What are The Different Types of Bongs?

You’re at a shop or browsing online, ready to buy your first bong or upgrade to something new. As you look around, you see a wide range of options—big bongs, small ones, colorful designs, and some with fancy features like percolators or ice catchers. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. 

Finding the right bong doesn’t have to be confusing. Each type is designed with specific features and benefits, offering something for every preference. From simple and portable to advanced and stylish, there’s a bong that perfectly matches your needs and taste. How do you figure out which one is right for you?

What is a Bong?

A bong, also known as a water pipe, is a popular device used for smoking cannabis or other herbs. Among the many bong types available, they all work by filtering and cooling the smoke through water, making the experience smoother and less harsh on the throat and lungs. A typical bong consists of several parts:

• Water Chamber: Holds water to filter and cool the smoke.
• Bowl: A small piece where the cannabis is packed and lit.
• Downstem: A tube that carries the smoke from the bowl into the water.
• Mouthpiece: The part where the user inhales the filtered smoke.

10  Different Types of Bongs 

Bongs come in different shapes and bong styles, each giving a unique experience. If you're new or experienced, there's a bong for you. From classic beaker bongs to creative gravity bongs, each style has its own advantages. Knowing the differences helps you pick the right one.

1. Beaker Bongs

Beaker bongs are a classic and affordable choice, known for their wide, stable base that helps prevent tipping. Their large water chamber improves filtration and cooling, making them a dependable option for many users.

The beaker shape looks similar to an Erlenmeyer flask, which is why it’s so recognizable. Most beaker bongs come with a basic diffuser downstem for simple filtration. Some upgraded models include features like ice pinches or extra filtration, such as a circular percolator, to make the hits even smoother.

2. Gravity Bongs

Gravity bongs use water and air pressure to create a strong smoking experience. If homemade or store-bought, they push thick smoke directly into your lungs, making the hits very powerful. These bongs are better suited for experienced smokers.

A gravity bong usually looks like a big bong cut in half. When you light the flower and pull the top part upward, the water creates pressure and fills the chamber with smoke. They’re great for people with a higher tolerance who want a stronger hit.

3. Mini Bongs

Mini bongs are small, about 4-6 inches tall, making them easy to carry and discreet to use. They’re affordable and great for personal use. Despite their size, they provide quick, strong hits with good flavor and potency.

Because of their smaller size, the hits can feel harsher. However, some mini bongs come with features like double percolators or honeycomb disc percs, which help cool and filter the smoke for a smoother experience.

4. Percolator Bongs

Percolator bongs, often called "percs," have special glass parts inside that make bubbles when the smoke goes through water. These bubbles help cool the smoke and clean it, making it less harsh and easier to inhale. 

Percolator bongs are made to give you a smoother and more enjoyable smoking experience by making the smoke softer on your throat and lungs. Some even have multiple percolators for extra cooling and filtering.

5. Straight Tube Bongs

Straight tube bongs are simple and easy to use. Their slim, cylinder shape makes them great for quick, strong hits. They’re also easy to handle, store, and clean, making them a good choice for those who want something efficient and affordable.

Since they’re shaped like a graduated cylinder, straight tube bongs don’t hold much water. This means less cooling and filtration compared to other bongs. If you want better filtration, look for a multi-chamber straight tube bong, which has extra levels of diffusion built into the neck.

6. Bubble Bongs

Bubble bongs have a round base that makes them stable and less likely to spill. The round shape helps with even filtration all around, giving smoother hits at a lower price.

Also called round base bongs, their design is inspired by round-bottom flasks used in labs. The globe-shaped chamber may have a straight neck going up or a slightly angled neck, making it easier to light.

7. Ceramic Bongs

Ceramic bongs have been around for thousands of years and are made from glazed clay, offering a clean and smooth smoking experience. Many are handmade and come in different shapes, sizes, and colorful designs.

These bongs can be shaped on a pottery wheel or made using molds. They are safe to use as long as a lead-free glaze is applied. However, avoid bongs made from porous clay, as they can trap resin and bacteria over time.

8. Tree Perc Bong

Tree Perc bongs come with a tree percolator, which is a glass piece shaped like a bulb with several tubes pointing downwards. Each tube has small slits (1-4 per tube) that create many tiny bubbles. These bubbles help filter and cool the smoke, making it smoother and easier to inhale.

If you want a bong that reduces harshness and gives you a smooth smoking experience, a Tree Perc bong is a great choice. However, they are usually more expensive because of the advanced filtration system. To make the most of your money, choose one made from strong, high-quality borosilicate glass.

9. Large Bong

Large bongs, typically over 10 inches tall, have big water chambers that help filter and cool the smoke better. These bongs can hold more smoke, making it possible to take bigger hits. The extra height gives the smoke more time to cool down, which makes it smoother and easier to inhale.

Extra-large (XL) bongs often come with bigger bowls that let you take small or large hits while still cooling the smoke a lot. They are usually heavier and need a specific spot to store safely. XL bongs also tend to cost more than regular-sized ones due to their size and added features.

10. Silicone Bong

Silicone bongs are popular because they are convenient and long-lasting. They are made from food-safe silicone, which is soft, flexible, and hard to break. These bongs are easy to clean, making them great for travel, outdoor use, and daily use. Plus, they are usually very affordable.

There are two types of silicone used to make bongs: platinum-cured and tin-cured. Tin-cured silicone is cheaper but can shrink or tear over time. Platinum-cured silicone is stronger and lasts much longer. Another advantage of silicone bongs is that they don't allow bacteria to grow, so the water stays cleaner compared to some other materials.

How to Choose the Right Bong for You?

Choosing the right bong depends on your personal preferences and needs. It's a good idea to try different types of bongs and bong shapes to find out which one works best for you. Think about what matters most to you:

• Material: Glass bongs are classic and provide a clean taste but can break easily. Silicone bongs are tough, flexible, and great for traveling. Acrylic bongs are affordable but may not give the best experience.
• Size:A smaller bong is portable and easy to use, perfect for those who prefer compact bong sizes, while larger bongs often deliver smoother hits and a more powerful experience.
• Features: Do you want something simple or a bong with extra features like percolators or ice catchers? These can enhance your experience but may be harder to clean.
• Budget: Set a budget and find the best bong within your price range.

It’s Not About the Biggest, It’s About The Best Fit

Choosing the right bong is a lot like making decisions in life. With so many options, it’s easy to get caught up in wanting the biggest or most advanced one, thinking it will always be the best. But just like life, the best choice isn’t always the fanciest or most complicated—it’s the one that fits your needs, your style, and your comfort. 

If it’s a simple bong for a quick session or something with all the extras for smoother hits, the right choice is the one that feels right for you. In the end, it’s about finding a balance between what you want and what works for you—because that’s where real satisfaction comes from.

Looking for the perfect bong? We offer high-quality bongs for every style and need. Find your perfect match and enjoy a comfortable, balanced smoking experience. Shop now and upgrade your sessions today!