When it comes to smoking cannabis, the type of bong you use can significantly affect the experience. Two popular materials for bongs are silicone and glass.
In this article, we explore their differences, benefits, and drawbacks. By the end, you'll have a better understanding of which material best fits your smoking lifestyle, whether you're a seasoned smoker or just starting out.
Key Takeaways
- Silicone bongs are made from a flexible, heat-resistant, and durable material, while glass bongs are typically made from borosilicate glass.
- Silicone bongs are ideal for travel, while glass bongs are more suited for at-home sessions because they are more fragile and prone to breaking.
- Glass bongs are more customizable than silicone bongs, but the latter are more durable and easy to maintain.
What are Silicone and Glass Bongs?
Silicone and glass bongs are two types of water pipes used for smoking cannabis. Bongs, also known as water pipes, feature a bowl, a stem, and a water chamber that cools and filters the smoke before it reaches the lungs.
Silicone bongs, like this Softglass - Totem, are made from a flexible, heat-resistant, durable material that’s also easy to clean. They have gained popularity in recent years for their unbreakable nature and portability.
Glass bongs, on the other hand, have been around for much longer. Like our Glass Lab 303 - 7mm Beaker, they are made from borosilicate glass, known for its incredible heat resistance and ability to provide a clean, pure taste.
Glass bongs come in a wide variety of designs, from the simple to the intricate and artistic. Early water pipes were made from materials like bamboo, clay, and even precious metals.
As cannabis culture evolved, glass became the material of choice for its superior taste and aesthetic appeal. However, the introduction of silicone bongs in the early 2000s provided smokers with a more durable and travel-friendly option.
Advantages of Silicone Bongs
Durability
Silicone bongs are virtually indestructible, so you can afford to be a bit clumsy with them. They withstand accidental drops and bumps quite well, unlike glass bongs, which can shatter or crack upon impact.
Portability
Another major advantage of silicone bongs is their portability. They are lightweight and flexible and can be easily folded or collapsed for storage or travel.
Whether heading to a friend's house or going on a camping trip, a silicone conveniently packs away in your bag without breaking - perfect for users who are always on the go!
Easy to Clean
Cleaning a bong can be tedious, but silicone bongs simplify the process. The non-stick silicone surface prevents resin and debris from clinging to the insides, making it easier to rinse away any buildup. Additionally, many silicone bongs are dishwasher safe, so there’s no need for harsh chemicals or extensive scrubbing.
Affordability
Compared to glass bongs, silicone bongs are generally more affordable. This makes them an attractive option for budget-conscious smokers who still want a high-quality smoking experience. The lower price also means you can experiment with different styles and designs without breaking the bank.
Advantages of Glass Bongs
Better Flavor
Glass bongs provide a cleaner, purer taste compared to silicone bongs. This is because glass is non-porous and doesn’t absorb flavors or odors. When you use a glass bong, you taste the authentic flavor of cannabis without unwanted aftertastes or residual odors from previous uses.
Also, glass bongs don't leach chemicals or toxins into your smoke. This is especially important for health-conscious users or those sensitive to certain materials.
Smoother Hits
It’s no secret that glass bongs provide smoother hits. Many, like this MJ Arsenal - Tank Commander Blunt Bubbler, have percolators. Percolators are small chambers or discs that filter and cool the smoke more before it reaches the lungs.
Popular types of percolators include honeycomb, tree, and showerhead percolators, each offering varying levels of diffusion and smoothness. Incorporating percolators makes the smoke more enjoyable, even with harsher strains or larger hits.
Learn more about Showerhead vs Tree Perc here!
Aesthetic Appeal
Glass bongs come in various designs and styles. From the simple and elegant to the intricate and colorful, there's a glass bong for every taste and preference.
Typically, glass bongs have unique shapes, colors, and patterns, with some even incorporating hand-blown designs or embedded objects like marble or dichroic glass. These artistic elements turn your bong into a beautiful piece of art you can display in your home.
Some popular styles of glass bongs include beaker bongs, straight tube bongs, and recycler bongs. With so many options, you can easily find a glass bong that reflects your style and enhances your experience.
But before that, check out what we think about Straight Tube vs. Beaker Bongs.
Accessories
Glass bongs are compatible with a wide range of accessories to enable you customize and enhance your smoking sessions. Popular accessories include:
- Ash Catchers: These attachments keep your bong clean by catching ash and debris before they enter the water chamber. They also provide additional filtration and cooling.
- Glycerin Coils: These are filled with glycerin, a non-toxic liquid that can be frozen before use. When smoke passes through the frozen coil, it is rapidly cooled, resulting in much smoother and more refreshing hits.
- Diffuser Downstems: These have small slits or holes to break up the smoke into smaller bubbles for greater diffusion and filtration.
- Bowl Pieces: Glass bongs are compatible with different bowl pieces, so you can choose the size and style that best suits your preferences. Some popular options include slide bowls, funnel bowls, and pinch bowls.
Silicone vs. Glass Bongs: Which is Better for Travel?
Without mincing it, silicone bongs are the clear winner over glass bongs. Silicone bongs are durable, lightweight, and easy to pack, making them the perfect companion for on-the-go smoking adventures.
Another advantage of silicone bongs is their strength. Unlike glass bongs, which easily shatter or crack when dropped or bumped during travel, silicone bongs can withstand the rigors of the road. You can toss them in a back like our Skunk - Elite Backpack, suitcase, or pocket without worrying about damage.
Silicone bongs are also incredibly lightweight — a major plus when you're trying to pack light for a trip. They won't weigh you down or take up too much space in your luggage.
Another great feature of silicone bongs is their flexibility. Most can be collapsed or folded down, making them more compact and easy to store. This is handy when trying to fit everything into a small backpack or travel bag.
Setting up a silicone bong is equally easy. Simply unfold or expand it, add water, and you're ready to go! There is no need to worry about finding a safe place to set up a delicate glass bong or risking breakage during assembly.
Moreover, cleaning a silicone bong on the go is also simple. The non-stick surface makes it easy to rinse resin and debris, and many silicone bongs are dishwasher safe. This means you can keep your bong fresh and clean without extensive cleaning supplies.
While glass bongs may offer a better flavor and smoother hits, silicone bongs' portability and durability make them ideal for travel. With silicone bongs, you can enjoy your favorite strains wherever your adventures take you!
Are Silicone Bongs Safe?
One of the main issues with silicone bongs is the potential for low-quality or non-food-grade silicone to leach chemicals into the smoke. This can expose you to harmful toxins and affect the taste of your cannabis. Therefore, we recommend buying high-quality, food-grade silicone bongs from reputable manufacturers like Stoked CT.
Stoked CT offers a wide selection of silicone and glass bongs, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your needs. Visit Stoked CT today to explore their collection and enhance your smoking experience.
Another concern is durability over time. Silicone degrades with repeated use and exposure to heat, increasing the likelihood of chemical leaching. Additionally, silicone bongs are harder to clean because the material makes it harder to reach all areas.
Comparatively, glass bongs are safer and healthier. Glass is non-porous, inert, and doesn’t absorb odors, ensuring a clean, pure taste. They are also easier to clean, as glass can withstand scrubbing. This prevents the buildup of bacteria and other harmful substances that can affect your health.
While silicone bongs offer convenience and durability, glass bongs are safer healthwise. If you opt for a silicone bong, invest in a high-quality, food-grade option and replace it regularly to minimize risks.
Silicone vs. Glass Bongs: Cleaning and Maintenance
The cleaning process for silicone and glass bongs differs slightly due to their unique material properties.
Cleaning Silicone Bongs
Cleaning a silicone bong is straightforward, thanks to the material's non-porous and flexible nature. To do so, follow these steps:
- Disassemble the bong, removing the bowl and any other detachable parts.
- Fill a container with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap or a specialized bong cleaning solution.
- Submerge the bong and its parts in the soapy water and let them soak for 15-30 minutes.
- Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away any remaining residue.
- Rinse the bong and its components thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
- Allow the pieces to air dry completely before reassembling.
You can also place your silicone bong in the dishwasher for a deeper clean. However, remove any non-silicone parts, such as glass bowls or metal downstems, before doing so.
Cleaning Glass Bongs
Glass bongs require more care and attention when cleaning, as they are more delicate and prone to buildup. To clean a glass bong, follow these steps:
- Disassemble the bong, removing the bowl, downstem, and other removable parts.
- Fill the bong with a cleaning solution of equal parts water and isopropyl alcohol (91% or higher), or use a specialized bong cleaning product like the Headie Eddie's - 4oz Glass Cleaner.
- Add a handful of coarse salt (e.g., Epsom or rock salt) to the bong.
- Cover the bong's openings and shake it vigorously for several minutes, allowing the salt and alcohol solution to scrub away the resin and buildup.
- Rinse the bong and its components thoroughly in clean water to remove the remaining cleaning solution and debris.
- Use a soft-bristled brush or pipe cleaners to scrub the hard-to-reach areas or stubborn residue.
- Rinse the bong and its parts once more with clean water to ensure all cleaning solution is removed.
- Allow the pieces to air dry completely before reassembling.
For stubborn buildup, repeat the process or let the bong soak in the cleaning solution for longer.
Both silicone and glass bongs should be cleaned regularly to maintain optimal performance and prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria. The frequency of cleaning will depend on how often you use the bong, but a good rule of thumb is to clean it every 10-20 uses or whenever you notice buildup.
What is the Best Material for a Bong?
When it comes to choosing the best bong material, it ultimately depends on you. Both silicone and glass bongs have unique advantages and disadvantages, making them suitable for different situations and smoking styles.
Glass bongs are excellent for better flavor and smoothness. The non-porous nature of glass ensures that your smoke remains pure and untainted. Additionally, they often feature percolators and other diffusion systems that further cool and filter the smoke, resulting in exceptionally smooth hits.
However, glass bongs have some drawbacks. They are more fragile than silicone bongs and can easily break if dropped or mishandled. This makes them less ideal for travel or outdoor use.
Silicone bongs, on the other hand, excel in durability and portability. Made from flexible, shatter-resistant material, silicone bongs can withstand accidental drops and impacts without breaking. They are also lightweight and easy to pack, perfect for on-the-go smoking sessions or travel.
Be that as it may, silicone bongs don’t provide the same level of flavor purity as glass bongs. Some users report a slight silicone taste, especially when the bong is new. However, this can be minimized by thoroughly cleaning your silicone bong before use and opting for a high-quality, food-grade silicone piece.
Choosing between a silicone or glass bong ultimately depends on your preferences and lifestyle. Silicone bongs offer unmatched durability and portability, making them ideal for on-the-go use, while glass bongs provide superior flavor and smoother hits for a more refined smoking experience.
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