Dry Herb Guide

Bongs (Water Pipes)

Water pipes use water filtration to cool and filter smoke before you inhale, creating a smoother experience that's easier on your throat and lungs. If you're sensitive to harsh smoke, a bong is often the most comfortable place to start with traditional combustion.

Common styles: beaker bongs for stability and larger water volume, straight-tube bongs that clear quickly and are easy to clean, recycler bongs with looping water paths for extra cooling and flavor, mini/travel bongs for compact setups, and percolator bongs with built-in "percs" (honeycomb, tree, showerhead, etc.) for added diffusion.

Materials: borosilicate glass for clean flavor and visual appeal, silicone for flexible, nearly unbreakable travel pieces, and glass/silicone hybrid designs that mix durability with a premium feel.

Best for:

• People who want smoother, cooler hits than a dry pipe or joint.
• At-home or session-style use with friends.
• Users who enjoy the ritual of packing, lighting, and clearing a water pipe.

Not as good for:

• Maximum portability and pockets-only setups.
• Very discreet use, since bongs produce larger clouds and some smell.
• Anyone who never wants to deal with water changes or glass cleaning.

Typical price ranges: Budget pieces around $30–$70, mid-range bongs with thicker glass and percs around $70–$200, and premium or artist-made "heady" pieces $200 and up.

Why try a bong: If you want classic smoke with maximum smoothness, bongs deliver. They're highly customizable, fun to collect, and—when cared for—can be a long-lasting centerpiece of your setup.

Bubblers (Compact Water Pipes)

Bubblers provide the same water-filtered smoothness as traditional bongs but in a portable, handheld size. These compact water pipes are easy to use anywhere and offer excellent portability without sacrificing filtration quality.

Common styles: hammer bubblers that sit flat and feel solid in the hand, Sherlock-style bubblers with a curved neck for a classic look, side-car bubblers that reduce water splashback, and mini bubblers that stay small while still using a bit of water to cool smoke.

Materials: glass for clean flavor and a clear view of smoke and water, silicone for tougher, travel-ready pieces, and glass/silicone combos that balance durability and taste.

Best for:

• Users who want some water filtration but not a full-size bong.
• On-the-go or small-space use where you can still access a little water.
• People who like easy one-hand operation and straightforward function.

Not as good for:

• Huge, extra-long pulls (they have smaller chambers than big bongs).
• Ultra-discreet pocket carry (still bulkier than a tiny pipe or vape pen).
• Anyone who wants to avoid water completely.

Typical price ranges: Budget bubblers around $25–$60, mid-range options with percs or thicker glass $60–$120, and premium or branded styles $120 and up.

Why try a bubbler: Bubblers sit right between a pipe and a bong. If you want smoother hits than a dry pipe while keeping things compact and simple, a bubbler is the perfect hybrid choice.

Hand Pipes

Hand pipes are the simplest smoking option available. These small, portable devices require no water or complicated setup. Perfect for beginners and experienced users alike.

Common styles: spoon pipes with the classic bowl-and-stem shape, chillums and one-hitters for quick, tiny hits, Sherlock pipes with a curved neck, steamrollers for strong, fast-clearing hits, and novelty or character pipes that bring fun shapes and themes.

Materials: glass for clean flavor and endless designs, metal for ultra-durable pocket pieces, wood for a warmer, natural feel, stone or ceramic for artistic and sturdy home pieces, and silicone for almost unbreakable travel pipes.

Best for:

• Quick, simple sessions with minimal setup.
• Pocket-friendly, toss-in-a-bag use.
• Micro-dosing or taking just a hit or two at a time.

Not as good for:

• People with very sensitive lungs who need lots of cooling.
• Large group sessions where smoother, bigger hits are preferred.
• Anyone who dislikes warmer, more direct smoke.

Typical price ranges: Budget pipes around $10–$30, mid-range pieces with thicker glass or nicer materials $30–$80, and premium or artist-made pipes $80 and above.

Why try a hand pipe: Hand pipes are the go-to for ease and convenience. If you want something you can grab, load, and use in seconds, a hand pipe is your most reliable everyday companion.

Dry Herb Vaporizers

Flower vaporizers heat dried herbs to release active ingredients as vapor without combustion. This produces less smoke, less odor, and is easier on your respiratory system compared to traditional smoking methods. Available in portable and desktop models.

Heating styles: conduction (herb sits directly on a heated surface, heats fast), convection (hot air passes through the herb for more even heating and flavor), and hybrid systems that combine both for balanced performance.

Form factors: portable vaporizers for everyday carry, desktop or plug-in units for powerful at-home sessions, and devices designed for either longer "session" use or quick, on-demand hits.

Materials used inside: ceramic ovens for even heating and clean taste, stainless steel ovens for durability and efficient performance, glass airpaths or mouthpieces for smooth flavor, and silicone or plastic exteriors to keep devices light and cool (in quality devices, these are placed away from the hottest parts).

Best for:

• People who want to reduce smoke and smell while still using flower.
• Users focused on lung comfort and smoother inhalation.
• Discreet use with smaller clouds and a more subtle aroma.
• Those who like dialing in different temperatures for taste and effect.

Not as good for:

• Folks who love the heavy, dense feel of traditional smoke.
• Anyone who never wants to maintain or charge a device.
• Using sticky concentrates—unless the vaporizer is specifically designed for both.

Typical price ranges: Budget vaporizers around $40–$100, mid-range units with better batteries and temp control $100–$250, and premium desktop or flagship portables $250 and above.

Why try a dry herb vaporizer: If you want to treat your lungs more gently while still enjoying flower, vaporizers are an excellent upgrade. They're efficient, more discreet, and give you more control over how each session feels.

Bowl Pieces for Bongs

Bowl pieces are where your herb sits on a bong or bubbler. Upgrading your bowl can change how much you pack per hit, how easily it clears, and how simple it is to keep your setup clean.

Common styles: deep snap bowls for bigger hits, smaller "party" bowls for sharing and control, funnel bowls that clear quickly, and screen-style or built-in-screen bowls that help keep ash out of your water.

Joint sizes and gender: most modern pieces use 10mm, 14mm, or 18mm joints, in either male or female styles. Matching your bowl size and gender to your bong is important for a proper fit and seal.

Materials: borosilicate glass for clean flavor and color options, quartz for extra durability and heat tolerance, ceramic for a smooth, even heat, and metal or silicone options for people who prioritize toughness.

Best for:

• Dialing in how much herb you use per bowl.
• Improving airflow, clearing, and ease of use.
• Customizing the look and feel of your bong.

Not as good for:

• People who are still figuring out the basics and don't yet know what style they prefer.
• Anyone who isn't sure of their joint size and might grab the wrong fit.

Typical price ranges: simple glass bowls around $10–$25, more detailed or color-worked bowls $25–$60, and premium or heady artist bowls higher than that.

Why try upgraded bowl pieces: A better bowl can make your bong easier to use, easier to clear, and more fun to look at. It's one of the simplest ways to personalize your setup.

Ash Catchers for Bongs

Ash catchers are add-on chambers that sit between your bowl and bong. They trap ash and debris before it reaches your main piece, helping your bong stay cleaner and often adding extra water filtration.

Common styles: simple dry ash catchers that just catch debris, water-based ash catchers with percs for extra diffusion, and specialized designs with recyclers, showerheads, or honeycomb discs for smoother hits.

Joint angles and sizes: most ash catchers come in 45° or 90° joint angles to match your bong's design, and use 10mm, 14mm, or 18mm joints. Matching angle and size keeps everything stable and upright.

Materials: mainly borosilicate glass so you can see the water and ash level, sometimes with colored accents or thicker walls for durability.

Best for:

• Keeping your main bong cleaner for longer between deep cleans.
• Adding extra filtration and cooling to your hits.
• People who like modular setups and swapping parts.

Not as good for:

• Very small bongs where added weight might make them tip.
• Users who want the absolute simplest, lightest setup.

Typical price ranges: basic ash catchers around $20–$40, more complex percolating designs $40–$100+, depending on thickness and perc style.

Why try an ash catcher: If you like your bong but don't love cleaning it constantly, an ash catcher acts like a "pre-filter" so your main piece stays fresher for longer.

Bong Techniques: Cooling Your Hits

As you get more comfortable with water pipes, you can start experimenting with ways to make hits cooler and smoother. Small changes in how you use your bong can noticeably change how it feels.

Ice catchers and ice: some bongs have pinched sections or "ice catchers" that hold ice cubes in the neck. As smoke passes over the ice, it cools down before it reaches your mouth, which can feel gentler on your throat.

Glycerin coils and attachments: certain mouthpieces or coils are filled with glycerin and designed to be chilled in the freezer. Glycerin doesn't freeze solid like water, so these pieces can stay cold longer and cool the smoke without adding extra meltwater.

Water level and temperature: adjusting how much water you use and whether it's room temp, cool, or slightly chilled can also change the feel of your hits. Too much water can add drag, while too little may not filter enough.

Best for:

• Users who already like bongs but want smoother, cooler pulls.
• People with sensitive throats who value comfort.
• Experimenters who enjoy fine-tuning their setup.

Not as good for:

• Very minimal setups where you don't want extra parts to chill or swap.
• Anyone who prefers simple, room-temperature hits and easy cleanup.

Why try advanced bong techniques: Cooling your hits with ice catchers, glycerin pieces, or tuned water levels can make your bong feel like a different piece—smoother, softer, and more tailored to what you enjoy.

Percolators: Different Ways to Filter and Diffuse

Percolators, or "percs," are internal structures in bongs and rigs that break your smoke or vapor into smaller bubbles. More bubbles mean more surface area, which usually means smoother, cooler hits.

Common percolator types:

• Tree percs: multiple arms that bubble up like branches, offering lots of diffusion.
• Showerhead percs: a round disc or dome with slits around the edge, creating even, circular bubbling.
• Honeycomb percs: flat discs full of small holes that make tons of tiny bubbles.
• Inline percs: horizontal tubes with slits along the length, great for smooth, stable diffusion.
• Matrix or stereo percs: complex grid-like structures that create very dense diffusion.

Best for:

• Users who want smoother, more refined hits and extra cooling.
• People who enjoy watching intricate diffusion and function.
• Finding the balance between smoothness and the amount of draw resistance you like.

Not as good for:

• Those who want ultra-simple, easy-to-clean pieces with minimal internal parts.
• Users who don't like extra drag or resistance when they pull.

Why learn about percs: Understanding different percolators helps you pick a bong or rig that fits your preference—whether you like airy and simple, or dense and ultra-smooth.

How to Pack a Bowl

Packing a bowl well helps your herb burn evenly, pull smoothly, and taste better. You don't need to overthink it—just aim for a balance between airflow and support.

What you'll need: ground dry herb, a pipe or bong bowl, and optionally a small screen if your piece uses one.

Basic steps:

1. Grind your herb so it's broken up but not powdered—small, fluffy pieces work best.
2. If your bowl uses a screen, place it flat at the bottom of the bowl.
3. Sprinkle a small pinch of herb into the bottom and gently tap it down so it forms a light base.
4. Add another layer or two, pressing only lightly—enough to hold together but not so tight that air can't pass through.
5. Check airflow by taking a test pull without lighting. If it feels clogged, gently loosen the top layer with your fingers or tool.
6. Once it feels right, you're ready to light a corner and start your session.

Packing tips:

• For solo sessions, use smaller bowls or partial packs to keep things fresh.
• For sharing, a slightly fuller bowl can work as long as it still pulls easily.
• Avoid grinding too fine, which can clog screens and reduce airflow.

How to Take a Hit on a Bong

Taking a comfortable bong hit is about pacing yourself—steady breathing, gentle lighting, and knowing when to clear the chamber. With a little practice, it feels smooth and intuitive.

Before you light:

• Fill the bong with enough water to cover the percolator slits or downstem holes.
• Make sure the bowl is packed (but not too tight) and seated firmly in the joint.
• Sit or stand somewhere stable so you can hold the bong securely.

Taking the hit:

1. Place your mouth inside the mouthpiece, forming a gentle seal with your lips.
2. As you start a slow inhale, bring the lighter to the edge of the bowl—try to light just a small corner at a time.
3. Keep your inhale steady so the chamber fills with thick but manageable smoke, not all at once.
4. When there's enough smoke in the chamber, stop lighting and remove the bowl or release the carb (if your piece has one).
5. Inhale the smoke from the chamber in a smooth, controlled breath to "clear" the bong.
6. Exhale comfortably and give yourself a moment before deciding whether you want another hit.

Comfort tips:

• Start with small hits until you know how strong your bong and material are.
• Use cooler water or ice (if your piece supports it) if your throat is sensitive.
• Clean your bong regularly so hits stay smooth and taste fresh.