It's well-known that fervent smokers often form deep connections with their preferred paraphernalia. What may have originally been just a basic instrument for smoking can, over time, evolve into an item that holds immense sentimental value! However, a single unfortunate accident can prematurely terminate the existence of your beloved pipe.
The shattering of bongs is universally disliked. Regardless of their cost, we seem to form a peculiar bond with our pieces. Irrespective of its price, certain fundamental measures and precautions can be employed to ensure a long-lasting relationship between you and your glass piece. Some of these suggestions might seem like common knowledge, but as the saying goes...
We've devised several foolproof methods to prolong the lifespan of your piece. Continue reading to discover how to prevent your cherished piece, be it a gravity bong, electric dab rig, bubbler, or glass bowl, from breaking into pieces.
1. Proper Handling
The initial phase in ensuring the safety of your cute bong involves exercising prudence while handling it. Always use both hands when transporting your bong from one place to another. Steer clear of placing it on table edges or any other precarious locations where it may be accidentally toppled over. If your bong is made of glass, bear in mind its inherent fragility and treat it with additional caution.
2. Adequate Storage
When the bong is not in use, store it in a safe and secure place. If your bong came with a case, use it. If not, consider investing in a padded carrying case. These cases are designed to protect your bong from scratches and breakages and can also make transportation much easier.
3. Regular Cleaning
Keeping your bong clean not only ensures its longevity but also improves the overall smoking experience. Residue buildup can stain the glass and create a foul smell over time. Make it a habit to clean your bong after each use. Use warm water and a cleaning solution designed for bongs for best results.
4. Avoid Clutter
Keep your bong in a clutter-free area. Having a designated space for your bong will prevent it from getting knocked over or damaged by other items. This can be as simple as clearing a space on a shelf or purchasing a display stand.
5.Temperature Control
Extremely high and low temperatures can damage your bong, especially if it's made of glass. Avoid leaving your bong in a car on a hot day or outside in freezing temperatures. Always store your bong in a room-temperature environment to prevent any damage due to temperature fluctuations.
6. Buy a Silicone Bong
If you harbor concerns about shattering your glass bong, consider bypassing glass entirely! Silicone bongs have emerged as a popular trend, embraced by both novice and experienced smokers alike. Additionally, they're completely resistant to damage.
These silicone models offer smokers a considerable degree of flexibility without sacrificing the functionality of the water pipe. Thanks to their straight tube design, they facilitate excellent water filtration. Given their inherent unbreakability, silicone bongs are ideal for usage on the go. Many of these silicone bongs even have the ability to be compacted into a smaller size!
7. Using the Right Accessories
Using the right accessories like screens can prevent unwanted particles from entering the bong. This not only ensures smoother smoke but also prevents the build-up of debris in the bottom of your bong, which can lead to breakages.
How does a Bong work?
Bongs exhibit a wide variety of designs and dimensions. Some are simple, equipped merely with a bowl and chamber, while others are vibrant, intricately hand-blown masterpieces.
Despite their differences, they all essentially serve the same purpose: to filter and chill the smoke generated from burning cannabis.
Typically, bongs are designed with a compact bowl to contain the dried cannabis. Upon lighting the cannabis, it begins to burn. Simultaneously, as you draw in a breath, the water housed in the base of the bong begins to bubble, or percolate, to use a more technical term. The smoke then ascends through the water and subsequent chamber, before making its way into your mouth and lungs.
Why are Bongs Highly Regarded?
The main allure of bongs for many smokers, as opposed to traditional glass pipes, lies in the water filtration system. Smoking from cigars or regular glass pipes exposes one to the potential inhalation of burnt ash or tar - an experience far from enjoyable.
Luckily, with bongs, this concern is put to rest. The water in a bong acts as a catcher for the ash, preventing the debris from progressing any further, specifically into your mouth.
Moreover, bongs are often praised for their ability to filter out more than just ash. They have an excellent track record of trapping and filtering harmful carcinogens and toxins contained in smoke, which are typically inhaled by regular pipe users. The water filtration system also cools the smoke before it hits the mouthpiece, leading to a smoother, less irritating experience for our lungs and throats.
The experience of smoking from a bong differs significantly from using a standard dry glass pipe, with the former providing a smoother, cooler, and more flavorful experience. For those who prefer smaller smoking apparatuses, bubblers offer the portability of a hand pipe combined with the superior filtration of a bong. However, bongs still reign supreme due to their user-friendly nature and decreased risk of clogging.
Conclusion
Essentially, regardless of the proliferation of novel methodologies or gadgets, bongs will retain their reign as the supreme smoking apparatus for countless years to come. Their historical significance, practicality, craftsmanship, and flavor retention capabilities, among numerous other attributes, have captivated smokers for ages and will continue to do so indefinitely.
Once you've taken a puff, instead of clutching the bong and gesticulating with it while you regain your composure, ensure you safely place the piece down immediately after your hit, ideally on a mood mat. While this might seem trivial, damage after usage is quite commonplace and easily avoidable.
Mastering the art of preserving your bong is straightforward. Particularly when there's a plethora of cautionary tales to learn from. Your best ally in preventing bong destruction is common sense. Avoid placing your bong in precarious situations that increase risk. The optimal way to enjoy your bong is on a solid table, with a silicone mat underneath to prevent any potential slippage. If you find yourself with a broken bong and no papers, rest assured, there are still numerous alternatives to enjoy your smoke.