Thinking about buying your first bong?
Whether you’re curious about smoother smoke, better filtration, or badass eye-catching designs, there’s quite a few factors you need to consider before pulling the trigger on one.
And with so many shapes, sizes, and materials out there, it’s easy for first time buyers to feel overwhelmed.
This guide is here to make that process easier.
We’ll break down the essentials, from bong size and shape to materials and maintenance, so you know exactly what to look for.
Bing Buying Tips For New Users / First Timers…
| Bong Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Tube | Tall, cylindrical tube with a downstem and bowl | Beginners who want simplicity |
| Beaker Bong | Flask-shaped base that holds more water | Everyday users, casual group sessions |
| Round Base | Rounded bottom with flat base | Aesthetic-focused users |
| Percolator Bong | Includes one or more internal percs to filter and cool smoke | Experienced users seeking smoother smoke |
| Recycler Bong | Circulates water through multiple chambers | Connoisseurs, smooth hit lovers |
| Multi-Chamber | Multiple chambers with percs for advanced cooling | Advanced users, daily smokers |
| Silicone Bong | Flexible, unbreakable, usually collapsible or modular | Travelers, outdoor use, clumsy users |
| Acrylic Bong | Made from hard plastic, lightweight and cheap | Budget users, occasional smokers |
| Bubbler | Hybrid of a pipe and bong, small water chamber | Beginners, light users |
| Gravity Bong | Uses water or air pressure to pull smoke | High-tolerance users, occasional novelty use |
Pick the Right Bong Size for Your Smoking Style
Bongs come in all shapes and sizes. The sky’s kind of the limit in this regard. The size you end up going with will depend on how you plan on using it.
At home? You can go big or medium, it doesn’t really matter. But if you want something portable that’ll fit in your backpack, you’ll need to keep it locked to small and medium-sized units.
Here’s how it all breaks down, size-wise…
Small Bongs
Best for beginners who value portability and easy cleaning.
These compact designs are great for solo sessions or if you want something discreet like for when you’re on the move, at a party or a gig or a festival.
Medium Bongs
A solid middle ground. Great for sharing with friends, while still being manageable in size.
You can fit most medium-sized bongs in your backpack but they’re also great for home-use as well.
This is the kind I usually go for. I don’t mind big-ass bongs, but I prefer something that sits in the middle-ground being not too big but big enough for big hits.
Large Bongs
Perfect for home use. They hold more water, allowing better filtration and cooler smoke but they’re not exactly travel-friendly.
If you’re new to bongs, start small or medium. You’ll get a feel for your preferences without the maintenance hassle of larger rigs.
Choose a Shape That Matches How You Use It
Bong shape affects both performance and comfort. It also impacts price too.
As does the brand and the quality of the build materials.
My buddy Marcus works in Australia’s biggest bong store, My Bong Shop, we met at a convention years back, so I tapped him for some advice for newbie users.
Here’s what he said:
If you’re looking for a solid, high-quality bong as a first purchase, budget somewhere between $80 and $150.
But if that feels like a stretch—especially for casual users or those new to smoking—a compact option like a bubbler can offer a smoother experience at a lower cost, without the commitment of a full-sized bong.
The price you end up paying will be affected by the design and materials used, of course.
The bigger or more intricate the design, the higher the cost.
The most common bong shapes each come with their own pros and cons:
- Straight Tube Bongs: Simple, sleek, and direct. They deliver quick hits and are easy to clean, a favorite for first-timers.
- Beaker Bongs: Wider bases make them more stable and allow for greater water capacity. Expect smoother, cooler hits.
- Gripper Bongs: Designed with ergonomic curves so they’re easier to hold. Great for group sessions or clumsy hands.
The shape of the bong impacts airflow, cooling, and how stable it is on your table. If you’re new, go with a beaker or straight tube, they’re beginner-friendly and durable.
Make Cleaning Easy (Because You’ll Need to Do It Often)
Dirty bongs don’t just look gross, they taste bad, too. Some designs are easier to keep fresh than others:
- Easy to Clean: Straight tubes and beakers with minimal parts. You can rinse, soak, and be done in minutes.
- Harder to Clean: Bongs with percolators or multiple chambers offer great filtration—but need brushes, pipe cleaners, and patience.
Look for bongs made from borosilicate glass—it resists heat and resin build-up better than cheap glass or plastic.
Pick a Material That Fits Your Budget and Lifestyle
Materials make a big difference in durability, taste, and price.
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Glass | Smooth taste, visually appealing, lots of design options | Fragile, can be expensive |
| Silicone | Virtually unbreakable, budget-friendly, dishwasher-safe | Less traditional, can retain odors |
| Acrylic | Very affordable, lightweight | Harsh hits, wears down over time |
If you’re clumsy or want a travel option, silicone is a great first material. If flavor and experience matter most, go for glass.
Just be warned that glass can (and will) break if you drop it. You have been warned…
Know Your Budget But Make Sure You Aim For The Sweet Spot…
You can find a beginner bong for under $50, but investing just a bit more gets you better materials and features.
The sweet spot for quality bongs is $80 to $150. That’s where all the good stuff lives, so spending a smidge more gets you way more bang for your buck.
Here’s a quick price guide:
- $20–$50: Basic acrylic or silicone models. Great for first-timers.
- $50–$100: Glass bongs with quality builds and basic percs or ice catchers.
Or, if you wanna go the vaporizer route here’s all the weed vaporizers we recommend right now.
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