Introduction
Table of Contents
Now that cannabis is legal in many jurisdictions worldwide, more and more people are using it. However, most people stick to using dried cannabis which is the flower. There are many ways to smoke it, whether by smoking the weed through blunt wraps or joint papers or vaporizing it. Many weed smokers use a pipe or a bong.
The bong seems to be the most popular apparatus for smoking weed as bongs come in various sizes, shapes and consist of various materials. If you don’t have a bong but want to use one for smoking, you may wonder about the cost of one. The cost of the bong largely depends on the quality and type of bong you want to get. Let’s go over the different types of bongs in addition to the materials used to manufacture them, so you know which one is the best one for you.
What Materials Do Manufacturers Use To Make Bongs?
You may not know this, but the two main ways to put bongs into categories are their shapes and the materials used to make them. So let’s focus on the materials now, and the most common material that bongs consist of is glass. The glass is straightforward to blow into different designs and shapes, and a bong made of glass is functional.
Additionally, bongs made of glass make using other accessories easy, such as ice catchers and percolators. That is because it is straightforward to manipulate glass which is a game-changer for many smokers. However, silicone bongs are becoming more common too.
The reason that silicone bongs are becoming popular is that they are challenging to break, unlike glass. As you know, glass is fragile, but that does not stop smokers from loving glass bongs. Another reason that silicone bongs are on the rise is because they come in various colors and sizes and are easy to clean.
However, glass bongs are still more popular than silicone bongs. They are still challenging to smoke because they are small. Additionally, they don’t have many roofs for percolators. Therefore, the smoking won’t be as cool or smooth with this type of bong.
The other two materials that some bongs consist of are acrylic and metal. Acrylic bongs are similar to silicone bongs as they emerge because of how often glass bongs break. However, acrylic can still crack, and it is still unknown how safe the material is when you smoke with it.
The other material that some bongs consist of is metal, and even though they are durable like silicone, there are two problems with this material. One problem is that metal is opaque, so you may not end up seeing the smoke you pull through, which can cause an uncomfortable and shocking hit. The second problem is that you can taste metal when you smoke from this bong. So that will make the smoking experience not overly pleasant.
Now that you know what common materials bongs consist of let’s talk about their shapes before going into the nitty-gritty of the price of those bongs.
What Are The Shapes Of Bongs?
There are so many bong shapes imaginable as you can find bongs shaped like animals such as frogs or dinosaurs. However, there are several basic shapes of bongs that most people know. The most miniature bong imaginable is the bubbler, and they match the size of the dry pipe. You can use water to make your smoking experience with a bubbler smoother. Those are ideal for smokers that don’t smoke very often, and you can keep your bubbler in a drawer or closet.
Another typical bong shape is the beaker, as it resembles a scientific cup, and they are excellent for those who smoke often but not daily. These bongs consist of a long neck, and it lets the smoke cool down so you can have a smooth smoking experience with it. There are also the straight-tubes, and they are usually taller, so you can pour more water into them.
Straight-tube bongs consist of thicker glass and a long tube connecting the mouthpiece and the stem at the bottom. That type of bong is ideal for casual smokers who smoke often enough.
The last typical bong shape is the round-based type as they are similar to the beaker ones, but the bottom is like a bulb. That one is ideal for casual smokers as well. Now, let’s talk about the bong’s accessories.
Common Bong Accessories
Some bongs consist of a single percolator, which helps cool down the filters and smoke so you can have a smooth smoking experience. There are also multi-chamber bongs that cool down your smoke through different bong sections. Finally, don’t forget about the recycler bong as that one runs your smoke through other areas of the bongs many times.
Those bongs are specialized, and if you don’t smoke too often, you do not need a bong with so many accessories. However, if you spend a lot of time smoking, you will want any of these types. These bongs help calm the tight feeling in your lungs, which can occur after having too many hits.
Let’s Talk About The Price Of Each Bong
The cost of the bong depends on the type you want to purchase. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the price of bongs. If you are looking for a bubbler, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $20. Small silicone bongs will cost around $20, but the glass ones are fragile and cheaper.
If you are looking for a medium-sized and high-quality bong, you are looking at anywhere from $20 to $80. It is possible to find this bong with one percolator in this price range, depending on where you shop.
If you are looking for large bongs with different accessories such as multi-chambers or recycler bongs or have detailed glasswork, expect to pay somewhere between $80 and $300. Bongs over $300 will have a lot of accessories, exciting designs, or come from famous glass artists.
Factors Influencing Bong Prices
Material
- Glass: The most common and preferred due to its purity and taste. Prices vary based on the thickness and quality of the glass.
- Silicone: Durable and often more affordable. Ideal for those who are prone to accidents.
- Ceramic: Offers a unique aesthetic but can be fragile. Generally, mid-range in price.
- Acrylic: The most budget-friendly, but lacks the durability and purity of glass.
Craftsmanship
- Handcrafted bongs, especially those made by renowned artists, can fetch a higher price due to their uniqueness and artistic value.
Brand Reputation
- Well-known brands often charge a premium for their proven quality and design.
Features
- Additional features like percolators, ice catchers, and unique filtration systems can add to the cost.
Conclusion
If you are looking to buy a bong because you no longer want to smoke your weed in other ways, you have to consider it before purchasing. First, you will need to know which type of bong is the best one for you. If you are new and don’t smoke too often, you will go with the bubbler. On the other hand, if you are experienced and have smoked bongs before and want one of your own, you can purchase a larger one. You will also want to know your budget and expect to pay for the ideal bong for you. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to the price of the bong you want to buy for your needs.