Are you a novice smoker wanting to explore tools to smoke? Then, don’t forget about “bong”, another top-tier option to consume weed. So what is a bong? Did you know that the word “bong” comes from the Thai word “baung”? Dates all the way back to the 14th Century in Thailand, buang means “tube”, usually made from bamboo that is used to smoke cannabis or tobacco (these two were legal back in the day until cannabis was decriminalized again in 2022).
We have already discussed a small part of bongs in the previous article. This one will give you more information and details about the tool that almost all smokers and stoners have in their house. Go get your favorite bong and be ready to delve into the world of all stoners! You don’t have one? That’s okay and read on! You might get some ideas of which one to buy by the end of this article!
Key Takeaways
- A bong is a tool that smokers use for inhaling cannabis smoke which looks similar to a water pipe.
- Bongs’ slang terms are bubbler and billy.
- Smoking cannabis from bongs creates a smoother smoke than smoking from joints or blunts.
- There are several types of bongs, some of them are beaker bongs, bubblers, and gravity bongs.
- There are several brands and prices to choose from such as Molino Glass, a popular brand with prices starting at 300 THB to 5,000 THB.
What is a bong?
A bong is a water pipe-like tool for smoking cannabis that filters and cools smoke coming from burning cannabis. It comes in all different sizes, shapes, and materials that suit smokers’ preferences. You might also have heard of other terms like bubbler or billy.
Bongs usually come with a detachable small bowl that holds dried weed, a drop pipe connecting the bowl to the bong which generally sits below the water line, and the users inhale the smoke through the mouthpiece.
What makes bongs different?
Bongs are for those who prefer smoother smoke compared to blunts and joints since the smoke has been filtered through water filtration, the process also lowers the temperature of the smoke before it is breathed in resulting in a more pleasant smoking session. It also helps trap toxins which reduces harm to your lungs.
However, you’re still smoking meaning that the smoke is still filling up your lungs. Even though some bad stuff might get filtered out, it doesn’t make much difference. So, sorry (but also not) to say this but smoking cannabis through bongs is still harmful to your lungs. It could harm lung tissues, scarring, and damage your small blood vessels.
Types of Bong
Who would think that there are soooooo many types of bongs? (Unless you’re a true smoker.)
When I searched for information about types of bongs for this article, the list just kept going and surely, I cannot put all the list in here or it will be too long. But, I definitely can gather you 6 most common types of bongs you can find in the market:
- Beaker Bong
A beaker bong is a classic water pipe with a wider base shaping like an iconic conical scientific beaker (Erlenmeyer Flask) that we would normally see in a science class. Their wider base provides better stability that prevents them from tripping and allows a more substantial water chamber for better filtration. A beaker is the most basic model among all bong types and is also budget-friendly.
- Percolator Bong
This type of bong is also known as “percs” which are bongs that feature percolators that help break down the smoke into smaller bubbles. It provides smoother, cleaner, and more flavorful hits which makes it more comfortable on your throat and lungs.
- Bubbler
Bubblers are handheld glass pipes that come with a chamber with a percolator or a diffuser which is a portable version of a bong, the same water pipe but smaller. The functions of a bubbler combine the small convenience with the functionality of larger glass bongs. It’s a good choice for smokers to add to one of their collections, it also looks good as an art piece of decoration on a coffee table.
- Gravity Bong
Gravity bongs come with a variety of names such as “grav bongs” and “bucket bongs”. They contain two main components including a water-filled container and a smaller bottle (chamber). Gravity bongs can deliver a strong hit as some users claim that they feel a more intense effect compared to traditional smoking methods making it more preferable among those seeking a potent smoking experience.
- Straight Tube Bong/Cylinder Bong
This simple and sleek bong offers a quick and intense hit with its design similar to a cylindrical one. It’s known to be easy to store and clean with its cylinder shape meaning that it has little water storage for less cooling and filtration.
- Honeycomb Bong
Honeycomb bongs are famous for their excellent filtration capabilities. They consist of multiple small holes arranged in a grid-like pattern. When the smoke passes through the tiny holes, it’s diffused into smaller bubbles resulting in a less harsh and smoother smoking experience yet still delivering potent hits from the bong’s straight design.
Which brand to buy from?
Cannabis is now legal in several places including Thailand…Well…At least it is still legal in Thailand though, unless they have any update of the new cannabis law. Anyway, there are, yet again, soooo many brands selling good quality bongs but here are some popular brands that you can find here in the Land of Smile.
Molino Glass
Molino Glass has designed and manufactured high-quality glass bongs and smoking accessories since 2013 and now become a world-famous glass brand for bong smokers. Several cannabis dispensaries are selling Molino bongs, you can also find this brand in the MedMen Bangkok store!
Price: Ranging from 300 THB ($9) to 5,000 THB ($137)
Find them on social media: molinoglass
Phoenix Star
Phoenix Star has been specializing in glass-blowing manufacturing since 2007. No doubt their bongs are only made from high-quality glass designed by a dream team and Phoenix Star is now a well-known brand around the world.
Price: Ranging from 1,500 THB ($41) to 37,000 THB ($999)
Find them on social media: phoenixstar_official
Grav
The brand was born in 2004 in Austin, Texas, a place that is home to artists, to give some examples: sculptors, ceramicists, and glass-blowers. “Every piece we sell is designed, prototypes, inspected for quality, and shipped from our headquarters in Austin, Texas” – they claimed.
Price: Ranging from 1,300 THB ($35) to 15,000 THB ($400)
Find them on the website: GRAV
Haus of Canna
A local Thai brand features more feminine-looking bongs. Their colorful pastel bongs are in cute shapes such as a cherry, a strawberry, and a heart for all smokers who prefer using bongs in cute designs.
Price: Ranging from 690 THB ($19) to 2,300 THB ($63)
Find them on social media: hausofcanna.th
Conclusion
Bongs are water pipes that are used for smoking cannabis. It helps filter and cool down the cannabis smoke for a smoother and better smoking experience. Bongs are widely used as much as a traditional way of smoking. It comes in countless types, sizes, designs, and materials but the most popular ones are glass bongs. The price of bongs can vary depending on the brands and materials, it can start at 300 THB ($9) and up to 37,000 THB ($999).
