How to Choose the Right Bong (Complete Buyer’s Guide)
Choosing the perfect glass bong shouldn’t feel overwhelming — but with all the shapes, sizes, and features available, it can be confusing. Whether you’re buying your first piece or upgrading, this guide will help you choose the right bong with confidence.
Step 1: Pick the Bong Style That Matches Your Smoke
Beaker Bongs
Beaker bongs are one of the most popular styles because their wide base allows for better water filtration and smoother hits.
They’re ideal if you want:
- Cooler smoke
- Better stability
- A beginner-friendly experience
Straight Tube Bongs
Straight tube bongs offer direct airflow and fast clears, making them great for strong, snappy hits.
They’re best if you prefer:
- Powerful rips
- Simple design
- Easy cleaning
👉View Straight Tube Bongs collection
Heavy Pounder Bongs
If durability matters most, Heavy Pounder bongs are built for you. These pieces feature thicker glass, heavier bases, and reinforced construction designed for long-term daily use.
They’re perfect for:
- People who want thicker glass
- More stability
- A solid, premium feel
This is also a great place to internally link from future blogs about glass thickness and durability.
Step 2: Choose the Right Bong Size
The height of your bong affects airflow, cooling, and hit strength.
- Small bongs (8–10”) → more flavor, quicker hits
- Medium bongs (10–14”) → best balance
- Large bongs (15”+) → maximum cooling
Step 3: Do You Want a Percolator?
A percolator adds extra filtration by breaking smoke into smaller bubbles, making hits smoother and cooler.
- No percolator → stronger, more direct hits
- With percolator → smoother, less harsh hits
Step 4: Glass Thickness & Quality Matter
Thicker glass means:
- Better durability
- More stability
- Less chance of cracks or tipping
This is where Heavy Pounder bongs really shine compared to thin novelty glass.
👉View Heavy Pounder collection
Step 5: Joint Size & Accessories Compatibility
Most bongs use:
- 14mm joints (most common)
- 18mm joints (larger airflow)
Matching your joint size ensures compatibility with:
- Ash catchers
- Downstems
- Bowl slides
👉View Ash Catchers collection
👉View Downstems collection
Step 6: Maintenance & Ease of Cleaning
Bongs with fewer chambers and removable downstems are easier to clean and maintain — which means better flavor and smoother hits over time.
Beginner vs Experienced Smoker — What Should You Buy?
Beginners should look for:
- Beaker bong
- Medium height
- Simple filtration
- Standard joint size
Experienced smokers may prefer:
- Straight tubes
- Percolators
- Heavy Pounder bongs
- Larger setups
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right bong comes down to:
✔ Style
✔ Size
✔ Filtration
✔ Glass quality
✔ Compatibility
When those align, you’ll enjoy smoother hits, better airflow, and a piece that lasts.
