You're on the hunt for a bong but you quickly realize there are a lot of considerations you need to know, like bong sizes, designs, and shapes. A bong size chart can help you navigate these options, but you may still feel unsure of where to start!
We're going to show you what you need to know about mini bongs, medium bongs, and large bongs so you don't get stuck with a cheap pipe that doesn't deliver.
Whether you're curious if a 10 inch bong is too small, or wondering about the most common bowl sizes, this article delves into how different bong sizes and additional features like percolators influence smoke filtration, flavor, and overall user satisfaction. A comprehensive bong size chart will guide you through these factors. [1].
Being the best company that sells modular and custom bongs and given we're smokers like you, helping hundreds of customers, we're confident you'll know which bong is right for you by the end.
How to Choose the Right Size Bong
Choosing the right bong size is a decision that hinges on several key factors, each playing a role in creating a smoking experience that matches your personal preferences and lifestyle [29].
1. Personal Preference and Usage:
Frequency of Smoking: How often you plan to use your bong can influence the ideal size. Frequent users may prefer the durability and enhanced features of larger bongs, prompting the question: are bigger bongs better?
Type of Smoking: Whether you enjoy a bowl of herb, dabs, or both can dictate the size and type of bong, with different sizes accommodating various accessories like ash catchers or downstems. Dab rigs, for example, are designed specifically for concentrates. [11].
Sensitivity to Coughing: Smaller bongs with less filtration might cause more coughing without a perc. Consider a larger size with more percolation if you're sensitive.
2. Lifestyle Considerations:
Portability: If you plan to take your bong to gatherings, a mini or medium bong would be ideal as they transport better. Larger bongs suit at-home smokers better [2].
Storage Space: The amount of storage space you have can also dictate the size of the bong you should choose.
3. Material, Shape, and Percolators:
Material: Glass bongs provide better purity and are easier to clean but require careful handling. Silicone bongs offer durability and are travel-friendly. Clay or ceramic bongs are another option to consider.
Shape: Beaker bongs, straight tube bongs, and Swiss Honeycombs offer different benefits, from stability to unique filtration experiences [3].
Percolators: The type of percolator can significantly affect the smoking experience, making it smoother and more enjoyable [14].
For each of these factors, writing down your answer will help you make an informed decision, ensuring you choose a bong that perfectly matches your lifestyle, smoking habits, and personal preferences.
Mini Bongs
Mini bongs, measuring 4 to 10 inches, offer portability with a potent kick. They are ideal for those on the move and can easily fit in a bag. Despite their size, mini bongs deliver quick and potent hits, although their smaller water chambers may not filter smoke as extensively as larger bongs so watch out for the coughing fits [2].
Portability and Convenience: Mini bongs are the epitome of smoking on the go. Their size makes them not only easy to carry but also discreet and straightforward to use, much like a bubbler pipe. This makes them particularly appealing to beginners.
Variety and Customization: Despite their small stature, mini bongs come in an array of designs and functionalities. From stemless beaker bongs to the multifunctional Rake Bong for both smoking and dabbing with dab rigs, there's a mini bong to match every preference.
Affordability and Maintenance: Mini bongs are not only more budget-friendly compared to larger water pipes but also easier to clean and maintain. Their affordability and low maintenance make them an excellent choice for first-time buyers or as a secondary piece for more experienced smokers.
Medium Size Bongs
Medium size bongs strike the perfect balance between size and functionality and are the go-to choice for many smokers, including us. We love them because they are the best blend of portability and powerful hits.
Here's a breakdown of what makes medium size bongs (10-16 inches) a popular choice:
Size and Portability: Medium bongs are ideal for those who find mini bongs too small and large bongs too cumbersome. Their height range of 10 to 16 inches makes them easy to load, light, and use [17][18].
Cooler and Smoother Hits: Thanks to a longer smoke pathway, and a larger water chamber, medium bongs deliver cooler and smoother hits. Medium sized bongs deliver more potent hits compared to their smaller counterparts. Often included percolators increase diffusion with water bubbles, leading to increased filtration and smoother hits.
Versatility and Compatibility: Medium bongs are compatible with a wide range of accessories, including various large bowls, ash catchers, double percs, and cleaning tools, making them suitable for both experienced smokers and those new to the scene.
Medium-sized bongs come in various materials like glass, silicone, ceramic, metal, and acrylic, offering something for every preference and need. They can also be used with dab rigs for a versatile smoking experience [8][19].
Large Bongs
Big bongs are not for beginners or the faint of heart. They are the epitome of a water pipe smoking experience! Large bongs tower at 16 inches to 23 inches, sometimes getting up to being 6 foot bongs.
These behemoths are not just about size; they're about maximizing the potency and smoothness of each hit, similar to the freeze pipe xl:
Enhanced Features for a Premium Experience: Tall bongs come equipped with an array of custom components like percolators, ice catchers, and ash catchers. These features work together to provide smoother, cooler hits by increasing the smoke's diffusion and filtration through water [22].
Durability and Longevity: With their super thick glass, large bongs are less prone to damage from minor mishaps. They offer better heat resistance, which minimizes the risk of cracks or breaks due to sudden temperature changes.
This durability, combined with proper care, means a high-quality tall glass bong can last a lifetime, making it a worthwhile investment for serious smokers [23].
Stability and Ease of Cleaning: The design of large bongs, particularly beaker bongs with their broad base, provides enhanced stability, reducing the risk of accidental tipping. This design, coupled with a larger bottom chamber and various percs, allows for more water, resulting in a higher volume of cooled smoke for massive hits!
Despite their size, the simple, wide shape of beaker bongs makes them relatively easier to clean compared to intricate smaller designs [24].
Comparing Bong Sizes: Mini vs. Medium vs. Large Bongs
When comparing bong sizes using a bong bowl size chart, it's essential to look at the physical aspects of the bong but also your circumstances. How are you going to sue the bong, the frequency, your smoking style, the location etc. All these are important.
Small Bongs | Medium Bongs | Large Bongs |
---|---|---|
Between 4” - 10” | Between 10” - 16” | Between 16” - 23” |
✔ Ideal for portability and discreet use |
✔ Middle ground between portability and functionality |
✔ Experienced users looking for powerful hits |
✔ Perfect for solo sessions or on-the-go smoking |
✔ Great for personal and party use |
✔ Best suited for large social gatherings |
✔ Limited airflow |
✔ Provide cooler and smoother hits |
✔ Best suited for stationary use |
✔ Less smoke filtration |
✔ Compatible with more accessories |
✔ Optimal airflow and smoke filtration |
✔ More affordable |
✔ Can be fitted with percolators |
✔ Smoother and more flavorful hits |
✔ Fewer customization options |
✔ Durable design |
✔ Highly customizable with multiple accessories |
✔ Easy to clean |
✔ Easy to clean |
✔ Difficult to clean |
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How To Measure Bong Bowl Sizes
Once you've chosen the right bong size and type of bong you want, you'll need to find the bowl you want. There are three bong bowl sizes; small, medium, and large bowls. So, are all bong bowls the same size, no they are not.
The bowl will attach to the downstem and be placed into the joint so before you pick your bowl you need to know the size of your bongs joint. Joint sizes, where the bowl connects to the downstem, come in 10mm, 14mm, and 18mm sizes [30].
The best way to measure the size of your bong joint is to use the penny method by trying to fit a penny into the joint. If it can fit then your joint size is 18mm. If not, then it is smaller.
You can use an AA and AAA battery to see if you have a 14mm or 10mm joint by holding the batteries next to the taper of the bowl. If the taper is nearly identical to the AA battery then you have a 14mm joint. If it's the AAA battery then it's a 10mm joint.
Small Bowls
Small bowls hold enough herb for one person to hit. They are great to use with small bongs if you're on your own. Small bowls do require frequent cleaning as the size leads to clogging and the build-up of resin quickly.
Medium Bowls
Medium bowls are the most common size of bowl and fit most bongs. They usually fit into a 14mm female joint, making them compatible with a wide range of 14mm bowls. You can use them if you want a giant hit by yourself or you're sharing a bowl with friends as they hold enough weed for multiple hits.
Large Bowls
Large bowls are for the brave or you're sharing a bong at a party with friends. They hold enough herb for everyone to enjoy multiple tokes, just remember to corner properly and leave enough green for everyone.
Ready To Buy The Right Bong For You?
Throughout this guide, we have explored bong sizes, from compact mini bongs for portability to large party bongs for experienced users. We have discussed the importance of factors like size, material, shape, and percolators.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned connoisseur, this information will help you align your bong choice with your lifestyle and smoking preferences. The significance of each size will either make or break your smoking experience.
Remember that the journey to finding the perfect bong size is not just about the physical dimensions. Choose a bong from a quality brand, that has a warranty and lots of customer reviews, but most importantly a bong that makes you excited to use it!
Bong Size FAQs
What size bong is best for me?
A 16 inch bong is a great middle ground as it's too small nor too large. If you're looking for bigger, smoother hits, an 18 inch bong is where large bongs start, offering an intense experience at the cost of portability.
How can I determine the size of my bong?
Bongs typically come in two standard joint sizes: 14mm and 18mm. To find out which size you have, use a dime for a simple test. If the dime fits inside the joint, it's an 18mm bong joint size. If not, then it's most likely a 14mm joint.
Is It better to go with a larger or smaller bong?
Opting for a larger bong can be beneficial as it holds more water. This extra water helps filter out impurities more effectively, leading to smoother hits that are gentler on your throat, making bigger bongs better for a more enjoyable smoking experience.
Are 20 inch bongs excessively large?
While 20 inch bongs are on the higher end of the size spectrum, they are not excessively large. Bongs in this size range (16 to 23 inches) are designed for potent hits due to their capacity for a large volume of THC in a single inhalation. If you're looking for an excessively large bong then go with a 6 feet bong.
Does bong size matter?
Yes, the size of a bong can affect your smoking experience in several ways. Smaller bongs preserve the flavor of your herb better and are easier to clean but can break easily. Larger bongs provide a cooler filtered hit as smoke has more time and water to cool down. Larger bongs are generally more expensive due to material and craftsmanship.
Sources:
[1] Bong Size Guide And Choosing Your Next Bong
[3] Big or Small: Does Bong Size Matter When Choosing A Bong?
[4] What Factors Should Beginners Consider When Choosing Their First Bong
[7] What Is The Perfect Size Of A Bong
[11] The Benefits Of Using A Mini Bong
[14] What Impact Does Bong Size Have
[18] Medium Sized Bongs
[19] Bongs For Beginners
[23] What Are The Benefits of Using Thick Bongs Over Regular Bongs
[24] What Are The Advantages of Using Beaker Bongs