Is a Glass Bong Better Than Acrylic?
A bong is a device used for smoking cannabis at a different level. It works by promptly cooling the smoke once it passes through the water, resulting in a smooth toke. Glass bongs and acrylic bongs are the most popular bongs among smokers.
A Must-Read: Bongs: Glass Vs Acrylic
Is a glass bong better than an acrylic one? A glass bong looks better and feels better. However, it can break easily. An acrylic bong is sturdier, but the pipe easily heats up. The main difference between the two bongs is the materials and the price.
Learn more about these bongs as you read this article. I will make a comparison and offer advice about whether a glass bong is better than an acrylic bong.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Bong
Size
Decide on what size you want, but also consider the capacity of smoke your lungs can take.
Do you prefer having a four-foot-long bong or just a small-sized one?
Remember that a smaller-sized bong will be more convenient to bring with you than a four-foot monster.
Aside from that, the size of a bong greatly affects your smoking experience. A four-foot monster bong has a larger chamber that produces slightly cooler smoke.
Materials
Most bongs are glass and acrylic, and most smokers prefer to use glass bongs because these bongs are easier to clean and look better.
However, glass bongs are more fragile than plastic bongs.
If you travel a lot, consider buying an acrylic bong. Acrylic bongs are cheaper and less likely to break, making them the best option for on-the-go.
Budget
Determine your budget. How much are you willing to spend? Bongs are built for every budget.
An infinite budget will give you limitless options. Do not set your budget too low because the cheapest bongs are poorly crafted with harmful chemicals.
If you already have a budget, look for a reputable head shop or brand.
How Much Care and Maintenance You Can Provide
Are you willing to invest time into cleaning a bong? Do you want a low-maintenance bong?
Consider your ability and desire to keep your bong clean. Some bongs need constant cleaning and maintenance.
The Right Brand and Headshop
Your first headshop and brand should be a reputable one. Buying from a reputable store will give you more assurance that the bong is of good quality. Do thorough research about the brand or headshop.
Comparing the Glass Bong and Acrylic Bong
The main difference between these two bongs is the materials and the market price.
Acrylic bongs are cheaper than glass bongs. However, acrylic ones are sturdier.
Smokers who do not want to taste plastic when smoking prefer glass bongs.
Quality
1. Acrylic Bongs
An acrylic bong is lightweight and durable. Acrylic is a type of plastic, which makes this type of bongs easy to mass-produce.
Acrylic is relatively sturdy and does not break easily, though it can easily get knocked over.
Even if it breaks, an acrylic bong can be easily fixed. However, it is thinner, which creates a low-quality kind of vibe.
2. Glass Bongs
On the other hand, glass bongs are known as the “kings” of all bongs.
Glass bongs are made from a unique material that has been used for centuries. They are thicker but also very fragile.
Glass bongs have a longer lifespan than acrylic bongs. Also, they offer better tabletop stability.
Durability
1. Acrylic Bongs
When it comes to durability, acrylic bongs takes the title. An acrylic bong does not easily break when compressed or even dropped.
Its sturdiness makes it a perfect friend for a smoker who travels a lot or who is clumsy.
The only way you can break this bong is to purposely smash it with a hammer.
You can deliberately make multiple attempts to break this type of bong, but it won’t be easy.
Also, this bong can be broken if placed in an extremely cold environment or room. The extreme cold will make the material brittle.
2. Glass Bongs
Glass bongs’ durability will significantly depend on the brand, design, and size. They can be fairly durable but are still very fragile.
Glass bongs easily get broken upon a dramatic change in temperature and a traumatic fall.
Price
1. Acrylic Bongs
Another thing that makes acrylic bongs famous is their low prices. These kinds of bongs are the cheapest types available.
The low end is only $5 and less. The high-end ones are only about $30. However, keep in mind that you get what you pay for.
2. Glass Bongs
Glass bongs are expensive because of the materials used and the fabrication.
You must have a budget of at least $70 to buy a cheap glass bong. Most glass bongs are made by hand and handled by expert glassblowers.
Performance
1. Acrylic Bong
Because acrylic bongs are inexpensive, the performance is low. Acrylic bongs have the lowest performance among all kinds of bongs.
They will create a poor smoking experience.
Acrylic bongs, unlike glass bongs, do not have diffusion. They can only filter smoke through the water, but there’s no form of diffusion.
You can get a bad taste from most hits. This is because the bong is made out of plastic.
Acrylic bongs are harsh and easily get hot. Some kinds of these bongs are poorly made with harmful chemicals.
2. Glass Bongs
A glass bong is inert. This kind of bong is made from the most malleable materials.
These materials offer a lot of space to add extra components like diffused down stems, percolators, ice catchers, and ash catchers.
Glass bongs do not easily heat up and they give you the full smoking experience.
Because this kind of bong is the oldest, it has had a lot of time to evolve.
Customization
1. Acrylic Bongs
Acrylic bongs do not offer many opportunities for customization. Sure, you can buy and add a glass bowl attachment, but that is costly.
Also, you can’t add ash catchers and percolators to most acrylic bongs.
When it comes to design and colors, hands down the winner is the acrylic bong. However, smokers won’t sacrifice quality for design.
2. Glass Bongs
When it comes to customization, glass bongs are unquestionably the winners.
As mentioned above, the malleable material and evolution are the top reasons for glass bongs’ great customization.
Glass bongs also have a wide variety of products and product types. This provides an edge for glass bongs’ customization.
Design
1. Acrylic Bongs
Acrylic bongs are truly eye-catching. They are made in various colors, shapes, and designs that are mass-produced.
2. Glass Bongs
When it comes to design, glass bongs are sleeker and cooler. They are handcrafted and come in different models and designs.
The Pros and Cons Of Acrylic Bongs And Glass Bongs
Glass Bongs
The advantages of glass bongs include the following:
- Provide a wide variety of options
- Offer the most options with customization
- Is the best-performing bong
- Some glass bongs are affordable
- Provide an excellent smoking experience
The downside of using glass bongs are as follows:
- Are fragile and not as durable as other kinds of bongs
- Expensive compared to others
- Takes time and effort to clean each part
Acrylic Bongs
Check out some of the advantages of acrylic bongs below:
- Several color options
- Easiest to clean
- Excellent sturdiness
- The cheapest kind of bong
Acrylic bongs also come with downsides, which are the following:
- Produces plastic bong hits
- Poor percolation and diffusion
- Some are made with harmful plastic and chemicals
How to Determine Which Bong Is Best for You
Now let’s talk about how you can determine the best bong for you.
Glass Bongs
Do you have a big budget? Do you want to get your money’s worth? If so, a glass bong is perfect for you.
Glass bongs are for people who have an unlimited or big budget. A solid piece costs about $50-$120.
Glass bongs are best for people who are careful and who have the patience to clean every piece.
The pieces last for an extended period, but you must be willing to upgrade and add pieces over time.
Have a full blast of smoking experience with glass bongs.
They are perfect for those who are craving next-level smoothness and cooling with every bong hit.
Acrylic Bongs
Do you travel a lot? Are you up for something new? If so, buy an acrylic bong. Do not stretch your budget if it’s hard for you.
Acrylic bongs are for people who have a limited budget but still want to smoke using a bong.
How to Take Good Care of Your Bong
Using a bong is fun; cleaning it, not so much. Maintaining a clean bong creates a happy bong and a satisfied smoker.
A clean bong is essential to have a soothing smoking experience. A clean bong will provide a more pure and amazing bong hit.
Plus, this will ensure proper hygiene for your safety.
Cleaning With Alcohol and Epsom Salt (Best for Glass Bongs)
Keep the Bubble Wrap
Keep the bong’s bubble wrap, which serves as a blanket for the intricate glass piece.
When you are transporting a glass bong, it is better to wrap it with the package’s bubble wrap to prevent scratches.
Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning of your bong is an essential step to keep your glass safe and in place. Following are the things you need to clean your glass bong:
- Warm running water
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Epsom salt
- Plastic bag
- Hot water
Here’s how to clean your bong:
- Rinse the bong in hot running water.
- Mix the alcohol and Epsom salt in the plastic bag.
- Place the bong inside the plastic bag.
- Make sure the bong is submerged in the alcohol and salt before allowing it to sit.
- Gently shake the plastic bag horizontally for at least five minutes.
- Leave the mixture for some time, then rinse with warm water.
Cleaning With Vinegar and Baking Soda (Best for Acrylic Bongs)
The things you will need for this second method are:
- Baking soda
- Warm running water
- Salt
- Long soft scrub
- Shallow container
- Soft cloth
- White vinegar
Follow the steps below:
- Separate the parts of the bong. By separating the pieces, you can thoroughly clean each one. Some acrylic bongs stay in one piece, whereas others can be dismantled.
- Rinse the bong in hot running water while draining the water inside the bong. The hot running water helps loosen the resin and mold build-up.
- Sprinkle the baking soda inside and outside every piece of the bong. Make sure you fully coat each piece. The pieces should still be wet from the hot water, to help the baking soda stick.
- Place all the pieces that have been coated with baking soda in the shallow container. Let the baking-soda-coated pieces sit in the container for 12-15 minutes. Baking soda is great at breaking up grime and dirt.
- Pour the white vinegar and let it sit for another 10 minutes.
- Rinse the pieces with warm water again and dry the bong completely. Gently rub with a soft cloth.
Correct Storing of Bongs and Bong Equipment
Storing your bongs and bong equipment in a safe place will prevent them from breaking and getting scratched. It will lengthen their life expectancy.
Some bongs can be a bit long and big. Instead of storing them in a container or box, keep them clean and store them in an upright standing position.
Make sure to keep them in areas where they are less likely to get hit and broken.
Advantages of a Bong
A bong uses water to remove toxins. It chills the smoke, giving you a softer and nicer smoking experience.
Although the bong filters and refrigerates the smoke, it still maintains the cannabis flavor with every hit.
Following are more benefits of smoking with a bong:
1. Reduced Bacteria and Mold
The water in the bong traps bacteria and mold so that you won’t inhale any of it. Smokers, especially at parties, pass around joints, pipes, or bongs, which passes along illness.
However, when you are using a bong, some of the contaminants get filtered through the water instead of your lungs.
2. Bigger Hits
A bong is a favorite device among many experienced smokers. A bong allows you to take a massive hit without any pressure on your throat.
Experienced smokers first let the bong fill with smoke and then take it all in one hit.
3. Bigger Hits, More Fun
Bongs are a great conversation starter for smokers. They come in a wide variety of styles, designs, and colors, which makes them fun.
How to Smoke Using a Bong
You might find it challenging to use a bong when you are a first-time user. Do not worry. I will help you through it.
1. Start by Filling the Bong With Clear and Clean Water
The amount of water you will require depends on the size of your bong. The general rule of thumb is to fill the bong just above any percolators or downstems, if any.
If your bong doesn’t have a percolator or downstem, fill the bong with a ton of water.
Continue cleaning and sucking the water until none gets in your mouth. That is when you know that you have the perfect water level.
2. Pack the Bong With Your Dry Herbs
The bowl is the funnel-shaped glass piece that holds your dry herbs. Do not pack the dry herbs in the bowl too tightly, this will restrict airflow.
3. Light the Bowl
Use your dominant hand to hold the bong and then place your mouth over the mouthpiece.
Create an airtight seal by letting your lips inside the mouthpiece. Continue to inhale while lighting the dry herb in the bowl.
You can control the smoke by stopping the lighting of the bowl as soon as you achieve your desired amount of smoke.
That’s it. Pretty simple, right? Now you can gradually increase the amount of smoke as you gain experience with every hit.
Upgrading Your Bong
Newer models and designs of bongs have a unique and special feature called “ice catchers.”
The ice catcher, as the name indicates, allows you to add ice cubes to your bong’s neck. The ice will help in further cooling the smoke before you inhale it.
A smoother rip is provided by a bong that has many percolators. However, not all smokers prefer a bong with a great number of percolators.
They say that more percolators create a lesser drag.
If you are still using a pipe or joint, you should start saving up for a quality bong. I’m telling you, you are missing out on a lot of things.
Remember, a bong not only filters the smoke but also places you on another level of smoking.
Conclusion
Overall, a glass bong is better than an acrylic bong. Although a glass bong can be pricey, it can provide a better smoking experience than an inexpensive acrylic bong.
With a little patience, willingness, and a larger budget, you can experience the full blow of the greatest type of bong.