A glass bong is a popular device for smoking herb or tobacco, as it filters and cools the smoke through water, making it smoother and less harsh on the lungs. However, not all glass bongs are created equal, and there are some ways to improve your bong experience and get better hits. Here are some tips and tricks to enhance the flavor and smoothness of the smoke from a glass bong.
1. Choose a good quality glass bong
The first step to getting a great bong hit is to choose a good quality glass bong that suits your needs and preferences. Glass bongs come in different shapes, sizes, designs, and features, so you should look for one that is easy to use, clean, and maintain. Some factors to consider are:
- The size of the bong: A larger bong will allow you to take bigger hits, but it will also require more water and space. A smaller bong will be more portable and discreet, but it will also produce less smoke and flavor.
- The shape of the bong: A straight tube bong will offer a more direct and powerful hit, while a beaker or round base bong will offer more stability and smoother hits. A curved or angled neck bong will prevent water from splashing into your mouth, while a recycler or percolator bong will add extra filtration and cooling to the smoke.
- The material of the bong: Glass is the best material for bongs, as it is durable, transparent, easy to clean, and does not affect the taste of the smoke. However, not all glass is the same, and you should look for borosilicate glass, which is more resistant to heat and breakage.
2. Use a percolator
A percolator is a device that adds extra diffusion and filtration to the smoke by forcing it through multiple holes or slits in the water. This creates more bubbles and surface area for the smoke to interact with the water, resulting in cooler and smoother hits. A percolator can be built-in or attached to the downstem or the mouthpiece of the bong. There are different types of percolators, such as tree, showerhead, honeycomb, turbine, etc., each with its own pros and cons. You can experiment with different percolators to find the one that suits your style and preference.
3. Use clean water
The water in your bong plays an important role in filtering and cooling the smoke, so you should always use clean water for every session. Dirty water can harbor bacteria, mold, and other contaminants that can affect your health and the taste of the smoke. You should also change the water frequently, as it can get stale and lose its effectiveness over time. The amount of water you use also matters, as too much water can reduce the airflow and make it harder to inhale, while too little water can make the smoke harsher and hotter. A good rule of thumb is to fill up the bong so that the water comes no more than 1 inch (2.54 cm) above the tip of the downstem.
4. Use fresh herb or tobacco
The quality of your herb or tobacco will also affect the flavor and smoothness of your smoke, so you should always use fresh and properly cured products that have not been exposed to moisture, light, heat, or air for too long. These factors can degrade the potency and aroma of your herb or tobacco, making it less enjoyable to smoke. You should also store your herb or tobacco in an airtight container in a cool and dark place to preserve its freshness.
5. Grind your herb or tobacco finely
Before you pack your bowl with herb or tobacco, you should grind it finely using a grinder or your fingers. This will increase the surface area of your product and allow it to burn more evenly and efficiently. A fine grind will also produce more flavor and aroma from your herb or tobacco, as well as more smoke. However, you should not grind it too finely, as this can make it harder to draw air through the bowl and cause clogging.
6. Pack your bowl properly
Packing your bowl properly is another key factor in getting a good bong hit. You should not pack your bowl too tightly or too loosely, as this can affect the airflow and the burning of your herb or tobacco. A tight pack can make it harder to inhale and waste your product, while a loose pack can make it burn too fast and unevenly. A good pack should be firm but not compact, allowing some air to pass through. You should also fill your bowl to the brim, but not overflowing, as this can prevent the herb or tobacco from falling out or into the water.
7. Clean your bong regularly
Last but not least, you should clean your bong regularly to maintain its performance and appearance. A dirty bong can accumulate resin, tar, ash, and other debris that can clog the airflow, reduce the flavor, and create unpleasant smells. A dirty bong can also harbor bacteria, mold, and other harmful microorganisms that can affect your health. You should rinse your bong with hot water after every session, and use a cleaning solution and a brush or pipe cleaner to scrub the inside of the bong, the downstem, and the bowl at least once a week. You can also use alcohol, salt, vinegar, baking soda, or other household items to clean your bong.
By following these tips and tricks, you can enhance the flavor and smoothness of the smoke from your glass bong and enjoy a more satisfying and pleasant smoking experience.
