Bongs
Bongs have been popular among smokers and tokers for over 2400 years!
Even in ancient times, bongs were used to smoke leafy ground materials such as tobacco, dry herbs, and flowers.
Why are bongs such a popular option?
Unlike traditional hand pipes, bongs use water to filter out ash and particles from smoke while also cooling the hot smoke to a more comfortable temperature that's easier on the throat.
Bongs have maintained their popularity thanks to their simple and practical ability to deliver a highly enjoyable smoking experience.
Over recent decades, bongs have advanced into an entire ecosystem of sizes, shapes, materials, designs, attachments, themes, and smoke styles. DankStop aims to offer a wide selection of bongs online to be sure we have something for everyone.
Table of Contents:
- Factors to consider when buying a bong online
- Bong types
- Bong usage
- How bongs are made
- Bong FAQs
- Bong history & more...
Factors to consider when buying a bong online:
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Dry herbs or dabs? If you're only smoking dry herbs, you can never go wrong with a classic beaker or straight tube bong. You'll need a "glass bowl" attachment, which comes standard with most bongs and acts as a holder for your herb as you ignite it.
If you want to use your bong for dabbing, you'll want to swap out your glass bowl for a "dab nail." Suppose you're only using wax or concentrates. In that case, we recommend trying a dab rig, as they are designed specifically to retain concentrates' flavor and terpene profiles. -
At home or portable? Smokers come from all walks of life. If you like to smoke at home, glass bongs are a great option, thanks to their elegant look, durable construction, and simple maintenance. However, a portable, unbreakable silicone bong or a mini glass bong might be a better fit if you prefer to smoke on the go.
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How often do you smoke? If you're a daily user, you'll want something that can withstand the inevitable "oopsie" that happens to any daily driver. If you smoke, often you'll also want a bong you can clean easily because smoking from a dirty bong is hazardous and generally gross. DankStop offers a wide assortment of glass cleaning solutions to keep your bong clean. Remember that glass is fragile no matter how thick or well built. Be sure to protect your investment with our Glass Warranty Program, Piece Protect.
What are the different types of bongs?
From classic beaker bongs to more intricate modular bongs and recyclers, DankStop offers a wide selection of bongs to fit your lifestyle no matter how, what, where, or when you like to smoke.
Classic Beaker Bongs
Beaker bongs are easily the most popular type of bong globally. Thanks to their sturdy base and easy cleaning, they're an excellent solution for beginners and seasoned smokers.
Straight Tube Bongs
Placing second in the popularity contest, straight tubes are a typical bong you've likely seen in a friend's house, on a tv show, or in a smoke shop. Straight tubes are simple, effective, and straight to the point.
Shop Straight Tube Bongs
Silicone Bongs
A modern upgrade to the classic acrylic bong, Silicone bongs have exploded on the scene in recent years thanks to their unbreakable, portable design and affordable price points.
Themed Bongs
Our favorite collection, themed bongs, is primarily made in limited batches by local glass artists. These bongs feature a variety of themes such as food, nature, characters, animals, and more!
Perc Bongs
Some bongs use "percs" (short for Percolators) to additionally diffuse and cool the smoke, enabling those of us with smaller lungs to take massive rips easily.
Why use a bong?
If you've ever felt your throat burns after hitting a joint or a hand pipe, it's likely caused by the direct contact of hot smoke on the back of your throat. Since the smoke goes directly from the burning hot bowl to your throat, it has no time to cool down to a reasonable temperature.
Unlike the unfiltered, direct hit of a dry pipe, water pipes and bongs filter smoke through a chamber of water before it travels up the neck to be inhaled.
Upon contact with the water, the smoke is instantly cooled 40-50 degrees to a lower temperature that doesn't hurt the throat.
Cooling smoke causes it to condense, so by delivering a cooler and more condensed smoke, bongs allow a user to consume both a larger amount of material in one hit and at a higher frequency throughout the day, thanks to the smoother hit.
Bong has evolved in their styles, shapes, and materials (like borosilicate glass bongs), but the core principles of filtering smoke through water have withstood the test of time.
More advanced bongs, as mentioned above, use "Percolators" to further diffuse the smoke through water. "Diffusion" is forcing smoke through several tiny holes while submerged underwater. This process is done either through a percolator or a diffused downstem. By forcing the smoke through the percolator holes, the large, single stream of smoke is broken up into many tiny bubbles, resulting in more contact with water and further cooling the smoke on its way up. Proper diffusion can bring the smoke down to a comfortable temperature so that you can enjoy numerous hits repeatedly.
What are the main components of a bong?
1. Mouthpiece - This is where you will inhale from. Different styles and shapes are available to create an airtight seal regardless of your mouth or face shape.
2. Dry herb Bowl - This is where you put the herb. Make sure to grind it up for a nice, even burn. We also offer a large assortment of replacement and upgraded glass bowls.
3. Joint - This is the connection between a bong, downstem, or a downstem and glass bowl, or dab nail. You'll notice "joint sizes" and "joint genders" referred to on certain products such as bongs, dab rigs, and glass attachments, as they are used to tell if two products are compatible to create an airtight connection.
Popular joint sizes include 10mm, 14mm, and 18mm, and all are in both male and female varieties. You want to insert the downstem into the bong joint and the bowl into the downstem joint.
4. Downstem - This is the long glass tube that connects a bowl to a bong and directs the flow of smoke into the bong's water chamber. Downstems can either be "Fixed" (welded permanently into place) or "Removable." Most downstems feature some diffusion, breaking the smoke into smaller bubbles as it enters the water for cooling. If you ever need to replace a downstem, be sure you know how to measure a downstem correctly.
5. Ice Catcher - These glass divots don't just look cool; they serve an essential purpose! Drop a few ice cubes into your ice catcher bong to get an even more extraordinary, smoother hit like you've never felt before.
Bong FAQ
Q: How do I use my bong for dabbing?
A: Using a bong for dabbing is a simple process that requires just a few small attachments to your existing bong. Since concentrates require a hot surface to vaporize, you'll need to attach a Dab Nail (such as a Quartz Banger) to your bong. If you plan on dabbing a lot, we recommend getting a dedicated dab rig as it'll taste better, retain more flavor, and use your wax more efficiently.
Read more in our complete guide on How to Use Your Bong For Dabbing.
Q: How do I clean my bong?
A: Keeping your bong clean is vital to its regular maintenance. Smoking out of a dirty bong is unsanitary and is akin to eating from a dirty, crusty plate. Just don't do it.
While it may seem intimidating, cleaning your bong is easy. Popular options range from 99% Isopropyl Alcohol and Medium Granule Salt Rocks to dedicated, non-toxic, custom-formulated glass cleaners such as Resolution and Kryptonite Cleaner. DankStops offers dozens of options, including cleaning caps and plugs.
Learn more in our video on How to Clean Your Bong.
Q: Are silicone bongs safe?
A: Yes! All of the Silicone Bongs available at DankStop are manufactured using 100% Medical Grade Silicone. Silicone bongs are a great alternative to glass, thanks to their indestructibility. While the glass is excellent, you can't run it over with your car and smoke it afterward. DankStop offers a variety of unbreakable silicone bongs for sale online.
Read our blog to learn about the advantages of Silicone Bongs vs. Acrylic.
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Have a question about bongs?
Take a look at our Beginners Guide to Bongs for a more comprehensive overview, or visit our Learning Center to learn more about all of the smoking devices available at DankStop.
Still, have a question? Our support team is standing by. Call us, email, or live chat, Monday thru Friday, 10 am - 6 pm EST at 1-844-326-5786 or support@dankstop.com.
Bongs: A Deep Dive into the World of Glass, Smoke, and Culture
Bongs have been a staple of smoking culture for centuries, symbolizing relaxation, social bonding, and artistic expression. In this section, we'll explore bongs' rich history and cultural significance, the materials used to create them, and how they compare to other smoking devices. We'll also discuss the role of percolators, ice catchers, and cleaning in enhancing the smoking experience and the impact of legalization and regulation on the bong industry.
The Cultural and Historical Significance of Bongs
The use of bongs dates back thousands of years, with early examples found in various regions across the globe, from ancient China to the African continent. Bongs have evolved over time, both in design and materials, reflecting their makers' unique cultural and artistic influences.
Materials: Glass, Silicone, Acrylic, and Ceramic
Bongs come in various materials, each with advantages and disadvantages. Glass bongs are the most popular, offering a clean, pure taste and visually appealing design. However, they can be fragile and expensive. Silicone bongs are durable and affordable but may not provide the same quality of smoke as glass. Acrylic bongs are lightweight and budget-friendly but can impart a plastic taste. Finally, ceramic bongs offer an artistic and unique appearance but are often delicate and less portable.
Bongs vs. Joints, Blunts, and Vaporizers
Bongs offer several advantages over other smoking devices. They use water filtration to cool and smooth the smoke, resulting in a more enjoyable experience. Additionally, they can be more efficient in consuming herb, as the water helps to condense the smoke, allowing for larger, more potent hits. However, bongs can be cumbersome and difficult to transport compared to joints, blunts, or vaporizers, which are more portable and discreet.
Percolators: Enhancing the Smoking Experience
Percolators are an integral part of many bong designs, working to filter further and cool the smoke for a smoother inhale. There are numerous types of percolators, including tree, honeycomb, and showerhead, each with its unique method of breaking up and diffusing the smoke.
Ice Catchers and Cooling Mechanisms
Ice catchers, or ice pinches, are another feature in many bongs, allowing users to add ice to the water chamber for an even cooler and less harsh smoke. Some bongs also incorporate glycerin coils or other cooling mechanisms for a more enjoyable experience.
Cleaning and Maintenance for a Smooth and Healthy Smoke
Proper cleaning and maintenance of bongs are essential for ensuring a smooth and healthy smoking experience. Regular cleaning helps prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria and mold and dirty bongs' unpleasant taste and smell. Common cleaning methods include using isopropyl alcohol and salt or specialty cleaning solutions designed for bongs.
Legalization, Regulation, and the Bong Industry
The legalization of herb in many regions has increased demand for bongs and other smoking devices. This has resulted in a thriving industry, with many glassblowers and artists creating unique, high-quality pieces. However, regulation and restrictions on the sale of bongs in some areas have also impacted the market, with online sales and underground markets filling the void.
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