Thick Bongs

The Ultimate Guide to Thick Bongs: Features, Benefits, and Buyer’s Guide

Thick glass bongs provide an ultra-smooth hit thanks to added water volume and smoke diffusion. These bongs tend to be sturdier and stand upright on their own compared to skinny designs. Top brands craft high-quality thick bongs with premium percolators and artistic glassblowing techniques.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about thick bongs. You’ll learn:

• Key features and benefits of thick bongs
• Different types of thick bong percolators
• How to choose the right size thick bong
• Factors that impact thick bong quality and pricing
• Step-by-step instructions for using any thick bong
• Cleaning and maintenance tips
• Reviews of the top 10 best thick bongs on the market
• Answers to frequently asked questions about thick glass water bongs

By the end, you’ll feel confident selecting the perfect thick bong to elevate your smoking sessions. So let’s get started!

Key Features and Benefits of Thick Bongs

Thick bongs, as the name suggests, feature noticeably thicker glass than standard bongs. But what does this thickness provide? Here are the standout benefits and capabilities you gain:

Excellent Filtration and Smoke Cooling

Thick glass allows for larger tubes, chambers, and percolators. This equates to increased water volume and more diffusion for the smoke to pass through before inhalation. The end result is phenomenally cool, smooth hits that are very easy on the lungs.

Robust Durability

The thick glass construction makes these bongs far less fragile. They resist damage from small bumps and drops that would shatter thinner pieces. Thick bongs also tend to have a flat, weighted base that prevents tipping.

Ability to Stand Unsupported

Related to their stability, quality thick bongs sit upright on their own without support. The flat base and centered mass prevent leaning or falling over. This gives you one less thing to worry about during your smoking sessions.

Large Smoke Capacity

Thick tubes accommodate stacking very large amounts of smoke before clearing a hit. This allows for enormous rips. Bongs with thick straight tubes in particular excel at this.

Perc Filtration and Diffusion

Thick joints and chambers allow for more complex percolators and diffusers than slim bongs permit. This additional smoke conditioning smooths each rip.

Artistic Appeal

Thick borosilicate glass holds brilliant color pigments and enables stunning artistic techniques like electroforming. Thick bongs become true showpiece centerpieces.

As you can see, thick glass bongs have distinct advantages over standard thinner bongs. Next, let’s examine the most popular perc styles used in quality thick water pipes.

Types of Thick Bong Percolators

Percolators (or percs) are chambers within bongs designed to diffuse and filter smoke through water before inhalation. More diffusion equals a smoother hit. There are various perc styles and combinations, but these are among the most common found in thick bongs:

Tree Perc

Tree percs feature stacked rods forming ‘branches’ that finely divide smoke bubbles for max diffusion. Widely used for high filtration.

Honeycomb Perc

Honeycomb percs have a grid of small holes for seriously smooth hits. However, they require frequent cleaning to avoid clogging.

Showerhead Perc

As the name implies, showerhead percs contain many small openings to divide smoke into a smooth ‘shower’ of tiny bubbles.

Disk Perc

Disk percs have slits cut into flat circular disks suspended in the bong. These provide excellent filtration while avoiding clogging.

Triple Pillar Perc

Triple pillar percs use 3-5 vertical rods to split bubbles into numerous smaller streams for smooth hits with great drag resistance.

Stereo Matrix Perc

Stereo matrix percs incorporate vertical rods inside stacked honeycomb grids for multi-stage smoke conditioning. Provides ultra-smooth hits.

Upline Perc

Upline percs direct smoke flow in a zig-zag pattern using stepped descending columns to achieve lower drag and superb filtration.

Choosing a thick bong with any of these popular percolator styles will ensure excellent diffusion for smooth, cool smoking. Combining multiple percs creates even more smoke conditioning at the cost of drag. Now let’s examine how to select the ideal size thick bong for your needs.

How to Choose the Right Size Thick Bong

Thick bongs come in a wide range of sizes, tubes, and chamber configurations. Key factors that determine the optimal size include:

Draw Resistance

Larger bongs provide less drag and easier pulls. But excessively large sizes lose flavor and defeat lung expansion. Find the sweet spot based on your drag preference.

Smoke Volume

Do you take giant rips or prefer average hits? Oversized thick bongs allow massive smoke capacity for huge hits. But smaller bongs waste less smoke for smaller draws.

Portability

Massive thick bongs clearly aren’t highly portable. If you want to travel with your piece, aim for shorter heights around 12” maximum.

Stability

Wider base diameters and low center of gravity provide the most stability. But excess width takes up space. Consider your available storage area.

Hits Required

More percolators and diffusers require pulling harder. If you smoke continuously and take lots of hits, minimize drag with fewer large percs.

Maintenance

Larger thick bongs with more percs accumulate more resin and require more cleaning. Weigh simplicity vs. filtration.

Consider all these factors, then choose the shortest bong with the least percolation that still provides your ideal smoothness and air flow. This balances performance and practicality. Now let’s examine how quality and price differ among thick bong options on the market.

Factors Impacting Thick Glass Bong Quality and Pricing

Like most products, you get what you pay for when buying a thick bong. Avoid the cheapest options, as quality suffers. But the most expensive pieces often add diminishing returns and extraneous accessories. Here are key considerations:

Blowing Technique

Top brands hand make bongs using masterful glassblowing skills. Opt for handmade over cheap machine-made or imported pieces.

Glass Thickness

Higher priced bongs feature 5mm+ glass rather than 3-4mm. This adds durability but also weight. Find the right balance for your needs.

Filtration

More percolators add filtration and cost. Consider only what’s needed for smoothness, not excessive filtration that sacrifices pull.

Brand Name

Established American glass artists command higher pricing than no-name suppliers. Skill warrants moderate premiums.

Style & Artistry

Intricate shaping, contouring, logos, and techniques like electroplating justify somewhat higher pricing for aesthetic appeal. But avoid overpaying just for visual flair.

Size

Larger and more complex bongs cost more to craft due to increased glass, water, time, and skill required. But large size alone shouldn’t multiply pricing.

Accessories

Add-ons like ash catchers, nails, and vapor domes add convenience at a price. Determine value vs. doing without accessories.

Local Supply

Buying from local vs. online retailers means paying more. Consider browsing locally to inspect, then price comparing with online options to maximize value.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can identify fair pricing aligned with true bong quality and features. Now let’s walk through the complete thick bong usage process.

How to Use Any Thick Bong

Using a thick bong is very straightforward once you understand the anatomy and function of the components. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1 – Fill the Bong with Filtered Water

• Remove the bowl piece and downstem if still attached
• Pour fresh, filtered water directly into the bong tube or through the joint
• Fill until water covers the slits of the perc/downstem but does not overflow when inserted

Step 2 – Pack the Bowl with Dry Herb

• Grind your chosen dry herb (cannabis, tobacco, etc.) to a fluffy consistency
• Load the ground material into the bowl piece, gently tamping down
• Be sure the herb extends slightly above the bowl rim for airflow
• Repack between hits to maintain bowl integrity

Step 3 – Configure the Carb Cap (If Present)

• Carb caps sit on or attach to the mouthpiece during hits
• Close cap airflow when lighting the bowl, then open to clear
• Open cap between hits to allow air circulation

Step 4 – Light the Bowl and Inhale

• Hold a flame to the packed bowl while inhaling slowly to ignite material
• Drawing air pulls flame into the bowl; light until cherried
• Inhale until lungs reach 80-90% capacity, or your personal limit
• Be sure to keep the flame moving to avoid scorching glass

Step 5 – Clear the Bong

• Once lungs reach capacity, stop inhaling and remove flame
• Exhale a small amount then quickly reseal lips on mouthpiece, restricting airflow
• Inhale rapidly to stack and clear remaining smoke into your lungs
• Repeat lighting, inhaling, and clearing for additional hits

Step 6 – Change Water Regularly

• Replace bong water every few sessions at minimum
• Rinse with clean water between changes to reduce resin

Repeat this process while refilling bowls for a smooth, pleasant smoking experience from your thick bong. Next, let’s go over proper cleaning procedures.

How to Clean Thick Glass Bongs

Regular cleaning maintains your thick bong’s filtering performance and appearance. Follow these steps:

Quick Rinses

• Rinse with clean water after each smoking session to prevent resin accumulation

Deep Cleans

• Disassemble all parts fully including the bowl, downstem, and perc
• Submerge the bong in isopropyl alcohol or cleaning solution
• Plug openings and shake vigorously to loosen residue
• Scrub interior tubes and percs with a bong brush
• Rinse thoroughly with hot water to eliminate all solvents

Formula 420 Cleaner

• An effective commercial bong cleaning solution many smokers prefer
• Reduce scrubbing thanks to powerful active ingredients
• Contains salt as an abrasive and citric acid to break down buildup
• Rinse thoroughly as Formula 420 can impart aftertaste if residue remains

Prevention Tips

• Change bong water frequently, at minimum every 2 days
• Use a splash guard or screen in the bowl to block debris
• Buy an ash catcher attachment to accumulate ash before the bong

Proper cleaning enhances your thick bong’s filtering and cooling while also preventing bacteria or mold buildup. Now let’s highlight the top thick bong options available on the market this year.

Top 10 Best Thick Glass Bongs of 2023

1. TAG Glass Thick Beaker Bong

Specs

• 10mm thick glass
• Curved beaker base
• Fixed downstem
• Ice pinch
• 14mm joint
• 9” height

TAG Glass is famous for its super thick, ultra-durable bongs that stand upright on their own. This beaker bong model has a brilliant sunset fade color scheme. With 10mm glass thickness, triple the standard, it provides amazing durability. The beaker base and fixed downstem deliver excellent filtration and water volume for smooth hits. It’s also quite stable thanks to the flat curved bottom.

2. Zion Glass Gallery Spiral Perc Bong

Specs

• 17” height
• Curved beaker base
• Propeller spinner perc
• Colored glass spiral mouthpiece
• 14mm joint
• Made in the USA

This stunning functional thick bong by Zion combines gorgeous aesthetics with superb performance. The spiral propeller perc creates a vortex of water and smoke for ultra-smooth hits. A vibrant colored mouthpiece is worked into the 17” blue tinted glass tube. And the curved beaker base provides great stability. Made from 5mm borosilicate glass, this is built to last.

3. Black Leaf Triple Honeycomb Bong

Specs

• Fixed downstem
• Triple honeycomb percs
• Ice catcher
• 14mm joint
• Beaker base
• 16” height

Black Leaf’s triple honeycomb percolator bong provides seriously smooth hits thanks to its highly effective smoke filtration system. Three stacked honeycomb disks provide multiple diffusion stages. An integrated ice catcher gives you the option to cool smoke even more. At 16 inches high with a fixed downstem, it has excellent water volume for filtration but remains portable.

4. LA Pipes Fumed Thick Water Pipe

Specs

• Hand blown 5mm glass
• Fumed color glass mouthpiece
• Splash guard
• Single fixed downstem
• Flat flared base
• 18” height

LA Pipes is a top glass bong brand known for beautifully functional pieces like this fumed bong. The hand blown 5mm extra thick glass ensures this is basically indestructible. A fumed color mouthpiece provides aesthetic appeal. The simple single downstem design generates enormous hits. And the flat base keeps it upright. At 18 inches, it’s designed for showstopping performance.

5. GRAV Labs Spiral Bong

Specs

• 5mm thick glass
• Spiral styling
• Circular spinning splash guard
• Fixed downstem
• Wide base
• 16” height

For those wanting next-level smoke filtration, GRAV’s Spiral Bong with splash guard is a stellar choice. The distinctive coiled shape contains a glass screen that spins during hits. This dynamic motion helps vaporize full bowls faster while stopping debris. With 5mm glass, spiral styling, a fixed downstem, and carb hole, it has everything needed for smooth sessions.

6. Diamond Glass Gold Label Triple Disc Perc Bong

Specs

• Triple disc percs
• 9mm thick glass
• Colored rim accents
• Fixed downstem
• Curved beaker base
• 18” height

Diamond Glass makes this 9mm extra thick gold label beaker bong for the ultimate luxury smoking experience. Three stacked disc percs deliver industry-leading filtration. Vibrant colored glass rings accent the rim. With a fixed downstem, curved beaker base, and 18 inch height, hits are incredibly smooth while maintaining stability. The unprecedented 9mm thickness guarantees this bong lasts forever.

7. AMG Glass Deck Perc Bong

Specs

• Deck disc perc
• Drainage carb hole
• Heavy weighted flat base
• Thick straight tube
• Ice catcher
• 19” height

AMG Glass nails elite perc performance in this straight tube deck perc bong. The single deck disc perc generates bubbles for smooth filtration without drag. A drainage carb hole prevents flooding. At 19 inches with an ice catcher and extraordinarily stable flat base, this delivers unwavering big hits along with great filtration. Made from ultra thick glass for life.

8. Hitman Glass Mini Beaker Bong

Specs

• Compact 8″ height
• Fixed downstem
• Stylish Hitman logo
• Thick glass
• Curved beaker base
• 14mm joint

Hitman Glass specializes in smaller yet mighty thick glass bongs like this 8 inch mini beaker bong. Shorter height keeps vapor concentrated while the beaker base provides stability. Made with 5mm glass, it’s damage resistant. The Hitman logo looks brilliant against the black glass. With thick glass surrounding a fixed downstem, it generates impressively smooth small hits – ideal for travel and portability.

9. Zob Mini Straight Cyclone Water Pipe

Specs

• Zob signature cyclone perc
• Mini 7” inches tall
• Thick stable base
• Fixed downstem
• 14mm joint
• Made in the USA

Zob Glass nails powerful filtration in a compact 7 inch water pipe with their signature cyclone spiral perc. The mini height makes this thick bong easy to use and transport. An angle-cut fixed downstem feeds the cyclone perc for serious vortex diffusion. Shorter air path concentrates flavor. An extra stable weighted base supports the straight tube design. Made from 5mm borosilicate glass in California.

10. Illadelph Triple Disc Perc Beaker Bong

Specs

• Triple fritted disc percs
• Fixed downstem
• Illadelph signature styling
• Weighted curved beaker base
• 11mm extra thick glass

The legendary Illadelph brand changed the bong game with extra thick glass. This triple disc beaker bong has extraordinary 11mm thickness making it practically bulletproof. Three fritted percolator discs deliver supremely smooth hits. As an authentic Illadelph piece, it boasts flawless craftsmanship and gorgeous styling in quality American glass. The beaker base adds water volume and stability. A luxury yet rugged thick bong built to last.

This covers the top thick glass bong options available in 2023. All feature excellent filtration, durability, style, and performance perfect for any smoker. Next let’s answer some frequently asked questions about thick bongs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thick Bongs

Are thick bongs better?

Thick bongs are generally superior to thin bongs due to their durability, percolation capabilities, drag resistance, and smooth hits. However, moderate bong thickness around 4-5mm offers the best blend of advantages without excessive weight or fragility.

How thick should a bong be?

5mm is the recommended minimum glass thickness for a quality thick bong. Any thinner risks breaking easily. The thickest bongs reach 10-12mm but become overly heavy. Ideal all-around thickness is 5-7mm.

Do thicker bongs hit smoother?

Yes, thicker bongs allow for more water volume, larger percs, and greater smoke diffusion which all contribute to a smoother hit. Thick glass can hold smoother rips than thin glass.

Are thick bongs harder to break?

Absolutely. Thick borosilicate glass bongs with 5mm+ walls can withstand much more impact force and temperature extremes before fracturing or shattering compared to thin cheap bongs. Durability is a major upside to thick glass.

Do thicker bongs get you higher?

Thicker bongs themselves don’t get you higher directly. However, by being able to take larger, smoother hits without discomfort you can potentially inhale more THC vapor which results in greater effects.

How do you clean a thick glass bong?

Use isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt to scrub interior tubes. Shake vigorously then rinse thoroughly with hot water to eliminate any solvent residue. Repeat regularly for fresh, smooth hits. Change the bong water frequently.

Can thick bongs go in the dishwasher?

No, never put a glass bong in the dishwasher. The hot water and force can fracture glass and cause damage. Always hand wash bongs gently with isopropyl alcohol instead. Avoid temperature shocks.

Where are thick bongs made?

Most quality thick glass bongs are handmade in the United States by talented glass artists. Brands like Illadelph, Zob, TAG, Diamond Glass, and Zion are top USA thick bong manufacturers.

How much do thick bongs cost?

Thick bongs range from $80 to well over $500. Under $150 features imported mass-produced bongs, while USA handmade start around $200. Top designer brands charge up to $800+ for exotic very thick luxury bongs.

As you can see, thick bongs provide a super smooth and durable smoking experience that justifies the moderate additional investment over thin options.

Experience the Thick Glass Bong Difference

Thick bongs represent a smart investment for any dry herb smoker looking to elevate their sessions. The thicker glass enables more advanced percolators, increased durability, and smoother hits than typical thin pipes.

Whether you seek a compact mini bong or towering statement piece, there’s a thick glass water pipe perfect for you. Just be sure to avoid the cheapest models and opt for American handmade quality.

Today’s innovations in glassblowing allow creating functional art that looks gorgeous while also filtering smoke to refreshing perfection. Treat yourself to those ultra-smooth hits you deserve with one of the outstanding thick bong options covered here. Your lungs will thank you!