Bongs come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, each offering a unique way to enjoy your favorite herbs. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or just starting, understanding the different types of bongs can help you choose the perfect one for your needs. We have picked out 5 of the most common types of bongs that you will probably want to know about. Each one of these has their own unique design and advantages, allowing you to chose which works best for you and take your smoking experience to the next level.
Beaker Bongs
Beaker bongs are a popular choice among both beginners and seasoned smokers for their classic design and enhanced stability. Named for their shape, which resembles a scientific beaker, these bongs widen at the bottom, providing a larger water reservoir and a more stable base. This design feature allows for a greater volume of water compared to straight-tube bongs, which results in better filtration and a cooler, smoother hit.
The wider base of a beaker bong not only makes it less likely to tip over but also allows for more smoke to gather in the base, giving the user the option for larger, more potent hits. This makes beaker bongs particularly favored by those who enjoy deep, intense inhalations.
Beaker bongs often come with many of the same customizable features as other bongs, such as ice catchers, percolators, and different types of downstems. These additions enhance the cooling and filtration processes, offering an even smoother smoking experience. The simplicity of their design also makes them easier to clean than more intricate bongs, like those with multiple chambers or complex percolators.
Their robust design, combined with the effective filtration system, makes beaker bongs a durable and reliable choice for everyday use. At Big Mo’s Smoke Shop, we offer a variety of beaker bongs made from high-quality materials such as borosilicate glass, which is resistant to thermal shock and less likely to break. Whether you’re looking for a straightforward smoking experience or a bong that can be customized with all the bells and whistles, a beaker bong is an excellent choice that balances functionality with a classic aesthetic.
Straight Tube Bongs
Straight tube bongs, often revered for their simplicity and efficiency, are a staple in the collections of many smoking enthusiasts. Characterized by their straight, cylindrical shape, these bongs offer a direct, powerful hit that is both quick and smooth. The streamlined design not only makes them easy to handle but also easy to clean, appealing to users who prioritize maintenance and convenience.
One of the key advantages of straight tube bongs is their quick smoke delivery system. The straight shape allows smoke to shoot directly up the tube and into the lungs, making it perfect for those who enjoy a fast and intense smoking experience. This design minimizes the smoke’s exposure to air, which can cool the smoke too much for those who prefer a warmer hit.
Due to their elongated design, straight tube bongs often feature fewer percolators than other types of bongs. However, many models still include one or two percolators to enhance smoke filtration without adding too much drag. Percolators in straight tube bongs are typically designed to be efficient and compact, ensuring that they do not obstruct the quick delivery pathway of the smoke.
Straight tube bongs are also highly versatile and can be easily customized with various accessories, such as ash catchers, which help keep the bong clean and add an extra layer of filtration. Ice catchers are another popular addition, allowing users to place ice directly in the tube for a chilling effect on the smoke, which can make even the harshest herbs smoother to inhale.
Multi-Chamber Bongs
Multi-chamber bongs, also commonly known as double or triple chamber bongs, represent the pinnacle of smoothness and filtration in bong design. These bongs feature two or more chambers connected by tubes, which the smoke travels through during use. Each chamber contains water, providing multiple levels of filtration and cooling the smoke before it reaches the user. This design significantly reduces the harshness of the smoke, making for a much smoother hit.
The primary benefit of a multi-chamber bong is its superior filtration system. As the smoke passes through multiple water-filled chambers, it is repeatedly filtered and cooled. This not only strips away more impurities and particulate matter from the smoke but also cools it more effectively than single-chamber bongs. The result is a cleaner, smoother, and more flavorful inhale that is easier on the throat and lungs.
Design-wise, multi-chamber bongs are often more elaborate and can include various types of percolators within each chamber. These can range from simple diffused downstems to more complex percolators like honeycomb or tree percs, which provide additional filtration and diffusion. The added complexity not only enhances the functionality but also makes these bongs a visually appealing piece in any collection.
However, the intricate design of multi-chamber bongs can also make them more challenging to clean compared to simpler bong types. Each chamber and connecting tube need to be cleaned regularly to prevent buildup and ensure optimal performance. Despite this, the enhanced smoking experience they provide often outweighs the extra maintenance for many enthusiasts.
Tree Perc Bongs
Tree perc bongs stand out as a favorite among enthusiasts who prioritize smoothness and filtration in their smoking experience. The ‘tree’ in its name comes from the percolator’s design, which features multiple ‘arms’ or ‘branches’ extending from a central tube—much like the limbs of a tree. Each arm typically has slits or holes that diffuse smoke as it passes through, creating a plethora of tiny bubbles that greatly increase the smoke’s contact with water. This design effectively cools and filters the smoke, resulting in a hit that is both smooth and gentle on the throat.
The tree perc’s primary advantage is its exceptional filtration capability. The multiple arms ensure that smoke is spread out and filtered intensely as it passes through the water. This not only cools the smoke but also removes impurities, which can make each draw cleaner and less harsh. Because the smoke is diffused into smaller bubbles, it has a larger surface area, allowing the water to cool and purify it more effectively before inhalation.
Visually, tree perc bongs are quite striking. Their intricate percolators are not only functional but also add an aesthetic appeal to the bong, making them a captivating centerpiece in any collection. They are typically made from glass to allow users to view the mesmerizing bubble show as they smoke, enhancing the overall sensory experience of using the bong.
However, like other complex bongs, tree perc bongs can be more challenging to clean due to their intricate parts. Regular maintenance is essential to keep them functioning at their best, as resin and tar can build up in the percolator’s arms, reducing efficiency over time. Users need to be diligent in their cleaning practices, often using specialized cleaning solutions and tools to access the finer structures of the tree perc.
Zong Bongs
Zong bongs, instantly recognizable for their unique zigzag shape, offer a distinctive and visually appealing option for smokers. The characteristic “Z” shape isn’t just for aesthetics; it also serves practical purposes, enhancing the smoking experience in several key ways. This design provides a smoother hit by increasing the length of the path smoke travels before inhalation, allowing more time for cooling and a more comfortable draw.
The primary advantage of the zong bong lies in its ability to cool the smoke efficiently due to the increased travel distance within its bent neck. This unique structure allows the smoke to cool significantly as it makes its way through the twists and turns before reaching the user. Additionally, the zigzag shape acts as a natural splash guard, preventing water from reaching the mouthpiece during use, which can be a common issue in more straightforward bong designs.
Zong bongs are often made of glass to showcase their intricate curves and bends. These bongs can be quite a spectacle, with some designs featuring multiple “Z” bends, adding complexity and artistic flair. Not only do these bongs attract attention for their unusual design, but they also provide a talking point and a unique user experience.
However, the complex shape of zong bongs can make them more challenging to clean than straight tube or beaker bongs. The bends and curves can trap residue more easily, requiring regular and thorough cleaning to maintain optimal performance and hygiene. Proper maintenance involves careful attention to the curves and junctions where residue can accumulate.
At Big Mo’s Smoke Shop, we cater to all tastes and preferences with our extensive range of bongs. Understanding the different types of bongs helps you make a more informed decision about your smoking preferences. Whether you are in it for the aesthetics, durability, or purely for the joy of collecting, there is a bong out there that is perfect for you. Visit us in Upland, CA, or browse our selection online to find your perfect match.
