If you’re new to the world of smoking, then a bong might very well be your best bet. But bongs come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes, so choosing the right one can seem like a daunting task, especially if you don’t know what to look for.
Fear not! This bongs for beginners guide will cover a handful of bong tips for beginners, including how to smoke from a bong, the different types of bongs available, and how to choose the perfect one for your style and needs.
Keep reading to learn:
- What a bong is
- How to choose the right size bong
- The different types of bongs on the market
- The different parts of a bong and what they do
- And much more
What is a Bong?
A bong, also known as a water pipe, is essentially a smoke filtration device used to consume various products.
Size Matters
When choosing the best bong to buy for beginners, your first and most important decision is what size bong to buy. Bongs vary in size from only a few inches up to two or three feet, and the size of the bong you choose will inform a number of things such as how you smoke it, how you store it, and how much of your resources it consumes at any one time.
If you need to be discreet with your smoking, then consider buying a smaller bong, but keep in mind that a smaller bong will deliver the smoke to your lungs much more rapidly, and the smoke will also be considerably hotter than if you were using a larger bong with additional cooling chambers.
On the other hand, larger bongs are generally more delicate and fragile, but they often include additional chambers for cooling the smoke and catching any ash that might otherwise end up inside the bong. Also, consider that larger bongs require more lung power as the smoke has to travel further before reaching you. So, if you have less than optimal lung function then a smaller bong may be your best bet.
Different Smokes for Different Folks
Once you’ve chosen the size of your bong, then your next bong for beginners' decision is what type of bong to buy. There are numerous different types of bongs available on the market, and although they all do essentially the same thing, they all do it a little differently. Let’s look at some of the more common types of bongs and see why some people prefer one type over another.
The Mini-Bong
Mini-bongs, as you may have guessed from the cryptic name, are small. However, don't let their tiny size fool you; mini-bongs are often the bong of choice for experienced smokers because they deliver the smoke to you the quickest, and often when the smoke reaches your lungs, it's still hot. For these reasons, a mini-bong may not be the best bong to buy for beginners. That said, the only way to learn is to practice, so if you want to smoke like a pro from day one, then a mini-bong could be a good way to go.
The Beaker Bong
Beaker bongs offer a good balance of size, ease of use, and functionality. Typically shaped like a beaker, these bongs tend to be smaller to medium-sized and have some space for cooling the smoke without needing the lungs of Hercules in order to clear the chamber. There are tons of different designs ranging from simple science beaker-looking type bongs to elaborate beaker bongs with multiple chambers and attached accessories. So, if you're looking for a happy medium that you can grow with and expand upon, then a beaker bong might be one of the best bongs for beginners.
The Straight Tube Bong
Straight tube bongs are one of the more popular water pipes on the market. These bongs are similar to beaker bongs in that they have space for multiple chambers and can be quite tall, with some of them reaching heights in excess of 2-3'. Straight tube bongs are infinitely customizable, but the larger ones require more lung capacity as the smoke has a long way to travel between the bowl and your lungs. That said, some straight tube bongs feature multiple cooling chambers, ensuring a cool, smooth toke when the smoke does arrive.
The Anatomy of a Bong
All bongs feature the same basic components; however, some bongs also have additional parts and accessories. As this is a bongs for beginners guide, we’ll stick to the ‘normal’ components that you’ll find on every bong. Just keep in mind that there are additional pieces that you'll see on some bongs, such as ice chambers and ash catchers. For now, just know that these things are nice to have, but you don’t really need them.
The Water Chamber
The water chamber is the main "body" of the bong. The idea is to add some water to the water chamber so as to cool the smoke as it passes from the bowl to the neck, where you'll eventually receive your toke.
The Neck
The neck is the long piece of the bong where you inhale the smoke from. Different bongs have different size necks and, as such, require more or less lung power to get the smoke from the bowl to your lungs.
The Downstem
The downstem is the chamber that holds the bowl. Various bongs feature different downstem designs, but, generally speaking, they are all there to keep the bowl secure when you’re lighting your smoking material and to facilitate an easy removal of the bowl when you're ready to clear the chamber of smoke.
The Bowl
The bowl is where you place your smoking material. Typically, the bowl is removable so that you can clear the bong of smoke when you’re ready to empty the water chamber. There are various shapes and sizes of bowls, with larger bowls holding more material and smaller bowls holding less.
How to Smoke a Bong
The actual process of smoking a bong is quite simple. You load your smoking material into the bowl and then place the bowl in the downstem. You then light your bowl while inhaling from the neck. The smoke will travel from the bowl, through the water chamber where it gets cooled, and then up the neck into your mouth and lungs. Once you have received enough smoke, you pull out the bowl, taking care not to dump your ash, and inhale the remaining smoke in the chamber, clearing the bong.
Who Makes the Best Bongs?
That’s really a matter of personal preference, but you can’t go wrong with a bong made by TAG as they are durable, stylish, and come in a variety of shapes and styles. Whether you're a new smoker or a seasoned veteran, you'll be able to find a bong you love from TAG.