Acrylic vs Silicone Bong
Glass might be the first material that comes to mind, but bongs can also be crafted from acrylic or silicone - and these have their own unique pros and cons. So what’s the difference between an acrylic vs silicone bong?
Acrylic bongs are simple, tough, and affordable. They handle drops well, they’re really lightweight, and they work great for travel or parties where you don’t want to stress about glass getting broken.
Our silicone bongs for sale take durability even further. They’re flexible, hard to damage, and often designed to fold, collapse, or pair with glass inserts for smoother pulls. They work great for the same things - on-the-go use or situations where you don’t want to pull out the glass pieces.
The real difference in an acrylic vs silicone bong comparison comes down to feel and flexibility. Acrylic is straightforward and cheaper, while silicone is more versatile and modern. We carry both here at Badass Glass, so take a look at our lineup and see what catches your eye!
Key Takeaways
- Acrylic bongs are durable, affordable, and stress-free in group settings.
- Silicone bongs are more flexible, travel-friendly, and have better long-term durability. They’re also really affordable.
- We think silicone is the better choice between the two in terms of versatility and lifespan.
- Glass bongs still deliver the best flavor and performance for most everyday smokers, though.
- Badass Glass is the best place to shop any bong type, handpicked from the best brands and backed by world-class customer service from A to Z.
Pros and Cons of Silicone Bongs
Silicone bongs are built for flexibility - literally and figuratively. They’re a perfect match for people who want something durable, portable, and low-stress without giving up water filtration. You can’t go wrong with silicone pieces for travel, outdoor use, or shared spaces. There are even silicone dab rigs!
Pros
- Extremely durable: Silicone bends instead of breaking. Drops and bumps aren’t a problem.
- Travel-friendly: Lightweight, packable, and often collapsible for easy storage.
- Cold-ready: The material can be chilled or frozen for cooler hits.
- Easy maintenance: Non-stick surfaces mean a quick rinse between deep cleans is plenty to keep it in tip-top shape.
- Creative designs: Bright colors, unique shapes, and hybrid builds with glass inserts.
- Good value: Long lifespan at a low price makes this a smart investment in your arsenal.
Cons
- Flavor trade-off: Pure silicone won’t yield the same clean taste as glass.
- Less visual appeal: Feels more practical than premium on display.
- Simpler airflow: Fewer advanced percolation options compared to glass.
Pros and Cons of Acrylic Bongs
Acrylic bongs are a better middle ground than silicone in terms of performance and practicality. They’re still super durable, but a bit more functional as far as flavor goes. Our customers love them for travel, party pieces, and reliable backups when glass isn’t ideal.
Pros
- Very durable: Acrylic handles drops and bumps that would crack glass.
- Low cost: You get water filtration without spending much.
- Lightweight: Simple to carry, move, and store.
- Beginner-friendly: No complicated parts or learning curve.
- Good for shared use: Less stress passing it around a group or taking it outside.
Cons
- Flavor loss: Acrylic still doesn’t taste as clean as glass (although it may offer purer flavor than silicone, for what it’s worth).
- Heat awareness: Needs a bit of care to keep flame away from the body.
- Basic designs: Limited percolation and fewer premium build options.
Acrylic vs Silicone Bong: Key Differences to Consider
The acrylic vs silicone bong comparison is an interesting one. Personally, we think they solve the same types of problems and make great alternatives to our glass bongs for sale when you want something cheaper, simpler, and less stressful to use in group settings or on the go.
But, there are subtle differences between acrylic bongs and silicone bongs you need to know.
Durability and Drop Resistance
Both materials handle drops far better than glass. Acrylic is tough and impact-resistant. Silicone bends and absorbs shock better, though, as it’s a flexible material. It’s less prone to breaking than acrylic.
Portability and Storage
Again, you can’t go wrong with either material as far as on-the-go use goes. Acrylic bongs travel well because they’re lightweight and sturdy. Silicone goes further here as well, though. Many designs fold, collapse, or compress. They’re easier to pack into bags or tight spaces without worrying about damage.
This also leads to advantages as far as storage goes. You can easily fit a silicone bong in tight cupboards because it flexes. Acrylic is the same as glass in this regard as a rigid material.
Flavor Quality and Smoke Feel
The taste test is where acrylic has the edge over silicone - but it’s worth noting both fall short of glass in this aspect. Acrylic tends to let you enjoy the flavor of your flower a bit better, though.
Cleaning Style and Maintenance
Acrylic cleans quickly with gentle soap and warm water, but harsh solvents are a no-go. Silicone is forgiving. The bong can be bent, soaked, or even frozen to help loosen residue.
Design Variety and Modern Features
Most acrylic bongs are simple in design. On the other hand, you’ll find silicone in more modern designs, bold colors, novelty shapes, and hybrids with removable glass parts. It’s a little more exciting in our opinion.
The Cost Comparison
Acrylic usually costs less upfront and works well on a tight budget. Silicone is a little more expensive on paper, but we think it’s a small price to pay for the advantages it has - better durability, easier cleaning, and more unique features.
Find Your New Favorite Piece at Badass Glass!
Whether you’re leaning towards an acrylic or silicone bong, your search for your new go-to piece ends here at Badass Glass - the #1 online headshop. We might be better known for glass, but we carry some amazing silicone and acrylic pieces as well!
Everything we stock is handpicked by a trusted manufacturer and carefully inspected for quality before it ships your way. Bongs ship fast, discreetly, and carefully packaged so your order arrives in perfect condition. You’ll get hassle-free returns, too.
Whether you’re buying your first bong, replacing a backup, or upgrading to something better, you’ll find options across every size, style, and price point. From classic beakers to travel-ready silicone and tough acrylic pieces, there’s something for everyone. Shop now!
Wrapping Up Our Acrylic vs Silicone Bong Comparison
Hopefully, this acrylic vs silicone bong has left you with total clarity on what each brings to the table and which is right for you. The key takeaway is they fit similar purposes - more durable, affordable, simple pieces than glass.
You can learn more about the differences between an acrylic bong vs glass bong in our blog if you’re curious. Otherwise, it’s time you spoiled yourself with a new piece at Badass Glass. Browse the full lineup today!
Frequently asked questions
Are acrylic bongs good?
Definitely. They bring you a level of durability and affordability that glass cannot. They have their place, but you should set your expectations as far as flavor and style go. They are not going to compare to glass in that regard.
What is the difference between silicone and acrylic?
Silicone is flexible, whereas acrylic is rigid. That has implications for durability and storage.
Are silicone bongs better?
Glass still wins on flavor, but we think silicone beats acrylic on versatility.
What is the best material for a bong?
We always recommend glass for bongs or dab rigs when possible. It brings you the purest flavor and overall experience. But when it comes to portability or durability in group settings, silicone is usually the better fit than acrylic.
Is it okay to smoke out of a silicone bong?
Yes. Quality silicone bongs use food-grade materials designed to handle regular smoking safely. You can enjoy peace of mind with our handpicked lineup here at Badass Glass!
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