitely a fun addition to the stash.
I started out with dry herbs, but eventually I got curious about concentrates. That’s when I picked up a dab rig. Dab rigs are kinda like bongs, but made for vaporizing stuff like wax or thick oils. The big difference is the inclusion of a nail or banger instead of a bowl. A blow torch is required and a standard lighter cannot provide the levels of heat required. Concentrates are placed within the banger/nail and there are 2 methods used to light the material - hot or cold start, I prefer a cold start. First time I tried it, I was shocked at how clean and flavourful it was but it was intense so please take care!!!
My go-to dab rig is a little recycler. It’s got this cool setup that cycles the water and vapor around for extra smooth hits. Even with the high heat of dabs, it cools things down really well. A lot of dab rigs have splash guards too, which is nice ‘cause they’re usually smaller and you don’t want water jumping up into your mouth. If you’re just getting into concentrates, dab rigs are a solid choice—just takes a little practice to get the heating right. There are electronic dab rigs on the market with Puffco leading the pack, I tend to prefer glass.
Premium Designer Water Pipes: Art Meets Function
Once I got deep into this hobby, I started picking up some premium designer water pipes. These high-end bongs are made from nice thick premium grade glass, often hand-blown, and they just look amazing. I’ve got one with this wild glass pattern—honestly, it feels almost too pretty to use (but I still do). Every detail’s on point, from the joints, folded mouthpieces and to the various percolator setups.
The best part about these fancy pieces is how well they work. Some of them come with ash catchers built into the design to help keep gunk out of the main chamber, and splash guards to stop any mess. An ice pinch is also a common feature that allows you to include ice into the mix to dramatically cool the temperature of smoke.
They usually have smart designs that focus on super smooth smoke. Sure, they’re more expensive, but the combo of good looks and solid performance is totally worth it for me.
Proper Care and Maintenance: Keeping Your Bong in Top Shape
No matter what kind of bong you’re using—from a cheap acrylic to a fancy glass one—keeping it clean is key. I found that out the hard way when I let my first beaker bong get all gunked up. Dirty bongs just taste gross and can even be kind of unhygienic. Now I make a point to give mine a clean every few uses.
My usual method is pretty simple: dump the water, rinse with warm water, then fill it with a mix of isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt. The salt scrubs the grime, and the alcohol breaks down all the sticky stuff. I shake it for a bit, especially around the bowl and down stem (if fixed), then rinse it all out. If there’s still gunk, I use a pipe cleaner or a little brush. Keeping it clean makes a big difference in taste and performance.
Personal Preference: Finding Your Perfect Bong
After all the bongs I’ve tried, I’ve realized it all comes down to personal taste. If you want something easy to carry around, mini or silicone bongs are great. If you’re all about those big clouds, go for a big straight tube or gravity bong. If you’re chasing smoothness, intricate percolator setups and recyclers bongs are the way to go. And for dabs? Gotta have a proper rig. Lastly if like to use a hand pipe then you might consider a bubbler style of bong for extra comfort.
The little things matter too. A good carb hole lets you control airflow (found in bubblers). Ash catchers and splash guards keep everything tidy. And the water level’s super important—too low and there’s no filtering, too high and you’re getting splashback. It’s all about finding that sweet spot.
Final Thoughts
From my first beaker bong at a low price range to my collection of designer glass, my whole journey with bongs and dab rigs has been awesome. Whether it’s a quick sesh with a straight tube, a smooth dab from a recycler, or showing off my gravity bong at a party, every piece has its own vibe. The best bongs are the ones that mix solid function with a look you really vibe with—whether that’s a simple acrylic piece or a high-end work of art.
If you’re just starting out, grab something easy like a beaker or a mini bong, and don’t be shy about trying different styles and materials. With a bit of care and some trial and error, you’ll find the perfect bong to take your sessions up a notch. For me, there’s nothing quite like a clean, smooth hit from a well-made bong—it’s something I’ll keep enjoying for years to come.
