What is a Bong? A bong (also water pipe, billy, bing, or moof) is a filtration device which uses water and/or ice as a filtration system and is generally used for smoking cannabis, tobacco, or other herbal substances. In construction and function a bong is similar to a hookah, except smaller and especially more portable. A bong may be constructed from any air- and water-tight vessel by adding a bowl and stem apparatus (or slide) which guides air downward to below water level whence it bubbles upward (“bubbler”) during use.

To get fresh air into the bong and harvest the last remaining smoke, a hole known as the “carburetor”, “carb”, “choke”, “bink”, “rush”, “shotty”, “kick hole”, or simply “hole”, somewhere on the lower part of the bong above water level, is first kept covered during the smoking process, then opened to allow the smoke to be drawn into the respiratory system. On bongs without such a hole, the bowl and/or the stem are removed to allow air from the hole that holds the stem.

Bongs have been in use by the Hmong, in Laos and Thailand, and all over Africa for centuries. One of the earliest recorded uses of the word in the West is in the McFarland Thai-English Dictionary, published in 1944, which describes one of the meanings of bong in the Thai language as, “a bamboo waterpipe for smoking kancha, tree, hashish, or the hemp-plant.” A January 1971 issue of the Marijuana Review also used the term.

Historically, it is generally accepted that the bong was first brought to the United States by US soldiers stationed overseas in the 1960’s. Since then, artisan glass blowers have made bongs into their own art form.

How a Bong Works

The basic concept of the bong is to cool the smoke being inhaled by passing it through one or several chambers filled with water or ice. The more contact the smoke has with the water, the cooler and smoother the smoke. Although these devices vary in size, shape, and complexity… the one thing they all have in common is delivering a pleasantly refreshing smoking experience.

Essentially a bong consists of 5 pieces:
1.    Tube and/or base – the long, straight tube is essentially what defines a bong. These can vary in sizes from 8” on up. The base is filled with a small amount of water.
2.    Downstem – a tube that slides into the side of the of the bong and into the water. These may also be slotted at the base to create more bubbles.
3.    “Carb” or carburetor (generally a pull or a slide) – a hole in the side of the base to create clean air flow and clear the tube. (Most times, this means simply lifting the bowl off of the downstem.)
4.    Bowl – placed at the opposite end of the downstem, this is where the herb is packed.
5.    Percolator – a filter that creates bubbles in the water when smoke is drawn through the tube.

ICE Pinch

Many bongs today come with an ice pinch in the tube. These “pinches” in the glass, usually located at a mid-point or near the top of the tube, prevent the ice cubes from falling into the water (at least until they melt small enough to fall through). This additional filter of ice provides another cooling level before reaching the smoker’s mouth.

Why Use a Bong? The Benefits of Percolation

There is no denying the distinctive sound of a bubbling bong, but there is science behind that beloved gurgle. Although the level of filtration acquired is debatable, studies are promising that passing smoke through water helps to filter some of the toxicants that may be inhaled while smoking. With other smaller devices, such pipes, cigarettes, or joints, the smoke is not filtered which allows small particles, toxicants, even burning embers to pass into the smoker’s mouth, esophagus, and lungs, potentially causing damage over time. Using a water pipe, as the smoker inhales, the smoke travels through the water trapping particulate matter, as well as, commingling with clean air and water vapor, which essentially expands the smoke. As more bubbles are created, the more the smoke expands, and the smoother and cooler the hit.

With this in mind, there are many different types of percolation filters found in bongs today which are engineered to provide better air flow and produce a better smoking experience.

These are but a few of the most popular types of percolators:

  • Honeycomb – just like the name suggests, this filters the smoke and water through dozens of tiny holes.
  • Turbine – pulls smoke through 5-6 slots creating a cyclone effect in the water.
  • Hanging – a series of smaller tubes, hang in the center of the main tube to create more bubbles.
  • Inline – a small horizontal slotted tube near the bottom of the base
  • Fritted – finely porous glass filter, almost looks like fibers, creates the smallest bubbles, which creates the most filtration, but can also clog the easiest.

Other Pieces and Parts of a Water Bong

In addition to the percolator, the other parts play an important factor as well. The down stem, example, has three common styles:

  • Classic Down stem – a simple glass tube with a flared end to fit the bowl.
  • Diffused Down stem – like a classic down stem, but with extra slots at the base to create more airflow.
  • Direct Inject – also called a “stemless bong”, this is built into the side of the bong.

Bowls also come in different sizes to fit whatever size stem is being used in the bong. Three sizes for glass on glass bongs are generally considered standard: 10mm (small), 14mm (medium), and a 18mm (large). For water pipes with standard downstems 9mm and 12mm tend to be the most popular size bowls. Even the base of the bong may vary in shape from just a tube, to a flared beaker-style base, or a bubble base.

The Variations are Limitless

So many options, combined with the artistic creativity of extremely talented glassblowers, equals an impressive array of intricate, beautiful glassware seen in water pipes. Some very elaborate pieces may have several chambers with multiple levels of diffusion and functionality, others may be finely detailed sculptures of artistic splendor that sit on a shelf, never used. While some might only be used to entertain guests. Just remember the more complex the piece, the higher the price tag. Bongs can vary in price from very cheap $10 pieces to upwards of $20,000 or more (see Expensive Bongs below)

A bong is considered by many to be one of the most exquisite ways to smoke. From the perspective of improving the overall smoking experience, a bong not only provides the smoothest, coolest hits; it is also a unique and functional piece of artwork.

Different Types of Bongs Materials

Let’s look at the different types of bong materials in use today:

  1. Glass happens to be the most popular bong material
  2. Plastic is the second most used material for bongs
  3. Ceramic bongs are much heavier compared to glass or plastic bongs

Expensive Bongs

Glass pipes, bubblers, and bongs come and go like the wind. One day you have a beautiful blue bubbler in your hands, making huge smoke clouds and seemingly enjoying the hell out of its life. Next thing you know there’s a million pieces of glass on the ground and your cat has that evil look she’s so very fondly of throwing in your face.

Although it can be a disheartening feeling to lose a member of the squad, they can usually be easily replaced for under 100 bucks. However, like with most things, you can spend some major money on these dope weed pipes. Here’s a list of the most expensive bongs for sale:

    • ME Glass X Blitzkriega Balloon Giraffe – $7,000
    • Burtoni & Euphoria “Squid Chopper” Hybrid – $7,000
    • Scott Deppe’s Grateful 4 Mushrooms – $14,000
    • Scott Deppe’s Take Me 2 The Mothership – $20,000
    • Illuzion Glass Galleries 2017 Annual 420 Party Collaboration Vabor Bubbler by AKM, Cowboy, and Darby – $30, 000
    • “Double Rainbow” Bubbler and Hand Pipe Collaboration Set by Adam G., Darby, Buck, 2BA, and Eusheen – $33,000
    • Pirate Ship Bubbler – $30,000
    • Roor Skull Gun – $90,000
    • Scott Deppe’s Gold Encrusted Skull Bong – $100,000
    • “The Throne” Bubbler Collaboration by Clinton Roman, Scott Deppe, Darby Holm, and Banjo. “The Throne” really is the king of all glass pieces, any other claiming they need a reality check. “The Throne” is considered to be one of the most iconic and legendary functional glass pieces in the industry. Standing nearly two feet tall, this mega collaboration was constructed in 2010. The skulls, made by Scott Deppe, remove from the top revealing the mouthpiece, and the structure itself was assembled by Darby Holm using the Deppe’s Darkness color. Banjo constructed the one-foot tall goddess that sits upon Darby’s lattice of bones. The airflow of this piece begins at the push bowl, where it travels down into a large natural percolator and then on up the skeletal backbone to the mouthpiece. Since this piece was first exhibited, there have been several similar pieces created, but this one will always be considered the true original. “The Throne” can be viewed at Illuzion Glass Galleries in Denver, Colorado, USA.

Bongs are great!

All in all, bongs are a great way to consume cannabis. Not only do they provide a filtration and cooling function, they can look really cool as well.

For more about consuming cannabis, read our blog post Ways to Smoke Cannabis

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