Here at the 710 Pipes headshop in Denver we get asked all the time by customers about how long a new bong can be expected to last. While it would be great if we could just give a single definitive answer to the question – “Your bong will last 14 years, 3 months and 18 days” – it’s just not possible to do so. That’s because there are myriad considerations weighing on bong longevity. So in this post, we’re going to address them: the main factors that will affect how long your bong will last. Enjoy.
Factors Affecting the Longevity of Your Bong
There are a lot of different factors that can potentially affect how long your bong lasts. Of those, we present the six most important.
#1: The Type of Glass
Being mostly glass bongs are inherently more susceptible to damage than, say, stainless steel hand pipes. As such if you want your bong to last as long as possible you need to make sure that the glass is as durable as possible. If you’re a fan of traditional glass, then that means finding a bong with nice, thick glass that won’t break if you tap it with a beer bottle by mistake.
An alternative is to buy a bong with borosilicate glass which is renowned for its toughness and its ability to resist thermal stress. We carry a full line of stylish bongs crafted from borosilicate glass in our online smoke shop. Each one is beautifully crafted and has been subjected to rigorous quality control protocols so you can be certain it will stand the test of time.
BOROSILICATE GLASS • A type of glass known for its exceptional resistance to thermal shock and chemical corrosion. It contains silica and boron trioxide, making it more durable than standard glass.
#2: Design Complexity
There was a time when the vast majority of bongs were incredibly simple in design: just a stem, bowl, water chamber, neck and mouthpiece. Today, however, such simple designs are the exception, not the rule. Heady glass, for instance, can be extremely complex. But while beautiful (and a world-class object to zone out on) these works of art need to be handled with kid gloves.
Many of them have multiple chambers, percolators and strictly aesthetic flourishes adorning the exterior of the pipe which look very cool but are typically quite fragile. Consider the following popular bong styles and how their structures could affect their longevity:
- Beaker Bong: Featuring a wide, flared base similar to a lab beaker, this style has a low center of gravity that helps prevent tipping. The thick base and solid construction make it one of the more durable bong types.
- Straight Tube Bong: With a tall, cylindrical design, straight tube bongs are simple and easy to clean. However, their upright shape can make them more prone to tipping if not placed on a stable surface.
- Zig Zag Bong: These bongs have a wavy or kinked neck that helps catch splashback and can act as a built-in ice catcher. The curves offer some protection against breakage, but the thinner glass along the bends can be vulnerable.
- Bubbler Bong: Combining the portability of a pipe with the filtration of a bong, bubblers are compact and often made from thicker glass. Their smaller size generally makes them easier to handle and slightly less fragile than larger pieces.
- Double Sphere Bong: This style includes two round chambers stacked vertically. While the spherical shape helps with smoke cooling, the added complexity increases the risk of breakage during cleaning or transport.
Choosing the right bong style can help strike the balance between functionality and longevity. While intricate heady glass is always a visual stunner, sturdier designs like beakers and bubblers might be the smarter everyday option for long-term use.
#3: How Bongs Are Handled
We hear a lot of horror stories about people who spent a pretty penny on a new bong or heady glass and then, during a party or other get together, it slips out of their hand, or they bump into someone and drop it and it shatters on the floor. Ouch! Dropping a bong is one of the most common ways for bongs to meet their end, and there is really only one way to prevent it: by handling the bong carefully at all times.
Even a small crack in the glass on a bong can render it unusable. So if you have dropped your bong or banged it up against something but it looks okay, you should nonetheless inspect it carefully before you continue to use it. Even if it has a small crack it could wind up shattering while you’re taking a rip. And that would be no fun whatsoever.
#4: How Bongs Are Stored
This is related to how you handle your bong, but has to do with where you put it when it’s not in use. The most important thing is to make sure you store it somewhere away from where people or pets might be able to accidentally knock it over. Ideally, that means a high-ish shelf in a cupboard or kitchen cabinet. If you don’t think you’ll be using it for some time you might also consider covering it with a cloth to prevent it from getting dusty.
#5: How Often You Clean Your Bong
We tell anyone at the 710 pipe shop who will listen that one of the best ways to ensure a long life for your bong is to clean it regularly. Making a habit of cleaning your bong on a regular basis will help ensure a clean, flavorful smoke every time and prevent particulate matter, resin and other residuals from combustion in the bowl from clogging up the stem.
The longer you go without cleaning the water chamber the harder it will be to remove the gunk that inevitably attaches itself to the inside of the glass. Keeping your bong clean will also ensure you do not need to pull harder than you have to in order to get a huge rip. It will also prevent all that old resin, particulate matter and gunk from ruining the taste and smell of your expensive cannabis.
Is Your Bong Overdue for a Cleaning?
A dirty bong doesn’t just ruin flavor — it can harbor buildup and odor that spoil every session. Learn three effective methods to clean a glass bong in the following guide.#5: Whether Glass is Clear or Colored
Many people are surprised to learn that the process of adding color to glass can undermine its long-term integrity. As such the cost of buying a beautiful bong sporting a compelling colored glass aesthetic is that, even if you otherwise are scrupulous in how you care for it, you may find yourself one day dealing with cracks in the glass for no apparent reason, after only a few years of use.
There’s no way to state with authority how long colored glass will last, because different makers add color to their glass in different ways. And each process is likely to have a slightly different effect on the long-term durability of the glass.
Check out this short video about adding color to glass:
Final Thoughts
As a general rule bongs should last anywhere from a few years to a few decades. Exactly how long will depend on how you handle it, how often and how well you clean it, how you store it, the complexity of the design, the type of glass used and whether the glass has had color added to it. Maybe the most important thing to remember is just to treat your bong the way you would treat anything else that you value.
Visit 710 Pipes to Browse Our Bong Selection
The bong is a staple of stoner culture and even though it has evolved over the years to become increasingly intricate its basic functionality hasn’t changed. Just be mindful of how you care for your bong in order to ensure it lasts for decades to come.
If you have questions about any of our products or need advice on taking care of your bong call the team at 710 Pipes at 303-365-0710.