By bong analyst Stephen Malley
AS the new university term starts, there are hundreds of water pipes to choose from – but which is right for you?
Embarking on higher education is one of life’s great adventures – and for most students there is no more constant companion throughout that journey than their bong.
A bong is much more than just a practical device for inhaling large volumes of cannabis smoke in a single breath – it is a unit of social cohesion, and a projection of your personality.
But the semantics of bongs are notoriously complicated. The multi-pipe Yoda bongs smack of ‘over-enthusiastic beginner’ while a percolator bong says ‘science geek’.
The classic ALIEN HEAD BONG can be a fun entry point. Reasonably priced and with a strong ceramic construction, its low centre of gravity makes it hard to accidentally kick over when going to the cupboard for crisps.
COLLAPSIBLE TRAVEL BONGS are perfect for house parties. They project the image of a dynamic bong owner who’s always on the go.
MINIATURE BOTTLE BONGS made from vintage spirit bottles bring a cool retro vibe to long afternoons staring silently at quiz shows.
Cylindrical PERSPEX BONGS are the ‘design classic’ of the bong world, combining functionality with clean, unfussy lines. Avoid the cliched ‘rasta bong’ in the colours of the Ethiopian flag but go for a dark colour because it will disguises all the filth that will accumulate inside.
Ultimately bong selection is, like so much of student life, about what feels right. University offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be semi-comatose for days at a time, and the most important thing is to seize it with both hands (clamped around a bong).
