There comes a point in every herb enthusiast’s life when they decide that they’re finally ready to invest in their first bong. Bongs provide unique experiences because of the fact that they utilize percolation in order to cool the smoke and filter it with water. This creates a truly pleasurable experience that’s hard to resist once you get that first taste.

There are two categories of bongs, and they are large bongs and small bongs. As you can imagine, both small and large bongs come with their unique advantages and disadvantages. So, which kind is better? Well, that really depends on your specific needs and priorities when it comes to enjoying your herb.

Need some help? No problem. We’ve created a guide to choosing between small and large bongs so that you can weigh the pros and cons and decide for yourself which one you wish to buy.

Large Bongs

A bong that’s above 1.5 feet is considered a large bong. Bongs can actually be several feet in height.

Pros

More Percolation

The larger the bong, the more percolation. This is because of the airflow that allows the type of air filtration that creates percolation. And, more percolation means a smoother, cooler and cleaner hit, so if percolation is your main priority, a large bong is probably the way to go.

Bigger Hits

It should go without saying that the larger the bong, the larger the hit, because more smoke can be created each time you fire. If big hits are what you crave, you’ll enjoy using a large bong without a doubt.

Cons

They Take Up a Lot of Space

Obviously, the larger the bong, the more space it takes up. This can be a problem if you don’t have a great place to store it. And, the more space your bong takes up, the more likely it is that you’ll accidentally knock it over, which can lead to spilled water or even broken glass.

Weaker Flavor

Larger bongs will give you slightly weakened flavor because the smoke isn’t as concentrated, and more air has filtered it. If you want a strong, complex flavor when you enjoy your herb, you might be disappointed.

More Maintenance Required

Larger bongs require more maintenance because there is more resin buildup that accumulates on the inside. And, of course, a larger bong has more surface area that needs to be cleaned. This can be a hassle as cleaning it thoroughly requires a good amount of time and effort.

More Expensive

The larger the bong, the more it’s going to cost. There’s really no way around that.

Small Bongs

A bong that’s below one and a half feet is considered a small bong. Bongs can be as small as four inches tall.

Pros

More Discreet

If you’re trying to be discreet, a small bong will suit you perfectly. Many small bongs can easily be concealed and transported.

Stronger Flavor

Smaller bongs give you a more concentrated flavor because of the ratio of air to smoke. A lot of herb enthusiasts prefer a bold, strong and clean taste, and small bongs can give you just that.

Easier to Maintain

Smaller bongs, as you can imagine, require far less maintenance than large ones. For one thing, there’s less surface area to maintain. Another thing is smaller bongs produce less residue, so you won’t need to clean them as often.

Cheaper

If you’re on a budget, a smaller bong is the way to go. It will provide you with a satisfying experience, only it will cost you less than a larger one.

Cons

Smaller Hits

Smaller bongs will give you smaller hits, because less smoke is produced due to the size of the chamber. This doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be less potent, but you will inhale less per hit.

Less Percolation

The smaller the bong, the less percolation can take place. This means your hits won’t be as smooth and cool as they would be if you were using a larger bong.

Which One is Better?

After reading through this list, you can see why there’s no “better” size when it comes to bongs. They provide two different experiences, and they have their own advantages and drawbacks. It’s up to you to ask yourself what it is that you want out of your experience, and choose your bong size wisely.

Other Things to Keep in Mind

Remember that choosing a bong size is important, but there are plenty of other factors to consider as well. For one thing, you must choose the right material. Of course, glass bongs are the most popular, mainly for aesthetic reasons, but they’re also fairly fragile, and the larger the bong, the more likely it is that it will crack at some point.

You also have to make sure that you choose a bong that’s made by a highly respected and trustworthy company. Otherwise, you won’t be able to enjoy all that this type of device has to offer, because the bong will not have been made with the highest standards in mind.

Also, you have to consider the price. You’ll likely be using your bong quite often, so you don’t want to skimp too much, as cheaper bongs are usually made with cheaper manufacturing practices. But, you don’t want to pay an arm and a leg either if your budget doesn’t really allow for it.

Lastly, once you’ve chosen the right bong size, you have to make sure that you take care of your bong regularly. Bongs need to be cleaned pretty often, with the exact frequency depending on how often you use it.

Which Bong Size Will You Choose?

Bongs can provide a seriously satisfying experience unlike any other piece of hardware out there, but it’s important that you choose your bong wisely. One of the most important decisions that you can make is whether to go with a large or a small bong. Use this guide to weigh your options and make the best decision for your individual needs.