Is a Percolator Bong Better Than a Bong?
"A Perc Bong? WTF is that", you may be asking yourself in a stoned haze as you take another hit off your stale, old gross bong. If you’ve been browsing for a new bong and stumbled upon those high-tech-looking ones with gadgets inside, you’re probably asking the same question many smokers do: Is a percolator bong better than a regular bong?
Grab a bowl or a blunt and get comfy – we’re about to clear the air (literally). In this guide, we’ll compare percolator bongs to standard bongs in a fun, easy-to-digest way. By the end, you’ll know which bong is perfect for you. Let’s spark up this conversation! 💨
P.S. Browse around our entire collection of bongs, including perc bongs and regular bongs to get an idea.
What is a Percolator Bong?
A percolator bong (often just called a perc bong) is basically a regular water bong that’s been leveled up with extra filtration devices inside. Think of a percolator as a mini bubbling filter within the bong. When you take a hit, smoke travels through the water and then through the percolator – which breaks up your smoke into tiny bubbles. (No, it’s not a coffee percolator, but it does perk things up!) These percolators come in various styles – from tree percs and honeycomb discs to showerhead and inline percs – but they all serve one main purpose: to diffuse and cool your smoke for smoother hits.
In a regular bong, smoke passes through water once. In a percolator bong, the smoke gets an extra round (or two, or three) of water filtration thanks to those perc chambers. More bubbles = more surface area contact between smoke and water = cooler, cleaner hits. It’s like giving your smoke a quick bath before it reaches your lungs, washing away some heat and harshness. This leaves you with hits that are gentler on your throat and lungs, often with richer flavor and less coughing fits. Also...watching a perc bong bubble up is oddly satisfying, especially whilst stoned as balls.
Benefits of Percolator Bongs
Why do so many seasoned stoners swear by percolator bongs? Here are the major benefits of having a bong with a perc (or two) inside:
1. Smoother, Cooler Hits: This is the big one! 😎 A percolator bong gives you smoother hits compared to a basic bong because the extra filtration cools down the smoke significantly. Instead of inhaling hot, harsh smoke that could torch your throat, you get a delightfully cool draw. All those tiny bubbles created by the perc break up the smoke and increase its contact with water, which cools and filters it. Ever hit a bong and felt like you inhaled a campfire, and coughed so hard that you literally thought you were going to die? lol. A perc helps avoid that, so you’re less likely to launch into a coughing frenzy.
2. Extra Filtration (Less Gunk & Toxins): More water contact doesn’t just cool the smoke – it also filters out more impurities. Nasty stuff like tar and ash get trapped in the water or stick to the glass instead of hitting your lungs. Think of a percolator as a mini smoke scrubber. So you get a cleaner, more pleasant taste with fewer of the toxins and particulates that a single-chamber bong might let through. It’s not exactly turning your bong into a Brita filter, but hey, every bit counts! Your smoke feels cleaner and you might notice better flavor from your bud since you’re not tasting as much harsh residue.
3. Bigger, More Comfortable Hits: Paradoxically, smoother hits can lead to bigger hits and higher HIGHS (win). Because a perc bong is gentler on the lungs, you may find you can inhale more deeply or take larger rips without feeling like your chest is on fire. While a percolator doesn’t add THC or make your weed more potent, it allows you to comfortably take in more smoke. That can result in a more intense effect simply because you’re inhaling more cannabinoids in one go. In other words, a perc bong can get you “higher” faster only because you’re not tapping out early from coughing. For those who love milking a bong to get a fat cloud, a perc helps you do it without the ouch.
4. Cool Aesthetic & Fun Experience: Let’s admit it – percolator bongs just look cool. 😍 There’s something hypnotic about watching smoke snake through a maze of chambers, bubbling like a witch’s cauldron. If it’s a swirling spiral perc or a fancy tree percolator, it adds some ZAZZ to your sesh. It’s also a conversation piece; your friends might go “whoa, what is that thing?!” as you whip out your fancy perc piece. Smoking becomes a bit more of an experience and a show. The cool factor might not affect the smoke itself, but enjoying your gear is part of the fun. If you want to be the envy of your circle, a sleek perc bong could do the trick (and earn you some cool bong owner cred).
5. Great for Long Sessions: If you’re the type who enjoys long smoke marathons or group seshes, a percolator bong can be a lifesaver. Regular bongs do filter smoke through water, but as that single chamber water heats up over repeated hits, it becomes less effective at cooling – eventually sending hotter smoke your way. A perc bong adds an extra cooling stage, which helps keep those rips smooth even as the base water warms up over time. This is one reason heavy hitters and sharing circles often prefer percs: you can keep ripping without as much throat irritation as the night goes on. Essentially, percs bring stamina to your bong – keeping it cooler and comfier for back-to-back bowls.
Want to browse high-quality options? Check out our full Percolator Bongs collection for the smoothest gear we carry.”
Downsides of Percolator Bongs
So, are percolator bongs all rainbows and unicorn sh*t? Not exactly. Let’s go over some drawbacks of percolator bongs. Even the chillest bong has a few downsides:
1. Harder to Clean: This is the biggest complaint you’ll hear about perc bongs. All those intricate slits, holes, and extra chambers that make your smoke so smooth? Yeah, they're also a massive b*tch to clean and LOVE to collect resin and gunk. 😖 Cleaning a basic bong (just a bowl, downstem, and chamber) is relatively easy – shake some isopropyl alcohol and salt around and you’re golden. But cleaning a percolator bong can feel like performing surgery on a tiny bong person (google it, they exist...). Resin can hide inside the perc where brushes and Q-tips barely reach. You might need special cleaning tools or to soak it longer. It’s doable, for sure (hot water, alcohol, and patience are your friends), but it’s more time-consuming. If you’re the type who hates cleaning anything, know that a perc bong demands a bit more TLC to keep it pristine. Neglect it, and you’ll have a funky-tasting bong with clogged percs – yuck, eww...what the f*ck? No one wants to hit that sh*t fam.
2. More Delicate (More Things to Break): Bongs are generally breakable (glass ain’t steel, after all), but percolator bongs have extra delicate bits. Those glass tree arms or honeycomb discs can crack or snap if the bong takes a tumble or during aggressive cleaning. A simpler bong has fewer parts that can break. With a perc bong, one clumsy move or hard tap while cleaning and you might chip your perc. Higher quality perc bongs use strong borosilicate glass to minimize this risk, but it’s something to consider. Durability goes down as complexity goes up. If you’re clumsy or tend to bump your bong around, a multi-perc piece might not be the best match (or get a silicone perc bong, which exists – durability plus diffusion!).
3. Higher Cost: All that engineering inside comes at a price. 💸 Percolator bongs are usually more expensive than comparable regular bongs. They require more glasswork, more precision in manufacturing, and often use extra material. You can certainly find affordable perc bongs, but the very cheap ones might have low-quality glass or poorly made percs. Generally, expect to spend a bit more for a good perc bong that’s both effective and sturdy. If you’re on a tight budget, a plain bong might get you more bang for your buck, whereas a perc bong is an investment in smoother hits. Only you can decide if the upgrade is worth the cash, but it’s a factor to weigh.
4. More Drag (Need Stronger Pull): Drag refers to how hard you have to inhale to clear the chamber. Each percolator you add creates a bit of resistance – the smoke has to navigate through water and holes, after all. A single perc adds a tiny bit of drag that most folks barely notice. But stack multiple percs, or use certain designs, and you might feel like you’re sucking a milkshake through a coffee stirrer. 🥤 Too much drag makes it hard to rip the bong quickly or fully clear the smoke. High-quality designs aim to minimize this (for example, inline or matrix percolators are designed for smooth airflow). Still, if you’re used to the effortless pull of a basic bong, a perc bong can feel different. It’s usually a fair trade-off for cooler smoke, but smokers with smaller lung capacity or those who want instant, big airflow might not love the added resistance. It’s a balancing act: more filtration = slightly more work to inhale. In most cases, the smoothness is worth it, but heavy multi-perc bongs can definitely test your lung power.
5. Trickier Setup & Water Levels: Filling and using a percolator bong can require a pinch more know-how. A simple bong, you just pour in water until it covers the downstem – done. A perc bong? You often have to ensure each perc chamber has the correct amount of water. Too little and it won’t bubble; too much and you might get splashback (bleh, bong water in the mouth 🤢). If your bong has two or three percs, you’ll be adding water in stages, maybe tilting the bong to get the upper perc filled. It’s not rocket science, but it does take a minute of patience. Also, you’ll want to change the water more frequently – more percs mean the water dirties up faster (all that extra filtration, remember?). So maintenance during sessions (like refreshing water) might be a bit more involved. In short, perc bongs aren’t grab-and-go; they need proper setup for best performance.
6. Diminishing Returns with Too Many Percs: If one perc is good, are three percs amazing? Not always. There can be too much of a good thing. Some mega-bongs stack three, four, or even five percolators. They look insane (some NASA looking sh*t), but functionally, it can become overkill. With each additional perc, you get cooler smoke but also more drag and more chance of uneven performance. Sometimes, with many percs, the top perc might not even fire (bubble) properly because the drag from the bottom ones is too high or the pressure doesn’t distribute evenly. You might end up shaking the bong trying to get all chambers to bubble uniformly.
So while a double perc bong can be awesome, going for the Perc Bong World Championship isn’t always better. Many users find that 1-2 percolators is the sweet spot: plenty smooth, but still good airflow. Beyond that, the complexity might outweigh the benefit. It’s something to keep in mind when choosing your piece – bigger looks wild, but practicality matters for an everyday smoker.
Despite these downsides, don’t think percolator bongs are divas that aren’t worth the hassle. Millions of smokers gladly accept a little extra maintenance for the comfort of cooler hits. It’s about what you prioritize. Next, let’s shine a light on our trusty old friend: the classic standard bong. Why do some people stick to basics?
Standard Bongs: Still Worth It?
Regular bongs – the simple beaker or straight tube styles with a single water chamber – have been around for centuries (actually though, ancient bong artifacts exist. Our ancestors were getting faded into oblivion too). They must be doing something right. So, are these standard bongs still worth your love in the age of percolators and high-tech glass? Absolutely YES – for many smokers, a classic bong hits the sweet spot. Here’s why the OG bong design isn’t going anywhere:
Simplicity & Ease of Use: A standard bong is as straightforward as it gets. One chamber, one downstem, one bowl. Fewer parts, zero fuss. You can set it up in seconds: pour some water in, pack the bowl, and you’re ready to rip. This simplicity is golden, especially if you’re new to bongs or just want a quick, no-nonsense smoke. There’s less that can go wrong in use – no worrying about whether each perc has water or if you’re pulling right. For the “grab and smoke” kind of toker, a basic bong is perfect.
Easy to Clean & Maintain: Fewer nooks and crannies mean cleaning is a breeze (well, as breezy as bong cleaning gets). You don’t have to strategize how to get resin out of a tiny tree arm – you can typically reach or shake-clean every part of a simple bong without much drama. This means you’re more likely to keep it clean, which in turn means better-tasting sessions consistently. Also, with a straightforward piece, there are usually less residual odors when it’s well-cleaned. If you’re someone who dreads bong cleaning day, a plain bong will be your pal.
Affordable Options: Standard bongs tend to be more budget-friendly. You can find a quality glass bong at a fraction of the price of an elaborate percolator rig. For beginners or anyone trying to save some cash, you can get a affordable bong that still delivers solid hits. At Blaze Boutique we even have an entire range of cheap bongs under $50 for the thrifty smokers. Lower cost also means if you (knock on wood) accidentally break it, it’s not as heartbreaking or wallet-breaking to replace. In contrast, shattering a $200 triple perc monster might make a grown man cry like a b*tch.
Durability: A simple beaker bong or straight tube typically has thicker glass and fewer fragile bits. This makes them generally more durable for daily use. If you’re the type who might take your bong outdoors, to a friend’s place, or just worry about accidents, a no-perc bong is a safer bet. Less complexity = less risk of an “ahh f*ck!” moment. (You should still treat any glass bong like a baby, but standard ones are a bit more forgiving of minor bumps.)
Classic Heavy Hits: Some veteran smokers actually prefer the slightly harsher, more direct hit of a basic bong. Why? It delivers that classic punchy hit that they associate with getting ripped. A regular bong hit can feel “heavier” or more robust, because you aren’t cooling and diluting the smoke as much. If you’re someone who loves the intense sensation of a warm bong rip hitting your lungs (followed by that big exhale “ahhh, that’s the stuff”), a standard bong provides it. It’s a no-frills, full-flavor experience. You can also get huge rips faster – since there’s less drag, you can clear a chamber in a snap and take in a lot of smoke very quickly. Just be ready... it might leave you coughing, but for some, that’s part of the ride! Don't be a p*ssy.
Upgradeable Simplicity: Just because it’s a basic bong doesn’t mean you can’t pimp it out a bit. Many standard bongs have features like ice catchers (pinched necks where you can drop ice cubes to cool the smoke) or diffused downstems (slitted downstems that act like a mini-perc). These add-ons can approach some of the smoothness of percolators without complicating the bong too much. You can also attach external accessories like an ash catcher (which is essentially a perc in an external chamber) to a simple bong to add filtration only when you want it. This modular approach gives you flexibility – smooth hits when you crave them, simplicity when you don’t. It’s the best of both worlds.
In short, standard bongs absolutely still have a place in the cannabis world. From ease and cost to that nostalgic “just a bong and my bud” vibe, they’re a reliable choice. Many connoisseurs keep both a regular bong AND a perc bong in their collection, using each for different moods and occasions.
Check out our massive collection of ALL Bongs 👉
When to Choose a Percolator Bong vs. a Regular Bong
So, how do you decide which type of bong is better for you? It really comes down to your personal preferences, smoking habits, and what you value most in a sesh. Here are some pointers to help you choose percolator bong vs regular bong:
Choose a Percolator Bong if...
1. Smoothness is Your Top Priority: If you absolutely hate coughing or have sensitive lungs/throat, a perc bong will be your best friend. It’s ideal for folks who want cool, gentle inhales every time. Medical users or casual smokers who can’t handle harsh smoke often find percolator bongs much more comfortable.
2. You Love Bong Innovation: Let’s face it, percolator bongs are for the gadget geeks of the weed world. 😜 If you’re fascinated by glass engineering, diffusion, and you enjoy the ritual of smoking as much as the result, you’ll appreciate a perc bong. The visual of bubbling chambers and the knowledge that you have a more advanced piece can enhance your enjoyment.
3. Long Sessions or Sharing are Common: Do you frequently have marathon smoke sessions or smoke in groups? A perc bong is great for keeping hits smooth over time. You’ll appreciate that second level of cooling when the party is on bowl number five. It also impresses your friends and gives everyone a smoother ride, even as the bong water heats up.
4. You Don’t Mind Maintenance: Be honest – are you okay with cleaning your gear regularly and thoroughly? If yes, then a perc bong’s cleaning needs won’t scare you off. For those who treat their glass like a prized possession and clean it on the regular, the perc’s upkeep is just another step in the process (and a small price for smooth hits). If you’re lazy about cleaning... well, skip to the next section. 😉
5. You Have a Bit More Budget: Willing to invest in a quality piece? If you have the funds to splurge a little, a high-quality percolator bong can seriously upgrade your smoking life. And with good care, it can last years. It’s like buying a luxury tool for your hobby – if you’re passionate about smoking, many find it worth every penny.
6. Example Scenario: You’re a daily smoker who values a buttery-smooth hit and hates any throat burn. You often smoke with your roommate and friends on weekends. You’re fine cleaning your bong every week. In this case, choosing a perc bong (maybe a reliable design like a showerhead or tree perc) will likely make you very happy. You’ll get silky hits and be the “cool bong friend” in your circle.
Choose a Standard Bong if...
1. You Value Simplicity: If you want a piece that’s straightforward with no learning curve, a regular bong is the way to go. This is especially true for beginners. There’s less to figure out, and it’s a great way to learn how to use a bong without any extra variables. Also, if you often find yourself smoking while a little... out of it 😵, a simple bong is harder to mess up (no one wants to accidentally suck up bong water because they forgot to fill the perc, ew).
2. Ease of Cleaning is a Must: Not into the idea of fiddling with detailed cleaning? A basic bong will keep your life easier. Quick rinse, a shake with cleaner, and done – no multiple chambers to worry about. If you’re the type who knows you’ll procrastinate on cleaning, fewer percs means the bong will still function decently even if it’s a tad dirty (whereas a dirty perc can clog up bad).
3. Limited Budget: Maybe you’re a student or just not looking to drop a lot of coin on a smoking device. You can get a fantastic standard bong for much less than a perc bong. Budget shoppers or those who’d rather spend money on quality herb instead of fancy glass will often go the classic route. And that’s perfectly valid – at the end of the day, a $40 bong can get you just as baked as a $200 bong, if you’re okay with a bit more throat bite.
4. You’re Hard on Your Gear: If you know you might knock your bong over, travel with it, or you just want something durable for camping trips or outdoor adventures, a simple acrylic or thick-glass bong is a safer bet. Fewer parts, less risk. There are even silicone bongs for the ultra-clumsy (they bounce, not break!). A sturdy beaker you can rely on might serve you better than a delicate art-piece perc bong if you live a rambunctious lifestyle.
5. You Like Classic Hits: Some smokers are purists – they want the unfiltered smoke flavor and don’t mind (or even like) a bit of bite. If you chase that intense hit and immediate rush, a regular bong gives it to you straight-up. Also, for quick sessions (one-hit-and-done style), a basic bong delivers quick results with minimal setup. You can drop in ice cubes for some cooling without changing the fundamental straightforward nature of the piece.
6. Example Scenario: You’re an occasional smoker – maybe a few times a month – and you just want a reliable bong that’s easy to stash, easy to use, and doesn’t break the bank. You’re not as concerned about the smoothest hit ever, you just want to get the job done when you’re in the mood to relax. A standard glass bong like a solid beaker or straight shooter will serve you perfectly. You’ll get nice water filtration to take the edge off your smoke, but nothing overcomplicated. Plus, when your stoner buddy who always breaks things comes over, you won’t be sweating bullets over your pricey glassware. 😅
Final Verdict: Which Bong is Better for You?
Alright, moment of truth: Is a percolator bong better than a regular bong? The answer is… it depends on you! 🙌 (Bet you saw that coming.) In the grand scheme, neither is “universally better” – they each have their own strengths. A percolator bong can be better if you crave ultra-smooth hits and are willing to invest a bit more care and cash. Meanwhile, a classic bong might be better for those who value simplicity, affordability, and ease of use.
Think of it like choosing between a sports car and a trusty sedan. The sports car (percolator bong) offers a premium, high-performance ride (super silky hits) but needs more maintenance and careful handling. The sedan (standard bong) is reliable, straightforward, and gets you from 0 to 100 real quick (hits hard), even if it’s not as fancy or smooth. Both will get you high as tits, but the journey differs.
Our advice: If possible, try both types in your lifetime as a smoker. Many enthusiasts end up owning one of each for different moods. Waking up with a scratchy throat? Break out the perc bong for a chill wake-and-bake. Feeling old-school or on the go? Grab the simple bong for a quick puff.
No matter which you choose, the good news is Blaze Boutique has you covered with all kinds of bongs. Ready to elevate your smoking experience? Head over to our Glass Bongs collection to browse hundreds of options. We’ve got everything from heavy-duty classics like the Silk Glass beaker (for the no-fuss folks) to advanced percolator beasts like the Karma tree-perc bong (for the smooth-hit connoisseurs). Every piece in our shop is hand-picked to ensure you get great quality – whether it’s a basic bong or a tricked-out perc monster, we want you to have an awesome sesh. 🎉
Ready to find your perfect bong? Don’t settle for harsh smoke or a subpar piece. Treat yourself to a bong that fits your vibe. 🔥 Explore our bong selection today – and may your hits be smooth, your clouds be milky, and your vibes be ever chill. Happy toking, motherf*ckers! 💨
