What are the Benefits of Using a Bong with Percolator?

Imagine taking a smooth, cool hit from your bong, feeling the smoke glide effortlessly through your throat without the harshness that often accompanies traditional bongs. This is the magic of percolator bongs. But what exactly makes them so special? In this blog post, we'll dive into the benefits of using a bong with a percolator, explore the different types of percolators, and provide tips on how to fill and clean these intricate devices. Whether you're a seasoned bong enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this guide will help you understand why percolator bongs are a game-changer in the world of smoking accessories.

What is a Percolator Bong?

A percolator bong, often referred to as a "perc bong," is a type of water pipe that includes an additional filtration system known as a percolator. The percolator works by breaking down the smoke into smaller bubbles, increasing the surface area that comes into contact with the water. This process not only cools the smoke but also filters out impurities, resulting in a smoother and cleaner hit.

Types of Percolators

There are various types of percolators, each offering unique benefits and enhancing the smoking experience in different ways. Here are some of the most popular types:

1. Honeycomb Percolators: These feature round discs with small holes, providing efficient filtration without slowing down the smoking process.
2. Tree Percolators: Consist of multiple rods resembling tree limbs with slits for diffusion, offering ample filtration.
3. Inline Percolators: Horizontal tubes with multiple slits, often used in combination with other percolators for enhanced filtration.
4. Matrix Percolators: Located centrally in the bong, they operate similarly to showerhead percs and add aesthetic value.
5. Turbine Percolators: Create a visual effect by causing water to travel up the sides of the pipe while providing effective filtration.
6. Fritted Disc Percolators: Have numerous holes, producing many bubbles for intense filtration, though they can be difficult to clean.
7. Showerhead Percolators: Use a tube to direct smoke through multiple slits, often paired with other percolators for additional filtration.
8. Spiral Percolators: Also known as coil percolators, they enhance cooling and provide smoother drags.
9. Faberge Egg Percolators: Work best when paired with another percolator, spreading out smoke for better filtration and aesthetic appeal.
10. Downstems: Basic tubes that improve airflow, easily removable and replaceable.

Benefits of Using a Percolator Bong

Enhanced Filtration

One of the primary benefits of using a percolator bong is the superior filtration it provides. By breaking down the smoke into smaller bubbles, the percolator increases the surface area that comes into contact with the water. This process removes more impurities and particulates, resulting in cleaner and smoother smoke. Some percolator bongs even have multiple chambers separated by filters, ensuring the smoke is filtered more than once before it reaches the user.

Cooler Smoke

The water diffusion process in percolator bongs significantly cools down the smoke, making each inhale gentler on the throat. This cooling effect is particularly beneficial for those who find traditional bong hits too harsh. For an even cooler experience, you can use ice-cold water or add ice cubes to the percolator.

Smoother Hits

The combined effect of cooling and filtration makes the hits from a percolator bong much smoother, reducing coughing fits and dry throat. This is especially beneficial for those who take large hits. The bubbling action of percolators reduces the harshness of the smoke, making it easier on the throat and preventing the burning sensation often associated with traditional bongs.

Improved Flavor

By filtering out harsh components, percolator bongs enhance the flavor of the smoke, offering a more enjoyable and flavorful smoking experience. This is particularly appreciated by connoisseurs who want to savor the full taste of their herbs.

Preventing Splashback

One of the practical benefits of a percolator is that it helps prevent water from splashing back into the smoker's mouth, which can be an unpleasant experience. The design of the percolator ensures that the water stays in the bong, providing a cleaner and more pleasant smoking session.

Versatility and Customization

Percolator bongs offer a high degree of customization. There are various types of percolators, each offering unique benefits. Users can mix and match different percolator types to create a bong that suits their specific preferences, enhancing their overall smoking experience. Additionally, if your bong doesn’t come with a percolator, you can purchase a percolator attachment that fits where the bong bowl piece attaches, allowing you to experience the benefits without investing in a new bong.

Aesthetic Appeal

Percolator bongs often have intricate and visually appealing designs, making them a stylish choice for users who want to impress their friends. Different styles of percolators, such as honeycomb, tree, inline, matrix, turbine, fritted disc, showerhead, spiral, and Faberge egg percs, not only enhance functionality but also add visual appeal to the bong.

How to Fill a Bong with a Percolator

Filling a bong with a percolator is a straightforward process, but it's important to do it correctly to ensure optimal performance. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Add Water to the Base: Start by adding water to the base of the bong. The water level should be high enough to cover the bottom of the downstem but not so high that it splashes into the mouthpiece.
2. Fill the Percolator: If your bong has multiple percolators, fill each one with water. The water level should be just above the slits or holes in the percolator to ensure proper filtration.
3. Check for Splashback: Take a test inhale to check for splashback. If water splashes into your mouth, reduce the water level slightly.
4. Add Ice (Optional): For an even cooler hit, you can add ice cubes to the ice catcher (if your bong has one).

How to Clean a Bong with a Percolator

Cleaning a bong with a percolator can be a bit more challenging than cleaning a traditional bong due to the intricate design and multiple chambers. However, regular cleaning is essential to maintain the effectiveness and longevity of your bong. Here’s how to do it:

Materials Needed

• Isopropyl alcohol (at least 90%)
• Coarse salt
• Plastic bags or bong cleaning caps
• Pipe cleaners or cotton swabs
• Warm water

Cleaning Steps

1. Disassemble the Bong: Carefully take apart your bong, removing the bowl, downstem, and any other detachable parts.
2. Rinse with Warm Water: Rinse each part with warm water to remove any loose debris.
3. Add Cleaning Solution: Fill a plastic bag or bong cleaning cap with isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt. Place the smaller parts (like the bowl and downstem) in the bag and shake gently.
4. Clean the Percolator: Pour isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt into the bong, ensuring the solution reaches the percolator. Cover the openings with cleaning caps or your hands and shake the bong gently.
5. Scrub Stubborn Areas: Use pipe cleaners or cotton swabs to scrub any stubborn areas, especially around the percolator.
6. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse all parts thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
7. Dry Completely: Allow all parts to dry completely before reassembling the bong.

How to Clean a Bong with Multiple Percolators

Cleaning a bong with multiple percolators requires a bit more effort, but the process is similar to cleaning a single percolator bong. Here are a few additional tips:

• Use More Cleaning Solution: Ensure you have enough isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt to fill each chamber and percolator.
• Shake Gently: Shake the bong gently to avoid damaging the percolators.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Make sure to rinse each chamber and percolator thoroughly to remove all cleaning solution.

Conclusion

Investing in a quality percolator bong can significantly enhance your smoking experience by providing smoother, cooler, and better-filtered hits. Understanding the different types of percolators and their benefits can help you choose the right one for your needs, ensuring a more enjoyable and satisfying experience. While they require more effort in terms of cleaning and setup, the benefits they offer make them a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize quality in their smoking sessions. For a customized and elevated smoking experience, consider exploring the various percolator options and building a bong that meets your unique needs.