Using a bong properly involves controlling the flame, holding the bong properly, maintaining the water level, and inhaling at the right pace. Different types of bongs are available, such as beaker bongs, silicone bongs, mini bongs, percolator bongs, and so on.
Curious thinking: How do you use a bong properly? The proper usage varies depending on the bong type. Considering this fact, we’ve highlighted some popular bong usage guides, etiquette, and a list of the best bongs for beginners and a trusted bong seller.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
Is it Easy to Use a Bong?
Yes, it is easy to use a bong. A bong, also known as a water pipe, is a filtration device used to smoke herbal substances, such as cannabis and tobacco. Bong enthusiasts prefer this smoking tool for its cooling sensation at every puff. When a person smokes with a bong, the smoke passes through the water, making the smoke cooler. Bongs come in different sizes, shapes, and materials, such as glass, ceramic, silicone, and metal.
What are the Different Parts of a Bong?
A bong has different parts, including the bowl, joint, downstem, percolator, mouthpiece, base water chamber, ash catcher, and ice pinch. Let’s break down different bong parts/setups, and what they do.
The Main Components of a Bong
1. Mouthpiece
A bong's top and opening part help you inhale the smoke. Ensure the mouthpiece is clean and smooth for a comfortable smoking experience.
2. Neck/tube
The long, vertical part of the bong; connects the base to the mouthpiece. It acts as the pathway for smoke to travel from the base to the mouthpiece.
3. Base or water chamber
The key purpose of the base or water chamber is to filter and cool the smoke. The bottom part of the bong holds water or other liquids. The bong base has different shapes, like breaker or straight tube bases.
4. Downstem
One of the most important parts of a bong is the downstream, which directs smoke from the bowls into the water for filtration. It is a narrow tube that connects the bowl to the water chamber.
5. Bowl
The bong bowl is a glass container used for packing or lighting herbal substances. Some bongs come in an attached and removable bowl.
Optional/Advanced Components
1. Percolator
A bong percolator is an additional water filtration component that makes your smoking experience cooler and smoother. Percolators come in different shapes and sizes and work to break up the smoke into smaller bubbles. Some common types of bong percolators include honeycomb, tree, inline, showerhead, and many more. Use pipe cleaners to clean hard-to-reach areas of percolators.
| Note: As a newbie, you must avoid percolators with too many small holes; they are difficult to clean. |
2. Carburetor
A carburetor, or carb, is a small hole that improves airflow and efficiency, providing better hits. Many bongs come with a removable carb, an additional bong part located above the water level. It allows the chamber to fill with smoke; releasing it clears the chamber.
3. Ice Catcher
Ice catcher consists of notches or indents inside the neck of the bong, placed above the water chamber. These notches are used to hold ice cubes separately; don’t mix with the water. It is designed to cool the smoke, reduce harshness, and give a pleasant inhale.
4. Ash Catcher
An ash catcher in a bong is a glass attachment that collects ash from your bowl when it troubles through the hole. Its key feature is to prevent ash and resin from falling into the bong’s water.
5. Splash Guard
A splash guard is another effective part of a bong, which prevents water from reaching your mouth when inhaling. These are positioned above the percolator or in the neck of the bong. The splash guard comes with a disk-like or dome-shaped feature with small holes or slits.
6. Diffuser
It improves smoke filtration and produces smoother and less harsh hits. Percolators also act as diffusers or downstems with slits or holes.
7. Joint
Joint connects the bowl or downstem to the bong and is available in both male (fits inside the female) and female (fits inside the male) joints. The joints come in standard sizes including 10mm, 14mm, and 18mm.
How to Use a Bong for First-time Beginners?
Using a bong for the first time can seem daunting, but it’s quite easy to use. Here, we’ve highlighted different bong types and processes:
How to Use a Percolator Bong?
Percolator bong usage is pretty simple. There are different types of percolators: honeycomb, matrix, inline, showerhead, and so on. Choose one that is easy to clean and follow our steps for further usage:
Step 1: Gather All Essential Materials
Take a clean percolator bong, clean water, dry herbs, a grinder, and a lighter.
Step 2: Add Water to the Bong
Fill the main water chamber through the mouthpiece or downsteam; ensure the water level submerges the end of the downsteam and helps filter and cool the smoke. Slowly pour water into the percolator chamber.
Step 3: Pack the Herb into the Bowl
Use a grinder (if you have any) to break herbs into pieces and pack those into the bowl. Now, take a lighter or a torch to light the herbs.
Step 4: Inhale and Enjoy
Hold the bong securely with one hand, ensure it is stable, and take a deep breath to pull the smoke into your lungs.
How to Use a Gravity Bong?
Using a gravity bong is a fun and efficient way to consume herbs. The processes of using a gravity bong are as follows:
Step 1: Collect all Materials
There are two types of gravity bongs: a plastic bottle with a cut bottom or a similar container and a larger container filled with water. Take a bowl (it can be a metal or pre-made attachment), water, dry herbs, a lighter, and a grinder.
Step 2: Assemble the Gravity Bong
For a homemade gravity bong, cut the bottom off a plastic bottle, fill a bucket or larger bottle with enough water, and place a metal or pre-made bowl in place of the bottle cap. Ensure the bong you made is secure and allows sufficient airflow.
Step 3: Pack the Herb into the Bowl
Use a grinder (if have any) to break herbs into pieces and pack those into the bowl. Now, take a lighter or a torch to light the herbs.
Step 4: Submerge the Bottle
Place the smaller bottle into the larger container of water and keep the top of the bottle above water to avoid soaking or spilling.
Step 5: Light the Herbs
Use a lighter or a torch to lighten the herb in the bowl and slowly lift the smaller bottle out of the water.
Step 6: Remove the Bowl and Inhale
Remove the bowl from the top of the bottle, place your mouth over the bottle opening, and push the bottle back into the water to force smoke into your lungs. Exhale slowly and enjoy every puff.
However, try a high-quality glass gravity water pipe rather than using a homemade plastic bong because plastic is harmful to health and may cause serious accidents.
How to Use a Water Bong?
The processes of using a water bong are as follows:
Step 1: Collect All Materials
Gather clean water, dry herbs, a grinder, or a lighter.
Step 2: Add water to the Bong
Fill the bong's water chamber with enough water through the mouthpiece or downsteam; ensure the water level submerges the end of the downsteam and helps filter and cool the smoke. You can add ice, fruit juice, coffee, or others instead of water to add flavors.
Step 3: Pack the Herb into the Bowl
Use a grinder (if have any) to break herbs into pieces and pack those into the bowl. Now, take a lighter or a torch to light the herbs.
Step 4: Inhale and Enjoy
Hold the bong securely with one hand, ensure it is stable, and take a deep breath to pull the smoke into your lungs.
How to Use a Small Bong?
A small bong is easy to use and ideal for quick and efficient smoking sessions. Take a glimpse of using steps:
Step 1: Collect All Materials
Take a clean small bong, distilled water, dry herb, or other smoking substances, lighter, and grinder (optional).
Step 2: Add Water to the Bong
Fill the bong's water chamber with enough water through the mouthpiece or downsteam; ensure the water level submerges the end of the downsteam and helps filter and cool the smoke.
Step 3: Pack the Herb into the Bowl
Use a grinder (if you have any) to break herbs into pieces and pack those into the bowl. Now, take a lighter or a torch to light the herbs.
Step 4: Inhale and Enjoy
Place your lips on the mouthpiece to inhale slowly while lighting the herb to draw the smoke into the chamber. Remove the bowl and continue inhaling. Don’t forget to clean the bong properly after each use.
How to Use a Gas Mask Bong?
Using a gas mask bong is a unique way to consume your favorite herb. Here’s a step-by-step guide to use effectively and safely:
Step 1: Gather All Materials
You’ll need herbs, water, a lighter, or a torch to use a gas mask bong.
Step 2: Prepare the Gas Mask Bong
Start by filling the bong about an inch with water, submerging it downsteam. Once you have added water, pack the bowl with your smoking material.
Step 3: Adjust the Gas Mask
Put on the gas mask and adjust the straps properly; ensure the mask is fit around your face. Some masks come with adjustable eyepieces - position them comfortably for your vision.
Step 4: Light the Bowl and Inhale
Now that you’ve got everything set, it’s time to light the bowl and inhale smoke through the mouthpiece of the mask. The smoke filters through the water and gives you a cooling sensation.
How to Use a Silicone Bong?
Using a silicone bong is similar to using a traditional glass bong. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Take a Clean Silicone Bong
At first, take a clean silicone bong and other materials, like clean water, herbs or tobacco, and a lighter or hemp wick.
Step 2: Inspect and Assemble the Bong
Insert loose parts to place like a bowl into the downstem if they are detachable, removable bases, or parts - ensure everything is properly fitted.
Step 3: Add Water & Pack Your Herb
Pour enough water through the mouthpiece or downstem. Remember, water should not splash into your mouth. Also, break your herb into small pieces and place those into the bowl.
Step 4: Light and Inhale
Lighten the herb in a small portion and inhale through the mouthpiece. You’ll notice smoke bubbling through the water. If your bong has a removable bowl, lift it out to clear the smoke. But for a carb hole, release it while inhaling to let the smoke flow properly.
Step 5: Exhale and Enjoy
Exhale slowly and enjoy every puff. Remember to clean the silicone bong after each use.
How to Use a Bubbler Bong?
Follow these steps if you want to smoke with a bubbler:
Step 1: Prepare Your Materials
Gather your bubbler bong, dry herb, lighter, and distilled water. Ensure your bubbler bong is clean for the best smoking experience.
Step 2: Add Water to the Bubbler
Add enough water to the bubbler to submerge the bottom of the downstem or percolator. Inhale through the mouthpiece without lighting to check the water level. The water level is perfect if you hear a bubbling sound and do not overflow into your mouth.
Step 3: Place Smoking Substances in the Bowl
Add your favorite cannabis flower or other substances to the bowl. Don’t pack the flowers too tightly.
Step 4: Cover the Carb Hole & Inhale
Put your thumb over the carb hole to control airflows and lift your thumb off to clear the chamber and enjoy a smooth hit.
How to Use a Bong With a Diffuser?
Using a bong with a diffuser involves:
Step 1: Assemble the Bong with a Diffuser
First, insert the downstem into the bong joint, then carefully place the diffuser above the downstem. You can also use ice cubes (if the bong has an ice catcher).
Step 2: Fill Enough Water and Add Smoking Herbs
Pour water into the base chamber through the mouthpiece 1-2 inches until the water covers the holes in the diffuser. Now, grind your smoking substances and fill them into the bowl loosely to allow airflow.
Step 3: Enjoy Your Hit
Light a corner of the packed herb and inhale slowly through the mouthpiece. The diffuser in your bong will cool and filter the smoke.
Different types of diffusers are available in the marketplace, including tree, spiral, honeycomb, and showerhead to purify the smoke and cool down the hit. So, choose the ideal one to enhance your smoking experience.
What are the Best Bong Smoking Techniques and Etiquette?
After choosing your first bong, consider several factors before smoking, like size, complexity, and your smoking habits. Here are some bong smoking instructions that will help you experience a pleasant session:
- Bong setup: First, take a clean bong and fill it with water to submerge the downstem about 1-2 inches.
- Bowl fillup: Add cannabis or other herbal substances to the bowl and light only a small section.
- Steady inhalation: When the chamber is filled with smoke, remove the carb hole and inhale gently through the clean mouthpiece.
- Exhale the smoke: Hold the smoke in your lungs for a few seconds and exhale the smoke.
- Place the bowl back: After exhaling, place the bowl back in the stem if you’re smoking alone. But for group smoking sessions, pass the bowl and lighter to the next person to you or your friend.
- Hydrate and relax: Drink water before and after the sessions to keep your throat comfortable. Also, sit in a relaxed position to reduce strain and enjoy the experience.
Here’s a breakdown of bong smoking etiquette:
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Do’s of Bong Etiquette |
Don’ts of Bong Etiquette |
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1. Clean the bong properly.
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1. Don’t wet the mouthpiece. |
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2. Use the right cleaning supplies.
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2. Avoid accidents
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3. Cornering the bong bowl, not all the smoking material. Lighten up only a small portion of the cannabis or other herbal substances. |
3. Don’t hold the bong hostage; rather pass to the left to maintain a consistent direction. |
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4. Clean mouthpiece properly.
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4. Avoid using a dirty bong. |
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5. Clean ash properly. |
5. Don’t blow into the bong. |
- How Do You Get the Hit from a Bong?
As a beginner, you’ll feel or get the smoking hit from seconds to a few minutes after inhaling from a bong. The smoking effects can last up to 3-4 hours or more depending on which herbal substances you use.
What Type of Bong is the Best for Beginners?
A Sandblasted Beaker bong is the best for beginners because of its wide and heavy base. It offers stability and allows more water for enhanced filtration and cooling. Built-in diffusion points, high-quality borosilicate glass, and airtight connection make it useful.
Other high-quality and beginner-friendly bong examples are:
Smoothest Bongs for Beginners
If you want to enjoy ultra-smooth hits, you can try -
- Ice bongs with diffusers: An ice bong is cool and reasonable. It has multiple ice-placing chambers and an ergonomically designed mouthpiece. The bong also integrates a diffuser downstream to enhance smoke filtration.
- Glycerin bong: A glycerin is a non-toxic liquid that freezes at a lower temperature than water and gives an excellent coolant.
- Recyclers: A recycler bong comes with a two-chambered percolator that filters smoke multiple times before you inhale. It is mostly used with dabs; you can refilter and recool the smoke.
Strongest Hitting Bong for Newbies
- Dragon Glass Premium Bongs: The Dragon Glass premium smoking bong is designed for hassle-free cleaning. Its wide base provides extra stability, ensures safe use, and more. It is crafted from high-quality borosilicate glass, withstands regular use, and offers long-lasting durability.
- 12” Bent Neck with Double Inline Shower Percs: It is crafted from high-quality borosilicate glass material and effective filtering towards clean hits. Its bent neck is well-designed, functional, and easy to clean.
- 18” MOZONE Ice bong: This bong with diffuser comes with multiple ice-catching chambers to reduce advanced temperature. Its sleek design and borosilicate glass-made items make it more popular.
- 10” MOZONE water pipe: MOZONE water pipe is a high-quality and durable borosilicate glass-made bong. Its massive percolator and functional bent-neck design make it handy and popular among bong users.
Before choosing a beginner-friendly bong, there are several factors you must consider:
- Ease of use: Avoid using multiple chambers or percolator bongs; use a simple design. Complex bong designs are hard to clean and maintain.
- Materials: You can choose a budget-friendly glass bong from Groovy Glass. Although glass is a fragile material, it gives you a flavor-rich smoking experience.
- Size: Start with a small or medium-sized (10-14 inches) bong because the large one requires more lung capacity.
- Durability: As a beginner, you can choose a sturdy design and materials, like silicone or beaker bongs.
- Filtration: Use distilled water filtration, a single percolator, or diffuser, but avoid complex filtration systems.
- Price: Buy budget-friendly bongs from $23-$60 from the Groovy Glass bong collections.
- Aesthetic: Give priority to your personal preferences, like design and colors.
Conclusion
At the end of this article, how to use a bong, we hope you get a proper guide to use a bong securely and effectively. Share your opinion and experience of using your first bong. To buy high-quality bongs at a reasonable price, visit Groovy Glass now!
