What is a bong? How do bongs work?

Whether you're an experienced smoker or a newbie, you've probably wondered: what exactly is a bong and how does it work?

I completely understand the confusion on your face, but don't worry, I will explain to you in detail how a bong is constructed and how the smoke flows through it.

After reading this article, you will know everything about a bong, its many functions and what happens to the smoke when it is produced.

What is a bong?

Bongs, also known as bubblers, bingers or billy, are historical water pipes for smoking marijuana.

The word bong is probably of Thai origin and refers to a smoking instrument made of bamboo.

A bong usually consists of a cylindrical neck, a base filled with water, a mouthpiece, a bowl and a downstem.

Read on to learn more about what a bong is, how a bong works, and the role water plays in a bong.

Different types of bongs

Glass bongs

Glass bongs are glass pipes that use water to filter the smoke.

Glass bongs are made from blown glass and can therefore be made in countless shapes, sizes, colors and textures.

This feature makes glass bongs extremely customizable: glassblowers often add features like ice catchers and percolators to cool the smoke and enhance the smoking experience.

Silicone bongs

Silicone bongs are pipes made of silicone that use water to filter the smoke.

These bongs are usually made from low-toxic materials to ensure that users do not inhale harmful fumes while smoking.

This material is also heat resistant.

Silicone bongs often have glass parts and come with a glass or titanium bowl.

Ceramic bongs

Ceramic bongs have long been the preferred smoking method for many.

Ceramic bongs are bongs made of ceramic that filter smoke through water.

Although they are rarer than glass bongs, they produce the same clear flavor.

Aesthetically, ceramic bongs are generally equivalent to glass bongs, although they certainly have a different look.

Acrylic bongs

Acrylic bongs are pipes made of acrylic that use water to filter the smoke.

They are lightweight, durable and the most affordable hookah option.

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Straight Bong

Straight bongs are ideal for beginners and are known for their simplicity and efficiency.

The cylindrical design of this bong is easy to use, store and clean.

However, due to their small water capacity, they offer only limited cooling and filtration.

For better filtration, opt for a straight bong with multiple chambers and a multi-layer diffuser.

Beaker Bong

A timeless classic in the world of smoking accessories, the Beaker bong is known for its wide base, which improves both stability and a smooth smoking experience.

The distinctive triangular base of the beaker bong provides a sturdy structure and ensures that it can withstand accidental bumps or nudges, even from a playful pet.

Percolator Bong

Unique percolator bongs are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a cool and smooth smoking experience.

The percolator in a percolator bong acts as an additional filter, providing better filtration and removing more impurities from the smoke.

The result is a cleaner, smoother draw, making it a popular choice among those sensitive to harsh smoke.

LOOKAH's smoke filters come in a variety of styles, some with sophisticated smoke tube designs, while others combine unique features such as honeycomb percolator bongs or ice pinch bongs.

How do bongs work?

If you are using a bong for the first time, you need to know the parts to know how to best use it.

Let’s take a look at how smoke flows through a bong:

1. Bong head – where the smoke starts

When you light the bong head, smoke is produced.

The intensity of your inhalation affects the smoke accumulation.

For fuller, denser smoke, a slower draw is preferable as this allows time for effective filtering later.

2. Downstem – Filters the smoke first

Acts like a simple percolator and directs the smoke from the bowl into the water chamber.

The drain dips into the water, where the interaction with the water cools the smoke and increases its surface area through bubble formation, which improves cooling.

3rd Chamber – Second primary smoke filtration and cooling

Smoke flows from the downstem into the chamber, where it is significantly cooled.

The water in this chamber further cools the smoke and prepares it for further filtering if necessary.

4. Percolator – Advanced Bonus Smoke Filtration

Features multiple slots or holes for additional smoke distribution.

Provides enhanced smoke filtration and cooling, effectively doubling the cooling effect compared to the first ignition.

5. Ice Pinch – Additional cooling for smoke

The ice placed above the chamber in this section further cools the passing smoke.

Provides an even cooler and gentler inhalation experience.

Why is there water in a bong?

As we just briefly mentioned in the introduction to this topic, the main purpose of the water in a bong is to act as a filter.

When using a water bong, you inhale as you light the bowl, which draws the smoke through the water, up the pipe, and into your lungs.

When smoke is drawn through the mixture of water and bubbles, a cooler, smoother draw is created – and therefore a more pleasant experience for the smoker.

For this reason, in the pipe vs. bong debate, the bong usually wins.

The filter functions of a water bong are twofold:

• Water cools the smoke before it reaches your lungs

• Water catches particles from the smoke

To help you truly understand the primary purpose of the water in the bong, let's take a closer look at each of these filter shapes.

Water cools the smoke before it reaches your lungs

This is perhaps the most important function of water in a bong.

By the time the smoke passes through the water and reaches your lips, it has cooled considerably.

This provides a much smoother draw that is easier on your lungs.

Water catches particles from the smoke

As the smoke passes through the water, any particles (such as ash) become trapped in the water.

This means you won’t inhale any harmful particles when you hit your bong.

Can you use a bong without water?

The main advantage of dry vaping is that it provides a more intense stimulus since there is no water to filter the smoke. However, it is not suitable for people who are sensitive to the irritating effects of smoke.

Due to the lack of water filtration, a dry vaping bong also carries a higher risk of inhaling ash or hot particles into the user's mouth, which can be uncomfortable or even dangerous.

For this reason, it is important to understand the proper way to inhale a bong.

Ultimately, the decision to use a dry sucker bong is a personal preference that varies from user to user.

It's best to try both options to find out what best suits your personal preferences and smoking habits.

Bongs vs. Bubblers – what’s the difference?

Bongs are upright water pipes where you place the mouthpiece on your lips.

Bubblers are another type of hookah with a mouthpiece that is placed between the lips.

Only remember: All bongs are water pipes, but not all water pipes are bongs.

Bongs vs. Dab Rigs – what’s the difference?

Like bongs, dab rigs use water to filter the cannabis when the herb is lit.

However, bongs use a bowl to burn flowers, while dab rigs have a nail or banger to vaporize oil, called dabs.

Additionally, dab rigs are often smaller and feature multiple chambers and filters that direct the vapor down different paths before it reaches your mouth.

It's worth noting that you can use any bong to vaporize concentrates if you replace the bowl with a nail or banger.

However, since bongs are not specifically designed for concentrates, it is better to use specially designed dab rigs for the optimal experience.

How much do bongs cost?

Bong prices or bong costs can vary greatly.

To find the perfect bong, it is important to weigh up quality and cost.

Consider factors like material, size and brand to find a bong that fits your needs and budget.

Diploma

Now that we've explained the functions of a bong and how the smoke flows through each accessory, you can now take pride in knowing the basics of a bong.