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Both offer water filtration for smoother hits, but their differences in size, portability, and functionality might make one better suited for your needs.
Picking up a new piece? A purchase like that takes an informed decision.
Bongs and bubblers are just two of the many popular pieces helping stoners achieve water filtration and smooth smoke sessions. But which one is right for you?
Let’s start with their similarities. They’re both a kind of water pipe that provides some form of basic filtration with the addition of water. But their key differences are what set them apart.
Here’s everything you need to know about bubblers vs bongs and which might suit your preferences.
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A bubbler pipe takes the classic weed pipe but incorporates a small water chamber that cools and filters smoke before you inhale. Some say they’re the best of both worlds: providing both portability through the traditional dry pipe style, but with the addition of water filtration to make it a water pipe.
Most bubblers have an integrated design where the bowl, stem, and water chamber are all connected as a single piece. Their compact size makes them great for smoking weed on the go while still getting the cooled, water-filtered hits of a regular bong.
Photo Courtesy of Burning Love
A bong is a larger water pipe that often looks like a big glass beaker. Bongs deliver smoother hits than most smoking methods thanks to maximum water filtration and a large water chamber that filters smoke as it passes through.
Bongs will usually have a removable bowl, downstem, water chamber, and mouthpiece. High-quality bongs can even offer superior filtration and smoke-cooling through things like percolators, ice catchers, and ash catchers for a more refined smoking experience.
Let’s break down the key differences between bubblers vs bongs, their unique advantages, drawbacks, and which is best for you in the long run.
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The most obvious difference between these water pipes is their size and portability:
Bubblers:
Bongs:
If you’re smoking weed on the go or prefer the stealthier path, a bubbler’s portable nature offers a significant advantage over the typically bulky bong.
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When it comes to cooling and filtering smoke, bongs take the cake:
Bongs:
Bubblers:
This difference in filtration means bongs have smoother hits on the lungs and throat, especially with higher-end bongs that feature advanced percolation systems.
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Piggybacking off that second point, the size difference between both bongs and bubblers directly impacts your smoking experience:
Bongs:
Bubblers:
If you’re looking for big, smooth, lung-expanding rips, bongs typically deliver the best results.
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Since bubblers are smaller, they’re often easier to maintain. Here’s why:
Bubblers:
Bongs:
Both bongs and bubblers need some form of care and cleaning. But for those looking for a more hassle-free experience that’s less time-consuming, bubblers are your best bet.
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The final key difference between bubblers and a bong is that bongs often have customizable options and removable parts, which can be a pro or a con, depending on your preferences:
Bongs:
Bubblers:
Since bongs are so modular, they’re great for advanced smokers looking to take their sessions to the next level. They’re endlessly versatile and definitely more budget-friendly in the long run.
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Still deciding between a bubbler and a bong? That decision ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and smoking habits:
Choose a bubbler if:
Choose a bong if:
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The technique for hitting a bubbler vs a bong is pretty different. Here’s what you need to know:
Hitting a Bubbler Pipe:
Hitting a Bong:
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Still can’t decide? I don’t blame you. Luckily enough, there are hybrid devices called water bong bubblers that combine the best of both worlds:
These hybrids work well for a more bong-type smoking experience with the portability and easy maintenance of bubbler pipes.
Whichever you choose, the decision doesn’t come down to “which one’s best.” Ultimately, it’s all about personal preferences. And with this guide, you should have a clear idea of what you’re getting into well before your purchase. Happy hunting!
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