glass water pipes, bubblers & bongs
Bongs, also known as waterpipes, are a favorite way to consume cannabis amongst connoisseurs. In this article, we will be focusing specifically on glassware, the different types of glass bongs and glass smokeware that exist, and why this material makes for the best smoking experience. As many cannabis enthusiasts can agree, the best bong is typically one made of glass. From flavor to maintenance, we’ll dive into the details of the whys and whats of smoking with glass products.
Why Glass?
Smoking out of glass ensures the smoothest experience out of all materials. We asked Lauren Yoshiko, writer for Broccoli Magazine, Forbes, and Rolling Stone to chime in about her favorite way to get high on weed.
High Guide Lauren Yoshiko: I don’t want to taste anything else. And the extra add-ons and extra filters and percolators and all, that I don’t need… I just want it to be really easy to clean.
While there is a common misconception that glass is easy to break, the materials used to create a bong are actually quite the opposite. These are some of the most sturdy glasses, making them easy to handle and easy to clean (particularly compared to wood). On top of that, the flavors you get when smoking out of glass are purely that of the flower. You may have experienced different tastes that come with smoking out of clay or wood, but with glass materials that won’t be the case.
High Guide Lauren Yoshiko: And yeah, it’s healthier. It’s way healthier and way more efficient on the wallet because you can totally control how much weed do you use in a little tiny bowl and you don’t have to dedicate yourself to a whole joint and get too high. I truly believe this is the the perfect way to smoke weed.
Types of Bongs & Glassware
The best bong is the one you build a relationship with. The artist you sourced from, the one you carried all through college, the one that’s gotten you through the tough times. That being said, there are multiple types of bongs and glassware to help get you THERE.
Glass Bongs | “Bong” is the infamous term disallowed in headshops nationwide. Instead, water pipe is the legal way to categorize these cannabis consumption devices that come in all shapes and sizes, vary in their functionality, and should always be kept clean. They are not all glass, however. A silicone bong experience is not the same as pulling a tube through glass. * The High Guide LOVES YewYew’s Sunset Bong & Session Goods Bong
Glass Bubbler Pipe | A glass bubbler pipe is something in between your classic bong and a glass bowl. It’s got a bowl, a stem, and a mouthpiece much like your typical bong, but is much smaller in size. * The High Guide LOVES Laundry Day – Tanjun Pipe
Glass Bowl | Also known as a glass smoking pipe, this glassware can be commonly found around stores and is a small, hand-sized piece easy for transport and passing around. The “bowl” section is where you pack your grounded flower.
Glass Care & Cleaning
When Googling “420 glass cleaners,” you will probably find many cleaning products dedicated to bringing as shine to each session. But Lauren, a glass bong enthusiast, argues otherwise.
High Guide Lauren Yoshiko: I firmly believe that you only ever need like the highest possible percentage of rubbing alcohol and Isopropyl alcohol and salt, no kosher, just plain salt. All the 420 cleaners and all those store-bought brand cleaners are bullshit.
Her advice is to grab your salt and a ton of alcohol and basically shake weighting the bong with paper towels on both ends. The bowl piece should soak in some alcohol (possibly inside a zip lock bag) for a long time and then give it a few shakes.
