Does bong size matter? When it comes to water pipes, size does matter, but it really comes down to how you use it. The size of water pipe you want depends on what you want out of that water pipe. While bigger may always seem better, I assure you this is not always the case when it comes to having the most functional water pipe.
In the US, “bigger is better” seems to be a consistent theme, but this is not always the case with water pipes. If all you care about is having a massive piece that commands attention, then sure, go big or go home. A big piece is fun to break out with a group of friends, and it can make any celebration a special occasion. As you increase the size of a water pipe, the volume of smoke that pipe can hold increases as well. So, with a big water pipe, you can produce massive hits, but you’ll burn through a lot more and it’s likely to take multiple hits to fully clear the smoke. This may or may not be a problem, but if it’s so large you can’t reach the bowl to light it, then you’re restricting your use to when you have helping hands. This can make for a fun group activity but may not be the best option for personal use. Though bong size does matter, if you’re looking for the most functional piece, you might find yourself disappointed if you only consider size.
Instead of focusing solely on size, consider other factors like the filtration mechanism, an ice catcher, or the convenience of use. I’ve always been more satisfied with my pieces when I consider functionality as well as aesthetics. I do enjoy having big pieces in my collection, but they get used less often than others I selected based on function over form. Also, the chances of breaking a piece of glass increase as it gets taller. Tall pieces can easily become top heavy and are then prone to being knocked over. In my experience, no matter how thick the glass is, if a piece over two feet tall falls, there’s going to be enough force to break it in the center. Nobody likes to think about their beautiful water pipes breaking but considering this beforehand can save some heartache. After this happened with my first and second showstopper pieces, I started focusing much more on function and durability over the size and beauty. Of course, there are always some occasions bong size does matter, and it makes a great addition to a collection. I wouldn’t recommend this being the only water pipe you own though.
Small water pipes may not command the attention of a room like a 3-foot-tall tower of glass, but they do have their advantages. For one, it gets inconvenient to use a massive piece every time you want to smoke a bowl. A tall water pipe is just too much of a liability to leave out, especially if you have pets. It could easily fall over and break. Tipping over is less of a concern with smaller pieces though. Considering the ratio of the diameter of the base to the height of the water pipe offers a good idea of the general stability of the piece. The larger the base diameter to height ratio, generally, the more stable it will be. Smaller pieces are also more convenient to use. They can be more easily stored and pulled out with less of a hassle. If you’re using the water pipe to dab, then a smaller rig will help to keep the vapor concentrated, since it can’t expand as much as it would in a larger water pipe. Keeping the vapor concentrated gives better flavor while using less concentrate. So, depending on how you want to use it, smaller can be better.
When selecting the size of your water pipe be sure to consider what you want from it. If you’re looking for a piece to dominate the table and command the attention of anyone who sees it, then you’ll want to look at a larger water pipe. If you want something easier to use on a day to day basis though, you may be more interested in a smaller option. When selecting a piece, I often narrow my selection first by size to help find the right piece for what I want. Whatever you’re looking for in a new water pipe, remember, it all comes down to how you use it.