Bong vs Blunt: Is it Better to Smoke a Blunt or Bong?
There are so many ways to smoke, and it’s fun to have multiple options in your arsenal. But there are two methods we see compared all the time - the bong vs blunt. So when it comes to your daily driver, is it better to smoke a blunt or bong? We prefer the bong for a few reasons:
- It’s less harmful: You’re not consuming tobacco as you would with a blunt.
- It’s much easier: Rolling blunts is a skill, and even once you master it, it’s a hassle.
- It’s more enjoyable: We just prefer the feeling after a huge bong rip. You get to appreciate the flavor in a nuanced way that you never could with a blunt.
Don’t get us wrong, we’ll never turn down a nice blunt every once in a while. But we like to look at them as a treat for special occasions. Bongs are just far more practical and gentler for daily use.
You can learn more about the difference between a bong and blunt below, as we compare and contrast the two side-by-side. But when you’re done reading our blunt vs bong comparison, spoil yourself with the best selection of glass bongs for sale at Badass Glass!
Fast Facts on the Bong vs Blunt Differences
|
Factor |
Bong |
Blunt |
|
Smoke Filtration |
Water cools and filters smoke |
No filtration—direct, hot smoke |
|
Smoothness |
Smoother, less harsh on throat |
Harsh draw from tobacco wrap |
|
Flavor |
Pure herb taste with unaltered terpene profile |
A mix of flower and tobacco, not the tastiest combo |
|
Health Considerations |
No tobacco; lower irritants |
Tobacco + cannabis = more toxins |
|
Setup Time |
Quick once prepped |
Takes time to roll properly |
|
Reusability |
Reusable for years with care |
Single-use only |
|
Cost Over Time |
Higher upfront, cheaper long-term |
Low upfront, adds up over time |
Pros and Cons of Bongs
Also known as a water pipe, this smoking method filters smoke through water before it reaches your lungs. This does a few things:
- It cools the smoke for smoother, more enjoyable hits
- It prevents you from inhaling ash/debris like you might with a pipe
There are many different types of bongs, like straight tube vs beaker bongs, percolator bongs, and more. They all share the common trait of helping you get mellower, more controlled hits compared to dry-smoking methods.
Benefits of Smoking With a Bong
- Smoother Hits That Go Down Easier: Water filtration cools the smoke and traps harsh particles, so bongs are a great choice if you have a sensitive throat or lungs.
- More Potent, Efficient Delivery: You’re getting a concentrated hit of smoke directly into your lungs. It’s fast and clean. Translation: less material wasted, more consistent effects.
- Customizable Setup: Add an ash catcher to reduce mess. Use a percolator to diffuse the smoke. Pack a bigger bowl or swap to a smaller one for microdosing. You can tailor your session to your preferences every time.
- Cleaner Experience: No ash on your fingers, rolling papers, or burnt tobacco flavor. Just glass, water, and good herb.
Potential Downsides to Consider
- Not Very Portable: You’re not throwing a full-sized bong in your backpack on a hike. They’re made for home sessions. There are mini bongs in our collection, though!
- Breakable: Most bongs are glass, which means you need to treat them with care. But hey, treat your gear right and it’ll last! You can also avoid the stress and frustration of damage by getting thick, high-quality glass bongs from our online storefront.
- Maintenance Required: A clean bong makes all the difference. That means changing your water regularly and keeping your bowl and downstem clear of buildup. A bit of TLC goes a long way in enhancing the session, though, so it’s worth the work!
Overall, the upsides of bongs outweigh the drawbacks in our opinion. Smoother hits, more control, and a cleaner experience - what’s not to love? Let’s look at the other half o the bong vs blunt debate.
Pros and Cons of Blunts
Blunts are a totally different vibe from bongs. They’re made by rolling cannabis into a hollowed-out cigar wrap or using tobacco or hemp leaf wraps.
The end result is a slow-burning session that brings a little heady buzz from the nicotine in tobacco - which can be a good or bad thing depending on your preferences. Blunts are perfect for passing around in social settings, too.
That said, they’re a lot of work to learn how to roll - and even seasoned rollers will still find them to be a hassle in some cases. There’s also the tobacco side of things to consider. The truth is, blunts aren’t for everyone.
The Appeal of Blunts
- Bold Flavor Profile: Tobacco leaf wraps add a rich taste and a little extra buzz. For smokers who enjoy the combo, it’s a flavorful experience that bongs can’t replicate. But don’t expect to get the nuanced flavor you would with a bong - the tobacco leaf tends to dominate your taste buds.
- Built for Sharing: Blunts are social by design. They burn slowly, making them perfect for longer smoke sessions with friends.
- Portable: You don’t need any equipment. Just your wrap, some herb, and a grinder. It’s an all-in-one option you can take anywhere once you take the time to learn how to roll.
- No Glass, No Worry: You’ll appreciate the peace of mind that comes with a blunt if you’ve broken a bong before. No cleaning, no shatter risk - just toss the roach when you’re done.
The Many Drawbacks of Blunts
- Tobacco Content: Most blunt wraps contain tobacco, which means you’re also inhaling nicotine. That’s not ideal if you’re looking to avoid the risks of tobacco use. You can, however, find hemp wraps that are a gentler, less offensive alternative.
- No Filtration = Harsher Smoke: There’s nothing standing between you and the smoke - no water, cooling, or percolation. That makes hits from a blunt much harsher on your throat and lungs. The intense flavor and smell tends to linger a long time, too. They’re definitely not the most discreet way to smoke.
- Faster Resin Buildup in Lungs: The combination of tobacco and high heat means blunts produce more tar and resin than a properly filtered bong. This can take a toll if you regularly smoke blunts.
- Less Efficient Use of Herb: Blunts burn slowly but aren’t as efficient. You may end up using more flower for less effect, especially in group settings.
Blunts are definitely nostalgic, and we love passing one around with the right group of people from time to time. But is it better to smoke a blunt or bong in most cases? As we’ll explain in our side-by-side bong vs blunt comparison below, we think bongs are way better for daily use.
Bong vs Blunt: What’s the Difference Between Smoking a Bong and Blunt?
Choosing between a bong and a blunt isn’t just about preference. Yes, that’s an important part of it - one of these methods might be more enjoyable to you. It’s important to look at the full picture, though. Here’s all the most noteworthy differences between a bong vs blunt.h
The Actual Smoking Experience
The actual smoking experience couldn’t be more different. Bongs are smoother, cooler, and more direct. You might only need one big rip per session to get where you want to effects-wise.
The water filtration helps reduce the heat and harshness, making it easier on your throat and lungs - especially if you use a percolator or ice catcher bong. You’ll also get the full flavor experience since you’re inhaling pure herb with a lot of the impurities filtered out over water.
On the other hand, blunts burn slow and steady. You’re getting a longer session, with a strong flavor from the tobacco or hemp wrap. They’re great for social settings, but the smoke is hotter and often harsher.
There’s no filter, water, or really any way to control how smooth the hit is. You’ll also find that the flavor of your smoke resembled a mix of a cigar and joint. It’s not the ideal choice if you have some top-shelf herb and want to appreciate the full terpene profile.
The Work Upfront and Afterwards
Using a bong means keeping it clean. You’ll need to change the water regularly and clean your bowl and downstem to avoid buildup. But once it’s set up, loading a bowl takes seconds. And if you change the water every session, you won’t have much buildup to worry about.
In contrast, blunts are a huge hassle to roll. Let’s be clear - it’s very much a skill. You can expect to roll at least a handful of terrible blunts that barely burn before you get the hang of it. Even then, there’s quite a bit of work that goes into rolling a blunt:
- Emptying the cigar
- Grinding the herb
- Rolling it up
- Ensuring the perfect seal
- Keeping it burning smooth from spark to ash
There’s nothing to keep clean, but you do need to find a safe place to dispose of the roach. This isn’t always easy when you’re on the go. You’ll want to wash your hands, brush your teeth, and maybe even take a shower after smoking blunts. The smell is STRONG and it lingers.
Health Considerations
While no smoking method is 100% safe, most people agree blunts reduce your exposure to ash and plant material thanks to the water filtration. You’re avoiding tobacco and additives found in blunt wraps. That said, you’re still inhaling combusted plant matter, so it’s not risk-free.
But blunts are arguably the most harmful way to consume your herb because of that tobacco wrap. We mentioned how hemp wraps reduce this concern earlier, but traditionally speaking, blunts force you to inhale a combination of cannabis and tobacco. That’s not for everyone.
Initial and Ongoing Costs
Let’s talk monetary differences between a bong vs blunt.
There’s an upfront cost to buying a bong, but it’s a long-term investment. It’ll last you years if you’re careful with how you use it and take good care of it. You’ll need occasional cleaning products and accessories, but that’s about it.
Blunts are definitely the more affordable option - at least, up to a certain point. Every session requires a new wrap or cigarillo. That’s only a few dollars, but it adds up if you’re smoking a blunt every few days, daily, or even multiple times a day.
So, is it Better to Smoke a Blunt or Bong?
There you have it, all that you need to know about the blunt vs bong differences! So is it better to smoke a blunt or bong? Only you can answer that question for yourself. However, we feel pretty strongly in favor of the bong. It’s easy to see why:
- It delivers smoother, cooler hits
- It filters out ash and particulates
- It avoids the added risks of tobacco wraps
- It lets you enjoy the full flavor profile of your herb
- It uses your flower more efficiently, too
- It’s just plain fun to collect glass!
Whether you’re looking for a basic beaker bong, or you want big bongs or crazy bongs that make a statement, your search ends here at Badass Glass. We’ve handpicked the best pieces from the most trusted brands in the industry, and back them up with world-class service.
Take a look around our collection and see what catches your eye. See for yourself what makes bongs the better choice for your daily sessions!
Wrapping Up Our Blunt vs Bong Comparison
The key takeaway from our bong vs blunt comparison is pretty simple. Whether you chase smooth hits or just want a cleaner, more efficient way to enjoy your herb, bongs are the better long-term option.
They cool and filter your smoke, cut down on waste, and let your flower shine without tobacco wraps muddying the experience. While blunts have their charm, they come with trade-offs - ones that most smokers eventually move on from.
Our blog has similar comparison resources for the bong vs pipe, or even the nectar collector vs dab rig. But at this point, the only thing left to do is shop the best selection of bongs online at Badass Glass and find your new favorite piece. Upgrade your sessions today!