With hundreds of bong options out there, choosing the right one can feel like trying to pick your favourite strain in a dispensary full of freebies. But don’t stress — The Bong Baron is here to break it down.
Whether you're brand new to the sesh scene or levelling up from your old faithful, this guide will help you pick a bong that fits your style, budget, and smoking goals.
Start with Your Sesh Style
Before diving into glass thickness or percs, ask yourself:
How do you like to smoke?
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Quick hits at home? A straight tube or beaker bong works well.
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Smooth, cool clouds? Look for percs or ice notches.
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Travel-friendly gear? Consider silicone or a small-sized bong.
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Dabs too? You might want a hybrid rig that works for both.
- Do you need a shotty? Check out the shotty bongs range
Your lifestyle determines your bong needs — not just the price tag or hype.
What about visually though? Do you have something specific in mind, maybe purple bongs, rainbow bongs, or cute bongs?
Pick the Right Size
Bong size isn’t just about how big your lungs are. It affects everything from portability to filtration.
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Small (under 25cm): Great for solo smokers, tighter hits, or travel
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Medium (25–35cm): Balanced airflow, ideal for beginners or daily use
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Large (35cm+): Best for at-home rippers and experienced smokers chasing huge clouds
If you’re unsure, medium is the safest bet — it’s the sweet spot.
Glass, Silicone, or Acrylic?
Each material has its perks and pitfalls.
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Glass: Smoothest flavour, easy to clean, fragile. The gold standard.
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Silicone: Tough as nails, great for travel or clumsy smokers.
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Acrylic: Cheap and durable, but can affect flavour.
Want the best sesh possible? Go for borosilicate glass with a sturdy base and removable parts.
Consider Filtration Features
If you want smoother hits, look beyond basic designs.
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Ice notches let you add cubes to cool your smoke
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Percolators filter and diffuse smoke for a smoother experience
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Ash catchers keep your main chamber cleaner
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Diffused downstems break up smoke before it hits the water
- Double chamber bongs effectively double your filtration
These features don’t just look cool — they change how your bong hits.
Joint Size and Compatibility
If you're planning to use accessories like ash catchers, cone pieces, or dab nails, you'll want to know your joint size.
Most common sizes:
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14mm
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18mm
Make sure the cone piece and downstem match your bong’s joint. Getting the wrong size is like trying to fit a square peg in a round sesh.
Ease of Cleaning
Don’t overlook this. A filthy bong tastes rank and hits harsh — and if it’s hard to clean, you’ll be less likely to do it.
Look for:
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Removable parts
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Wide openings
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Simple shapes
Avoid complicated multi-chamber setups unless you’re ready to clean them properly.
Your Budget
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great bong — but a $20 no-name pipe probably won’t last the month.
Here’s a rough price breakdown:
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Under $50: Entry-level acrylics and small glass bongs
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$50–$100: Reliable mid-size glass, often with basic features
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$100+: High-end glass, Aussie-made bongs, percs, and accessories
Set your budget, then find the best quality you can get within it.
Final Tip: Buy from a Trusted Aussie Shop
The last thing you want is a dodgy drop-shipped bong that arrives cracked or covered in weird branding. Always buy from a store that:
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Has clear sizing and material info
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Offers customer support
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Provides discreet shipping
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Actually knows what they’re selling
Hint: You’re already in the right place.
Conclusion: Know What You’re Smoking From
Choosing the right bong comes down to your lifestyle, preferences, and a few key decisions. Don’t just pick the prettiest piece — pick the one that makes every sesh smoother, cleaner, and more enjoyable.
Still exploring your options?
Head back to The Ultimate Bong Buying Guide to compare types, sizes, and features.
