Quick answer:
Choose glass for clean flavor, smooth diffusion, and upgrade options. Pick silicone for unbreakable portability, easy cleaning, and festival/travel use. Many people keep one of each.
At a glance
Glass bongs
- Pros: Best taste, cooler/smoother hits with percs, precise 14.5/18.8 mm compatibility, easy to upgrade (bowls, downstems, ash catchers)
- Cons: Breakable, heavier, usually pricier, more to clean
- Best for: Home use, flavor chasers, daily drivers who like tidy diffusion
Silicone bongs
- Pros: Nearly unbreakable, lightweight, packable, dishwasher-safe (most), great value
- Cons: Flavor not as pure as glass, fewer high-end percs, can attract lint if not dried well
- Best for: Travel, festivals, balconies, “I drop things” users, backup/guest piece
How they actually feel to use
Flavor & smoothness
- Glass preserves terps and pairs with percs/ice pinches for cool, silky pulls.
- Silicone is neutral enough for most, but side-by-side you’ll notice glass is crisper.
Durability
- Glass: Borosilicate is tough but not drop-proof.
- Silicone: Bounces, flexes, survives backpacks and concrete.
Cleaning
- Glass: Isopropyl + salt = spotless.
- Silicone: Rinse, mild soap, or top rack dishwasher (check your model). Removable glass downstems/bowls still clean like glass.
Upgrades & parts
- Glass: Tons of accessories—bowls, downstems, ash catchers, 45°/90° bangers.
- Silicone: Simpler. Many use a glass downstem/bowl for better taste.
Price
- Glass: Wide range; intricate percs cost more.
- Silicone: Usually budget-friendly for the size.
Who each is for
Choose glass if you:
- Care most about taste and smooth diffusion
- Want to customize with 14.5 mm or 18.8 mm parts and percs
- Mostly use it at home and treat gear carefully
Choose silicone if you:
- Need rugged and portable
- Want easy cleaning and low maintenance
- Plan to use it on trips, at festivals, or outdoors
Pro move: Glass at home, silicone on the go.
Common questions
Does silicone change the taste?
Fresh, quality silicone is fairly neutral, but glass is still cleaner. A glass downstem/bowl in a silicone body improves flavor.
Can I use ice with silicone?
Yes if your model has an ice catcher. Glass ice pinches cool more evenly, but silicone + ice still helps.
Which joint size should I get?
Most setups are 14.5 mm; larger rigs may use 18.8 mm. Match your size + gender + angle (45°/90°) when buying bowls/bangers.
Is silicone safe with hot nails?
Keep direct heat on glass/quartz/titanium parts only. Don’t torch silicone—use a proper banger.
Ready to choose?
- Explore Glass Bongs – flavor-first with percs and upgrades
- Check Silicone Bongs – travel-proof and easy to clean
- Grab Bowls & Downstems – 14.5 mm and 18.8 mm replacements
- See Cleaning Gear – ISO wipes, brushes, and screen savers
