Best Beginner Bong: Our Advice on Buying Your First Bong
Your search for the best beginner bong ends here at Badass Glass. We’re so excited to help you pick your first glass bong, whether you’re looking to go all-out with an intricate percolator bong or you just want an unbreakable bong that you don’t have to stress about.
Discover the key criteria you need to keep in mind while shopping for your starter bong. Then, we’ll introduce you to the most popular types of bongs and a handful of our personal favorites when someone asks us for a recommendation on the best bong for beginners.
What to Look For in a Starter Bong
This quick buyer’s guide shows you what separates the best bong for beginners from the rest.
Glass vs Other Materials
This is probably the most important decision you’ll make in shopping for the best bong for beginners - glass, silicone, or acrylic. Those are the big three, and each has its place.
Personally, we prefer glass bongs to every other material out there. It’s the classic choice for a reason - it doesn’t mess with the flavor of your smoke whatsoever, and it’s the easiest to clean as well. There’s just a certain vibe that glass art brings to the session, too.
The trade-off, of course, is that glass is fragile. There’s nothing worse than shattering your prized possession and ruining the sesh before it even gets going. Everyone does it, though, so try not to stress about it. The other consideration is cost. Good glass isn’t cheap.
That’s why a lot of people are told the best beginner bong is actually made from either silicone or acrylic. Silicone bongs are great if you want something you can be clumsy with and not have to worry. They travel really well, too. A lot of hybrid pieces have glass components for the best of both worlds.
Acrylic bongs are a good middle-ground between glass and silicone. They’re typically more affordable and super durable, which makes them perfect for beginners. The catch? You can’t always see smoke building up in the chamber, so it’s hard to know how big a rip you’re taking. That’s obviously not a good thing for beginners who are trying to find the sweet spot!
Size Matters!
A mini bong is easier to handle and perfect for taking on the go if you ever want to travel with your piece. We usually tell first-timers to buy a smaller bong, something in the 12” to 16” range.
On the other hand, a big bong holds more water which might help cool the smoke more before it gets to your throat and lungs. This means smoother hits, but it might feel a bit bulkier for beginners. Bigger bongs also cost more.
Ice Pinches, Percolators, and Other Cool Features
Ice pinches are exactly what they sound like - little notches in the main chamber of the bong that hold ice, cooling your smoke down before it gets to your lungs. Not a non-negotiable feature, but most bongs have them anyway.
Percolators are like magic filters that make your hits smoother. There are different kinds, like tree, honeycomb, or spiral. Each one works a bit differently. As a beginner, you want something that filters the smoke without being too complicated.
Think About Cleaning
One word of advice we always give people shopping for the best beginner bong is to think about how easy it is to clean. Recyclers and complicated perc designs are super cool-looking. But they can be a nightmare to keep clean.
Speaking of cleaning, you need to plan on maintaining your piece on a regular basis because it gets gunked up really fast, and that can mess with the flavor of your smoke. It also stinks!
Choosing the Best Beginner Bong
So you know what to look for - great. Now, it’s just a matter of figuring out which type of bong makes the most sense for you as a newcomer to the smoking game. There are just three styles you’ll want to choose from.
Why We Tell First-Timers to Buy a Beaker Bong
9/10 times, we point first-timers towards beaker bongs. Reason being, it’s nearly impossible to tip over the wide base - so you’re less likely to have an accident. This style also holds way more water than other designs, so you get better filtration and cooler rips.
Plus, this is just the classic shape that everyone envisions when they think of a bong. It’s a perfect starting point for what could be a fun, deep collection!
What About Straight Tube Bongs?
You could make the case for the straight tube shape being the best beginner bong if you need something a little more compact and don’t consider yourself to be particularly clumsy. They hit a little punchier, which is a totally different experience from the beaker bong style.
Although they have less water in them, they do have percolators in many cases to offset the loss of filtration. You can learn more about the straight tube vs beaker bong in our blog.
More Captivating Recyclers and Incyclers
It’s natural to feel drawn towards incycler and recycler pieces. They’re super cool-looking, and they look even cooler while you’re hitting them!
But they’re really complex, which means more places for glass to break. And a more intensive cleaning process. We’re not saying this isn’t the best bong for beginners, just that you need to know the trade-offs going in.
Find the Best Bong for Beginners Today!
Enough background information. You should have everything you need to head out there and find your starter bong at this point. But if you want a personalized recommendation on the best beginner bong, you honestly can’t go wrong with any of these pieces below.
8" Mini Beaker Bong by Diamond Glass
We’ve spent a lot of time getting to know the 8-Inch Beaker Bong by Diamond Glass, and honestly, it’s one of those rare finds that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without. It’s easy to clean, a breeze to use, and tough enough to handle whatever you throw at it.
It’s ideal for beginners who want an easy yet effective filtration system. The built-in ice catcher lets you chill your hits as well. Just toss in a few ice cubes and you’re all set for a session that’s as cool as it is enjoyable. And with the included funnel bowl, you’re ready to go right out of the box.
8 Arm Straight Shot by Diamond Glass
This beauty is built for those who want a bong that’s as tough as they are. This bong is made from 5mm thick borosilicate glass; the entire body, right down to the intricate 8-arm percolator, is built to withstand the usual wear and tear – no need to baby this one.
Those 8 arms aren’t just for show either. They're individually welded to the base, giving them even more strength and stability.
Know what the best part is? You can get this gorgeous piece shipped to your door with FREE shipping. Plus, it’s backed by our 100% money-back guarantee, so there’s no reason not to give it a try
Waxmaid Horn Silicone Glass Bong
We've had the chance to put the Waxmaid Horn Silicone Glass Bong through its paces, and we can confidently say it’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy their sessions without the fear of shattering glass.
One of our favorite features is how the glass still shines through the silicone. As you draw, you can watch the chamber fill with smoke, making for an exciting experience that adds to the ritual of smoking.
In terms of functionality, this piece is equipped with a 14mm female joint and comes with a silicone downstem and glass bowl, providing everything you need right out of the box.
Double Matrix Water Pipe By Diamond Glass
We’ve had our hands on this beauty, and we can confidently say it’s designed for those who appreciate both aesthetics and performance.
This bong features a dual matrix perc system. Imagine inhaling through a piece where your smoke is filtered through thousands of tiny bubbles, all thanks to the intricate design of two matrix percolators.
You don't have to worry about the size. We guarantee that the Double Matrix will arrive at your doorstep safe and sound. There's even a FREE discreet shipping offer that'll put your mind at rest.
Frequently asked questions
Is smoking a bong good for beginners?
Yes, even though there are more moving pieces, you get cooler hits that don’t feel as harsh.
What bong gives the smoothest hits for beginners?
A smaller beaker bong with percolators and ice catchers is probably the best starting point.
Should my first bong be a beaker or straight tube?
We recommend your starter bong be a beaker style piece, but you can’t go wrong either way.
How big a bong should I buy for my first piece?
Smaller is usually better, but there are pieces in the middle-of-the-road if you want something a little bigger. Just don’t buy a 2-foot-tall piece for your first bong.
Does a beginner really need percolators in their bong?
Not necessarily, but they’re a really cool feature to have - especially if you want maximum filtration.
How much should I pay for my first bong?
Only you can decide what you’re comfortable spending, but we have bongs starting at $40! The best bong for beginners is whatever you can afford to buy right now.
How do I take care of my new bong?
Change the water every time you use it. Clean it with isopropyl alcohol every 3-4 sessions. Store it somewhere it’s not prone to getting knocked over.