Recycler Bong vs Percolator Bong

Whether you’re upgrading from a basic old straight tube piece or you just want your first bong to be something special, there are two great options at your disposal: a recycler bong vs percolator bong. You’ll find both in our glass bong collection at Badass Glass.

They’re honestly really different, although they share the same purpose of cooling smoke. A recycler bong is usually a lot smaller, and as the name suggests, cycles water between two chambers as you pull on it. A percolator bong features extra filtration chambers that break smoke into really tiny particles to filter out harshness.

Both are awesome. It just comes down to what you care about more. Flavor purity, effortless hits, simple maintenance, smooth rips - we’ll help you compare the percolator vs recycler bong side by side below, and introduce you to some of our favorite styles here at Badass Glass!

Recycler Bong vs Percolator Bong (Quick Comparison)

Benefits of a Recycler Bong

A recycler is super unique, and it’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular styles you’ll come across for both flower and concentrate. 

These pieces move water from one chamber to another through connecting tubes, filtering smoke over and over as you inhale. The smoke never sits still. That keeps it filtering all the way until it reaches your lungs. You get a fresh, cool rip.

The flavor quality is pretty much unparalleled, too. More of the terpenes make it to your taste buds since the smoke never sits there stale in the chamber like it would in a beaker or even a straight tube design. That’s why these pieces are so sought after for dabbing.

These pieces also eliminate splash-back, a common complaint with other types of bongs and rigs. The water stays in a never-ending loop instead of working its way up the neck and eventually touching your lips.

You can compare the incycler vs recycler side-by-side in our blog as well if you’d like. These two pieces are pretty similar but with some important nuances. In the meantime, let’s look at the other half of our recycler bong vs percolator bong comparison.

Benefits of a Percolator Bong

A percolator bong is unlike any other out there. It features built-in diffusion chambers that break smoke into smaller bubbles before you actually inhale the hit. 

It helps to think about a percolator bong vs regular setup. You get one large pocket of smoke passing through water with a normal bong. The percolator (commonly just called a “perc”) splits that wall of smoke into dozens or even hundreds of tiny bubbles, each of which has been individually cooled. Translation - better filtration, smoother rips.

You will find quite a few unique types of percolator bongs on the market. There are dozens of styles, in fact. One of the most common is the honeycomb percolator bong with flat discs, each featuring dozens of tiny holes to maximize the bubble effect. There are showerhead percs, tree percs, inline percs, matrix percs - the list goes on and on.

Percolator bongs definitely cost a bit more than their traditional counterparts. But we think they’re worth every penny when it comes to how much smoother they hit.  

Recycler Bong vs Percolator Bong: Side-by-Side Showdown

There’s truly no one-size-fits-all answer as to which is better between these styles. A lot of seasoned smokers actually have both in their collection because they’re different enough. You might use a recycler for dabs, a percolator bong for flower. Here are the defining differences.

Smoke Filtration

Both filter smoke far better than a basic bong ever could. But they go about it very differently, and that leads to different levels of smoothness on the hit.

Recyclers continuously filter smoke as water loops between chambers. Every cycle means the smoke gets cooled off further and more impurities are captured. You’re getting a clean, cool hit by the time it reaches you.

Percolator bongs obviously take a different approach, forcing smoke through diffusion devices to break it into smaller bubbles. This increases the surface area that contacts water as you hit. There are bongs with multiple perc arms, which means more points of contact with water. 

In looking at the two side-by-side, the percolator bong filters smoke better. But that filtration comes at a cost: drag.

The Drag Effect

Drag speaks to how much resistance you feel when you inhale. In other words, how hard it is to clear the bong and finish your hit. More filtration is great for smoother rips, but it also increases drag. That’s one of the complaints with a percolator bong, especially as they get dirty and those tiny holes get clogged. You have to hit them really hard. 

In contrast, recyclers tend to pull low and consistent because the water cycling creates a natural airflow path through the chambers. It doesn’t feel like you’re straining your lungs to get a massive, milky rip. 

Now, the type of percolator in your bong matters when it comes to drag. So does the number of percolators. A honeycomb disc with 20+ holes can be tough to clear. An inline perc with fewer slits pulls easier.

This is the tradeoff to come to terms with. Do you want maximum filtration or easier hits?

Flavor Preservation

The other important nuance in comparing a recycler bong vs percolator bong is flavor preservation. Yes, any bong is going to deliver better flavor than a joint or pipe. But not all bongs are made equal in this sense.

Just as a percolator bong adds drag, it can impact the purity of your flavor. It almost “dulls” the nuanced notes, so it’s harder to appreciate unique cultivars. That’s because some amount of terpenes is captured in the filtration process. The percs filter out some of the good with the bad.

That’s why recyclers are the go-to for flavor chasers. Whether it’s flower or concentrate, these pieces let you appreciate every nuanced note from a given strain. This one isn’t particularly close in comparing the recycler bong vs percolator bong. 

Cost Comparison

It depends on where you’re shopping and what exactly you’re buying. In general, though, recyclers cost less - albeit more than your average bong. They’re true works of art, with their super-complex dual-chamber design and connecting tubes. This takes a lot more skill and time for the glassblower. 

Percolator bongs aren’t that much more expensive. But adding those percs is a challenge in its own right. It depends on the type of perc and how many are within the piece. You can find great deals on either style here at Badass Glass.  

Cleaning Challenges

Both of these types of pieces are a bit more work to keep clean than the average straight tube or beaker bong. That’s because there are just more nooks and crannies for resin to build up in.

This goes back to the type of percolator in a bong, though. Honeycomb discs are relatively simple to soak clean. Tree percs with thin arms are more delicate and can be harder to fully clear out.

On the other hand, recyclers are tricky no matter what because the tubes connecting the chambers create tight spaces that are tough to reach with a brush. You need to clean more frequently so that resin can’t form as strong a bond with the glass. 

Either way, care for your piece and it’ll reward you with tasty, clean rips for years to come!

Which is Right For You?

We hope you feel confident choosing between a recycler bong vs percolator bong at this point. Remember, both are awesome - and you can probably find room in your collection for both. You can just start with one, though, based on what you care about more:

• Go with a recycler if you care about flavor purity above all else. These are the better fit for anyone who dabs, too. 
• Get a percolator bong if you take massive flower rips and want them to feel as smooth as possible. You should have a stronger lung capacity to clear the piece. 

You can always ask our customer service team here at Badass Glass which style better suits how you smoke. We’ll point you in the right direction and can even help you find the right specific piece! 

Choosing the Right Bong at Badass Glass

Narrowing it down between a percolator vs recycler bong is just step one. Then you have to think about the other things that matter in your new piece.

Sizing

Think about where you'll be using it most. At home or on the go? Obviously, taller pieces are cooler and hit smoother since smoke has more time to cool down. But they’re not as practical in terms of storage and portability. 

Features

There are more features in bongs beyond percolators. Some have built-in ice-pinches for extra cooling, which we absolutely love. Other than that, narrow it down to a specific type of percolator if you’ve decided to go that route. Whether you want the classic honeycomb, a tree perc bong, an inline perc bong, or anything in between, you’ll find it at Badass Glass. 

Cost

Set a budget before you start browsing and stick to it. This way, you won’t fall in love with a piece outside of what you’re willing to pay. 

Just know you get what you pay for more of the time, and whether you prefer a recycler bong vs percolator bong, these aren’t “cheap” styles. Our most affordable recyclers start at around $50, while our entry-level perc bongs are nearly $70.

Parting Thoughts on the Percolator vs Recycler Bong Comparison

There's no wrong answer in the recycler bong vs percolator bong decision. Take a look around at Badass Glass and see what catches your eye now that you understand the differences. We’re confident you won’t go home empty-handed!

Frequently asked questions

Are recycler bongs better than regular bongs?

For concentrates and flavor? Definitely. They are super artsy and cool-looking, too, which is part of the appeal. 

Are bongs with percolators better?

They definitely filter water better than your average bong. But that filtration comes at the cost of flavor purity and drag. You’ll have to decide what matters most to you in a piece. 

Are there recyclers WITH percolators?

Yes, but they’re pretty rare. Recyclers don’t have a ton of room for percs. They filter through cycling water between chambers, which is enough for most people already. 

Why does the type of percolator matter? 

They create different levels of diffusion (and drag). The tree percolator vs honeycomb percolator matchup alone shows how much the type can change your session. Be sure to weigh your options before buying.