The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of guest posters and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of NisonCo.

This piece is from CMO and Co-Founder of Everything 420.com Shuki Far:

Even for the initiated, buying a bong can get complicated fast. As someone who’s sold an estimated 25,000 bongs and dab rigs over six years, I want to share with you the most important things to remember during your next headshop visit, whether you’re buying your first-ever bong or adding another to your collection.

1. Buy a Bong from an Online Smoke Shop

Walking into a smoke shop and facing walls of bongs, pipes, and every imaginable smoking accessory can be overwhelming and intimidating, even if you’re a seasoned smoker. It can be tough to ask the employees about different products or types of products, and even harder to know if you’re getting a good deal.

Personally, I like to buy my bongs online. Using e-commerce platforms makes comparing prices and looking for good deals much easier, so you know in-store markups aren’t ripping you off. Shopping online also means that you can look at reviews to help you narrow down exactly what you want. Plus, online smoke shops are a great place to find information. Most online headshops feature more FAQs, definitions, and guides than any physical smoke shop can give you.

2. Price: Expensive Bongs Aren’t Always Better

I’ll be honest — bongs can get really expensive. Don’t feel you need to blow a few hundred bucks to get something you’ll love using, though. A higher price tag doesn’t always mean it’s higher quality — and it certainly won’t get you any higher.

It’s totally fine to opt for a cheap bong, especially if you’re a more casual consumer (or if you routinely break pieces. No shame!) Plenty of workhorse bongs will deliver high-quality hits for a low price tag.

Once you’ve figured out what you like, you can opt for a more expensive piece. There are some pieces out there that are almost too pretty to smoke out of. If you’re a more experienced consumer — or just appreciate the finer things in life — expensive bongs can be a serious investment you’ll enjoy for years to come.

3. Features: Mini Bongs to Multi-Chamber Monsters

Bongs have infinite features, add-ons, and styles. There’s no single best type of bong — finding a piece that will work for you is most important.

Opting for something simple is a good idea if you’re a casual consumer. A plain straight-tube bong will get the job done. Silicone bongs, mini bongs, and bubblers are also excellent choices since they’re easy to use and clean. Don’t feel like you need all of the bells and whistles to have a great smoking experience — and don’t feel bad if you don’t know what those bells and whistles are when you’re just starting!

If you’re a more-experienced or heavy smoker, you’ll probably want to opt for something a little fancier. Honeycombs, percolators, coils, and disks will make a big difference, but only if you’re comfortable enough to use them. Again, it all comes down to your personal preference.

4. Design: The Coolest Bongs for Every Style

This tip is the most fun and customizable. You used to only see the same plain, boring bongs at every smoke shop. As the years passed, bongs got a little more interesting — but you were still out of luck if you wanted something other than pot leaves or neon smiley faces. These days, there’s an endless selection of bongs out there to fit every aesthetic at every price point. There are even some bongs out there with practical tools built in, such as ashtrays, lighters, and even LED bongs that illuminate your bong hit.

Now, smoke shops stock bongs in every possible color combination and style. Beyond that, you can also find bongs shaped to look like characters and pop culture references, fun and feminine bongs, and modern bongs that leave the classic silhouette behind entirely. I love that customers can now choose a bong that matches their style, and it’s so awesome to see bongs treated like statement pieces that you can proudly display alongside the other decor in your home.

5. Functionality: Choosing the Best Bong to Fit Your Lifestyle

It all comes down to this last point when shopping for a bong. How are you planning on using this piece?

Do you want something you can proudly display in your home, or will you need to put it away after each use? Make sure to consider the aesthetic, size, and ease of cleaning and storage.

Are you using it every once in a while or multiple times a day? If you’re a more regular cannabis consumer, you’ll want to choose something that matches your style and that you genuinely enjoy using.

Do you want to be able to take it with you to your next smoke sesh and share it with all your friends? If you’re planning on using your bong socially, you’ll want to choose something sturdy.

Enjoy Your New Piece

At the end of the day, the best bong isn’t a straightforward choice — it’s about choosing the right bong for you and your needs, from the price and the features to the design and functionality. If you care for it right with regular cleaning, careful usage, and secure storage, your new bong can be a piece you’ll cherish for years.

In the market for a new bong? Begin your hunt with our curated selection of killer pipes at every price point on Everything420.com. Happy toking!