How do you decide between a honeycomb or a percolator bong for your next smoking session? Which one will give you the smoothest, coolest hits?

In this article, we explore the unique features and benefits of percolator and honeycomb bongs. By the end, you'll better understand how these innovative designs enhance your smoking experience.

So, let's get started.

Key Takeaways

• A honeycomb bong features a disc-shaped percolator with numerous small holes arranged in a honeycomb pattern. This design forces smoke through the tiny holes, breaking it into smaller bubbles for better diffusion and cooling. 
• Honeycomb percolators are also easier to clean due to their flat, disc-like shape, and they can be stacked for increased filtration.
• Other percolator types include tree percs, showerhead percs, inline percs, and matrix percs. Each type has unique benefits and drawbacks. 
• Tree percs offer good diffusion but are harder to clean, while matrix percs provide incredible filtration and act as splash guards. 

What is a Honeycomb Bong?

A honeycomb bong is a type of water pipe with a disc-shaped percolator and numerous small holes arranged in a distinct pattern. This unique design allows excellent smoke diffusion and cooling without adding significant drag to the hit.

The honeycomb perc works by forcing the smoke through the tiny holes, breaking it up into many smaller bubbles. This process increases the smoke's surface area, allowing it to interact more with water and cool. The result is a smoother, gentle hit that's easier on your lungs and throat.

One of the advantages of honeycomb percs is the flat, disc-like shape. This design allows them to be stacked, allowing you to incorporate multiple percs into your bong for even greater diffusion and cooling. 

Honeycomb percs are also easier to clean than other more intricate perc designs, as there are fewer nooks and crannies for residue to get stuck in.

Other Types of Percolators

While honeycomb percs are popular, you might encounter other types when shopping for a bong. Each style offers unique benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to understand the differences.

Tree Perc

Tree percs are also quite common types of percolators. They consist of a central tube with multiple arms branching out, resembling a tree. 

Each arm typically has 1-3 slits that help diffuse the smoke as it passes through. Tree percs provide good diffusion but can be tricky to clean compared to honeycomb percs due to their intricate design.

Showerhead Perc

Showerhead percs feature a vertical tube that flares out at the bottom, with holes around the base. They function similarly to tree percs but with a simpler design. Showerhead percs offer a different diffusion experience compared to tree percs, and they're generally easier to maintain.

Inline Perc

An inline perc is a horizontal tube with slits along the sides. They work well with other percolators, adding an extra diffusion layer without taking up too much space in the bong. Inline percs are often found in bongs with fixed downstems and can contribute to a smoother hit.

Matrix Perc

Matrix percs are cylindrical and filled with tiny holes arranged in a grid pattern. They offer incredible filtration by breaking the smoke into numerous tiny bubbles for maximum cooling. These percs also function as splash guards, preventing water from entering your mouth during use.

When choosing between a honeycomb bong and a percolator bong, consider ease of cleaning, durability, and the diffusion level you prefer. 

Honeycomb percs strike a balance between smooth hits and low maintenance, while other percolator styles may offer more intense filtration at the cost of increased complexity.

Benefits of Percolator Bongs

Percolator bongs offer several advantages that enhance your smoking. Here's how they take your sessions to the next level:

Smoother Hits

Percolators cool and filter the smoke before it reaches your mouth. As the smoke passes through the water and the percolator, it's broken down into smaller bubbles, increasing the surface area exposed to the water.

This process removes impurities and cools the smoke, resulting in a much smoother hit compared to a standard bong.

Reduced Throat Irritation

One of the most noticeable benefits of using a percolator bong is reduced coughing and throat irritation. The cooling effect minimizes the harshness of the smoke, making it easier on your lungs and throat.

You can take larger hits without the discomfort often associated with smoking from a regular bong.

Customizable

Percolator bongs come in a variety of styles, each with its benefits. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a honeycomb perc or the more intricate filtration of a matrix perc, there's a percolator bong out there that meets your needs. 

You can even find bongs with multiple percolators for the ultimate smoking experience!

When shopping for a percolator bong, consider the type, size, and material. Glass is a popular choice for its durability and ease of cleaning, but silicone and ceramic options are also available. 

How do Percolators Work?

When you take a hit from a percolator bong, the smoke is drawn down through the downstem and into the water chamber. As the smoke passes through the percolator, it's forced through numerous small holes or slits. 

This process breaks the smoke into many tiny bubbles, dramatically increasing the surface area that comes into contact with the water.

As the smoke bubbles travel through the water, they're cooled and filtered, removing impurities and harsh particles. The more bubbles created, the cooler and cleaner the smoke is. 

Some percolator bongs feature multiple percs stacked on top of each other. This design allows for even greater diffusion and cooling, as the smoke must pass through several stages of filtration before reaching your mouth.

Stacked percolators take your smoking experience to the next level, delivering the smoothest, coolest hits possible.

Honeycomb Perc vs. Other Percs

When comparing honeycomb percs to other popular percolator designs, you'll find that both offer excellent diffusion and cooling capabilities. However, there are some critical differences in their structure and function.

We already know what honeycomb percs bring to the table. What about other percs? Well, other percolators, like matrix percs, have their unique advantages.

While both deliver smooth, cool hits, choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some users may prefer the simplicity and stackability of honeycomb percs, while others opt for the more intricate filtration of matrix percs.

Regardless of the percolator style you choose, investing in a high-quality percolator bong can significantly elevate your experience.

How to Clean a Bong with a Percolator

Keeping a percolator bong clean is essential for optimal performance and a pleasant smoking experience. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you clean your bong with ease.

Step 1: Empty the Bong and Rinse with Hot Water

Begin by removing any loose debris and emptying the water from your bong. Rinse the bong thoroughly with hot water to remove any remaining residue. This initial rinse will make the cleaning process easier.

Step 2: Fill the Bong with a Cleaning Solution and Shake Vigorously

Next, fill your bong with a cleaning solution specifically designed for glass water pipes. You can also create your own solution using isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt. 

Fill the bong with enough solution to cover the percolator and other dirty areas. Plug the openings with your hands or a cleaning cap, and shake the bong vigorously for several minutes. This agitation helps dislodge stubborn grime and resin.

Step 3: Use a Brush or Pipe Cleaner to Scrub the Percolator and Hard-to-Reach Areas

After shaking, use a soft-bristled brush or pipe cleaner to scrub the percolator and the hard-to-reach areas. Pay special attention to the small holes in the honeycomb perc, which can easily become clogged with residue. A pipe cleaner or small bottle brush can help you access these tiny spaces and remove any remaining buildup.

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly with Hot Water and Let Dry Completely

Once you've finished scrubbing, rinse your bong thoroughly with hot water. Remove all traces of the cleaning solution, as any remaining residue can affect the taste of your smoke. 

After rinsing, let your bong dry completely before using it again. You can speed up the drying process with a clean microfiber cloth or simply let it air dry. Regular cleaning maintains the performance and longevity of your percolator bong. 

3 Tips for Using a Percolator Bong

To get the most out of your honeycomb or percolator bong, here are a few tips:

First, fill the bong with the right amount of water. The water level should be just above the percolator to ensure optimal function. Too much water can lead to splashback, while too little water will reduce the percolator's effectiveness.

Next, take slow, steady hits when using a percolator bong. Due to the added diffusion and filtration, percolator bongs require more pull than standard bongs. Inhaling slowly and steadily will help you achieve the perfect hit without overwhelming your lungs.

Finally, clean your bong regularly to maintain its performance and longevity. Percolators, especially honeycomb percs, easily trap debris and residue. Frequent cleaning prevents clogs and ensures your bong delivers smooth, flavorful hits.

What is the Best Percolator Bong for Smooth Hits?

When choosing the best percolator bong for smooth hits, you have several excellent options. 

One is the Atlas Mini Rig, which offers a compact design paired with a showerhead percolator. This combination delivers cool, flavorful hits in a portable package, making it perfect for on-the-go smoking sessions.

The MJ Arsenal Royale Dab Rig is another top contender for smooth, enjoyable hits. It provides even smoke distribution and effective cooling without excessive drag. The design allows you to take larger hits without the harshness of standard bongs.

Conclusion

Ultimately, your personal preferences and smoking style determine what suits you. Some users prioritize the simplicity and stackability of honeycomb percs, while others prefer the intense filtration of matrix percs. 

Factors like the size of the bong, the material it's made from, and the overall aesthetic also influence decision-making.

Regardless of which percolator style you choose, investing in a high-quality bong with a well-designed percolator significantly enriches your smoking sessions. The added diffusion and cooling allow you to enjoy smoother, more flavorful hits.

StokedCT offers a wide range of high-quality bongs to suit your needs, guaranteeing the perfect hit every time.

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