Ever found yourself staring at a shelf or web page full of bongs and thinking, "Where do I even start?" We've all been there at some point.
But no need to stress – we've got you covered here at Little Head Shop! We like to keep things simple and fun, so we’ve answered the top 10 most frequently asked questions about bongs to help you out. Whether you’re a pro or a newbie, you’ll find everything you need right here to get the best out of your bong.
If you already know what you're looking for, head over to Little Head Shop's Bongs, Rigs and Pipes shop!
1. What Is a Bong?
A bong is essentially a kind of water pipe that changes the way you smoke by making the experience smoother and cooler. Instead of inhaling hot, harsh smoke straight from burning herbs or tobacco, a bong uses water to filter and cool the smoke before it hits your lungs. It’s kind of like the VIP section of smoking methods – more chill, less intense, and definitely more enjoyable for many people.
History of the Bong
Bongs have been used for centuries, dating back to ancient times in regions like Russia, Africa and Asia. Early designs very simple, often made from materials like bamboo or animal horns, and were used to cool and filter smoke. Archaeologists have even discovered ancient bongs in Ethiopian graves that are thought to be from the 1400s!
By the 16th century, bongs were being used in China, where the Ming Dynasty is credited with introducing water filtration to cool smoke before inhalation. As the popularity of tobacco grew, bongs spread across different cultures along trade routes like the Silk Road, evolving into new shapes and materials.
Today, bongs have come a long way in terms of design, but their purpose remains the same: to provide a smoother, more enjoyable smoking experience.
Four Main Parts of a Bong:
- The Bowl: This is the little piece on the side of the bong, usually shaped like a small cup or cone. Smaller bowls are perfect if you want a lighter hit, while bigger bowls let you pack more for a stronger session. In many cases the bowl pops off easily, making it super convenient for cleaning.
- The Downstem: The downstem is a thin tube that connects the bowl to the water in the bong. When you take a hit, the smoke travels through this tube and into the water, where it starts to cool down. Some downstems are detachable, which is great when you need to clean or replace them.
- The Chamber: This is the main part of the bong, where the water sits. As the smoke bubbles through the water here, it cools down, making it smoother by the time you inhale.
- The Mouthpiece: This is where you place your mouth to inhale. It’s at the very top of the bong, and the design can vary depending on the device you've got -some are wide, others are narrow.
Types of Bongs
Bongs come a huge range of styles and materials, each offering something a little different depending on what you're after. You'll come across things like:
- Glass Bongs: Glass bongs are super popular, and it’s easy to see why. They give you a really clean, pure taste and are pretty easy to clean.
- Acrylic Bongs: If you’re after something tough and affordable, acrylic bongs are a solid pick. They’re lightweight and durable, which means you don’t have to stress if you accidentally knock one over. Great for beginners who don’t want to worry about breaking their first bong.
- Silicone Bongs: If you’re a little clumsy, silicone bongs are pretty much unbreakable. They’re flexible, easy to clean, and perfect for taking on the go. Just throw it in your bag and you’re good to go!
- Ceramic Bongs: Ceramic bongs have more of an artistic vibe, often coming in innovative and creative designs. While they give a super smooth hit, they’re heavier and more fragile, so they’re best kept at home.
No matter which bong you go for, whether it’s sleek and stylish or built for durability, you’re in for a smoother, cooler smoking experience. Whether you’re new to bongs or have been using them for years, they can really take your sessions to the next level.
2. How Does a Bong Work?
A bong makes smoking way smoother by using water to cool things down. Here’s how it works: when you light your herb in the bowl, the smoke gets pulled down through a little tube (called a downstem) into the water. As the smoke bubbles through, the water cools it off and filters out some of the harsh stuff like ash and tar.
After that, the cooled, cleaner smoke collects in the chamber, waiting for you to take a hit. This gives you a smoother, less intense inhale that’s a lot easier on your throat compared to smoking straight from a joint or pipe.
So, while you don’t need a bong to smoke, it definitely makes the whole thing a lot more comfortable.
3. How Do You Use a Bong?
Using a bong for the first time might feel a bit confusing, but it’s way easier than it looks. Here’s what you do:
Step 1: Fill the Bong with Water
To get started, you want to add just enough water to submerge the downstem - around an inch higher than the tube. Too much water will make it harder to pull, and too little won’t filter the smoke properly. You can always adjust it to your liking after a few hits.
Step 2: Grind Your Herb
Now it’s time to get your herb ready. If you have one, use a grinder to break down your herb. If you don’t have a grinder, you can use your fingers to break it down but it probably won’t be as smooth. What you're looking for is an evenly ground herb so that burns well and gives you a good, clean hit.
If you're looking for a new or your first grinder, check out our guide here.
Step 3: Pack the Bowl
Next up, it's time to pack the bowl. Take a pinch of your ground herb and gently pack it into the bowl. Don’t pack it too tight; it'll need some breathing room so the air can flow through easily. If you pack it too tightly, you’ll have to work harder to get a good hit. Start with a small amount and see how it goes; you can always add more if needed!
Step 4: Light It Up and Inhale
Lighting up is easier than you think. Start by holding the bong in one hand and the lighter in the other. Light the herb in the bowl while gently inhaling through the mouthpiece. As you light the herb, you’ll see the smoke travel down the downstem, bubble through the water, and start filling up the chamber. Go slow - there’s no rush. You'll want to let the smoke build up in the chamber without inhaling too hard, or you’ll end up coughing. Slow and steady wins this race.
Step 5: Remove the Bowl and Take a Hit
Once the chamber’s nice and full of smoke, pull out the bowl (or lift your finger off the carb if your bong has one) and take a deep inhale to clear the chamber. The smoke will rush up through the mouthpiece and, because it’s been filtered through the water, it’ll feel much cooler and smoother on your lungs. Exhale slowly and enjoy the moment - you’ve just taken your first bong hit!
After a few rounds, you’ll get to know how much smoke you like and how to control your hits more. Whether you’re looking for smaller, lighter puffs or bigger, more intense ones, it’s all about finding what works for you.
4. How Do You Hit a Bong for the First Time?
That first bong hit can be a bit intimidating, but don’t worry! Here are a few tips to help:
- Take It Slow: Start with a gentle inhale. Don’t go for a huge hit on your first try or you might end up coughing.
- Watch the Smoke: Keep an eye on the chamber – when it’s full, you’re ready to clear it.
- Clear the Chamber: When you’re ready, pull out the bowl or lift the carb and inhale deeply.
- Breathe Easy: Exhale slowly to avoid coughing.
With practice, you’ll find the perfect pace for smooth, enjoyable hits.
5. How Much Water Should You Put in a Bong?
Getting the water level right is important when you're looking for a smooth smoking experience, but it can be tricky. You want enough water to cover the downstem, but not so much that it’s hard to pull.
For smaller bongs, you’ll need less water – just enough to submerge the end of the downstem.
For larger bongs, you might need a bit more. But remember - too much water can make it difficult to inhale.
Play around with the water level until you find what works best for you. The goal is to strike that perfect balance for smooth hits.
6. How Do You Clean a Bong?
Properly cleaning your bong is important if you want to keep your hits tasting fresh and avoid nasty residue buildup. Here’s the best way to do it:
- Take It Apart: Remove the bowl and downstem.
- Rinse: Run warm water through all parts to get rid any of loose debris.
- Add Cleaner: Use a mix of isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt, or grab a specialised bong cleaner. Shake gently to dislodge any leftovers.
- Scrub the Small Bits: Use a pipe cleaner or cotton swab for the bowl and downstem.
- Rinse Again: Give everything a good rinse with warm water and let it air dry.
Regular cleaning keeps your bong in top shape and makes sure every hit is as smooth as the last.
Looking for a premium isopropanol that you can trust? Little Head Shop's got you covered - check out our 1l Bottle here.
7. What Are the Different Types of Bongs?
Beaker Bongs
Beaker bongs are your classic, go-to option if you want something reliable. Thanks to their wide base, they’re a lot less likely to tip over. They also hold more water and smoke, meaning you can take bigger, smoother hits. If you’re looking for a bong that’s built to last and offers an all-around smoother session, this is the one for you.
Gravity Bongs
If you’re after a hard-hitting experience, gravity bongs are the way to go. These use water and air pressure to push smoke into your lungs, giving you a seriously strong hit. They’re not for the faint-hearted and should only be used by those who love an intense session. You’ll want to take it easy the first few times you use one, though. It’s certainly not like your average bong.
Dab Rigs
Dab rigs aren't technically bongs, but they're not far off. They're specially designed for concentrates, giving you a whole different experience from smoking dry herb. Dab rigs handle high heat and are all about maximising flavour, making them perfect if you’re into dabbing.
Mini Bongs
Mini bongs are all about convenience - small, portable, and great for when you want a quick hit without the hassle. While they don’t give the same filtration or intensity as bigger bongs, they’re perfect for when you’re on the move or just want something discreet. Just keep in mind they’re not as sturdy, so treat them with a bit more care.
Percolator Bongs
Percolator bongs are designed for those who want the smoothest hit possible. The percolator inside breaks the smoke into smaller bubbles, cooling it down and making it easier on your throat. If you’ve ever found smoking a bit harsh, a percolator bong will make a real difference.
Straight Tube Bongs
Straight tube bongs are about as simple as it gets. They’re easy to use, easy to clean, and perfect if you just want something that gets the job done. No fuss, just straightforward smoking. Be careful where you place them, though - since they’re tall and narrow, they can tip over more easily. Some also come with built-in percolators for an added layer of smoothness.
8. What Is a Percolator and Do You Need One?
A percolator is like an extra filtration system inside your bong. It breaks the smoke up into smaller bubbles, making the smoke even cooler and smoother. There are many different styles of percolator bong, such as honeycomb, tree, matrix and showerhead.
Do you need one? Not really – but if you’re after the smoothest hits possible, a percolator can really improve the experience.
9. How Can You Customise Your Bong?
Bongs are super customisable. You can add loads of accessories to tailor your experience:
- Ash Catchers: Keep your bong cleaner by catching debris before it reaches the water.
- Ice Catchers: Some bongs let you add ice for even cooler hits.
- Bowl Attachments: Swap out bowls for different sizes or styles to control your herb.
- Diffusers: Break up the smoke for better filtration.
Customising your bong with these extras can make your sessions even more enjoyable.
10. Are Bongs Better Than Pipes or Joints?
It all depends on what you’re after because each option will give you a totally different experience:
Bongs: Bongs are all about smooth, cool hits. If you don’t love the burn from a joint or pipe, a bong might be the better option. But, they’re not exactly portable - so they’re more of a ‘stay at home’ kind of deal.
Pipes: Pipes are built for convenience - small, easy to carry, and perfect if you’re out and about. But, without the water filtration, the smoke can feel harsher on your lungs. Pipes are great for portability, but they don’t give you that cool, filtered hit like a bong does.
Joints: Joints are quick, simple, and easy to roll - plus, they’re perfect for sharing. However, they burn fast and quite often not very evenly. Plus, the smoke is unfiltered, so it can be a bit rough on your throat, especially if you’re smoking regularly.
So, are bongs better? If you want a smooth, chilled-out hit that’s easy on the throat - 100%. But if you need something you can throw in your pocket, or you’re after a quick smoke with no fuss, pipes or joints are where it’s at. It’s all about what works best for you.
Got more questions?
At Little Head Shop, we’re here to help make sure you have the best bong experience possible. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade, we’ve got everything you need to enjoy smoother, more enjoyable sessions. Check out our range of bongs and accessories today or, if you have more questions, feel free to get in touch!