Tree Percolator vs Honeycomb Percolator

The tree percolator vs honeycomb percolator comparison is really common, as these are two of the most popular types of percs you’ll find in a percolator bong. 

There is tons of overlap in the end result - super smooth rips and awesome function. But there’s way more differences than meet the eye at first, as we’ll show you in this tree perc vs honeycomb perc breakdown:

• Tree percs have multiple glass arms with slits to create a bunch of small bubble streams. There’s usually less airflow, and cleaning is less of a hassle - but this comes at the cost of durability.
• Honeycomb percs are flat discs with many holes that create a dense wall of tiny bubbles. They tend to create more resistance, and they’re harder to clean. But they’re sturdier since the disc is usually protected within the chamber.

Learn more about the two styles below, and take a look at our collection of glass bongs for sale at Badass Glass. We have bongs with both types of percs from the best brands in the game, so you can go home with a heady piece today no matter your preferences! Find the perfect honeycomb percolator bong or tree perc bong today.

Tree Percolator vs Honeycomb Percolator (Fast Facts)

How a Tree Percolator Works

This type of percolator sits inside the bong chamber with multiple glass arms branching outward, each arm cut with small slits. You’ll see anywhere from 4 to 64+ arms in the piece.

Smoke travels down into these arms as you pull, breaking particles into several streams of bubbles at once. Spreading out the diffusion this way cools the smoke down fast, so even massive rips are easier on the throat and lungs.

Tree percs are popular in medium to large bongs because there’s more room for them and the extra space inside the chamber lets them breathe. It also keeps the pull feeling open.

You get strong diffusion without choking the airflow. That’s the biggest benefit of this design. It feels “airy” compared to denser designs. They also look super cool-looking in action. Bubbles fire out evenly from each arm.

There are of course trade-offs, like with any perc. Those thin arms can be super fragile if a piece is bumped or dropped. Resin can build up in the slits if you don’t clean regularly. But, that’s a small price to pay for the benefits these bring to a bong. 

How a Honeycomb Percolator Works

Honeycomb percs are just what they sound like - a flat glass disc set inside the bong, drilled with dozens of tiny holes. Smoke passes through the disc where it’s forced through all of those holes at once, breaking into a dense sheet of small bubbles. 

That high bubble count cools the smoke fast for an enjoyable hit, every time. Honeycomb percs are usually stacked or paired with other percs because their flat shape fits evenly into different chamber designs.

Consistency is the big draw with this type of perc compared to other styles. Every pull feels the same, with smooth diffusion across the entire disc instead of coming from a few concentrated points. They’re more protected than arm-style percs, so there’s less risk of damage.

So what’s the catch? There are two main downsides. First, the tiny holes can clog faster if you let residue build up, so regular cleaning matters. Honeycomb percs can also add a bit more resistance to the pull, especially when stacked. Those with lower lung capacity could have trouble clearing the chamber with this type of perc. 

Tree Percolator vs Honeycomb Percolator: Side-by-Side Comparison 

Choosing between a tree perc vs honeycomb perc is one of those things where you really can’t lose. These are two of the best types of percs you’ll find in our glass bongs for sale. So, what are the differences between a tree percolator vs honeycomb that actually matter?

Airflow Feel and Pull Resistance

Any percolator is going to add resistance to the hit, which is the biggest difference between a tree perc vs honeycomb perc. Tree percolators feel more open when you pull. The smoke moves through several arms at once, so resistance is lower. 

Honeycomb percolators feel tighter by comparison. The pull is more controlled and deliberate, especially if the piece uses stacked honeycombs, which some people like and others find to be too much of a hassle.

Bubble Spread and Smoke Distribution

You can actually see the bubbles in a tree perc as they come from distinct points, and the function is so fun to watch as you or a friend rips the bong.

In contrast, honeycomb percs spread smoke evenly across the entire disc. You’ll just see a uniform sheet of bubbles. It looks really consistent from edge to edge, but could be considered a little less “exciting” than a tree perc’s function.

Consistency From Hit to Hit

Honeycomb percolators are extremely predictable. Each hit feels nearly identical as long as the piece is clean. 

Tree percs can feel slightly different depending on water level and how evenly the arms fire. Some people like that because it feels more responsive and you get a little more control over the smoking experience. But it can also cause some guesswork and inconsistency.

Durability in Everyday Use

Tree percs are more delicate because the arms are thin. All it takes is one hard drop or bump to end the piece. You can’t really do anything to fix the issue once a perc is broken. 

Honeycomb percs are usually sturdier since the disc sits protected inside the chamber. They’re usually a safer option for shared spaces or frequent handling. Neither style is one you should share with your clumsy friends or take out of the house unless you’re prepared for the risks.

Cleaning Needs

Any percolator bong is going to come with extra cleaning challenges. This is one of the biggest differences between a tree percolator vs honeycomb percolator, though - how MUCH extra effort it takes to keep the piece clean.

Tree percs need a bit more patience because residue builds up in the arms and slits. Honeycomb percs have a simpler shape, but the small holes clog faster if you let things get dirty. 

Either way, regular rinsing makes a big difference in how each one performs long-term. The more often you clean/replace the water in your piece, the less work it takes. 

Which is the Better Percolator, Tree or Honeycomb?

Like in comparing a nectar collector vs dab rig or even a dab rig vs bubbler, one isn’t inherently “better” than the other. Each has its pros and cons, and it all comes down to how you like to smoke. 

Do you want something easier to clear that’s less of a hassle to clean? You’re probably better off with a bong that uses tree percs. On the other hand, honeycomb percs are better if you have the lung capacity to clear them and you want something more durable. 

You might even find bongs that have both types of percolators in them! And remember, these are just two of the many types of percolators you’ll come across in the glass world. 

Other Types of Percolators

The inline perc bong is also very common. These percs consist of a horizontal tube with slits that fire bubbles sideways, giving a smooth pull without much drag. 

Showerhead percs spread smoke evenly through a circular base. Matrix and turbine-style percs focus on tight diffusion with a steady draw, while recycler setups keep smoke moving continuously for cooler hits.

Each style tweaks airflow and cooling in its own way, which is why percolator choice often comes down to how open or controlled you want the pull to feel. 

We have all these different options in one place for you to compare side-by-side at Badass Glass. This is your one-stop shop for the latest and greatest glass from your favorite brands, ranging from Diamond to Bougie. Everything in our catalog is handpicked for function, style, and durability, so you can trust you’re getting the quality you deserve.

Orders ship fast from our Southern California warehouse, packed securely and ready to use. Whether you’re dialing in smoothness or chasing a specific pull, shop Badass Glass and grab a perc bong that delivers exactly what you’re after.

Final Words on Our Tree Perc vs Honeycomb Perc Comparison

That concludes our tree percolator vs honeycomb percolator comparison. It all comes down to how you like your hits to feel - open and airy or tight and ultra-diffused.

Tree percs bring a livelier pull with smoother clears, while honeycomb percs deliver consistent, controlled cooling every time. Both do their job well, just in different ways. 

You can learn more about a percolator bong vs regular in our blog if you’re still not sure which style suits your preferences as a smoker. But no matter what you’re looking for, you can rest assured that all the different types of dab rigs and bongs are a click away at Badass Glass. 

Shop our full perc lineup now and upgrade your sessions with glass that hits how you want!