Bongs have existed as a means of smoking tobacco, cannabis, and other herbs for thousands of years. “Bong” likely originated from the Thai term “baung,” describing a wooden cylinder or pipe. It was used by ancient civilizations like the Scythians, who smoked cannabis and opium using gold bongs for sale. The Bamileke tribe of Africa smoked tobacco using bamboo bongs while the Central Asian peoples of the Turkic nation used animal horns as bongs. The Chinese have used bongs for thousands of years as well. The oldest-known example of a bong came from the Ming Dynasty. In the 1960s, the use of bongs as a means of smoking cannabis caught hold in the United States and have remained a symbol of stoner culture.
The evolution of the design of the bong over the years means that contemporary bongs come in a great range of shapes, sizes, and materials. Wherein the past, the traditional bongs were made of materials such as wood, bamboo, and animal horns, contemporary bongs are usually glass, acrylic, or silicone. The use of water in the bong originated from Africa, where the ancient people used water pipes for cooling and filtering the smoke. The practice improved as the process was adopted by other cultures. Nowadays, water filtration remains a central aspect of the majority of the bongs. The history of the bong is abundant and varied, having a long history of use within cultures worldwide.
Types of Available Bongs
There are various types of bongs on the market these days that have unique features and advantages. The most common type of bong that people have is the traditional straight tube bong, a simple piece of equipment that uses a straight neck and a broad base. It’s a good piece of equipment for newbies due to its ease of use and cleaning. The beaker bong is another common type of bong that uses a broad base that holds more water and smoke. It’s a favorite among seasoned smokers as they provide smooth hits and are stable.
For a more portable solution, mini bongs are also available that are smaller and more compact. Mini bongs have a carb hole for airflow regulation and can be constructed of glass, silicone, or acrylic. There are also percolator bongs that have extra filtration chambers for even smoother hits and recycler bongs that recycle the smoke between multiple chambers for maximum filtration. In total, there are a vast number of different types of bongs that will fit any smoker’s needs and desires.
Advantages of Using a Bong
Some advantages of smoking herbs using a bong over rolling papers or a pipe include that the water filtration cools the smoke before it hits the lungs and the throat. It makes something that would otherwise be harsh on the respiratory organs and the throat much more gentle. It benefits particularly people who have sensitive respiratory passages or who find that they constantly cough when they smoke shop. It also serves the purpose of filtering a number of the damaging chemicals and carcinogens present within smoke, making the smoke a considerably healthier smoke than using a different method.
A positive aspect of smoking a bong is that one may take larger hits of smoke at one time for a more intense high. The water filtration also serves to eliminate a portion of the harshness of the smoke for a finer smoke experience. Another advantage of the bong over other methods for getting the actives of the herbs into the body is that they are generally more effective at getting the actives into the body for the effects desired. All things considered, a bong provides a more pleasurable and effective smoke experience for most.
Choosing the Right Bong: Tips and Factors
When deciding on a bong, there are a number of things you should take into consideration in order to find one that suits your needs and desires. One of the first considerations should be the material of the bong, as this will determine its durability, how easy it will be to clean, and the quality of the smoking experience. Glass bongs are good for their smooth hits and look, silicone bongs are great for durability and mobility, and acrylic bongs are a good alternative for affordability and variety.
Another significant consideration when selecting a bong is the piece’s shape and size. Greater water and smoke capacity results from larger pieces, producing cooler hits and airflow. The disadvantage of larger pieces is that they have less mobility and are harder to maintain. Smaller pieces are more transportable and easier to maintain but might not offer as smooth of a smoke. The shape of the piece also determines the stability and mobility of the piece as a whole. Straight tube and beaker pieces are common for the simplicity and functionality they offer. Other things to take into consideration when selecting a bong are the inclusion of extra features like percolators or ice catchers, as well as the overall look of the piece. The selection of the perfect bong ultimately depends on individual taste as well as finding a piece that aligns with how you smoke and live.
The Importance of Quality Materials
The quality and performance of a bong depend greatly on the materials used for its manufacture. Among the most sought-after materials for making a bong are glass. Glass produces very smooth hits while also being visually appealing. Borosilicate glass of the highest quality is commonly utilized for the manufacture of the best-quality bongs because of its resistance and ability to withstand shock from heat. Glass bongs are very easy to clean and maintain as a result.
Silicone is another popular material for bongs because of its strength and flexibility. Silicone bongs are almost indestructible and can be folded or bent easily for transportation or storage. Silicone is also non-stick and easy to clean and maintain, making it a user-friendly option for smokers. Acrylic is another popular material for using in the making of bongs because of its affordability and variety of designs. Though acrylic bongs do not provide as smooth of a hit as glass or silicone, they are a favorite among entry-level smokers or those of limited means.
Overall, deciding on a bong that uses quality materials ensures a smooth and pleasing smoking experience. Quality materials will also help give the piece its overall durability and lifespan, making the piece a good investment for most smokers.
