Do you remember the glass bongs that you often see in hookah bars? You know, I was very shocked when I first saw this smoking preparation.
Especially when I saw people light the pipe and inhale, the smoke would flow down the lower tube, through the water, and then up into the main chamber. The smoke would cool down during this process, and the unique LED light, reminded me of the LED toys I used when I was a child.
So before I used the bong, I spent three days researching how a bong works. Since many articles on Google I think are not detailed enough, I especially wrote more detailed content about how a bong works today. Let’s get into the topic!
Main parts of bong and their functions
Before I start to introduce how does a bong work, I would like to take you to understand the main parts of the bong and their function s
1. Bowl
The bowl is a critical component of any bong.
In my opinion, the bowl is the most important component of a bong. It’s where the dried cannabis or other smoking material is placed and ignited. Most bowls are made from glass or silicone. Speaking of bowls, I personally prefer using glass because it feels more comfortable to handle and is easier to clean and detach. However, I know that many cannabis enthusiasts who enjoy personalized styles tend to prefer silicone bowls.
The most common sizes are 10mm, 14mm, and 18mm. There are even some advanced bowls, like the honeycomb style, which feature a solid glass bottom with multiple small holes to prevent larger pieces of herb from being pulled through and clogging the bong.
2. Downstem
The downtube is a key component that connects the bowl to the water chamber. It directs the smoke from the bowl into the water, initiating the filtration process. This is another interesting component that is usually used in 45-degree pipes, so it is a must-have in beaker bong.Through optimizing these component characteristics, we can effectively enhance airflow permeability.
While downstems are easy to use, it is a pity that they may not provide as good airflow as a stemless 90-degree pipe. I think you definitely don’t want to end up with a bad smoking experience
3. Base or Water Chamber
The base, also known as the water chamber, is the bottom part of the bong where water is held. But you must not underestimate this accessory, because it is very useful in cooling and filtering smoke..
The most common shapes are bubble and beaker styles. And speaking of shapes, if you’re looking for a more stable experience, a beaker shape is definitely a great choice.
4. Tube or Neck
The tube, also called the neck, is the long chamber that extends upward from the base. It’s where the filtered and cooled smoke accumulates before being inhaled. In addition, these tubes feature additional elements like ice pinches or splash guards.
5. Mouthpiece
Located at the top of the tube, don’t underestimate it. Users can place their mouths on the mouthpiece to inhale the smoke, and there are many different designs for these mouthpieces. If you, like me, enjoy larger hits, then I believe wide and round mouthpieces are the ideal choice. However, if you’re looking for something portable, you can opt for narrow or silicone mouthpieces, both of which I highly recommend.
6. Carb (Carburetor)
The carb is a small hole that allows the user to clear smoke from the bong’s chamber. Not all bongs have a dedicated carb; in many designs, removing the bowl serves this function (known as a pull or slide carb). The carb helps control airflow and allows for more efficient clearing of the bong.
7. Joint
In bong terminology, the joint refers to the connection point between different parts, typically where the downstem or bowl connects to the bong. Joints can be male or female, and it’s important to match the gender of your accessories to your bong’s joint for proper fit.
8. Ice Catcher
Some bongs feature an ice catcher, which is a pinched section in the tube designed to hold ice cubes. With an ice catcher you can feel the smoke cool further before it reaches your mouth, and it tastes super good!
9. Ash Catcher
An optional but popular accessory, but in my eyes it is very important, I prefer to use it to collect cigarette ash to keep the bong clean for a long time
What is the mechanism behind a bong’s operation?
Just by looking at the smoke in the bong, I started to become addicted to this feeling ! The working principle of this cannabis tool is very simple. When the user inhales through the mouthpiece, a partial vacuum is created in the chamber of the hookah. At this time, you need to pay attention. The vacuum has the perfect pressure difference to draw the smoke from the bowl through the downtube.
And when we’re ready to inhale, we can remove the bowl (acting as a carb) or use a dedicated carb hole. This allows fresh air to enter the chamber, pushing the accumulated smoke up through the neck and into the user’s lungs.
Many modern bongs incorporate additional percolators, which are secondary filtration systems within the main chamber. They can come in various forms, like tree, honeycomb, or showerhead designs., and I like all of them, but the US dollars in my pocket remind me that I can’t spend too much money on these filters.
Of course, many bongs also come with ice collectors, which are the clamped part of the neck that holds ice cubes. As the smoke passes through the ice cubes, the ice cubes further cool it, making the smoke smoother. I really like this accessory, it helps me to be cooler when smoking. If you haven’t tried it yet, you might as well go to Amazon or Google to buy this kind of accessories, which can definitely help you improve your smoking experience. However, many beginners may wonder what the difference is between these bong hookah and blunt. Below I will list their characteristics, and you can tell me which one you prefer in the comments!
Which is better, a bong or a blunt, hookah?
| Comparison Factor | Bongs | Blunts | Hookahs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filtration | High (water filtration) | None | High (water filtration) |
| Smoke Coolness | Cool | Hot | Cool |
| THC Absorption Rate | 70-80% | 20-30% | N/A (typically used for tobacco) |
| Portability | Low | High | Very Low |
| Setup Time | Medium | Low | High |
| Session Duration | Short (quick hits) | Medium | Long (social sessions) |
| Flavor Preservation | High | Medium (tobacco leaf affects flavor) | Very High (flavored shisha) |
| Maintenance Required | Regular cleaning needed | None (disposable) | Regular cleaning and setup |
| Initial Cost | Medium to High | Low | High |
| Ongoing Costs | Low (occasional part replacement) | Medium (continuous wrap purchases) | Medium (shisha and coal purchases) |
| Health Impact | Less harsh on lungs due to filtration | More harmful (tobacco leaf + no filtration) | Less harsh than blunts, but prolonged sessions can be harmful |
| Efficiency of Material Use | High | Medium | Medium to High |
| Customization Options | High (various attachments and styles) | Low | Medium (different flavors and hose options) |
| Social Aspect | Can be shared, but typically individual | Easily shared | Highly social, multiple hoses possible |
| Smoke Volume per Hit | Large | Small to Medium | Medium to Large |
| Discretion | Low (visible apparatus, strong odor) | Medium (more discreet, but noticeable odor) | Very Low (large apparatus, strong odor) |
| Skill Required | Medium | Low to Medium | Medium to High |
| Temperature Control | Some control (ice catch option) | No control | High control (coal management) |
| Typical Substance Used | Cannabis (can be used for other herbs) | Cannabis and/or tobacco | Flavored tobacco (shisha) |
| Cleaning Frequency | After every few uses | N/A (disposable) | After each session |
| Environmental Impact | Low (reusable) | High (single-use) | Medium (reusable but coal waste) |
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