How to Choose the Right Smoking Apparatus

Size and materials matter regardless of what you smoke

Whether it’s your first time or you’re looking for a new one, buying a bong can be an exciting adventure.

You have so many options to choose from at a bong shop.

While you can’t go wrong with almost any type of bong, some may be better suited for your smoking needs.

So, how do you choose the perfect bong?

Here are some tips to get you started.

Size Does Matter

Durability and size are two considerations you shouldn’t ignore.

Smaller bongs are a breeze to store out of sight.

Measuring less than eight inches in height, you can easily stash the piece in an old shoebox.

A disadvantage you may run into with smaller pieces is cleaning. The shorter size can make them more difficult to clean.

Medium-size smoking apparatuses typically measure between 10 to 14 inches tall.

If you want something for everyday use, a medium-sized piece is a great option.

Best of all, you aren’t going to run into any cleaning difficulties.

What about larger three-foot bongs?

If you want to make a statement at a party, a larger piece is a great way to go.

Just remember, it’s more difficult to store a larger bong.

Consider the Design

The bong shop can help you choose the best design.

Your options include a straight, beaker, or round base design.

All are more than capable of producing an effective hit. Your decision often comes down to lung capacity and durability.

Pieces with a straight base are easier to hit. It takes less effort to pull the smoke up from the pipe, but the straight base is also slightly unstable.

The narrow base and taller height make it easy to tip over.

It’s easy to see how the beaker piece gets its name. It resembles a beaker you find in a lab.

Both beaker and round base pieces are stable, meaning it’s harder to accidentally tip one over.

Do You Want a Male or a Female Piece

Yep, smoking pieces can be either male or female.

The gender is determined by the joint (hole at the base of the piece holding the downstem in place).

When the bowl slips inside the joint, it’s a female smoking apparatus. Males have a bowl that fits over the joint.

How the pieces hit is similar. It’s simply a matter of choice which one you prefer.

However, it’s a good idea to know the gender of your piece in case the downstem or bowl breaks.

It will make it easier to find a replacement part.

Is Glass the Best Option

You can find acrylic, silicone, and ceramic pieces, but the most common are made from glass.

Glass pieces produce smooth, clean hits. The material doesn’t contaminate the smoke’s flavor.

You can also find glass pieces in almost any shape, design, and color.

Ceramic pieces also produce a smooth hit, but the material is heavy.

Acrylic and silicone pieces are budget-friendly but can interfere with taste.