Water Bongs
For generations the bong has been the preferred tool of the trade for herb smokers around the world, and with good reason. As the name would imply, a water bong enlists the aid of one or more chambers of water to cool and filter smoke, providing a smoother, more enjoyable smoking experience.
As long as the bong holds water, what exactly makes a water bong is entirely up to
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Water Bongs FAQ
What is a bong?
At its simplest, a bong is a pipe that uses water to cool and filter smoke before it's inhaled. This creates a more enjoyable smoking experience that's less harsh on the throat of a smoker. Some bongs may even filter water through multiple chambers, or use diffusers so that the smoke is filtered in smaller bubbles, creating more surface area that's exposed to water for a greater filtration effect.
What's the difference between a bong and a water pipe?
While bongs come in all shapes and sizes, other types of pipes (called bubblers) can also use water for filtration. For the most part, bongs are defined as being larger than other water pipes, and usually have a removable bowl for all air to flow through the water, instead of a pipe with a carb hole to let in clean air after smoke has been drawn into the chamber of the pipe. The most common form of a bong is one with a large water chamber at the base and a long, vertical draw chamber that's filled with smoke before the user actually inhales any.
Why would I want a water bong?
As we've mentioned, water can be a somewhat effective filter of tar and other toxins found in smoke. By removing some of the byproducts of combustion, as well as chilling smoke before it hits your lungs (some bongs are even designed for use with ice cubes to further the chilling effect), smoking can be a much smoother, more pleasurable experience.
What are bongs made of?
Most bongs are made of glass, though some inexpensive models are acrylic with metal bowls. Older bongs use rubber o-rings to seal the bowl to the downstem and the stem itself to the bong, but most high-end modern bongs use a "glass on glass" connection where sanded or knurled glass creates an airtight seal.
Are there any drawbacks to bongs?
Bongs are great to smoke at home, but they're not especially portable. Combine breakable glass with their large size and the need to carry water around to fill them (not to mention a place to dispose of dirty bongwater after use), and it becomes clear that a simpler pipe would be a better on-the-go solution. For this reason, most smokers own at least one of each.
What are the different parts of a bong?
The main part of the bong is the chamber - the bottom is filled with water, and the rest is a space for smoke to collect after it's been filtered through the water. Sticking into the water (and out of the bottom of the chamber) is the downstem, which connects on the outside to the bowl which is packed with herb or concentrate. Once the chamber fills with smoke, pull the bowl to inhale the accumulated smoke. Other features could include a diffuser to make smaller smoke bubbles, thus enhancing filtration, an ice pinch to hold ice cubes through which smoke passes before it's inhaled, or even a second or third chamber allowing the smoke to be filtered through more than one pool of water.