If you’re serious about your smoking experience, the material of your bong isn’t just a side note—it’s everything. Silicone bongs and glass bongs sit at opposite ends of the spectrum. One prioritizes durability and affordability, while the other delivers unmatched smoothness and purity.
I have very strong opinions about not only using glass, but a specific type of glass for water pipes. I wrote about them here.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything that matters—durability, ease of cleaning, airflow, and the overall smoking experience—so you can make an informed decision. Whether you’re a daily smoker or just getting started, you’ll walk away knowing exactly which bong material fits your lifestyle.
Fundamental Differences Between Silicone and Glass Bongs
When it comes to bongs, the material dictates everything—how it smokes, how it cleans, and how long it lasts. Silicone and glass may serve the same purpose, but their differences are massive, and if you’re serious about your session, you’ll want to pay attention.
Durability vs. Smoking Experience
Silicone bongs are basically indestructible. You can drop them, throw them in a bag, even bend them in half, and they’ll survive.
But here’s the trade-off: durability comes at the cost of performance.
Silicone is porous, meaning it absorbs flavors over time, leaving you with a rubbery, stale aftertaste. Glass, on the other hand, delivers a pure, clean hit every single time. That’s because borosilicate glass is non-porous, keeping your smoke untainted.
If you actually care about taste, this isn’t even a debate—glass wins.
Airflow and Functionality
Glass bongs aren’t just about aesthetics; they’re engineered for optimal airflow.
From percolators to precision-cut downstems, everything is designed to cool and filter smoke for a smoother, more efficient hit.
Silicone bongs?
They lack the intricate percs and diffusion systems that make a difference. Most rely on a simple downstem, which means harsher rips and less filtration.
If you’re looking for smoother pulls and better water filtration, glass is the only real option.
Cleaning and Maintenance
This is where things get ugly for silicone. Sure, you can toss a silicone bong in the dishwasher, but that doesn’t mean it actually gets clean. Over time, resin and odor seep into the material, and no amount of scrubbing can fix it.
Glass bongs, on the other hand, can be restored to like-new condition with some isopropyl alcohol and salt. If you want a bong that stays fresh, glass is the way to go.
Glass Bongs: Where They Excel and Where They… Give Pause
Glass bongs are the gold standard for smoking, and there’s a reason for that.
They offer the cleanest flavor, the best airflow, and the most customization options. But no material is perfect, and if you’re clumsy or always on the go, there are a few downsides to consider.
✅ Unmatched Flavor & Purity
If you actually care about tasting your strain, glass is the only way to go. Unlike silicone, which absorbs smells and flavors over time, borosilicate glass is completely non-porous. Every hit is as fresh as the first, with no lingering rubbery aftertaste.
✅ Superior Airflow & Filtration
Good airflow separates a smooth bong from a lung-buster. Glass bongs can be designed with advanced percolators—honeycombs, tree percs, matrix percs—allowing for maximum filtration and cooler, smoother hits. With silicone, you’re usually stuck with a basic downstem and minimal diffusion.
✅ Easy to Clean
Resin builds up fast, but with glass, a little isopropyl alcohol and salt is all it takes to restore your piece to pristine condition. Silicone, on the other hand, absorbs tar and odors over time, and once it’s in there, good luck getting it out.
✅ Customization & Accessories
Glass lets you build your perfect setup. You can swap out downstems, add an ash catcher, use a glycerin coil, or upgrade to a better bowl piece. With silicone, what you see is what you get—there’s no real way to upgrade your experience.
What Should Give You Pause about Glass Bongs
❌ Breakable
This is the big one.
If you drop MOST glass bongs on tile or concrete, odds are it’s done. That said, thicker glass (like TAG’s beaker bongs) holds up way better than cheap, thin imports. No promises, I’m just saying that thousands of customers have dropped our bongs on surfaces they wish they hadn’t.
And they survived to tell the tale.
❌ Less Portable
Glass isn’t something you throw in a backpack without a second thought. While mini glass bongs exist, they still require more care than a silicone bong that can take a beating.
Silicone Bongs: Advantages and Disadvantages
Silicone bongs are a love-it-or-hate-it kind of thing.
If your top priority is durability, they might seem like the perfect solution. Don’t start celebrating too quickly - if you care about airflow, filtration, and flavor, you’re going to run into some serious downsides. Let’s break down the good, the bad, and the stuff you might not have considered.
Arguments in Favor of Silicone Bongs
Nearly Indestructible
I guess this is the one category where silicone bongs dominate. You can drop them, toss them in a backpack, or even accidentally step on them, and they’ll bounce right back. If you’re accident-prone or just want something that can take a beating, silicone won’t let you down.
Affordable
Compared to high-quality borosilicate glass, silicone bongs are usually cheaper. If you’re on a tight budget or just want a backup piece, they’re a decent low-cost option.
Lightweight & Portable
Silicone bongs are flexible and easy to pack. Some even collapse for easier storage. If you need something for camping, road trips, or festival sessions, they’re more convenient than lugging around a glass piece.
Dishwasher Safe
You can throw a silicone bong in the dishwasher, which is convenient. But (and this is a big “but”) that doesn’t mean it actually gets clean—more on that below.
Biggest Issues with Silicone Bongs
❌ Retains Odors & Flavors
The biggest deal-breaker for most smokers is taste. Silicone absorbs resin, odors, and flavors over time, and no amount of washing gets rid of that funky, rubbery aftertaste. If you like tasting the full profile of your strain, this is a major problem.
❌ Limited Filtration & Airflow
Unlike glass, silicone bongs don’t offer complex percolators or precision-engineered downstems. Most are basic in design, meaning you’ll get harsher hits and less smoke diffusion.
❌ Difficult to Fully Clean
Sure, you can rinse a silicone bong out, but deep cleaning is another story. Residue sticks to the surface, and once it starts absorbing odors, that’s game over. If you want a fresh-tasting hit every time, silicone won’t cut it.
How Glass and Silicone Bongs Compare in Real Life
A bong isn’t just something you look at—it’s something you use, over and over. The real test of any smoking piece is how it feels in your hands, how it pulls, and how it holds up over time. Here’s the honest breakdown of what it’s like to actually use a glass bong versus a silicone one.
The Feel in Your Hands
There’s something about picking up a solid glass bong that just feels right.
It’s sturdy, balanced, and has a satisfying weight that screams quality. A well-made beaker or straight tube stays planted on the table, meaning no accidental tip-overs.
Silicone, on the other hand, feels… well, rubbery. It’s lightweight and flexible, which might seem convenient, but that lack of stability can be annoying. If you’re not careful, a silicone bong can fold or collapse when you least expect it.
The Smoking Pleasure
This is where glass absolutely dominates. From the first pull, the difference in airflow is obvious. Glass bongs offer clean, smooth rips thanks to high-quality percolators, properly sized downstems, and unrestricted airflow.
Whether you're using a simple beaker or a multi-chamber recycler, glass is engineered to cool and filter the smoke effectively.
Silicone, on the other hand, is a different story. Most silicone bongs rely on a single downstem, which means minimal filtration.
The result? Harsher hits and more coughing.
Worse yet, silicone doesn’t insulate well, so the smoke often feels warmer compared to a glass bong filled with ice water.
Cleaning and Long-Term Use
If you use your bong regularly (which, let’s be real, most people do), you need to clean it.
Glass is easy—iso alcohol, salt, shake, and it’s back to looking brand new. It doesn’t hold onto resin or stink over time.
Silicone, though? That’s another story.
Sure, you can rinse it out or even throw it in the dishwasher, but resin sticks to silicone. Over time, your bong will absorb the smell of every session, and no amount of scrubbing will completely remove it. After a while, every hit will have that slightly burnt, stale taste—especially if you leave water sitting in it for too long.
Overall Winner: What’s Better for Daily Use?
I know, our bias is literally in our name.
If you want a reliable, long-term piece that delivers smooth hits every time, glass is the way to go. It’s cleaner, smoother, and offers better filtration. Silicone has its place—mainly for travel or as a backup—but for a quality smoking experience, there’s no contest. Glass wins, hands down.
How to Spot High-Quality Bongs
For glass, look for thick borosilicate, well-made percolators, and sturdy joints. Avoid thin, fragile imports that crack from temperature changes.
For silicone, check for FDA-grade, BPA-free silicone—cheaper options might contain toxic fillers that can release harmful fumes.
Maintenance & Longevity
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Glass is easier to deep-clean—iso alcohol and salt keep it fresh.
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Silicone absorbs smells over time—eventually, even the dishwasher won’t help.
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Replacement parts matter. If a glass downstem or bowl breaks, it’s replaceable. Silicone bongs often have fixed designs, meaning when they degrade, they’re done.
Health & Safety Factors
Glass is chemically inert, meaning it doesn’t release toxins. Cheap silicone can leach chemicals under high heat. If you’re going with silicone, make sure it’s made from high-quality, heat-resistant materials.
Which One Should You Get?
For the best smoking experience, longevity, and smoothness, glass is the clear winner.
If you’re serious about quality, check out TAG’s 18” Beaker Bong (9mm Thick)—it’s built for durability and delivers unbeatable airflow.
Make the smart choice—your lungs (and taste buds) will thank you.
Get the best hit, every time.
At the end of the day, choosing between a glass bong and a silicone bong comes down to what you value most.
If you’re looking for the smoothest hits, the best airflow, and a clean, pure taste, glass is the clear winner. A well-made borosilicate glass bong will last forever, maintain its performance, and deliver an unbeatable smoking experience.
Silicone bongs, on the other hand, are all about convenience and durability.
If you’re constantly on the go, want something virtually unbreakable, or need a backup piece that can handle rough conditions, silicone makes sense. Just be prepared for some sacrifices in flavor and airflow over time.
If you can, owning both types gives you flexibility—glass for at-home sessions and silicone for travel or risky situations. But if you’re choosing just one, the answer is simple: glass delivers more bang for your buck.