Everything you need to know about silicone bongs and pipes
There are so many neat devices on the market today for smoking weed that it can be hard to decide on just one, and even if you could choose a handful of different designs, the decision wouldn’t be much easier without a few tidbits of knowledge on where to start.
One of the most popular choices by consumers today are made of high-quality silicone that has many conflicted about its safety and durability since they look almost like plastic. Luckily, we are here to clear the air about any misconceptions surrounding this fantastic invention, and below, you will find out what they are, how to use them, and the most important pros and cons to ponder before making an investment.
What is a silicone bong or pipe?
A silicone bong or pipe is no different than designs that are made using other, more traditional materials like glass. Generally, they are formed using a high-quality heat resistant silicone that will not melt or burn and will not emit noxious chemicals when heated, which may be damaging to your lungs, which is an unfortunate side effect of plastic alternatives.
How to use a bong made of silicone
Silicone bongs don’t require any fancy gear or accessories to work, but the cheaper version does often need to be filled with water to stay sturdy and useful. More expensive silicone bongs offer the choice between wet or dry action, and they are generally similar in design to a round or beaker bong, with only one chamber and a steady base. All you’ll have to do is find a screen that fits, fill it with water (as needed) and pack the bowl with your favorite herb, just like you would with any other kind of bong. A quick spark of a lighter, and you are good to go, no instruction manual necessary.
Pros and cons of a silicone bong or pipe
Everyone is going to have their favorite bong or pipe, and there is no perfect solution that is going to work best for everyone, which is why it is so important to consider all of the positives and negatives of a device before making a purchase. There isn’t much negative to say about the silicone bong or pipe, but the positives for many are enough to convince them to make the switch from the more traditional glass or metal pieces.
Pros:
- · Almost unbreakable
- · Affordable
- · Replaceable bowl
- · Easy to clean
- · Water compatible
- · Fun colors and designs to choose from
- · Won’t get hot no matter how long it has been used
- · Most silicone bongs come apart in pieces to make for the perfect storage place for buds during travel
Cons:
- · Slightly more expensive than a budget brand, glass alternatives
How to clean a bong made of silicone
Many consumers hesitate to invest in a silicone bong due to fear over how challenging they might be to get cleaned. Most commercial bong cleaners are harsh, but they aren’t generally enough to cause damage to the silicone bong, and thanks to its smooth surface, you actually don’t need any industrial bong cleaner to get the job done.
All you really need is a good dish soap like Dawn or Sunlight, a few drops combined with some warm tap water, and in a matter of moment, your bong or pipe will be clean. No scrubbing or harsh chemicals are ever necessary to clean silicone, and you also don’t have to be afraid to use them in most cases. Just be sure that if your piece is under warranty to check the fine print before deciding, as some manufacturers warn of faster wear and a void of warranty after using certain toxic bong cleaners.
Is a silicone bong or pipe the best choice?
There is no such thing as the best choice, as the decision on how to smoke weed is a personal one, but there is no denying that using silicone as a material is an excellent solution for the broken pieces that so many consumers have experienced throughout the years. Whether or not you feel that it is worth the investment is entirely up to you, but we highly recommend that you at least give one a try, because you won’t know what you might be missing until you do.
