Water pipes, also known as bongs, are one of the most popular ways to smoke herbs or tobacco. They have been around for centuries, and they offer many advantages over other smoking methods. In this blog post, I will share with you my personal experience of using water pipes, as well as some of the benefits and tips that you should know before trying them out.
What are water pipes and how do they work?
Water pipes are devices that use water to filter and cool down the smoke that comes from burning herbs or tobacco. They usually consist of a bowl, where you put your material, a stem, which connects the bowl to the water chamber, and a mouthpiece, where you inhale the smoke. Some water pipes also have additional features, such as percolators, ice catchers, or ash catchers, that enhance the smoking experience.
The basic principle of water pipes is simple: when you light up your material, it combusts and produces smoke. The smoke then travels through the stem and into the water chamber, where it bubbles and gets filtered by the water. The water removes some of the unwanted impurities and toxins from the smoke, making it cleaner and smoother. The water also cools down the smoke before it reaches your mouth and lungs, resulting in a less harsh and more pleasant hit.
What are the benefits of using water pipes?
There are many reasons why people prefer water pipes over other smoking methods. Here are some of the main benefits that I have experienced:
- Better taste. Water pipes preserve the flavor and aroma of your herbs or tobacco better than dry pipes or joints. This is because the water does not alter the chemical composition of the smoke, unlike paper or metal. You can also add ice or flavored liquids to the water chamber to enhance the taste even more.
- Better filtration. Water pipes reduce the amount of harmful compounds that end up in your lungs because of their ability to filter the smoke through the water. According to Smoke Cartel, water pipes can remove up to 90% of tar and other carcinogens from the smoke. This can make a big difference for your health and well-being in the long run.
- Better dose control. Water pipes allow you to control how much material you use and how much smoke you inhale. You can pack your bowl as much or as little as you want, depending on your preference and tolerance. You can also regulate how hard or soft you pull on the mouthpiece, which affects how much smoke you get. This way, you can avoid wasting your material or getting too high or too low.
- Better smoking experience. Water pipes are fun and enjoyable to use. They come in a variety of styles and types, all of which are aesthetically pleasing and can provide consumers with a better smoking experience. You can choose from different shapes, sizes, colors, designs, materials, and features to suit your personality and mood. You can also share your water pipe with your friends and have a social and relaxing time together.
What are some tips for using water pipes?
If you are new to water pipe smoking or want to improve your skills, here are some tips that I have learned over time:
- Clean your water pipe regularly. This is very important for maintaining the quality and hygiene of your smoking device. Dirty water pipes can harbor bacteria, mold, and residue that can affect the taste and safety of your smoke. You should change the water after every session and clean the entire pipe with alcohol or vinegar at least once a week.
- Grind your material finely. This will help you get a more even burn and a smoother smoke. You can use a grinder or scissors to chop up your herbs or tobacco into small pieces. You should also avoid packing your bowl too tightly or too loosely, as this can affect the airflow and combustion.
- Use a screen or filter. This will prevent your material from falling into the water chamber or getting sucked into your mouth. You can use metal screens, glass filters, or even natural alternatives like stems or pebbles to cover the hole at the bottom of your bowl. This will also make your cleaning easier and your smoking more efficient.
- Experiment with different water levels and temperatures. This will help you find the optimal balance between filtration and flavor. Generally, you want to fill your water chamber enough to cover the bottom of the stem, but not too much that it splashes into your mouth. You can also try using cold water, ice, or warm water to see how they affect the temperature and smoothness of your smoke.
Conclusion
Water pipe smoking is a great way to enjoy your herbs or tobacco. It offers many benefits, such as better taste, filtration, dose control, and smoking experience. It also requires some care and attention, such as cleaning, grinding, filtering, and experimenting. I hope this blog post has given you some useful information and tips on how to use water pipes. If you are interested in buying a water pipe or other smoking accessories, you can check out Fat Buddha Glass, where you can find a wide selection of high-quality products at affordable prices.
Happy smoking!
