What is a Water Pipe or Bong?
A water pipe, commonly called a bong, is a smoking device made from a variety of materials, including bamboo, plastic, glass, and ceramic. It is usually filled with water and used to smoke tobacco, cannabis, and other substances. The smoke is drawn through the water, which cools and filters the smoke for a smoother, more pleasant smoking experience that is less harsh on the throat and lungs.
Benefits of Using a Water Pipe/Bong
Using a water pipe to smoke offers several potential benefits, including:
• Cooler smoke: The water helps to cool the smoke, making it easier on the throat and lungs.
• Filtered smoke: The water filters out some of the toxins and irritants found in smoke, making it a healthier option.
• Reduced smell: The water helps to reduce the smell of the smoke, making it less likely to linger in the air.
• Stronger effects: The water helps to concentrate the smoke, resulting in a more intense and immediate effect.
The Different Features of Water Pipes/Bongs
There are many different features of water pipes, including but not limited to:
• Percolators: Percolators are glass devices that diffuse the smoke for a smoother, cooler experience.
• Ice catchers: Ice catchers are a feature that allow you to put ice in the tube for an even cooler smoking experience.
• Carburetors: Carburetors are a feature that allows you to control the airflow for a more precise smoking experience.
• Bowls: Bowls are the part of the water pipe that you put your herb in.
The Different Types of Water Pipes/Bongs
There are many different types of water pipes, including:
- Bubblers: A bubbler is a type of smoking pipe that combines features of both a pipe and a bong. It is typically made of glass and has a bowl at the top, a stem, and a water chamber at the bottom. The water chamber is designed to cool and filter smoke before it is inhaled. The stem is designed with an airtight seal, allowing the user to draw the smoke through the water for additional filtration and cooling. What is a gravity bong? A gravity bong is a type of smoking device that uses the force of gravity to pull smoke through a container filled with water. It is usually made from two containers, one large and one small, and is typically made from plastic or glass. The larger container is filled with water, and the smaller container is filled with marijuana and placed inside the larger container. When the user lights the marijuana, the smoke is forced into the larger container, creating a vacuum and sucking the smoke into the lungs.
- Percolator Bong: A percolator bong is a type of water pipe in which smoke is filtered and cooled through a submerged chamber filled with water and small holes. As the smoke enters the chamber, it is forced through the small holes, creating a turbulent water flow and resulting in a smoother, cooler inhalation. Percolator bongs are often used by enthusiasts to enhance the flavor, smoothness, and potency of their smoking experience.
- Multi-Chamber Bong: A multi-chamber bong is a type of water pipe that has two or more chambers for smoke filtration and cooling. This type of bong has multiple chambers for smoke to pass through, allowing for a smoother and cooler inhalation. The chambers are typically separated by a percolator, allowing the smoke to pass through a water filtration system before being inhaled.
- Recycler Bong: A recycler bong is a type of water pipe that uses a system of chambers to filter and cool smoke before it is inhaled. This type of bong typically has multiple chambers where smoke is filtered through a water filtration system before being inhaled. The smoke is then recycled back through the chambers, allowing for a smoother and cooler inhalation.
There are several other types of bongs available, such as beaker bongs, straight tube bongs, and multi-chamber recycler bongs. Beaker bongs are typically wider and more stable than other types of bongs, while straight tube bongs are simpler in design and are typically made from glass or acrylic. Multi-chamber recycler bongs are similar to regular recycler bongs, but feature multiple chambers for smoke to pass through for a smoother and cooler inhalation.
How to Use a Water Pipe
Using a water pipe is fairly simple:
1. Fill the water pipe with water to the desired level.
2. Place the bowl (or cone) in the top of the water pipe.
3. Place your herbs or other smoking material in the bowl.
4. Place your mouth on the mouthpiece of the water pipe.
5. Light the material in the bowl and slowly inhale.
6. When finished, remove the bowl from the water pipe and exhale.
The Best Bong/Water Pipe Brands
Some of the most popular bong brands include Grav Labs, ROOR, Diamond Glass, EYCE, HVY Glass, and Black Leaf. These brands offer a wide range of bongs, from basic glass models to more intricate multi-chamber recycler bongs. All of these brands offer high-quality products and are known for their innovative designs and durable materials.
The Cost of a Water Pipe
The cost of a water pipe can vary widely depending on the material, size, features, and brand. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $500 or more.
Where to Buy a Water Pipe
You can buy water pipes from many smoke shops, head shops, and online retailers.