Bongs

This bong buying guide breaks down what you need to know before buying online, from how bongs work and how to care for them to what sets MJ Arsenal’s premium glass pipes apart.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your smoking journey, every word below is for you!

A bong, often called a water pipe, is a smoking device that pulls smoke through water before it reaches your lungs. That water step matters. It cools the smoke, filters out some of the harsher particles, and helps deliver a smoother, more consistent hit compared to dry pipes.

There are plenty of bong styles out there. You’ll see glass bongs, beaker bongs, straight tube bongs, silicone bongs, and compact designs built for everyday setups. You’ll also come across versions made from acrylic, bamboo, or ceramic. Each material gets the job done differently, but not all of them deliver the same experience over time.

Glass bongs are the most popular for a reason. They preserve flavor, are easy to clean, and don’t interfere with airflow or taste. That’s why MJ Arsenal exclusively deals in borosilicate glass bongs. This type of glass is designed to handle heat and regular use while keeping the function tight and predictable. With basic care, a well-made, durable glass bong can stay in rotation for years.

If you’re looking for smoother pulls, better flavor, and a setup that feels intentional, an MJA glass bong is hard to beat.

Using a bong is an excellent way to enjoy your smokeables. And while the process is pretty straightforward, even for beginners, getting that delactably smooth hit takes a bit of practice.

Here’s the rundown:

Add Water

Trust us: You don’t want to forget this step.

Water is what cools and cleans the smoke as you inhale, turning your hits from hot and harsh to smooth and flavorful. Hitting a bong without water is like drinking coffee straight from the pot. Both rituals work better when the temperature’s right.

Adding bong water is an essential part of the process, but it's not as easy as it sounds.

When filling your bong with water, make sure the water level is just right. Too little water and the smoke won't be filtered properly. Too much water and it can spill out from the bottom of the bong (you might even get a mouthful of dirty bong water).

A few tips?

• Always start with a clean bong.
• Use distilled water for the best taste. If you only have tap water on hand, filter it first.
• Change your bong water after every session.
• Test the draw before taking a hit. You may need to add or empty water until you get a perfect balance.

Larger bongs will inevitably need more water than small bongs.

Straight tube bongs and water pipe bongs usually require less water, while glass bongs and ice bongs call for more. Dab rigs use the least water of all because they are designed for concentrates instead of dry herbs.

Once you find the right amount of water for your bong, you'll be ready to enjoy your smoking experience.

Add Smokeables

Got the perfect amount of water in your chamber? It’s now time to add your smokeables!

This is what determines the flavor and intensity of your first bong hit.

For a traditional bowl piece, you'll need to add a smoking material, such as flower or herb. If you were to use concentrates, you would need a dab nail, as that would allow you to properly melt down and smoke them without any dribbling into your water chamber. Find quality dab accessories from MJA.

If it’s your first time using a bong, keep these things in mind:

• Grinding your material before packing helps it burn evenly and lets the water do its job, filtering nicely.
• Make sure you don't add too much material, or it won't filter properly.
• Leave a little room at the top of the bowl to help air flow smoothly. This improves flavor payoff and makes hits easier on your throat.

Light Up!

Now that you've got your smokeables and bong set up, it's time to light up!

To light your bong, start by filling the beaker with water, then place the glass bowl into the downstem and add your smokeables.

Next, light the herb in the bowl and slowly draw the smoke up through the chamber. As you inhale, the smoke will start to bubble up through the water. With a little practice, you'll be a bong-smoking master in no time!

If you’re searching for your next best everyday hitter, MJ Arsenal is here to deliver. No matter which type of bong you choose, you’ll never have to worry about quality.

Our borosilicate glass is highly durable and designed to last for the long haul. Customers also rave about how portable, stylish, and easy to use our high-quality bongs are. These little gems are the perfect movie accessory, hot date to a party, or much-needed reward for surviving another workday.

Whether you're an experienced bong user or a novice, take a look at MJ Arsenal's lineup of high-quality glass bongs and find the one that speaks to you.

Cache

As one of our most popular glass bongs, the Cache features:

• Ultra-durable borosilicate glass
• Easy-to-use design
• An 18 mm joint and a 14 mm bowl
• Compatibility with other glass accessories and pieces
• Built-in diffused downstem
• 6.5-inch height for easy transport and storage
• Fits comfortably in the palm of your hand
• Wide base for accessibility

The pipe is:

• Suitable for a variety of smokers, from beginners to experienced users
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Affordable and effective at $59

It includes:

• Cache Mini Water Pipe
• 10mm Cache Bowl
• Cork

Iridescent Cache – Limited Edition

Our limited edition pearlescent bong has:

• A stunning iridescent electroplated borosilicate finish
• A shifting colorway that changes from every angle
• $61 steal of a price
• Short time on the shelves (once it’s gone, it’s gone)

Saturn

Looking for an out-of-this-world smoking experience? Or perhaps even a little aesthetic magic with your sesh?

The Saturn glass bong offers:

• High-end borosilicate glass
• A donut-like ring blown through the center of this mini rig
• 5-inch tall waterpipe with a 14.4mm joint size
• On-the-go hits
• An inverted inline perc
• Removable bowl for easy cleaning and maintenance
• A diffused downstem female bong stem that pulls from the center of the glass-blown ring
• An affordable price tag of $99
• Superior smoke filtration capabilities
• Ergonomic and straightforward design

The Saturn includes:

• Saturn Mini Water Pipe
• 10mm Flower Bowl

Iridescent Saturn – Limited Edition

Our Saturn bong also comes in a mesmerizing iridescent color, worthy of the galactic experience it will take you on.

This limited edition mini pipe has:

• Iridescent electroplated borosilicate finish
• Color-shifting magic that glows like liquid stardust
• ~7 inches in height
• Low cost of $101

Gold Saturn – Limited Edition

We see smooth hits (and even smoother highs) on the horizon.

For a more regal experience, you can try the Gold Saturn Mini Pipe, which has:

• Our most coveted Electroplated Gold glass
• A unique, donut-shaped ring
• Distinctive filtration system for flavor-filled puffs
• A wide base for spill-free sessions
• Compact, portable size
• A $101 price tag

Palisade

Who says your bong can’t also be a statement piece? Plus, the Palisade pulls so smoothly that even beginners will feel like pros using it!

This sophisticated bong features:

• Premium borosilicate glass construction
• Milled black walnut accents
• Removable parts for fast, easy cleaning
• A filter that delivers exceptional flavor
• Modular design

The Palisade includes:

• Palisade Bong
• 14mm Flower Bowl

Hippie Hitter

Elevate your sessions with a piece that looks great, feels great, and performs even better. The Hippie Hitter delivers style and substance in every pull.

You’ll get:

• 100% Borosilicate glass
• LED puck with remote-controlled illumination
• Silicone base for storage and stability
• Universal 14mm connection for your preferred smoking accessories
• Expert craftsmanship in one cutting-edge flower piece
• Smooth hits and good vibes
• Ridiculously good price at $89

This MJA fan favorite includes:

• Hippie Hitter Bong
• 14mm Flower Bowl

Summit

The Summit Bong is built for cooler, smoother draws and everyday performance, all in a clean, stable package that’s easy to use and even easier to enjoy.

Here are just a few of its features:

• Strong borosilicate glass
• Powerful water filtration for flavorful draws
• Exquisite design for elevated smoke sessions
• Beaker base for steady use each time you light up
• Straight tube for reliable airflow and easy cleaning

This mini bong includes:

• Summit Bong
• 14mm Flower Bowl

Widowmaker

Celebrate in style with MJ Arsenal’s 8th Annual Limited Edition Widowmaker bong! Put the finishing touch on your Halloween costume or enjoy a scary movie night in with this truly one-of-a-kind piece.

What you should know before buying:

• Handmade with sturdy borosilicate glass
• Striking spiderweb bowl for Halloween hits
• Fully functional spider perc
• Built-in ice catcher
• Limited availability (grab it while you can!)
• Easy to clean
• Straightforward design for consistent pulls every time

This limited edition mini bong includes:

• 1 x 8th Annual Limited Edition Widowmaker Bong
• 1 x 8th Annual Limited Edition Spiderweb Bowl (14mm)

Starter Mini Water Pipe Bundle Pack

What’s included:

• Our highly adored Cache Bong (Valued at $59)
• 45 Degree Full Weld Quartz (Valued at $24)
• Bubble Carb Cap (Valed at $12)
• MJA Mini Dab Rig Tool (Valued at $7)

The pack is valued at $102, but you can get all these products in a bundle for $102!

Staff’s Pick Mini Water Pipe Bundle Pack

A seriously rad bundle pack featuring favorites hand-picked by the MJ Arsenal staff.

What’s included:

• Our most-loved Cache Bong (Valued at $59)
• 45 Degree Full Weld Quartz (Valued at $24)
• Spinner Carb Cap (Valued at $18)
• MJA Mini Dab Rig Tool (Valued at $7)
• Quartz Terp Pearls (Valued at $10)

All the items in this pack are valued at $118, but you can bundle them for $108 before taxes!

Premium Mini Water Pipe Bundle Pack

If you’re seeking the ultimate smoking experience, MJA’s premium bundle pack is a must-try!

What’s included:

• Saturn Bong (Valued at $99)
• 45 Degree Full Weld Quartz (Valued at $24)
• Spinner Carb Cap (Valued at $18)
• MJA Mini Dab Rig Tool (Valued at $7)
• Ruby Terp Pearls (Valued at $10)

This bundle pack is originally valued at $158, but you can get all these items together for $158!

Build Your Own Water Pipe Bundle Pack

For a totally custom experience, MJA offers a build-your-own bundle pack!

This model allows you to choose between:

• 7 awesome water bongs

• Saturn
• Cache
• Hippie
• Palisade
• Summit
• Spire
• Nexus

You’ll also get a drawstring pouch and, depending on your water pipe selection, a carousel of different flower bowl options to choose from.

What’s included:

• MJA Bong
• Drawstring Pouch
• Flower Bowl

The bundle costs between $72 and $117, depending on your choices.

What makes our bongs so popular? Aside from the obvious (seriously good hits), they’re super easy to clean. From Cache and Hippie to Palisade, every bong in our lineup is low maintenance by design, so you can focus on the fun part.

Now, keeping your bong clean and in good condition is key to a smooth, enjoyable smoking experience. Regular cleaning helps your water filtration work as intended and prevents residue buildup that can affect airflow, flavor, and overall performance.

Here are a few simple tips to keep your bong clean and working properly:

• Use a combination of isopropyl alcohol and hot water to clean your bong. This will help break down any residue from the inside and outside of the bong.
• Make sure to rinse your bong thoroughly after cleaning to remove any alcohol residue.
• Avoid using anything to force smoke through the bong, as this can damage both the glass and the water filtration system.
• Rinse your bong and change the water after every session (or daily) to keep things fresh. Perform a more thorough “deep clean” once a week using an isopropyl alcohol, salt, and water solution for best results.

Treat your investment well, and it will reward you with hype-worthy hits every time.

Filtration and percolation are two core features of glass bongs, and they play a big role in how smooth and consistent each pull feels.

Filtration is the process of pulling smoke through water, where heavier particles, such as ash and residue, are captured before they are inhaled, protecting your lungs.

Percolation focuses on breaking smoke into smaller bubbles, which cools it down and softens the draw. Together, these processes help create a cleaner, more comfortable experience compared to dry smoking methods.

Here are a few ways filtration and percolation enhance the experience:

• Create a cooler, smoother smoke that’s easier on the lungs
• Help limit unwanted residue from traveling through the chamber
• Allow you to comfortably take bigger hits
• Reduce the lingering smell of smoke compared to dry pipes
• Support more consistent performance and longevity over time

Filtration and percolation can be taken further with built-in features or add-ons like percolators, ice catchers, ice pinches, or ash catchers. These elements can improve the cooling effect and help keep the main chamber cleaner, resulting in less frequent maintenance and more predictable performance from your bong.

Have you ever wondered why bongs use water? It all comes down to filtration. Water helps trap plant material, ash, and other particles that would otherwise be pulled through the piece and inhaled.

It also cools the smoke before it reaches you, which makes each pull much smoother and more comfortable. In addition, passing smoke through water can reduce some of the heavier byproducts, resulting in a cleaner, more enjoyable hit overall.

That combination — cooling plus filtration — is why many people prefer using water pipes or bongs. Most importantly, it helps reduce the potential for harm. It doesn’t change the experience itself, just how smoothly it gets you there.

Bongs use water to filter smoke, which cools it down and makes each pull smoother. Because the smoke is less harsh, it’s easier to take fuller, more controlled hits compared to dry pipes. The water also helps capture tar, ash, and heavier particles, keeping the airflow cleaner and more consistent. Even better, the body can more easily absorb the active ingredients.

The size of the bong and the amount of water used both affect how it performs. Too much water can restrict airflow and reduce the pull. Too little water, and the smoke doesn’t get enough filtration to smooth things out.

A good rule of thumb is to fill the chamber about halfway up, just enough to submerge the bottom of the stem. This balance allows the smoke to pass cleanly through the water, keeping the draw smooth while still delivering a strong, satisfying hit.

Ice is commonly added to a bong to cool the smoke, which can make each pull feel smoother and more pleasant to inhale. Many glass bongs include an ice catcher, which is designed to hold ice cubes in place above the water line, allowing the smoke to pass over the ice before reaching the mouthpiece.

As the smoke cools inside the chamber, it tends to feel less harsh on the throat and more comfortable overall. Some people also prefer the way cooler smoke feels during longer or fuller pulls, claiming it helps you avoid cough fests.

That said, moderation matters. Using just a few ice cubes is usually enough to notice a difference. Overloading the ice catcher can make the smoke uncomfortably cold, which takes away from the experience rather than improving it.

Ice is a simple add-on, but when used sparingly, it can make a noticeable difference in how smooth a bong feels.

Choosing the right bong can feel daunting at first, especially with so many materials, shapes, and sizes available. The good news is that the “right” bong usually comes down to how you like to smoke and what you value most in a piece.

Start by thinking about four key factors: filtration, flavor, convenience, and budget. 

Filtration dictates how smooth each pull feels, while flavor can be influenced by the design of the piece and how directly the smoke travels to the mouthpiece.

You’ll also want to consider size and portability. Larger bongs typically offer more cooling and airflow, while smaller pieces are easier to handle, store, and clean. Maintenance matters too. Simpler designs are often quicker to clean and easier to keep performing well over time.

At the end of the day, the best bong is one that fits your routine, feels comfortable to use, and delivers the kind of experience you’re looking for.

Still feel stuck and need help deciding? We’ve got you. Reach out to our support team and we’ll do our best to point you in the right direction.

Yes. MJ Arsenal bongs are designed with beginners in mind, especially people who want smoother pulls without dealing with oversized or complicated setups. Compact glass designs make them easier to handle, easier to clean, and less intimidating to use compared to large, traditional bongs.

Because these bongs use water filtration, the smoke is cooled before inhalation, which helps new users ease into the experience. Intuitive airflow and simple chamber designs also mean there’s less guesswork when it comes to water levels and technique. You don’t need expert knowledge to get a good pull. Just a little practice. Fill it, pack it, and you’re good to go.

MJ Arsenal bongs are made from borosilicate glass, the same heat-resistant material used in lab equipment. That means they hold up better to daily use and temperature changes than standard glass.

Design matters too. Compact builds, balanced bases, and reinforced joints help reduce stress points that commonly lead to breaks. While no glass piece is indestructible, smart engineering makes a real difference.

With basic care, a well-made borosilicate glass percolator bong can stay in regular rotation for years.

It really comes down to filtration, size, and how smooth you want each pull to feel.

Bongs use water and a larger chamber to cool smoke more effectively. The result is smoother, more consistent pulls, especially if you prefer a relaxed, sit-down session.

Bubblers fall somewhere in between. They use water like a bong, but in a smaller, more portable form. You still get some cooling, without committing to a full-size setup.

Hand pipes keep things simple. There’s no water involved, which makes them easy to carry and easy to maintain, but the smoke is warmer and more direct.

If smoothness is the priority, bongs are the clear choice. If portability matters more, bubblers or hand pipes make sense. It’s all about how much filtration you want and how you plan to use it.