Ever feel like your throat is about to seize up when taking a hit from your bong? An unwelcome chokehold on what should be a pleasant experience. This is most likely caused by smoke that is either too hot or harsh. That is where the percolator bong steps in, turning harsh clouds into smooth sailing. But what is a percolator bong and how exactly do they work?
This isn't your granddaddy’s traditional water pipe; it's designed to give you cleaner hits with less coughing. We're going to show you how it works, why stoners are crazy about them, and how to set up one yourself.
By the end you'll know exactly what is a percolator bong and if this bong deserves a spot in your collection.
A percolator bong increases smoke filtration
There are different types of percs to choose from
There is a special way to fill a perc bong with water
TABLE OF CONTENT
What Is a Percolator Bong
A percolator bong, or "perc bong" for short, is a type of water pipe that adds an extra layer of smoke filtration via a perc to improve the bong users' smoking experience.
A perc is a device in a bong that cools down smoke and filters out dirty substances.
The result? A percolator bong delivers a smoother, cooler hit with less harshness on your throat and lungs.
How Does a Percolator Bong Work
When you light up your herb in the bowl, the smoke travels through the diffused downstem into the water in the bong base. Here's where things get interesting: as opposed to standard bongs where this would be it, perc bongs have more tricks up their sleeve.
The main part is called a 'percolator'. It diffuses smoke into smaller bubbles with tiny holes. This happens before it goes to the mouthpiece.
The many small bubbles increase the surface area with the water, making each hit cleaner by improving filtration. The bigger surface area cools hits more than regular bongs, by transferring more heat.
Different Types of Percolators
Percs come in many shapes and sizes but they all serve one purpose.
There are three popular types of percs: tree percs, honeycomb percs, and showerhead percs.
Tree percs look like branches, honeycomb percs have hexagonal patterns like beehives, and showerhead percs imitate rainfall with a circular disc at the bottom.
| Types of Percs | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Tree prec | Tree percolators offer excellent diffusion, leading to smoother hits due to their multiple arms, each equipped with percolation holes | They tend to be more fragile compared to other types because of their intricate and detailed design |
Honeycomb perc |
They are highly efficient in filtering smoke due to their honeycomb-like structure, providing smooth hits and unique visual appeal | Honeycomb percolators can be more challenging to clean due to the numerous small holes in the honeycomb structure, which can trap residue over time |
| Matrix perc | Matrix percs provide extensive filtration, thanks to their vertical and horizontal slits which create numerous tiny chambers for the smoke to pass through | Due to their complex design with many slits, Matrix percs can be difficult to clean thoroughly, as residue can accumulate in the tiny chambers |
| UFO perc | UFO percolators excel in dispersing smoke efficiently, producing a high volume of bubbles through their dome shape and multiple tiny holes | Similar to other intricate percolator designs, UFO percs can be challenging to clean effectively due to their numerous small holes and complex structure |
| Inline perc | Inline percs offer a clean and smooth smoking experience with less resistance due to their less complicated design | While simpler than other percolators, Inline percs may provide less extensive filtration compared to more complex designs, as their filtration is limited to the single tube's holes |
| Showerhead perc | They effectively disperse smoke through multiple outlets, resembling a showerhead, which ensures thorough filtration and smooth hit | Similar to other complex percolators, the showerhead design can be more challenging to clean thoroughly, especially around the multiple outlets where residue can accumulate |
| Double perc | Double percolators, with two percs stacked on top of each other, provide enhanced filtration and cooler smoke, leading to a significantly more enjoyable and smoother smoking experience compared to single perc models | While they offer superior filtration, the complexity of having two percs can make cleaning more challenging. The double chamber effect also often means more effort is needed to maintain the bong and keep it residue-free |
Swipe left & right to see table
How To Fill a Bong With A Percolator
To get your perc working properly, you'll need to fill it with enough water. But not too much – the trick is finding a balance where smoke can still easily pass through without being totally submerged.
Keep in mind that you should aim for about halfway up the percolator. But remember, different designs might need more or less water. It's all about finding that sweet spot.
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Make sure your percolator bong is stable on a flat surface.
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Use water pitching to pour water into the base chamber through the downstem joint until ⅔ full.
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Use the same pitcher to pour water through the mouthpiece over the perc until all the tiny slits in the perc are covered with ¼-½ inch of water.
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Be careful not to completely submerge the perc.
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Do a you'll test by inhaling through the mouthpiece to make sure your perc bong is bubbling correctly.
- If you get backsplash through the mouthpiece into your mouth, blow through the mouthpiece to push some water out of the perc.
KEY TAKEAWAY
This balance ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience by optimizing the filtration process. Depending on your preference, you might adjust this level for more or less intensity. To keep your percolator bong working well and tasting good, clean it regularly as residue can accumulate.
Benefits of Using a Percolator Glass Bong
The beauty of a percolator bong lies in its unique design and functionality. But what makes it so special and a preferred type of bong amongst cannabis connoisseurs?
Smoother Hits
A significant advantage is smoother hits. The percolation process breaks smoke into tiny bubbles, increasing the surface area exposed to water. This cools down the smoke, making each hit less harsh on your throat.
Better Filtration
Better filtration is another plus point with percolator bongs. They force smoke through small holes underwater, removing harmful toxins and impurities along the way.
Enhanced Flavor
Fans often rave about how percolators enhance flavor. Because they filter out excess tar and resin from smoke, you're left with pure-tasting flavors that might otherwise be masked.
★★★★★
“ I'VE SPENT $1000'S ON DIFFERENT GLASS BONGS ALL FROM THE BIG NAME BRANDS TO LOCAL HEADSHOPS AND I'LL PROUDLY ADMIT I WISH I WOULD'VE BOUGHT FROM VITAE YEARS AGO.
FOR THE SAME PRICE AS MOST OTHER GLASS PIECES, VITAE HAS SUPPLIED ME WITH A GLASS PERCOLATOR BONG 90001% BETTER THAN ANY OTHER BRAND.
IF I EVER DO BUY MORE GLASS IT WILL BE FROM THIS COMPANY. NOT JUST BECAUSE OF THE AMAZING SERVICE AND PRODUCT BUT BECAUSE THE PIECES GO ABOVE AND BEYOND WITH HOW MODULAR THEY ARE THAT NO MATTER WHAT DESIGN I WANT ALL I NEED TO DO IS MAKE A COUPLE CLICKS WITH MY MOUSE AND I'LL BE DELIVERED THE DOPEST TOKER I'LL EVER SMOKE FROM. ”
Hannah W. (18" Swiss UFO Bong)
Hannah, coming from someone who has invested a lot into different bongs over the years, your review is high praise for someone with so much experience. Thank you, we're very honored.
How To Set Up Your Percolator Bong
The process of setting up your percolator bong is straightforward. To get your percolator bong ready, simply adhere to a few basic instructions.
Filling with Water
First, you'll want to fill the base of your percolator bong with water. But be careful not to overfill it - you only need enough water to submerge the downstem by about a quarter to half an inch.
If you have a double perc bong with multiple percolators, each one will also need its own separate supply of water. Just like with the base, don't overdo it; make sure that all slits or holes in each percolator are submerged but no more than that.
Adding The Bowl and Herb
The next step involves attaching the bowl piece into place at the top of the downstem. Make sure it's securely fastened before adding in your chosen herb – grind it finely for better airflow and flavor enhancement.
Lighting Your Bong
To start using your percolator bong, ignite the herb while simultaneously inhaling through its mouthpiece at a steady pace [1]. As smoke travels up, it goes through the water in each section to filter and cool.
The best way to light your perc bong is using a technique called cornering. This entails lighting the cannabis at the edges of the bowl as to not burn the herb.
After inhalation, stop lighting but keep drawing air until all smoke leaves the chamber, removing the bowl at the same time this happens. Then exhale smoothly.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Percolator Bong
Keeping your percolator bong clean is crucial for its longevity and optimal performance. Because percs have tiny holes and slits they can easily get clogged up if not properly and regularly cleaned. Here's a rundown of the steps to properly clean your percolator bong.
The Cleaning Process
If you have a modular bong, begin by disassembling your bong into its individual parts – base, tube, bowl, and percolator. To remove residue, put each part in separate bags with salt and isopropyl alcohol. Shake gently until clean.
Rinse every part under warm water after cleaning to remove the remaining cleaning solution residue. Use pipe cleaners for stubborn stains or hard-to-reach areas like the percolators' tiny holes.
Maintaining Your Perc Bong
Maintenance goes hand-in-hand with cleaning when it comes to preserving your percolator bong’s lifespan. Regularly changing the water in your bong ensures smoother hits as stale water can affect taste negatively.
To prevent cracking, let glass parts cool to room temperature before using them after cleaning with hot water.
Potential Drawbacks of Percolator Bongs
While percolator bongs have their advantages, they come with some potential drawbacks as well. One such downside is the complexity that these pieces can introduce to new smokers.
Complexity and Fragility
A percolator bong's design may be a marvel to behold, but it also means more parts and pieces that could potentially break. The intricate structures inside these bongs are delicate and can be easily damaged if not handled carefully.
If you do not have a detachable bong then replacing individual broken parts is impossible. You'll have to buy a whole new bong if the perc inside breaks.
The increased number of components in a percolator also adds complexity when it comes to use. New users might find them intimidating or confusing at first glance due to the various chambers, tubes, and filtration systems involved.
Cleaning Difficulties
To get smoother hits, keep your bong clean. But cleaning a percolator model can be tricky. The interiors of these bongs have many places where resin can build up. This can make the taste worse if it's not cleaned.
Keeping up with maintenance is a bit harder with this design, but if you have a modular perc bong, cleaning is easy. Disassemble the bong parts and clean each separately for a quick and effective cleaning system.
Slightly Higher Costs
Last but not least: price point. More sophisticated bong constructions typically lead towards higher costs - from purchase through maintenance supplies - making this an important consideration.
It's crucial to weigh these potential drawbacks against the benefits of using percolator bongs. This will help you decide whether it’s the right choice for you or if another type of bong might be better suited for you.
Percolator Bong FAQs
What is the point of a percolator on a bong?
A percolator in a bong helps to cool and filter smoke more than a regular bong, resulting in smoother, less harsh hits.
Is a percolator bong better than a regular bong?
A lot of folks favor percolator bongs because they give cooler, cleaner hits. However, your preference may vary based on individual tastes and needs.
Do percolator bongs get you higher?
Nope. Percolators don't increase potency but can enhance flavor and make inhalation easier by cooling down the smoke.
Do percolators help your lungs?
In essence, yes. The smoke is less harsh on your lungs because the perc decreases the heat.
Why Percolator Bongs Are The Better Choice
What is a percolator bong? In essence, this can be answered in one sentence. 'They are the best type of bong you can buy because of the improved filtration'.
Using a percolator bong has many advantages, like better filtering, cooler hits, and tastier smoke. But if you're concerned about the difficulty of cleaning a perc bong, choose a detachable percolator bong that can be taken apart for easy cleaning.
In the end, the choice is yours, but we hope we've given you the information you need to know what is a percolator bong and if one is the best option for you.
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