A glass bong is a popular device for smoking herbs or tobacco, as it filters and cools the smoke through water, making it smoother and more enjoyable. However, not all bong hits are created equal, and there are some ways to improve your experience and get the most out of your bong. Here are some tips and tricks to enhance the flavor and smoothness of the smoke from a glass bong.
1. Use clean water and a clean bong
One of the most basic but important things you can do to improve your bong hits is to use fresh, clean water and a clean bong. Dirty water and residue can affect the taste and quality of your smoke, as well as harbor bacteria and mold that can be harmful to your health. You should change the water in your bong after every session, and clean your bong regularly with alcohol or vinegar and salt. A clean bong will also look nicer and last longer.
2. Try different liquids instead of water
If you want to add some extra flavor and aroma to your smoke, you can try using different liquids instead of water in your bong. Some popular alternatives are tea, juice, wine, soda, or even milk. Each liquid will have its own effects on the smoke, such as enhancing or masking the natural flavor of the herb, adding sweetness or acidity, or creating more or less bubbles. However, you should be careful not to use liquids that are too thick, sticky, or sugary, as they can clog your bong or make it harder to clean. You should also avoid liquids that are too hot or too cold, as they can damage your bong or irritate your throat.
3. Add ice cubes or a glycerin tube
Another way to cool down your smoke and make it smoother is to add ice cubes to your bong or use a glycerin tube. Ice cubes will lower the temperature of the smoke and reduce its harshness, while also creating a nice crackling sound as they melt. You can use regular ice cubes or buy special ice molds that fit your bong. However, you should be careful not to overfill your bong with ice, as it can cause water to splash into your mouth or overflow from the stem.
A glycerin tube is a special attachment that you can freeze and insert into your bong. Glycerin is a substance that can retain cold temperatures for a long time without freezing solid. A glycerin tube will cool down your smoke without adding any extra moisture or affecting the flavor. You can buy glycerin tubes online or at some head shops.
4. Use a percolator or a diffuser
A percolator or a diffuser is a device that breaks up the smoke into smaller bubbles, increasing its surface area and contact with water. This improves the filtration and cooling of the smoke, making it smoother and cleaner. A percolator is usually built into the bong itself, while a diffuser is an attachment that you can add to the downstem of your bong. There are many types of percolators and diffusers available, such as tree, showerhead, honeycomb, spiral, etc. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as airflow, drag, noise, etc. You can experiment with different ones to find what suits you best.
5. Choose high-quality herbs or tobacco
Of course, one of the most important factors that affect the flavor and smoothness of your smoke is the quality of the herbs or tobacco that you use. You should choose high-quality products that are fresh, organic, and free of pesticides, additives, or contaminants. You should also store them properly in airtight containers away from heat, light, and moisture. High-quality herbs or tobacco will have more natural flavor and aroma, as well as more potent effects.
6. Grind your herbs or tobacco finely
Another tip to improve your bong hits is to grind your herbs or tobacco finely before packing them into the bowl. This will increase the surface area of the material and allow for more even burning and better extraction of the active ingredients. You can use a grinder, scissors, or your fingers to grind your herbs or tobacco finely but not too finely that they fall through the screen or clog the stem.
7. Pack your bowl properly
The way you pack your bowl can also affect the flavor and smoothness of your smoke. You should pack your bowl firmly but not too tightly, leaving some space for air to flow through. You should also avoid overfilling your bowl, as this can cause uneven burning, waste of material, or combustion of the herb. You should use a screen or a filter to prevent ash or herb from getting into the water or your mouth. You should also use a lighter or a hemp wick to light your bowl, as matches or torches can add unwanted chemicals or flavors to your smoke.
Conclusion
Smoking from a glass bong can be a great way to enjoy your herbs or tobacco, as it filters and cools the smoke through water, making it smoother and more enjoyable. However, there are some tips and tricks that you can use to enhance the flavor and smoothness of your smoke, such as using clean water and a clean bong, trying different liquids instead of water, adding ice cubes or a glycerin tube, using a percolator or a diffuser, choosing high-quality herbs or tobacco, grinding your herbs or tobacco finely, and packing your bowl properly. By following these tips and tricks, you can get better bong rips that will get you lifted without the lung burn.
