Pipe Vs. Bong: Which Should You Choose?

From the most experienced smoking expert to the first-time dabber, everyone will agree that there are an overwhelming number of pipe and bong products to choose from. How do you know where to start? What is the best smoking equipment for someone starting or an experienced smoker who wants to share the good times with friends? 


You may have looked online for the answers to these questions without finding any real solution. Today, our Thick Ass Glass experts will break down the pipe vs. bong argument to help you decide which to choose and how to clean your pipes and bongs. Depending on how you like to smoke, how often you smoke, and how many people you smoke with, you might prefer one accessory over another. You may eventually become so passionate about collecting glass pieces that you will join the bong vs. water pipe argument yourself. Read on to learn more!

About Pipes

Glass pipes, also known as hand pipes or dry pipes, are handmade glass pieces that can be used to smoke dry herbs. They do not require water or ice to diffuse the smoke; rather, a simple pipe bowl is one of the most versatile types of smoking devices in the world. Many folks enjoy our selection of hand pipes due to their versatility and portability, making them an easy choice for smokers who are constantly on the go. 


Pipes might also be referred to as dry bongs, which are unique glass pieces meant to amplify your smoking experience. While dry bongs do not require water as regular bongs do, they act as large pipes that can help beginners transition from pipe to bong without consulting the experts.

Glass Pipe Pros:

  • Get immediate smoking satisfaction when you use a simple glass pipe
  • Choose between a diverse array of sizes, colors, designs, and prices 
  • No additional pieces or accessories are required to use a pipe right away 
  • A great choice for mellow or small smoking sessions

Glass Pipe Cons: 

  • More herbs are required per bowl than with a bong, depending on the size of your pipe
  • You can get consistent hits but they will not be very powerful 

One of the biggest reasons our customers always have the pipe vs. bong discussions is because there are so many ways to enjoy smoking, and everyone likes something different. That is why we aim to offer the biggest selection of pipes, bongs, and water pipes available to be shipped to your doorstep immediately. 


About Bongs

You might have heard of bongs, also referred to as glass bongs or even as water pipes. If you are wondering what the difference is between bongs vs. water pipes, the answer is simple. Water pipes refer to specific types of bongs that use water in them. In fact, this is the main feature that sets bongs apart from other types of smoking equipment. They use water to filter the smoke and enhance its effects on your body. 


Using a unique filtration system, bongs simultaneously filter the smoke to create better vapors while strengthening the efficacy of the substance you are smoking. For this reason, bongs are a popular option at parties and in groups. They are usually big enough to pass around, making them the perfect choice for homeowners who want to turn their pad into the ultimate smoking destination.

Bong Pros: 

  • Get a stronger smoking sensation when you use water to filter the smoke
  • Achieve immediate results when you smoke out of a bong 
  • Choose from a huge selection of handmade stem options, including bent neck bongs and fixed stem bongs
  • They are arguably the most cost-effective as you only need to take one or two hits during your smoking session 

Bong Cons: 

  • Bongs are often large and heavy, making them less convenient to travel with 
  • Beginners might find bongs to be too strong to smoke out of 

Depending on your needs and experience levels, you can decide what smoking accessory would work best for you. Once you have decided what new piece of glass you want to add to your smoking collection, be sure to browse our inventory of durable creations that center the smoking experience above all else. 

How Do I Clean My Pipes and Bongs

The cleaning process is the last piece of the puzzle that can help you make the best purchasing decision. Cleaning glass pipes and bongs may sound like a challenge or at least an annoying chore, but our top-notch bong cleaners can help you get the job done in no time. Whether you are worried about ruining your brand-new glass piece after just one use or you want to make sure your bong is in perfect shape before your friends come over, you can’t go wrong with our cleaning swabs and soakers. 


Learn more about the pipe vs. bong argument and choose your side with Thick Ass Glass today!