by Angel Ferrer 4 min read
Glass bongs vs. glass bubblers: what’s the deal? They both seem similar and to be honest, even some of us regular smokers get it twisted.
As if the many sizes, shapes, colors, configurations and technical terminology isn’t confusing enough, there are in fact, overlapping similarities among these pipes that can leave just about anybody bewildered.
Take glass bongs and glass bubblers, for example. Two of the most widely used glass pipe styles. Both are water pipes, as in they have a water chamber to diffuse and filter the smoke. What’s the difference then? Why are bongs and bubblers often placed at two opposite ends of the price range?
In all fairness, even many experienced smokers also do not have the faintest idea of what separates these two. They may buy one or the other just because they saw it in use and thought that it looked cool. But ask them for specifics and they’d struggle to find words or just shrug it off.
Well, today we will talk about the similarities and the differences in bongs and bubblers.
Bongs are cylindrical water pipes that have a very simple design, at least in its most basic form. Their setup generally consists of a bowl, a water-filled chamber at the base, a down stem, a neck and a mouthpiece.
When prepping for use, you simply pack the herbs in the bowl (not too tightly), fire up your favorite torch, burn it & inhale the smoke through the mouthpiece.
Combusted smoke passes through the water, then bubbles up into the chamber and subsequently into your mouth; smooth, cooler and filtered removing some of the dangerous particulates, tar and chemicals that would otherwise end up in your lungs.
Throw a percolator into the mix and you have smoke that is filtered multiple times and a lot tastier than what you would get with a normal bong. Not to mention a heck of a lot easier on the lungs, which is a big benefit for those who are newer to smoking or who are sensitive to smoke.
Glass bongs are bongs made of borosilicate glass that is more durable than normal glass.
Which means that the possibility of it crashing to pieces if you accidentally (read stoned) bang it on the counter is reduced a wee bit. Just a wee bit actually.
Having said that, glass bongs are not the ideal choice for someone who wants to smoke on the go.
The pros and cons of glass bongs
Glass bongs are considered to be the masterpieces of the smoker’s toolkit.
Almost like artwork. They are irreplaceable and despite your fascination for discreet and palm-sized devices, you’ve got to own one of these if you are a serious smoker.
They come in an incredibly diverse range of sizes, colors and styles to suit a gamut of preferences.
And the perks of owning one definitely go beyond the aesthetics.
All said and done, every bubbler is a glass bong. But not every bong is a bubbler.
Confused? Let us explain.
Bubblers works exactly like glass bongs in design but are typically smaller and therein lie the benefits that make them so appealing.
Smokers who like to sesh on the road prefer devices that can be palmed and pocketed without drawing too much attention.
The bubbler fits the bill perfectly.
It resembles a pipe more than an actual bong with mouthpieces of different styles, a carb, a bowl and a neck.
The downstem is fixed and you ride the carb to build up the smoke depending on how deep a hit you prefer.
A glass bong is a more complex water pipe that usually has a stationary, vertical design with the ability to be customized. Check out 5 types of glass you may want in your collection.
Bubblers are simpler, compact devices that are styled like handheld pipes.
That sums up what we just explained. Learn how to choose your next bong.
We hope that this helps clear the air and allows you to make an informed choice while choosing between a bubbler and a glass bong. Need something quick and affordable? Then read about the bongs we carry for less than $100.
Yes, sign me up for marketing emails from Hemper. You can change your mind anytime by unsubscribing.
Signup for our newsletter
Sign up for our exclusive newsletter to receive industry updates, new product drops, upcoming collaborations, and the latest coming to you from the Hemper team.