Everything You Need for a Proper Bong Rip: The Essentials Checklist

Everything You Need for a Proper Bong Rip: The Essentials Checklist

Cartoon- Style complete bong rip setup with bowl, lighter, flower, and water

The no-fluff starter checklist

So you’ve got a bong.... now what?

Whether it’s your first piece or one of many in your rotation, make sure you’ve got the essentials lined up before lighting up. No fluff here, just the tools you actually need to get smooth, flavorful hits from your bong.

Red Reversal Glass Bong Beaker with bowl, and downstem

1. A Bong

Let’s start with the obvious — you need a solid glass piece.

Whether you prefer a classic beaker bong, a straight tube, or a compact daily driver, just make sure:

  • The glass is clean
  • The joint fitting (typically 14mm or 18mm) is intact
  • The base is stable

Shop Bongs Built to Rip

Cartoon- style 14mm male bowl slide packed with flower

2. Glass Bowl Slide

This is where you pack your flower. Most bongs use a 14mm male bowl, but always double-check your joint size.

A clean slide means:

  • Better airflow
  • Fuller flavor
  • Smoother hits

Pro tip: Keep a couple backups. A clean slide on deck = a better session every time.

Explore Bowl Slides

Cartoon- style diffused glass downstem placed in bong joint

3.  Downstem

If your bong isn’t stemless, you’ll need a downstem to diffuse smoke into the water.

Look for:

  • A snug fit in the joint
  • Diffused slits or holes for smoother draws
  • No cracks or gunk buildup

Grab a Downstem That Fits

Cartoon-style illustration of a dense cannabis bud

4.Herb / Flower

Can’t forget the main ingredient.
Stick to fresh, sticky buds — not dry, dusty shake.

Grind your flower evenly to ensure:

  • Consistent burning
  • Better airflow
  • Cleaner flavor
Cartoon- style grinder filled with colorful ground-up hemp flower

5. Grinder

Optional? Technically. Essential? Definitely.
A good grinder:

  • Protects your lungs from clumpy, harsh burns
  • Improves bowl packing
  • Keeps airflow smooth

 Don’t break it up by hand — your lungs deserve better.

Cartoon illustration of a red pocket lighter with flame

6. Lighter or Hemp Wick

You need fire. Always.

Keep a lighter on hand or try hemp wick for a cleaner burn and more terp flavor.

Bonus: Hemp wick also helps avoid butane taste in your hits.

Cartoon illustration of water being poured into a glass bong

7. Water

The magic ingredient that filters and cools the smoke.

Tip: Fill the chamber just enough to cover the bottom of the downstem or percolator.
Too much = splashback. Too little = harsh hits.

Cartoon illustration of a full bong setup with bowl,lighter, hemp flower, and water

Wrap-Up: The Bong Rip Basics

That’s it — no fancy add-ons, no over-complications. Just:

  • A bong
  • A glass bowl
  • Flower
  • A lighter
  • Some water

Get those locked in, and you’re ready to rip.

 Need a new slide or downstem?
Shop Bong Essentials at The Encore Collection

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