‍Materials 

While there’s a multitude of materials that can be used to craft water bongs, there are a few materials that stand out due to their quality, aesthetic, and functionality. While glass may be one of the most popular materials used to make water bongs, bamboo is a great unbreakable eco-friendly material that has been used to craft water bongs for centuries. Acrylic, silicone, ceramic, water bottles, and plastic can also all be used to make water bongs.

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Glass

The quality and general durability of glass bongs makes them a first choice for many, especially for those looking for a customized bong. Whether you’re looking for a bong that fits your smoking needs exactly or for one that stands out from the crowd, glass can be a great choice, although somewhat delicate in nature. Thus, glass bongs are an ideal option for those who don’t plan to travel with their piece. Although the thickness of higher-end glass such as borosilicate glass is heat-resistant, any form of glass bong is apt to potential breakage. For this reason, glass bongs are best accompanied by a padded case to protect them. Some will use mats on tables underneath their bongs to protect them as well. 

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Bamboo

Bamboo is the ideal material for a water bong for those looking for an all-around piece that’s eco-friendly, aesthetic, and unbreakable. The craftsmanship involved in making a bamboo bong includes selecting the best and strongest piece of bamboo. For this reason, bamboo bongs can outlive glass bongs due to the strength and longevity of bamboo stalks! Unlike most other bongs, bamboo bongs tend to develop a distinctive and earthy flavor profile. Many people enjoy this experience in the same way that they’d enjoy an aged wood pipe. This flavor enhances the smoking experience and is just one of many reasons why bamboo bongs are a premier type of bong. The Katana bamboo bong outshines other bamboo water bongs on the market due to its craftsmanship and portability. 

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Acrylic

While not as commonly used to make water bongs, making an acrylic water bong is a simpler process than making a glass water bong as it doesn’t require high temperatures and specialized glass-blowing equipment. Functionality-wise, an acrylic bong can meet all your smoking needs if cared for properly. Similarly to any other type of bong, it’s important to regularly clean your bong with a natural method such as lemon juice or with isopropyl alcohol. Acrylic bongs are light, stiff, and durable, but they likely won’t offer the same cooling effects that a glass bong would. However, if you’re looking for a bong that is customizable and unique, an acrylic bong may be a good fit for you.

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Silicone

Silicone bongs are popular due to their flexibility, durability, and affordability. Most silicone water bongs are made of food-grade silicone and come with a metal bowl and downstem, however, it's always important to check that the silicone is food-grade. As a portable alternative to glass bongs, silicone bongs can withstand drops and thus make for an ideal packable and foldable bong for on-the-go. While not as smooth and as functional as bamboo bongs, silicone bongs are dishwasher-safe and foldable so they offer an ideal option for someone who needs to pack their water bong up small. They are typically cost-efficient and also come in a wide array of colors and designs.

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Ceramic

Ceramic bongs are known for their durability, visual appeal, and functionality. They’re a traditional and stylish option for smoking enthusiasts and are often praised for their ability to offer a pure taste and a smooth smoking experience. Frequently hand-crafted, ceramic bongs are often thought to be a work of art as well as a smoking device. They can be designed in a bunch of shapes, sizes, and colors, and can handle high temperatures in the same manner that bamboo and glass bongs can. 

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Water Bottles and Plastic

Typically found at an affordable or even DIY price point, water bottles and plastic make for a functional yet affordable bong. Plastic bongs, which refers to bongs made of materials such as acrylic or polyethylene, are found online, in smoke shops, and even on Amazon. They come in a wide range of colors and designs and are often mass-manufactured and thus sit at a lower price point. While plastic bongs can be portable and a great option for beginners, most dry herb enthusiasts will find that they prefer bamboo or glass as an everyday bong option. However, if you’re feeling crafty or you find yourself traveling without your typical water bong, a plastic water bottle can make a bong if you’re able to find at least tinfoil and a pen or pencil. 

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