Bong Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Bong for You
We make things that work better and last longer. Our products solve real problems with clean design and honest materials.
Introduction
A bong is the single most impactful piece of hardware in a cannabis consumer's toolkit. The right one improves flavour, smoothness, and efficiency. The wrong one is a chore to clean, breaks within a month, and makes every hit feel like swallowing fire. This guide covers everything you need to make a confident decision — from material to percolator type to joint size.
Step 1: Choose Your Material
Borosilicate Glass [BEST OVERALL]Heat-resistant, flavour-neutral, easy to clean, visually impressive. Borosilicate glass handles thermal shock far better than standard glass — it's the same material used in laboratory equipment.Downside: breakable. Ideal for: Beginner to experienced, home use, flavour chasers |
Silicone [BEST FOR DURABILITY]Virtually unbreakable, lightweight, travel-friendly, easy to clean (dishwasher safe). Slightly |
Acrylic [BUDGET OPTION]Cheapest entry point but affects flavour over time, harder to clean thoroughly, and doesn't last as long as glass or silicone. Acceptable as a starter piece. |
Ceramic [SPECIALTY]Excellent flavour retention, heavy and durable, often artistically designed. Less common. Doesn't allow you to see the water level or smoke buildup. |
Step 2: Understand Percolator Types
A percolator (perc) is any additional water filtration chamber inside the bong. More filtration = smoother hit, cooler smoke, reduced harshness. The tradeoff is increased drag (more resistance when inhaling) and more complex cleaning.
- No percolator (straight tube) — Simple, easy to clean, less drag. Good for beginners or those who prefer a direct hit.
- Diffused downstem — Slits at the base of the downstem break smoke into smaller bubbles. The most common and low-maintenance upgrade.
- Tree percolator — Multiple arms with slits. Excellent diffusion but complex to clean.
- Honeycomb percolator — Flat disc with dozens of holes. Maximum surface area, minimal drag — one of the most efficient designs.
- Turbine / cyclone perc — Creates a spinning visual effect. Moderate filtration, great aesthetics.
- Showerhead percolator — Tube that flares out into multiple slits. Very smooth hits, popular mid-tier option
Step 3: Size and Height
| Size | Height | Best For | Portability |
| Mini | Under 8" | Travel, discreet, solo sessions | High |
| Medium | 8–14" | Daily home use, balanced experience | Medium |
| Large | 14–20" | Group sessions, maximum filtration | Low |
| Beaker / XL | 20"+ | Heavy users, showpiece collections | Low |
Step 4: Joint Size — The Technical Detail Most People Miss
The joint is where the bowl and downstem connect to the bong. Getting this wrong means accessories won't fit.
- 10mm — Compact, found on mini rigs and dab rigs. Concentrates-focused.
- 14mm — The most common size. Compatible with the widest range of bowls, downstems, and accessories.
- 18mm — Larger, found on bigger beakers and tubes. Better airflow, requires more herb.
Gender also matters: male joints need female bowls (and vice versa). When in doubt: 14mm female joint is the universal starter configuration.
Beginner's Recommendation
Start here: A medium borosilicate glass bong (10–14") with a diffused downstem or honeycomb perc, 14mm female joint, and a basic glass bowl. Budget: $60–$120 CAD. This hits well, cleans easily, and won't break your heart (or wallet) if it tips over.
