With medical marijuana and recreational marijuana legalization growing in popularity, the variety and quality of pipes and bongs are growing too. An underrated and often overlooked category of smoking tools are small bongs.
Also known as mini bongs, these compact pieces are a great way to boost any smoking session. Here at HelpingPot, we’ve put together a short guide of our top tips to help you when considering buying a small bong. What you will learn in this article.
What is a Small Bong?
A small bong, or mini bong, includes any bong that stands less than 12” tall. These include small beaker bongs, bubblers, mini rigs, and more. The variety and quality of these mini bongs are just as great as their larger counterparts.
Aside from the size, mini bongs work exactly the same as large bongs. Smoke is pulled through the chamber, where it percolates through the water, cooling and filtering the smoke. The result is a smoother, more mellow, and larger hit than one from a joint or hand pipe. There are many different reasons for you to consider buying a small bong.
Benefits of Small Bongs:
- Portability
- Easy to use
- Stronger Flavor
- Come in a variety of fun and unique designs and styles
- Less Expensive
What are the Differences Between Small Bongs and Big Bongs?
Knowing the differences between small and big bongs can help you decide which one is right for you. While different sized bongs work the same way, that’s where their similarities end. Whether it be cost, portability, size and quality of hit, or customizability, understanding the differences between small and big bongs is essential when making your next purchase.
Here are a few of the main differences between large and small bongs.
Cost
This is an easy one. Smaller bongs are typically going to be less expensive than larger ones. That’s because of the materials, complexity, and time it takes to make big bongs. While it is possible to find less expensive large bongs and more expensive small bongs, smaller size typically translates to smaller price.
Prices for small bongs are usually between $25-$100, though they can be more expensive depending on the complexity and materials used. Large bong prices are typically between $80-$150, though they can also be much more expensive.
Portability
One of the big problems with large bongs is the lack of portability. Most bong owners know the struggles of transporting a big bong. It isn’t easy and often results in one of the pot smoker’s worst nightmares, a broken bong.
This is where small bongs really shine. Their smaller size makes them more discreet and much easier to transport. Small bongs are the perfect pieces to take to a party or a get together with the crew.
Size and Quality of Hit
One of the common questions about small bongs is whether or not they hit harder than big bongs. While smaller bongs will give you a smaller hit, that doesn’t mean they are lower quality hits.
Big bongs hold a higher volume of smoke than small bongs. They also typically include larger and more complex percolators, ice catches, and more. These additions help filter the smoke, making every hit smooth and more enjoyable. However, the larger volume also means the smoke mixes with more air. A high ratio of air-to-smoke can cause a weaker flavored hit.
Small bongs typically provide stronger flavor than big bongs because there is a smaller air-to-smoke ratio. While they typically don’t have all the additions that big bongs have, small bongs still provide a smooth and mellow hit. Their unique designs and clever percolators create the perfect hit.
Customizability
Adding bong accessories to your piece is a great way to get the most out of your bong. When it comes to customizability, big bongs have the most options. Whether you’re looking for ashcatchers, downstems, or percolators, big bongs can be customized to your heart’s content. However, this doesn’t mean that small bongs don’t have their own beneficial accessories.
One of the most common ways to customize a small bong is by turning it into a mini dab rig. Smoking concentrate from a dab rig is an excellent way to get the most bang for your buck, so to speak. Concentrates have a much higher level of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in Marijuana. Turning your mini bong into a small rig is incredibly easy. All you need is either a nail or a banger. Pick yourself up a cap and you’ve got yourself a mini rig.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great for Travel | Smaller Hits |
| More Affordable | Harder to clean |
| Stronger Flavor | Harder to find accessories for |
| Easy to Use | |
| Can be more durable | |
| Easily concealed |
Choosing the Right Small Bong for You
There are a few easy ways to find out if a small bong is right for you. First, consider the cost. If you’re looking for something that isn’t going to break the bank, then a small bong would be the best choice. Next, how portable do you want your piece?
If you’d like to be able to easily transport your bong, then a small bong is right for you. Finally, if you’re a beginner when it comes to taking bong rips, then a small bong is a great place to start. To make your decision a little easier, the experts at HelpingPot have put together a list of the best small bongs.
Best Small Bongs on the Market 2020
We scoured the internet for hours, and these are some of the dopest mini bongs we could find that are both affordable and highly functional.
Best Affordable Mini Bong: Waxmaid Hobee
When it comes to affordable mini bongs, you can’t go wrong with the Waxmaid Hobee. This 6” silicone mini bong is an incredibly durable and reliable for the its price. Qualities you normally cannot find in bongs in this price range.
Features
- 6” tall
- Made of safe to smoke, BPA-free silicone
- Dishwasher friendly and easy to wash
- Standard sized 14mm female joint, making it easy to add accessories and make it a mini dab rig
Best Value Mini Bong: Sesh Supply Mini Rig
The Sesh Supply Mini Rig is our choice for best value mini bong. Sesh Supply is one of the best brands for bongs available today and the mini rig is a true work of beauty.
Features
- 7” tall
- Unique and captivating design
- Circ perc for enhanced filtering and cooling of the smoke
- Flared base for added stability
- Standard sized 14mm female joint for easy addition of accessories
Best Small Silicone Bong: Slinkie Silicone Bong
Silicone bongs aren’t only for the clumsy pot smokers out there, they’re actually a smart and durable addition to any collection. Silicone bongs are also great for traveling because of their strong durability. If you have not tried a silicone bong before the Slinkie Silicone Bong from Alien Ape is a great option to pop your silicone cherry.
Features
- Collapsible and expandable design for easy transport and custom bong rips
- BPA-free silicone for safe smoking sessions
- Easy to wash and dishwasher safe
- Virtually indestructible
- Comes in 6 different colors
- 10/14mm female joint
Best Small Bong for Traveling: Collapsible Hybrid Bong w/Dablione Bowl Piece
When it comes to traveling, small bongs are the best. The Collapsible Hybrid Bong is one of the best small bongs for traveling. Due to its Silicone base is extremely durable and light, great for portability. Travel with your bong frequently without sacfricing quality with the Collapsible Hybrid Bong.
Features
- 11” tall
- 3-Piece collapsible design for easy travel
- Quartz nail and dome bong accessories included to easily make yourself a mini rig
- Odorless chamber hidden in the base for discreet storage
- 10-18mm female joint
Best Small Bong for Beginners: GRAV® Mini Round Base Bong
GRAV is one of the top bong brands in the industry. If you’re a beginner or simply looking for your first bong, then you can’t go wrong with a GRAV product. The GRAV Mini Round Base Bong is the perfect size for a novice bong user. This mini bong provides smooth, clean rips and is built to last.
Features
- 6” tall
- Durable 25mm thick glass tubing, perfect for clumsy beginners
- Fission downstem for enhanced cooling and a clean hit every time
- Offers optimal stability with its wide, round base
- 10mm female joint
Most Unique Small Bong: GRAV® Wide Based Bong
When looking for unique small bongs, GRAV® is the brand to trust. The GRAV® wide based bong is a uniquely designed mini bong and a perfect addition to your collection. Although small, this bong extremely sturdy, made with thick glass accompanied by a wide base which makes it difficult to tip over.
Features
- 8” tall
- Tough 32mm thick glass tubing
- Unique conical design, sure to be the life of the party
- Conical fission percolator cools and filters the smoke for a clean hit
- 14mm female joint
Most Stylish Small Bong: GRAV® 8″ Flare Water Pipe w/Fixed Downstem
Adding a stylish piece to your bong collection is an absolute must. If you’re looking for the most stylish small bong, then look no further than the GRAV® 8″ Flare Water Pipe w/Fixed Downstem. This straight tube small bong is great for customizations to make your small bong more personal.
Features
- 8” tall
- Stylish, curving design offers a secure grip
- Ice catch and splash guard for the best hits
- 14mm female joint
Where to Find the Best Small Bongs? – HelpingPot.com
Here at HelpingPot, we’re dedicated to providing the best products and most up to date information on all things marijuana-related. Whether you’re looking for bongs, hand pipes, dab rigs, or accessories, you can find all the premium marijuana products here at HelpingPot.
For more information, head over to our head shop. Be sure to follow our exclusive blog for the latest tips, tricks, and news about marijuana.
