The thriving marijuana market shows no signs of vanishing. As more states decriminalize cannabis for medical and recreational purposes, new methods of smoking weed are pouring into the market, providing us with more innovative options for getting an energetic buzz from the wonder plant.
For seasoned cannabis users, there’s always the excitement of discovering a more intense high from the smoking experience. Gravity bongs come into play here.
WHAT IS A GRAVITY BONG?
A gravity bong, also called GB, Grav, water pipe, or bucket bong, is a unique smoking device that uses water and gravity to fill a bottle or chamber with a massive amount of smoke you can inhale. It’s well known for its strong hits that can get you very high instantly.
This instant high and the small amount of flower needed makes the gravity bong popular among old and new stoners who want to get super baked quickly on a budget. Although gravity bongs are commonly used to smoke dry herbs, you can also use them for shisha, concentrates, or tobacco if that’s your jam.
GRAVITY BONG VS. REGULAR BONG
If you’re curious about how a gravity bong stacks up against a regular bong, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s break it down in a fun and easy way.
HOW THEY WORK
REGULAR BONGS:
These bongs use water filtration to cool and filter the smoke, which helps give you a smoother hit. They often come with cool features like percolators and ash catchers for an even better experience.
GRAVITY BONGS:
In contrast, gravity bongs rely on water displacement to create a vacuum that pulls in dense smoke. Unlike regular bongs, the smoke in a gravity bong isn’t filtered through water, which makes it a different kind of hit!
MATERIALS AND CUSTOMIZATION
Regarding materials, regular bongs are typically made of borosilicate glass, making them durable and customizable. You can add various attachments to tailor your experience.
On the other hand, gravity bongs are often DIY projects using plastic bottles, but don’t worry! You can also find high-quality gravity bongs in head shops and dispensaries.
PROS AND CONS: GRAVITY BONG VS. REGULAR BONG
REGULAR BONG
PROS:
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SMOOTH HITS: The water filtration creates an excellent, smooth smoking experience.
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CUSTOMIZABLE: You can add percolators and other features to suit your style.
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VARIETY: Many options are available, so you can find one that fits your needs.
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BEGINNER-FRIENDLY: Great for those new to smoking!
CONS:
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LESS PORTABLE: Some bongs can be bulky and difficult to take.
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STRONG LUNG PULL: You need to be able to pull hard to get the best hit.
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CAN GET PRICEY: Quality bongs can be a bit of an investment.
GRAVITY BONG
PROS:
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DIY-FRIENDLY: You can make your own at home with simple materials.
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INTENSE HITS: Perfect for those who want a powerful smoking experience.
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SAVES WEED: Since you get more smoke per hit, you can use less cannabis.
CONS:
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HARSH ON LUNGS: The hits can be intense, which might be too much for beginners.
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DURABILITY ISSUES: DIY versions may not last as long as glass bongs.
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LESS VISUALLY APPEALING: Gravity bongs may not be as attractive as beautifully designed glass bongs.
TYPES OF GRAVITY BONGS
There are several types of gravity bongs. Though they’re used in slightly different ways, all function the same: Each uses gravity to draw smoke into a chamber and then push it into your lungs.
HOMEMADE GRAVITY BONG
A homemade gravity bong is a DIY solution if you want to experiment using household items like plastic bottles for your cannabis consumption.
You can whip up a bucket bong, waterfall bong, or even a mini water bong using a water bottle. They all work by using water to pull smoke into a chamber and push it into your lungs for a mega hit.
GLASS GRAVITY BONG
A glass geeb, such as the Gravitron bong, consists of a vase-like container with a bottle snugly nested inside. The top of the bottle holds the bowl and can also be used as the mouthpiece. The vase section is filled with water, and the bottle is submerged to fill the inner chamber.
When the bottle is pulled out, it creates a vacuum that pulls the smoke inside. Reinserting the bottle causes it to refill with water, pushing the smoke into your lungs.
ROTATING GRAVITY BONG
A rotating gravity bong also uses a water-filled chamber that empties into a second chamber via gravity. In this case, the two chambers are attached, one on the other, rather than nested.
When the bottle is rotated, water pours into the empty lower chamber, pushing out the air and sucking the smoke into the resulting vacuum. Flip the bottle again to use the water to push the smoke back out.
BUCKET GRAVITY BONG
The bucket geeb is the most popular type of gravity bong. It’s a large container (the bucket) filled with water and a smaller bottle with the bottom cut off. The smaller bottle has a bowl on the cap and is slowly lifted out of the water as the bowl is lit, creating a vacuum that fills the bottle with smoke.
When you remove the cap and push the bottle back into the water, the dense smoke fills your lungs, delivering big hits loved by experienced smokers.
HYDRO GRAVITY BONG
Unlike DIY geebs, a hydrogravity bong uses a water pump to create suction, drawing smoke through water for a smoother hit. The pump circulates water continuously, creating a constant flow that pulls smoke into the chamber.
This design results in cooler smoke and bigger hits. Some hydrogravity bongs have ice chambers or multiple percolators for extra cooling and filtration.
GRAVITY HOOKAH BONG
Suppose you combine the principles of a traditional hookah with the efficiency of a gravity bong. In that case, you get a gravity hookah bong. This hybrid has a big chamber for water and smoke like a hookah base but uses a gravity bong’s lifting mechanism.
Smoke is drawn through water for filtration and collected in the chamber as it’s lifted. This gives you smoother hits than a standard gravity bong. Some models have multiple hoses for group sessions, like traditional hookahs. This is your go-to for those who like hookah rituals but want the intense hits of gravity bongs.
ELECTRIC GRAVITY BONG
An electric gravity bong takes the manual work from the gravity bong experience. It uses an electric motor to lift the smoke chamber slowly, so you don’t have to.
The electric component allows for precise control over the speed and amount of smoke produced, allowing you to customize your hit. Many electric gravity bongs also have LED lights, temperature control, and smartphone connectivity for a high-tech smoking experience.
PORTABLE GRAVITY BONG
For on-the-go smokers, portable gravity bongs are ideal. Most gravity bongs sold in headshops are already designed to be portable, collapsible, or modular. Although small, they still pack a punch, using the same water displacement principles as the bigger ones.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN GRAVITY BONG
Making your own gravity bong, or “geeb,” is a fun and easy project! If you enjoy a little DIY and have a curious mind, this is a great way to experiment with physics. Plus, you can have your own unique smoking device in just a few minutes with some basic supplies. Here’s how to do it!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
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A large bottle or bucket (this will be your main container)
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A smaller bottle, like a water bottle with a lid
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Aluminum foil or a bowl from another piece
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A sharp tool like a box cutter or scissors
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Your favorite cannabis
STEP-BY-STEP:
1. PREPARE THE SMALLER BOTTLE
Cut the Bottom: Start by cutting a hole in the bottom of the smaller bottle. Make sure it’s large enough for water to flow through easily.
Create a Bucket: If using a large bottle, cut the top to make a makeshift bucket for the lower half.
2. MAKE THE BOWL
Poke a Hole: Take the cap from your smaller bottle and poke a hole in it using your box cutter or scissors. If you prefer, you can also melt a hole with a lighter.
Insert a Bowl: If you have a bowl from another bong, fit it snugly into the hole. If you don’t, wrap the cap in aluminum foil and poke small holes through it with a toothpick to create a makeshift bowl.
3. ASSEMBLE YOUR GRAVITY BONG
Fill the Larger Container: Pour water into your larger container and submerge the smaller bottle. Once everything is set up, put the cap back on the smaller bottle.
4. PACK AND LIGHT
Add Your Cannabis: Place your ground flower into the bowl you created.
Light and Inhale: Light the cannabis while gently pulling on the smaller bottle. This action allows the water to flow out of the bottom, creating a vacuum that fills the bottle with smoke.
Important: Don’t fully lift the bottle out of the water; this can cause the smoke to escape through the bottom hole.
5. TAKE A HIT
Inhale the Smoke: When you’re ready to inhale, remove the cap or bowl. Push the smaller bottle back into the water while inhaling through the mouthpiece. As you do this, the water refills the bottle, pushing the smoke into your lungs.
Tip: If you don’t inhale all the smoke immediately, put the cap back on to keep it in the bottle until you’re ready. Just be cautious not to push the bottle too far down; that can force the smoke out through the bowl.
SHOULD I BUY A GRAVITY BONG OR MAKE ONE?
As you already know, making gravity bongs at home is possible and doesn’t cost a fortune. Gather your supplies and start creating your very own homemade gravity bongs. But if you’re unsure whether you should DIY or buy one from your trusted smoke shop, then you may find the following information helpful in choosing between the two:
PROS & CONS OF MAKING A GRAVITY BONG
The most significant benefit of a DIY gravity bong is the price. You can often use items you may already have lying around the house, such as a water bottle, so it’s practically free. You also don’t have to worry about forgetting it at home if you go out to smoke with friends — you can make another.
However, there are some upsides to manufactured pieces, as well. Despite the often hefty price tag, a store-bought piece will likely last you a long while, whereas the DIY one-hitter may break down quickly. Even a cheap gravity bong bought from a store will be constructed of sturdier materials — usually glass or ceramic — meaning it will resist heat and flame and withstand good use. Store-bought gravity bongs also tend to be flashier and prettier. Some come in relaxed or colorful designs to add flair to your high.
You can also make a homemade gravity bong to see if you like it before investing in a professional piece later. Since making your own requires minimal investment, it’s a great way to try before you buy.
HOW HIGH DO GRAVITY BONGS GET YOU?
Gravity bongs were made for those who can handle the unfiltered influx of THC and want to feel the full effect of it in less time. Compared with traditional ways of smoking flower, gravity bongs are larger, which explains the massive plume of smoke it can hold. A considerable amount of smoke, coupled with it rushing into your lungs as the top chamber is pushed down while inhaling, and you get nothing less than a monster hit that feels out of this world.
Because gravity bongs are known for producing an overly powerful high, they are ideal for veteran smokers. Casual users may find the concentrated smoke too much for their tolerance.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR GRAVITY BONG: 6 STEPS
It’s essential to clean your gravity bong regularly to prevent buildup and mediate the risk of mold or bacterial growth. You can discard the plastic bottle and replace it with homemade gravity bongs. But if you have a store-bought piece or use less disposable materials to make yours, you’ll want to clean it properly.
Step 1: DISASSEMBLE YOUR GRAVITY BONG
Start by disassembling your gravity bong. Remove the bowl and mouthpiece to reach every part that needs cleaning.
Step 2: PREPARE YOUR CLEANING SOLUTION
For a powerful clean, fill each dirty component with isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt. The alcohol helps break down residue, while the salt is a scrubber. If you prefer a more natural option, you can use vinegar, but remember that it might take longer to clean since it’s not as strong as alcohol.
Step 3: SHAKE IT UP
Once you’ve filled the parts with your cleaning solution, shake them well! This will help loosen any stubborn grime. If you can’t reach some areas, a Q-tip or pipe cleaner works great for scraping off leftover residue.
Step 4: CLEAN THE BOWL AND MOUTHPIECE
Place the bowl and mouthpiece in a Ziploc bag with some alcohol and coarse salt. Seal the bag and shake it until they’re clean. Use your Q-tip or pipe cleaner again to get into those hard-to-reach spots.
Step 5: RINSE THOROUGHLY
After cleaning, rinse each piece thoroughly with water to remove any remaining cleaning solution. It’s crucial to ensure no alcohol or vinegar is left behind.
Step 6: REASSEMBLE YOUR GRAVITY BONG
Once everything is clean and rinsed, put all the pieces back together. Your gravity bong is now ready for use!
HOW TO USE GRAVITY BONGS SOCIALLY AND SAFELY
The concentration and amount of smoke a grav bong produces makes it ideal for social smoking. One pull creates more than enough to go around. However, sharing your piece with too many people is an excellent way to spread bacteria and viruses.
A swappable silicone mouthpiece for your gravity bong can help you avoid sharing germs with your friends. Checkout The MooseLabs MouthPeace also uses special carbon filters that cut out much of the gunk in smoke, such as resin and tar, without restricting airflow. You'll enjoy a smoother smoke that's gentler on your lungs. The mouthpiece is versatile, perfect for vapes, vaporizers, bubblers, bongs, gravity bongs, pre-rolls, and more!
FAQ:
HOW DOES A GRAVITY BONG WORK?
A gravity bong uses water displacement to create a vacuum in the chamber. As you lift the bottle or chamber out of the water, the change in air pressure draws smoke from the lit bowl into the empty space.
When you’re ready to hit, you remove the bowl and push the bottle back into the water, forcing the concentrated smoke into your lungs. This makes the hit fun, easy to inhale, and big, resulting in a stronger high.
ARE GRAVITY BONGS ILLEGAL?
Yes and no. At the federal level, marijuana and its paraphernalia are still criminalized. However, many states have legalized cannabis and its accessories, so you should be fine if you live in one of those states. If you’re unsure, seek the advice of a legal professional before buying or making one.
IS A GRAVITY BONG BETTER THAN A BONG?
Neither is necessarily better than the other. It just depends on the type and strength of high you want. Gravity bongs are great for an experienced, high-tolerance smoker because they allow you to take significant hits of concentrated smoke all at once, getting you higher faster.
But for new smokers, the high produced may be too intense. A regular bong might be “better” for them.
WHAT IS THE SAFEST GRAVITY BONG?
Glass gravity bongs are generally considered the safest because they are heat-resistant and won’t break down while smoking. However, materials like plastic may produce harmful chemicals when heated and mixed with smoke.
ADVANTAGES OF GRAVITY BONGS
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They deliver intense highs that’ll knock your socks off.
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Some store-bought variants have water filtration that can give smoother hits than dry pipes.
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A fun DIY project for crafty stoners.
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Uses less weed.
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Great for sharing with friends during group sessions.
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Cheaper than regular bongs
WHICH GRAVITY BONGS SHOULD I BUY?
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monarch gravity bong
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stundenglass gravity bong
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stundenglass gravity hookah
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stündenglass gravity infuser