Choosing the right bong isn’t just about picking the biggest or the flashiest. It's about matching your gear to your smoking style. Whether you’re a fresh-faced rookie or a seasoned sesh lord, finding the right setup makes all the difference.
In this guide, The Bong Baron walks you through everything you need to know before buying a bong — from size and shape to materials, price points, and legal stuff. Ready to level up? Let’s rip into it.
What Makes a Bong “Good”?
What separates a good bong from a bad one? It all comes down to smoothness, durability, and usability. A good bong cools and filters your smoke well, is easy to clean, and feels right in your hands. Whether you’re after something simple or a feature-packed beast, the goal is the same: a clean, powerful hit with minimal fuss.
Some key factors:
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Airflow: Is it smooth and unrestricted?
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Filtration: Does it use percolators or diffused downstems?
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Build quality: Cheap materials crack. Quality lasts.
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Cleaning: Some bongs are a nightmare to maintain. Choose wisely.
Types of Bongs Explained
There’s no one-size-fits-all. Each type of bong has its own vibe and advantages. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular bong designs:
Beaker Bongs
These bongs have a wide, stable base and are ideal for those who want smoother, more cooled-down rips. Great for passing around without spills.
Straight Tube Bongs
Simple and fast. These deliver powerful, direct hits without much drag. If you want punchy and efficient, this is your go-to.
Percolator Bongs
Percolators add extra filtration by diffusing the smoke through water multiple times. The result? Cooler, cleaner hits — but harder to clean.
Gripper Bongs
Ergonomically shaped with indentations for your hand. They’re easy to hold and often come in old-school Aussie styles like MWP glass models.
Bubble Bongs & Recyclers
Bubble bongs are similar to beakers but rounder in shape. Recyclers keep the water moving through multiple chambers, making them popular for flavour chasers.
If you're still not sure which design matches your vibe, our guide to the different types of bongs breaks them all down by function, style, and personality.
What Size Bong is Best?
Bong size can change everything — from portability to potency. Here’s how they stack up:
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Small Bongs (Under 25cm): Easy to travel with, good for solo smokers. Less cooling but more discreet.
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Medium Bongs (25–35cm): The sweet spot. Balanced airflow, easy to store, solid hits.
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Large Bongs (35cm+): Massive clouds, maximum cooling. Best used at home — and by people with decent lung power.
Still unsure? If in doubt, go medium.
Glass vs Acrylic vs Silicone: What Should You Choose?
Your choice of material affects price, taste, durability, and cleaning ease.
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Glass: The gold standard. Clean flavour, easy to customise, fragile if dropped. Brands like MWP make solid Aussie glass bongs.
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Acrylic: Tough and affordable. Great for beginners or outdoor use, but often delivers a harsher taste.
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Silicone: Nearly indestructible and easy to clean. Ideal for festivals, camping, or the clumsy among us.
Each material has a place — choose what suits your sesh style.
Still unsure? See here: How to choose the right bong for your needs
Beginner vs Experienced Bongs
If you’re just starting out, keep it simple. No need for triple percs or ice notches. Focus on:
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Stability (beaker base)
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Basic downstem and cone piece
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Easy cleaning
For more experienced users, now’s your time to explore:
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Multiple percs or chambers
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Ice catchers
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Ash catchers and filters
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Higher-end glass and custom builds
Your skill level should match your setup. Overcomplicating things as a beginner often leads to wasted bud and harsh coughs.
Not sure where you sit on the sesh spectrum? Check out our rundown on beginner vs experienced bongs to see what features make sense for you.
Are Bongs Legal in Australia?
Short answer: Yes — with some caveats. Bongs are legal to sell and own in most Australian states as long as they are marketed for tobacco use or for use with legal herbs. Using your bong for any illegal substance means your bong is now drug paraphernalia, which is illegal. You’ll often see labels like “for herbal use only” to meet legal requirements.
Pro tip: Buy from a trusted Aussie shop that knows the rules — like The Bong Baron — and you won’t have any trouble.
Curious about what's allowed in your state? We’ve got a full post on whether bongs are legal in Australia so you don’t get caught out.
Tips for Buying Bongs Online
Shopping online is convenient, but you’ve gotta be smart about it. Here’s how to make sure you’re getting the right bong (and not a plastic disaster):
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Know your measurements: Double-check height, joint size, and cone piece compatibility.
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Read product descriptions carefully: Materials, included parts, and shipping info matter.
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Buy from trusted Aussie retailers: Avoid drop-shippers and mystery imports.
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Check for discreet shipping: No one needs to know what’s in the box.
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Look for free shipping deals: The Bong Baron offers free shipping on orders over $100.
Want to shop smart? Don’t miss our no-nonsense guide to ordering bongs online in Australia — safe, legal, and discreet.
Conclusion: Choose Your Weapon Wisely
A bong is more than just a pipe — it’s your sidekick, your ritual, your smoke-session centrepiece. The right bong can make every sesh smoother, tastier, and way more fun. Whether you’re going budget or bougie, just remember: buy smart, smoke better.
This post is part of our master guide: What Are the Different Types of Cannabis Accessories?
Now get out there and find your perfect piece.
The Bong Baron has spoken.
