Everything You Need to Know About Using a Bong: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Welcome to Glass Half Full's premier online headshop. We have something for all your glass pipe and bong needs. If you are new to smoking and are looking to purchase your first bong, or just have questions about how to use one, don't worry. We have your back. Well cover what you need to know about how to use a bong, several different types of bongs, basic set up, using your glass water pipe and how to clean it. 

What is a bong?

Water pipes go by many different names: bongs, dab rigs, hookahs, mini rigs. A water pipe is a smoking device that uses water to help filter and cool your smoke before you inhale. Bongs can come in a wide array of designs and sizes including small simple pipes to large intricate recycler bongs.

Different types of bongs

There are several different types of bongs to choose from, including:

• Glass bongs: Borosilicate and soft glass bongs are the most common type of bong you will see in store. Both have their merit but we recommend borosilicate glass as it is more durable and designed for daily use. The durability and ability to easily clean your glass bong are what make them the most popular choice among smokers. 

• Beaker bongs: Beaker bongs are a type of glass waterpipe with a wide base and a narrow neck resembling a scientific flask. Beaker bongs are stable and easy to use and clean. This makes them a great option for daily drivers. 
• Straight tube bongs: These simple bongs are constructed of a cylindrical tube of borosilicate glass and a flared base. Similar to beaker bongs these pipes are easy to maintain and clean and offer an affordable option for a nice glass bong.
• Dab rigs: Glass dab rigs are smaller versions of glass bongs specifically designed for smoking concentrates. Dab rigs often have a smaller chamber allowing for less filtration and more flavor. These glass pipes are best paired with a quartz nail for getting the most out of your concentrates. 

• Hand pipes: Spoons, pipes, bowls, are all common names for smaller handheld smoking pipes that are typically used for dry herb. These pipes are typically made by lamp working borosilicate glass and can be a great first pipe or an addition to any collection. 

Setting up a bong

Once you get your bong, there are a few steps to take to set it up. Here's what you need:

What you'll need to set up a bong

• Your bong
• A bowl or glass pipe
• Water
• Your smoking material (dry herbs or concentrates)
• A lighter or torch (for dab rigs)

Step-by-step guide to setting up a bong

1. Fill your bong with water. The water in your bong should just cover the downstem or percolator holes. After this, you can play with the water levels slightly to get the hit you prefer.
2. Place your glass slide into the downstem. Your glass bong should have come with a herb bowl that fits your downstem.

3. Pack your bowl with your legal herb or tobacco. If you are using a dab rig, torch your nail or quartz banger until it is glowing red and then let it cool to an appropriate temperature for a low temp dab before placing your concentrate on it. 

4. Light or bowl or place your dab on the nail and begin inhaling. As you inhale, smoke will be pulled through the percolator into the water filtering the plant matter as you smoke. 

Using a percolator

What separates water pipes from dry pipes is the use of a percolator. This filtration system is made by creating small holes in a tube of glass that is meant to be submerged in the water. The holes help filter out excess plant matter and disperse the smoke evenly creating a smooth hit with as much filtration as possible. There are a wide range of percolators from simple 2 hole down stems to Seed of Life percolators that are laser cut and perfectly symmetrical for perfect hits

Types of percolators

There are several types of percolators, including:

• Tree percolators: These percolators are made by combining several rods of hollow glass with slits cut at the bottom for smoke to pass through. This provides evenly dispersed percolation and a high level of filtration.

• Disc percolators: This percolator is a follow flat disc at the bottom of your bong that contains slits along the edges for the smoke to pass through. The even spacing of these cuts allows for consistent smooth hits and allows for the smoke to disperse evenly.

• Honeycomb percolators: These percolators have a series of small holes in a flat disc that the smoke passes through. This percolator is not hollow and not connected to the downstem. It typically sits above the first percolator and adds additional filtration.

• Inline percolators: These percolators are made of a rod of hollow glass with saw cuts made evenly across the top. Thin "stringers" of glass are then laid across the saw cuts turning what was 1 large hole into multiple smaller holes providing more filtration. When these percolators are made correctly, it is hard to find a nicer hitting flower tube.

Don't get confused when it comes to your percolator. In car terms, the percolator is the engine of the piece, it affects how the piece hits and how much filtration there is. Buying a piece with a quality percolator is a key part of buying a nice bong. 

Cleaning your bong

One of the most important things in owning a bong is to keep your bong clean! It ensures that you are getting the best smoking experience more often. Bongs can accumulate resin, dirt, and bacteria that can affect the taste and quality of the material you put through it. 

What you'll need to clean your bong

To clean your bong, you'll need:

• Isopropyl alcohol
• Salt
• Ziploc bags or pipe cleaners

Step-by-step guide to cleaning your bong

1. Empty the water from the base of the bong and rinse it out with warm water.

2. Fill a Ziploc bag with isopropyl alcohol and add a generous amount of salt.

3. Place the bowl, downstem, and any other removable parts into the Ziploc bag and seal it.

4. Shake the bag vigorously to scrub the resin and contaminants off the parts.

5. Rinse the parts with warm water and dry them off.

6. If there are any hard-to-reach areas, you can use pipe cleaners or a small brush to scrub them clean.

7. Repeat the process with the base of the bong, making sure to get all the nooks and crannies.

8. Rinse the bong thoroughly with warm water and let it air dry before using it again.

Buying a bong online

If you're looking to buy a bong online, Glass Half Full is the perfect place to shop for your next water pipe. We carry a wide range of high end glass bongs and dab rigs that are affordable.

Factors to consider when buying a bong online

When buying a bong online, it's important to consider the following factors:

• Quality: Make sure your bong is made from nice materials like borosilicate glass. It is better to buy a durable nice bong than a cheaper piece that chips easily.

• Size: Consider how often and how you will use the bong. Will this size piece make it easier to store and clean or just be a hassle for your set up? It never hurts to have a few options though!

• Price: Determine how much you can spend and look for nice glass bongs in that budget. Don't sacrifice a nice bong just to save a few bucks as a cheaper bong might not be made as well.

• Style: Finding a bong that meets your preferences and style can be a challenge. That is why we carry a wide range of designs and colors to choose from.

Tips for finding the perfect bong for you

There are a few tips that can help you find the perfect bong for you:

• Read reviews: Customer reviews will help you get an idea of the quality and performance of the bong you want to buy. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid any bad purchases

• What are your needs: Consider how you will use the bong and how often you will use it. If you are a frequent smoker, you will want to buy a thicker glass bong that will last longer. If you only plan to use the glass pipe occasionally, you might be able to get away with a lower price option with less durability.

• Look for sales and discounts: Follow brands you like on social media and sign up for their email lists to get notifications about sales and discounts on glass bongs and smoking accessories. If you buy glass often, this will help save you money and let you get a lot of high quality bongs for the low.

• Don't be afraid to spend a little extra: If you have the budget for it, don't worry about spending a little extra on a bong you really like. It may cost more upfront, but with proper maintenance a bong can last a lifetime so why not get the one you want.

Conclusion

Smoking bongs is a fun way to enjoy your favorite herbs or concentrates. Whether you are new to glass pipes or have been using bongs and dab rigs for years, we hope this guide has provided you with some information to help you out. Don't forget to check out Glass Half Full's online headshot for all your glass needs. Have a great sesh!