Different Types of Bong Shapes

These days there are plenty of ways to get your CBD or THC fix, from blunts and joints, to vapes, wax or edibles.

But despite the wide range of options available, one method that has remained a favorite among cannabis smokers worldwide is the bong. The bong is a symbolic and highly acclaimed pipe that has stood the test of time as a fan-favorite among both casual and regular smokers alike.

But it doesn’t end there! The bong, as it were, is just the tip of the glass pipe iceberg. 

There are literally thousands of unique designs, from modern and scientific, to classical and utilitarian. From custom blown glass designs and intricate colors, to plain and simple, the options are endless. 

Yet, with so many different shapes and types of bongs to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed…especially if you’re new to the scene.

For example, do you know the difference between a waterfall gravity bong and a percolator bong? If the answer is no, you’re in the right place, and we’ve got you covered.

We want you to feel as confident and clued-up as possible. Knowledge, as they say, is power, and we want you to be equipped with everything you need to know to have the best possible experience with your next bong purchase or use. 

In this article, we’ll explain the different types of bongs, shapes, and their respective benefits. Read on to find out all there is to know about bong shapes. 

Which Bong Shape Should I Choose? 

When it comes to optimizing your smoking experience, there are plenty of pieces, accessories and methods to choose from. Although can be fun to get lost in the sheer volume of paraphernalia on offer, we reckon nothing beats the cool smooth hit that you get with a water pipe.

For many regular herb smokers, there’s nothing better than a bong; they’re easy to use, healthier to smoke and they look great too. The art of bong-making has grown from primitive, functional instruments crafted from bottles and household items, to beautiful pieces of art with technical designs. In fact, many people even go so far as to give their bong a name.

Below, we’ll detail the most popular types of bongs and their benefits.

Straight Tube Bong

A straight tube bong is the most ‘basic’ type of bong available for purchase. A straight tube bong is simple and easy to use, which makes them a good choice for those who are newer to smoking with a bong.

This design boasts an awesome sleek and ‘classic’ look that is timeless and will never go out of style. The straight tube bong filters the smoke through a downstem, which needs to be submerged in water. These bongs are also easy to clean and clear much more quickly than some other design styles, which ultimately gives you a larger hit. The perfect choice for anyone who is learning how to smoke with a bong.

Zig Zag Bong (Zong)

Another popular bong choice (and for good reason) is the Zig Zag bong or ‘zong’. These are so-called due to their zig zag shape. A Zig Zag bong can have one or more curves and they provide a few key benefits to the smoker.

First of all, there’s no denying that these bongs look awesome. But it isn’t just their appearance that makes these bongs an excellent choice. The Zig Zag shape serves an important purpose, acting as a splash guard, preventing water rising through the chamber and into your mouth, thus making for a more enjoyable and relaxing smoking experience. 

Beaker Bongs

Another very popular choice is the beaker bong. A beaker bong literally looks like a piece of science lab equipment, which we think definitely adds to its geek appeal. Shaped like a conical flask, the beaker bong offers several benefits to the smoker.

The heavy bottom of this piece makes it great for daily use and the wide bottom adds stability. A wider base will generate lots of smoke. You can also purchase smaller, round base designs which offer similar benefits. 

Round Base-Bongs

These are similar to the beaker bong apart from the fact that the base is spherical. For this reason, they’re slightly less stable and therefore less easy to handle than the beaker bong, however they function in much the same way. 

Recycler or ‘Multi-Chamber’ Bongs

Compared to the above, recycler bongs look pretty technical, making them a great talking point. But they also deliver a super smooth hit, thanks to the filtration they provide. Recycler bongs (also known as multi-chamber bongs) filter the smoke a number of times, as the smoke passes through a percolator followed by a water chamber. Perfect for anyone looking for a really smooth hit. 

Percolator Bongs

Percolator (or ‘bubbler’) bongs can come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are particularly good for filtering your smoke. These bongs usually have a minimum of two percolators, which play a number of roles. Firstly, these percolators contain a number of slits, which diffuse the smoke as it passes through. The way that these bongs spread the smoke allows it to cool faster. They also look amazing, as you can see the smoke building up inside the piece. 

Fabergé Egg Bongs 

Fabergé Egg Bongs are named after the Russian jewelled eggs which were first created by  Peter Carl Fabergé and his company between 1885 and 1917. These bongs have an (unsurprisingly) egg-shaped percolator and sometimes an egg-shaped body, which allows for the bubbles to spread out more, giving the user a super smooth hit.

Bubblers

A bubbler is very similar to a bong in that they achieve the same thing, however, they are more convenient due to their compact size. Bubblers are slightly larger than a glass pipe, making them really easy to carry around. Unlike a regular pipe, these contain water, which filters the smoke making for a smooth hit. A bubbler is the perfect choice for anyone wanting to smoke ‘on-the-go’.

Choosing the best bong for you may be a process of trial and error but we hope that we’ve introduced you to the basic principles of these different shapes and their benefits so that you can make the right choice to optimize your smoking experience. 

Feel Like a Bong Shape Master Yet?

We hope you enjoyed this introductory guide into the wonderful world of bong shapes. At Hemper we work day in and day out to help lovers of that beautiful green herb have the best experiences possible. Be sure to check out our selection products for the best selection of high-quality smoking-ware, tools and accessories on the net. And if you have any questions, never hesitate to reach out. We’d love to help.