Commonly known as a geeb or bucket bong, a gravity bong leverages air pressure and water to channel smoke into a sizable container, which is then inhaled by the user. Unlike conventional smoking techniques, where you ignite the substance and inhale directly from the apparatus, the gravity bong's distinctive mechanism generates a potent vacuum, delivering a highly concentrated and intense inhalation experience.
The term “gravity bong” originates from its use of gravitational force to aid the smoking process. Despite its seemingly basic construction, the gravity bong can deliver a powerful smoking session, often catching newcomers off guard with its effectiveness. Although not as widely recognized as cute bongs, cute pipes, or electric dab rigs, gravity bongs have garnered a loyal following and can even serve as a conversational centerpiece at social gatherings.
Praised for their straightforward design and efficiency, gravity bongs are also economical. Whether sharing a session with friends or indulging alone, the gravity bong has become a mainstay in the cannabis community for those in search of an alternative method that delivers a robust hit and enhances the THC-induced euphoria.
How to Make a Gravity Bong
Making your own gravity bong is a straightforward and quick process, taking only a few minutes and requiring basic supplies. This can also be a fun experiment if you have an interest in physics.
Materials Needed:
- A large bottle or bucket
- A smaller bottle (like a water bottle, 2-liter or smaller) with a lid
- Aluminum foil or a bowl from another piece
- A sharp tool such as a box cutter or scissors
- Cannabis
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Gravity Bong
1. Prepare the Bottles
Use a box cutter to carefully remove the bottom portion of your smaller bottle. The amount of the bottle left intact determines the intensity of the hit, so ensure you don't cut off too much. At the same time, cut the bottom off the larger bottle as well.
2. Prepare the Lid
Use a box cutter, scissors, or a lighter to make a hole in the lid of the smaller bottle. If using a bowl from another bong, ensure the hole is snug enough to fit it securely.
3. Set Up the Bowl
Take a piece of aluminum foil and fold it over for added strength. Mold it into a small bowl shape to hold a pinch of ground bud. Place this foil bowl over the bottle's opening, making sure the edges of the foil securely wrap around the opening to create an airtight seal. Using a needle or any sharp object, poke approximately five small holes in the depression of your foil bowl. Be cautious not to make the holes too large, as this could cause the contents to fall through.
4. Fill the Larger Container
Fill your larger container with water and submerge the smaller bottle, ensuring it fills up with water. Secure the cap once it’s filled.
5. Load and Light
Add your cannabis to the bowl and light it. Gently pull on the smaller bottle, allowing water to escape and smoke to fill the void. Be careful not to completely lift the bottle out of the water to avoid losing smoke.
6. Inhale
When ready to inhale, remove the lid or bowl and push the smaller bottle back into the water while inhaling through its mouth. The water will push the smoke out and into your lungs. If you don't inhale all the smoke at once, replace the cap to keep it contained until you're ready. Be cautious not to push it too far into the water, as it may force smoke out through the bowl.
By following these steps, you can easily create a functional and effective gravity bong with minimal investment.
Why didn't My Bottle Fill with Smoke?
If your bucket or gravity bong's bottle didn't fill with smoke, ensure that the aluminum-foil bowl has adequate holes that are large enough to allow smoke to pass through. The setup must be airtight so that the only way for air to enter the bottle is through these holes. Properly light your cannabis to ensure it catches fire, and then slowly and steadily pull the bottle out of the bucket.
How Can I Make a Gravity Bong without Using Foil?
If you don't have aluminum foil, you can improvise with items that can tightly fit the bottle opening and hold a small amount of cannabis in a depression. Creative alternatives include pieces of apple, carrot, or even chewing gum. However, the best option would be to use a real bowl from an old bong or smoking pipe, or a wrench socket.
Gravity Bong VS Beaker Bong
A gravity bong differs from a beaker bong in how it generates smoke. While beaker bongs operate with water at normal pressure, gravity bongs use water and gravity to fill with smoke. This method can produce a denser and more intense hit with just one inhalation.
Do Gravity Bongs Get You Higher?
Yes, they often do. Regular bongs produce hotter smoke, which can make you cough and potentially cut your session short. In contrast, gravity bongs deliver cooler, denser smoke that's easier on the lungs, encouraging deeper inhalation. Additionally, the desire not to waste the smoke already collected in the bottle can lead users to take bigger hits, which can result in a more intense high, especially for beginners.
Are Homemade Gravity Bongs Harmful to Your Health?
The safety of smoking anything is debatable, but gravity bongs might be safer than other methods because the smoke cools when it comes into contact with water.
If you're worried about your health, it's worth noting that smoking, in general, is not the healthiest way to consume cannabis. Alternatives like vaping by e-rigs or edibles are generally safer options. Compared to traditional methods such as joints, blunts, and spliffs, gravity bongs might be slightly better since the smoke passes through water, cooling it down. However, unlike other water bongs or hookahs, the smoke in gravity bongs isn't actually filtered through the water.
A significant health concern with gravity bongs is the use of plastic bottles. When these plastics—often made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET)—are heated, they can release potentially harmful substances like antimony (Sb). Inhaling these substances poses a health risk.
Are Gravity Bongs Worth the Investment?
Gravity bongs are popular primarily because they are easy to make and cost virtually nothing. But their appeal extends beyond just affordability—they produce dense, cool smoke and can deliver a stronger high compared to many other smoking devices. For heavy smokers, investing in a durable and well-made gravity bong from a store might be a worthwhile choice.
Conclusion
Assembling a gravity bong, whether it's the Waterfall or Bucket type, can be a fun DIY project that enhances your smoking experience using common household items. Just follow a step-by-step guide for setup, ensure good ventilation for safety, and maintain regular cleaning to enjoy an efficient smoking tool.
The strong hit and easy setup of a gravity bong make it a favorite for those seeking a potent experience. However, its strength warrants caution. Overall, gravity bongs offer a powerful smoke through a straightforward yet high-performance design, providing a unique and memorable experience.
