Bong vs Pipe For Weed: Which Is Better For You?

When it comes to smoking a bowl, you have two main options: a glass pipe or bong. Both will get the job done, but they have unique differences that cannabis smokers must be aware of.

More seasoned smokers will find that the water pipe suits them better, as it offers cleaner, smoother, and larger hits. On the other hand, some people will discover they like the small hits and portability of the hand pipe instead.

These are just a few considerations. As you'll soon discover, there is much more to the bong vs pipe debate.

That's why we're here to help.

We're going to break down all the differences between bongs and pipes to help you make the right pick for your needs. By the end of this discussion, you'll know exactly which of these best suits your personal preferences. And, you'll know where to start shopping for the best of the best. Let's dive right in!

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The Pipe vs Bong Debate: What Are The Differences?

The bong and pipe have been around for a long time and they have transformed over the years in a multitude of ways. Pipe smoking dates back centuries to the Native Americans and became commonplace in the 1600’s although most everyone was smoking tobacco and not marijuana. Dry pipes are preferred for on-the-go use, as you can typically fit one in your pocket. They're also far more affordable.

The bong, on the other hand, is a much newer weed smoking device. It offers clean, smooth hits thanks to water filtration - and sometimes, percolators. Water pipes are typically bigger and bulkier, making them best for at-home use. So, how do these two ways of smoking devices differ and which one is better suited for you? We'll begin this discussion by talking you through the water pipe pros and cons.

Water Bongs: Pros and Cons

Glass bongs, also known as water pipes, are typically used by younger, more serious pot smokers. A glass bong is a weed smoking device that uses water as the filtration system for the smoke to pass through. Bongs are cylindrical in shape with the bottom sometimes being round to hold the water. As you light the weed and begin to inhale, the smoke passes through the water and up the tube. The water will start to bubble and make a gurgling sound. After inhaling fully you release the bowl piece to finish the bowl. Traditional water bongs are very easy to use and provide a great high.

One of the main benefits to a bong vs pipe is that a bong will get you much higher, much quicker. Because of the way the smoke percolates through the water and tube it delivers a more potent smoking high. This leads to another benefit of traditional water bongs; they are the most efficient and cost-effective way to get high. After only taking one or two rips you will likely be plenty high and not have to smoke anymore.

Compared to pipes or joints, smoking out of a bong conserves much more weed. One downside to a bong is that they are quite large compared to a pipe and therefore are tougher to travel with. Be sure to keep this in mind next time you are debating bringing a bong or pipe. If you're looking for a travel bong, here's a list of our favorites. 

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Hand Pipes: Pros and Cons

The classic hand pipe is the age old smoking device. Having been around for centuries the pipe has been made into many different forms. The most common pipe nowadays for cannabis consumers is the glass pipe. A glass pipe is simple, small, and convenient to smoke out of. With just a bowl, carburetor, and small tube, a smoking pipe has the essential mechanisms you need to get high.

A weed pipe offers a simple way to get high. While a pipe will not give you the intense immediate high that a bong will, it will do the job. Glass weed pipes are great because they are small and easy to travel with but they do break easily. The durability is important to consider when comparing a pipe vs bong. Here's a list of the Best Weed Pipes.

At Smoke Honest, we started the company based off our displeasure with the current weed pipes on the market. That’s why we created the Path Pipe. It’s a durable, discreet, coughless pipe that was made for the modern smoker. An unbreakable pipe that comes with a lifetime warranty, the Path Pipe was built to last forever. No longer will you have to worry about your pipe shattering when you drop it.

So, Which Is Best For You: Bong vs Pipe For Weed?

Now that you know a bit more about the pros and cons of the bong vs pipe for weed, it's time to answer the question that is no doubt plaguing your mind: which is right for you? As you can probably tell, this just comes down to personal preference. Here is our advice when choosing between a bong vs pipe:

• Choose a bong if you want big hits and cooler smoke. These are great for strictly at-home use, as they use weed more efficiently and get you higher. You get more smoke per hit, so you may only need one bong rip to get to your desired state. Bong smoking is best for more seasoned smokers as the large rips can be overwhelming for new cannabis smokers.

• Choose a hand pipe if you want smaller hits for more mellow sessions. These are best for on-the-go use as they travel easily and are more durable. Those who like to stay discreet while they smoke cannabis will prefer the pipe. They can still get you very high - but they will use more weed to do so than a water pipe will.

As you can see, both of these devices can offer an incredible smoking experience. And the reality is, you probably want to have both in your arsenal. So it's not really bong vs pipe, but more bong and pipe!

A bong hit is a great way to end a long day, whereas a pipe can be brought along on your adventures to keep you feeling right no matter where you go. Fortunately for you, we've got what you need no matter your preferred smoking piece. Take a look at our portable water bongs for sale or our hand pipe and experience the difference for yourself!

Final Thoughts On The Pipe vs Bong Debate

We are just about ready to bring our bong vs pipe debate to a close. You now know the unique differences between these smoking styles, and you probably know which is best for you. It's just about time to get to shopping! If you want more inspiration, take a look at our review of the best bongs in the world or our review of the best hand pipe on the market. If you want to learn more about the best ways to smoke weed, take a look at our debate over the bong vs bubbler.

There are many factors that go into choosing the proper smoking device for you when evaluating a bong vs pipe. Each of these pieces has its benefits and drawbacks that will attract certain types of cannabis consumers. The bong will provide the strongest high for the smallest amount of weed but is large and hard to travel with. The pipe will get the job done every time and is easy to take on the go but does not give you as powerful hits.

Overall, both of these smoking devices will surely enhance your cannabis consumption. Whichever you end up going with, be sure to take a look at these awesome modern smoking accessories to elevate your experience!