5 Common Types of Bong Shapes - Does Shape Matter?
Bongs have been a staple of stoner culture for decades at this point. When you think about smoking your favorite strain, you likely picture a group of friends sitting around an old couch ripping a bong together. But even with their popularity, there’s a lot that people don’t know about bongs.
For instance, the shape of a bong isn’t just a fun way to stand out, it can affect how the piece functions and the kind of overall experience it provides. There are a number of different bong shapes which each offer their own unique smoking experience. While many factors contribute to a bong's functionality, the shape is often overlooked, yet significant.
Today, we’ll be showing you the five most common bong shapes and how they affect the smoking experience. First, though, let’s explore a bit more about why the form matters just as much as the function.
Why Does Bong Shape Matter?
Bong shapes are not only important in terms of aesthetics, but also the bong’s functionality, and the smoking experience it provides. Different bong shapes can influence factors like smoke cooling, flavor intensity, and handling comfort.
Each type of bong offers a unique set of pros and cons, which can make it appealing to different types of smokers. Ultimately, there’s no “superior” or “best” shape, nor is there a “worst.” It all comes down to your personal preferences and how you like to enjoy your sesh.
5 Common Types of Bong Shapes
1: Straight Tube Bongs
We’ll start off by keeping it simple and sweet. The straight tube bong shape, a stoner classic, is known for its simplicity and efficiency. The straight shape contributes to a direct and potent hit, making it favored by those who prefer a stronger smoking experience.
The straight shape also makes it easier to maintain than its counterparts. Cleaning a straight tube bong is typically easier than one that has a more intricate aesthetic.
2: Beaker Bongs
When most people think of a bong, a beaker bong is probably the first design to pop into their heads. Characterized by a larger, conical base, the beaker bong is appropriately named for its resemblance to a certain lab tool.
The beaker shape of this bong provides more stability than other bongs because of its wide base and also allows for greater water volume, which helps to cool smoke more effectively. Beaker bongs typically produce smoother hits, making them a preferred choice for beginners or those who appreciate a less harsh smoking experience.
3: Round-Base Bongs
Similar to beaker bongs, a round-base bong is a similar shape but with a sphere-shaped base. The round base offers good stability but might not cool the smoke as effectively as beaker or multi-chamber bongs.
Round-base bongs have a certain aesthetic appeal because they often feature intricate designs and are valued for their ornamental quality as much as their functionality. For those that want a statement piece, you can’t go wrong.
4: Multi-Chamber Bongs
The multi-chamber bong is a more complex design than the previous ones, featuring multiple water chambers for filtering and cooling smoke.
This shape contributes to a smoother, cleaner hit by passing the smoke through several water-filled chambers. Having said that, they are typically more challenging to clean due to their complex design, but the experience is truly next-level.
5: Recycler or Percolator Bongs
Recycler or percolator bongs are designed with one or more percolators to further filter and cool the smoke for a smooth hit.
These bongs have intricate internal pathways and provide enhanced flavor and less harshness. Just like a multi-chamber bong, the complexity of this design makes it visually appealing but also harder to clean. For veteran stoners, though, upkeep is a simple task when the reward is some of the tastiest, smoothest hits.
Honorable Mention: Nonstandard Bong Shapes
While these five are the most common bong shapes, there are plenty of less-common shapes like cubed bongs, character-shaped bongs, and spherical bongs. While these are not always as common as classic shapes, they can offer a fun sesh experience because of their creative shapes.
Due to their usually simple design, they provide a well-rounded smoking experience and are as easy to handle as any other. They can also make for great conversation starters or discreet decorations for hiding your pieces in plain sight.
How to Choose the Right Bong Shape
As we mentioned above, choosing the “right” bong shape is purely subjective, and it comes down to a few different factors. These can include:
- Aesthetic preferences - Do you prefer the look of a particular type of bong over others?
- Maintenance and cleaning - How much cleaning are you willing to do to keep your piece fresh?
- Features - Do you want a more straightforward and traditional bong or something with extra features?
- Size - Do you like the idea of a more compact bong or one that is larger and makes a statement?
- Materials - Do you want something made completely of glass or one that combines other materials like silicone?
Bong shopping is a marathon, not a sprint. You don’t want to rush-purchase a new one only to have it arrive, and you find that it’s not matching the vibe you had in mind. Take the time to research your options, read their product descriptions, read reviews of the bongs from other customers, and make a well-informed decision when you’re finally ready to purchase the right one.
Discover the Right Bong Shape for Your Next Sesh
So, you’re thinking of buying a new bong? Luckily, you’re in the right place.
At Hemper, we offer a wide variety of high-quality bongs in all sorts of traditional and unique shapes and sizes. Whether you’re looking for a beaker, straight tube, or any number of other shapes and designs, we have you covered. Get started today by exploring our full range of bongs or get in touch with us anytime for more info.
You can always check out our collection of cool bongs for sale, Best Sellers and New Arrivals.
From the Blog: Bong Shapes For Dummies
