Different Types of Smoking Paraphernalia

Bongs come in all shapes and sizes and are now made from different materials that once would’ve seemed completely outlandish. Popular smoking apparatus today include glass bongs, ceramic bongs, silicone bongs, acrylic bongs and glass pipes to name a few. Within this we see different subsections that include novelty bongs, waterfall bongs, glow in the dark bongs, gas mask bongs and percolator bongs. With so many different varieties on the market it can seem overwhelming for a new smoker to choose which option is best when making the transition from a joint to a bong. This blog will cover the pros and cons of some of the different bongs on the market today to help you choose which variety may suit your needs best. 

Glass Bongs:

Glass water bongs are probably the most well known within the smoking community. They are certainly the most popular and diverse when it comes to smoking marijuana or other herbal products. Glass blowing techniques have significantly improved over the years and we are now seeing so many varieties of glass bongs that even 10 years ago would’ve seemed implausible. 

Glass is a very resistant material and can be shaped reasonably easily to any design which is why it is such a popular material for making bongs. Glass is reasonably inexpensive and plentiful but most importantly it does not impart any undesired flavours or chemicals to the smoke during use. Bongs nowadays are constructed from Borosilicate glass which was initially created for use in laboratories as a durable and shatter resistant glass that could withstand the occasional violent chemical reaction. Arguably they are the most aesthetically pleasing and can be fitted with glass percolators, ice pinches, ash catchers and dab devices. Percolators, ice pinches and ash catchers help to cool the smoke and filter out any impurities to enhance the smoking experience. Due to the popularity of glass bongs there is also a vast array of accessories on the market that can be added to improve the bong’s functionality and appeal. Another benefit is that glass bongs can be readily cleaned with a variety of different solvents and substances.

The downfall of a glass bong is that they are brittle and can shatter easily. Chances are, if you drop a glass bong on a hard surface it’s going to break. This can make it difficult to transport glass bongs as added care must be taken when moving and handling, something that can be difficult when you’re high. Glass bongs can also be reasonably expensive when compared to other smoking devices. A high end bong can set you back as much as $500 and if you accidentally drop or knock it in the wrong place then it could be game over. 

Silicone Bongs:

Silicone bongs are a fairly new addition to the bong industry. Silicone is an extremely durable and flexible material and can be formed into pretty much any shape. Where the glass suffers due to its breakability, the silicone bong is virtually indestructible. This makes it perfect for your on-the-go bong and can be taken with you anywhere, great to have at a party where less handling care than usual is taken. In saying this, even if you do manage to break a silicone bong, you won’t be throwing too much hard earned money down the drain. Compared to glass bongs, silicone bongs are much cheaper. Aesthetically, silicone bongs are no match for a pristine, shiny glass piece. Silicone bongs also do not have access to the plentiful amount of accessories that glass bongs do which can result in a lower quality experience.

Glass Pipes:

Glass pipes can be the perfect piece for those looking for something portable and cheap to take with you wherever you are. They are the smallest, most portable smoking apparatus available but lack cooling components seen with bongs. This can make them harsh on the user's throat and lungs.  In terms of price they are certainly the most affordable. They can be readily cleaned with minimal effort and they come in many different shapes and sizes so you can be sure to find a style to suit your needs. Similar to glass bongs in that if they are dropped on a hard surface then chances are that they will break. In saying this, some glass pipes start from as cheap as $5 so if broken or lost then it’s a relatively small out of pocket loss.

With the rising popularity of marijuana and smoking apparatus on the market today, there are certainly a plethora of options to choose from. Your decision ultimately comes down to your budget and requirements. If money is not an issue then a glass bong could be a worthwhile investment. Glass bongs offer the most enjoyable smoking experience to the user and can last a lifetime if they are looked after well. Alternatively, if you are the clumsy type and are known for knocking things over during a sesh then I’d suggest using a silicone bong. More and more varieties are flooding onto the market every month so be sure to keep an eye out to jag one that suits your needs.