Different Bong Types: The Complete Guide
In our previous post, “The Anatomy of a Bong,” we explored the structure and key components that make a bong work.
Today, we’re diving into the different types of bongs you’ll find on the market.
We’ll look at them from four perspectives — shape and function, style, theme, and material — and help you learn how to choose the one that fits you best.
Let’s start with the most common way to categorize them — by shape and function.
Bong Types by Shape and Function
When it comes to bongs, shape isn’t just about appearance — it changes how each session feels.
The design affects everything from stability and airflow to how cool and smooth each hit will be.
Some shapes are made for big, powerful rips, while others focus on portability or smoother filtration.
Here are the most common bong shapes and what makes each one special.
1. Beaker Bongs – Stable and Easy to Use
Beaker bongs feature a wide, flared base that makes them extremely stable and hard to tip over.
They can hold more water, which helps cool the smoke for a smoother hit.
Cleaning is simple, making them a great choice for beginners or anyone who values convenience.
It’s also one of the best-selling bong types.
Beaker bongs come in a range of sizes, from 6 inches up to 24 inches, but all maintain the classic beaker-shaped base that fans love.
2. Straight Tube Bongs – Simple and Powerful
Straight tube bongs have a simple, straight design from top to bottom.
This shape allows smoke to flow directly, giving strong, clear hits.
They are easy to use and clean, making them perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a smooth, straightforward smoking experience without dealing with complex filters or extra parts.
Straight tubes usually range from 6 inches to 20 inches in height, offering options for both compact setups and taller, more impressive pieces.
Their simplicity, reliability, and ease of use make straight tube bongs one of the most popular choices.
3. Recycler Bongs – Smooth and Continuous Filtration
Recycler bongs are designed to circulate water and smoke through multiple loops before it reaches you.
This extra filtration cools the smoke and reduces splashback, resulting in very smooth, flavorful hits.
As the smoke and water move through the recycler loops, you can watch the swirling water create mesmerizing effects, sometimes like tiny whirlpools or a “smoke tornado,” adding a fun and visually engaging element to your session.
They are perfect for anyone who wants a gentle, enjoyable experience with some eye-catching water motion.
However, recycler bongs can be harder to clean, more fragile, and usually more expensive than simpler designs, which may not suit everyone.
4. Perc Bongs – Smooth Hits with Extra Filtration
A perc bong is any bong that features a percolator — a built-in filter that breaks up smoke into smaller bubbles. This increases the surface area in contact with water, cooling and smoothing each hit.
Percs can be added to beaker bongs, straight tubes, or even recycler bongs, and a single bong can have one, two, or even three (or more) percolators, depending on the design.
There are dozens of percolator styles, but some of the most popular include tree perc, honeycomb perc, showerhead perc, and inline perc. Each offers slightly different smoke diffusion and aesthetic appeal.
Advantages of perc bongs:
- Smoother, cooler hits
- Less harsh on the throat and lungs
- Can improve the flavor of the smoke
Potential drawbacks:
- Harder to clean due to extra glass parts
- More fragile than simple bongs
- Slightly more expensive than standard designs
Perc bongs are perfect for smokers who want cooler, cleaner smoke with less throat irritation.
5. Multi-Chamber Bongs – Extra Cooling for Bigger Hits
Multi-chamber bongs feature two or more connected chambers that the smoke passes through before reaching your mouth.
Many multi-chamber bongs are actually recycler bongs or perc bongs, because their recycling tubes or percolators naturally divide the bong into multiple sections.
Each chamber provides additional water filtration, cooling the smoke even more and making hits smoother and cleaner.
The main advantage of multi-chamber bongs is that they allow for larger, cooler, and less harsh hits, while also offering a visually engaging experience as you watch smoke travel through multiple water-filled sections.
They are perfect for smokers who want smooth, enjoyable hits and enjoy the dynamic water movement during each session.
6. Gravity Bongs – Powerful Hits with Water Pressure
Gravity bongs use water pressure or vacuum force to pull smoke into the chamber before inhaling. This method produces thick, dense clouds of smoke that hit hard and fast.
They are perfect for smokers who want a high-impact, intense experience and enjoy a bit of novelty in their session.
Many gravity bongs are simple to make at home, but modern designs can be sleek and durable, offering a fun and unique smoking method.
Advantages:
- Strong, concentrated hits
- Quick sessions with impressive smoke
- Often compact and portable
Potential drawbacks:
- Hits can be too intense for beginners
- Requires careful handling of water and setup
- Less filtration compared to beaker, perc, or recycler bongs
7. Zong Bongs – Tall, Twisty, and Smooth
Zong or Zig-Zag bongs are tall bongs with a series of twists or bends in the tube.
Most zongs are actually variations of beaker bongs or straight tube bongs, with the twists added to extend the smoke path and improve cooling.
These twists force the smoke to travel a longer path through the water, providing extra cooling and smoother hits compared to standard straight tubes.
They are perfect for smokers who want big, clean hits with less throat irritation and enjoy watching the smoke move through the twisty glass.
Zong/Zig-Zag bongs typically range from 12 inches to 24 inches, offering options for both impressive desktop pieces and larger statement setups.
Potential drawbacks:
- Usually more expensive than simple straight tubes
- Taller and more complex, so they can be harder to clean
- Fragile due to extra bends in the glass
8. Bubblers – Compact and Convenient
Bubblers are a hybrid between a pipe and a bong, combining water filtration with a smaller, portable design.
They are perfect for smokers who want smoother hits than a dry pipe, but don’t need a full-sized bong.
Bubblers are easy to use, quick to clean, and highly portable, making them ideal for beginners or anyone who values convenience and mobility.
Potential drawbacks:
- Limited customization or additional features compared to larger bongs
- Smaller water chamber means less cooling than larger bongs
- Hits are usually lighter, so less intense than big beaker or multi-chamber bongs
Bong Types by Style & Special Features
Besides functionality and shape, many people also classify bongs by their style and theme.
Some bongs are cute and playful, while others are sleek, flashy, or even glow in the dark. Exploring bongs by style can help you find one that matches your personality and vibe, making your setup both functional and fun.
1. Cute & Pretty Girly Bongs
These cute grily bongs feature soft colors, playful designs, and feminine patterns, making them a fun addition to any collection.
They often include floral motifs, pastel tones, or cute character designs, appealing to anyone who wants their setup to reflect a stylish and cheerful personality.
Perfect for collectors, casual users, or anyone who loves adding a touch of fun and charm to their smoking sessions, these bongs make both the experience and the display enjoyable.
2. Cool Bongs
Cool bongs are sleek, visually striking, and often feature bold or unique shapes that make them stand out.
They are perfect for users who want a bong that looks impressive and stylish, while still delivering smooth, enjoyable hits.
Cool bongs often feature clear or tinted glass with interesting angles, curves, or futuristic designs, letting you enjoy both the visual appeal and functional performance in every session.
3. 3D Monster & Creature Bongs
Monster or creature bongs feature fun, imaginative designs inspired by monsters, animals, or fantasy creatures.
These bongs turn your smoking session into a playful and visually engaging experience, often making them both a functional piece and a collectible.
Perfect for smokers who enjoy unique, whimsical setups and want their bong to stand out with personality and creativity.
4. Bling & Glitter Bong
These bongs are covered in sparkle, glitter, or shiny accents, instantly drawing attention and adding a festive vibe to any session.
They appeal to those who want their bong to be both a smoking tool and a conversation piece, combining functionality with dazzling aesthetics.
Bling bongs often feature glitter coatings, metallic finishes, or gem-like decorations, making them perfect for parties, special occasions, or anyone who loves a touch of glamour.
5. Glow in the Dark Bong
Glow in the dark bongs light up under low-light conditions, creating a fun and dynamic visual experience.
They are great for nighttime sessions, parties, or just adding a playful twist to your setup.
These bongs are often made with phosphorescent materials or glow-in-the-dark coatings, so you can watch smoke swirl and glow in a unique way, making every session visually engaging as well as smooth.
Bong Types by Theme
In addition to shape, function, and style, many smokers love to choose bongs based on their favorite themes or personal interests.
Themed bongs can reflect almost anything you love — from Hello Kitty, Barbie, Rick & Morty, and luxury brands like LV, to animals, flowers, fruits, mushrooms, hearts, monsters, or seasonal designs like Halloween and Christmas.
These bongs make each piece feel personal and unique, allowing you to express your personality, showcase your hobbies, or celebrate your favorite fandoms.
Whether you’re collecting for display, sharing on social media, or simply enjoying a session with a piece that resonates with you, themed bongs add an extra layer of fun and individuality to your smoking experience.
With so many options available, there’s truly a bong to match every style, interest, and vibe, turning your setup into a reflection of your taste and creativity.
Bong Types by Material
The material of a bong affects durability, taste, maintenance, and price.
Different materials offer unique experiences, from smooth hits and artistic designs to travel-friendly or budget-friendly options.
Here’s a closer look at the most common bong materials and what makes each one special.
1. Glass Bongs – Clean Taste and Pure Experience
Glass is the gold standard. It preserves flavor, looks beautiful, and is easy to clean. Borosilicate glass, in particular, is heat-resistant and long-lasting, making it a favorite for both beginners and experienced smokers.
2. Silicone Bongs – Flexible and Unbreakable
Perfect for travel or outdoor sessions, silicone bongs are nearly indestructible. They’re easy to fold, clean, and pack away, offering a convenient, low-maintenance option without sacrificing performance.
3. Acrylic Bongs – Lightweight and Affordable
Budget-friendly and colorful, acrylic bongs are great for beginners or casual use. They’re lightweight and portable, though they may not preserve flavor as well as glass.
4. Ceramic Bongs – Artistic and Smooth
Ceramic bongs are heavier and often hand-crafted, featuring unique textures or hand-painted designs. They deliver smooth hits and make for an artistic centerpiece in any collection.
5. Bamboo Bongs – Natural and Eco-Friendly
Bamboo bongs are lightweight, sustainable, and stylish, offering a natural aesthetic. They provide smooth, mellow hits and are perfect for smokers who appreciate a more organic, eco-conscious option.
6. Metal Bongs – Durable and Easy to Maintain
Metal bongs are rugged and sleek. Though they don’t preserve flavor as well as glass, they are extremely durable and require minimal maintenance, making them a practical choice for long-term use.
How to Choose the Right Bong Type for You
Choosing the right bong can feel overwhelming with so many options available. By breaking it down into type, percs, material, size, and style, you can find the perfect piece that fits your needs and preferences.
- Decide on the basic type – Choose between a beaker, straight tube, or recycler, as this determines the smoke flow and overall experience.
- Consider percs – Decide if you want a perc for extra filtration and smoother hits.
- Choose the material – Glass is usually the best option for clean taste, durability, and easy cleaning.
- Select size and thickness – Pick based on your budget and usage scenario, whether you need something portable, sturdy, or visually striking.
- Think about appearance – Choose a design or style that matches your personal taste and vibe, from minimalistic to artistic or themed bongs.
- By following these steps, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect bong for your lifestyle and preferences.
All About Bong Types
The bongs covered above represent most of the types you’ll find on the market today.
By exploring these shapes, functions, styles, themes, and materials, you now have a clear understanding of the entire bong family.
No matter which type of bong you’re interested in, you can find them all on our website – smokemeg.com. You can click directly through the navigation or use the search bar to look for any style or element you like.
Bongs are typically used for smoking dry herbs, and if you want to learn more about dab rigs and their types, be sure to follow our website, as we will continue to update it with the latest educational content.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned smoker, this knowledge can help you choose the right piece that fits your preferences and enhances your experience.
