The first time you heard the term recycler bongs, what did you initially think of? Were you one of those who thought that a recycler bong is made of recycled materials? Once you get to know what it is and what it does though, all the confusion will fade away.
What Is a Recycler Bong and What Does It Do?
Simply put, a recycler bong is a bong that has two water chambers. It is made to better filter smoke. The first chamber is known as the reservoir and is where water and smoke go first after you take a hit. The smoke then goes through a different tube, a second chamber, where the popping of air bubbles happens. Next, it goes back to the first chamber or the reservoir. As such, smoke is continuously being filtered.
The recycler bong’s first chamber is where water is placed while the second chamber is for the bowl that holds the concentrate and the percolator.
Recycler bongs are known to provide cleaner and smoother hits because of their advanced and thorough filtering system. They are often called recycler rigs and are typically used for smoking oil, shatter, wax, and other cannabis concentrates.
Here’s a step-by-step guide about how these bongs work:
- As soon as you take a hit, the smoke in the bowl will move to the downstem, all the way to the first chamber.
- The first chamber will filter the smoke using water.
- The smoke moves on upstream, to the second chamber.
- The smoke goes through the percolator. It is filtered again, so much so that the smoke and water can come into contact with each other.
- The smoke is then taken back to the first chamber.
- The cycle through the two water chambers continues.
The continuous filtering of smoke produces more flavorful, smoother, and cooler hits. Recyclers or recycler bongs are called such because they “recycle” water so the smoke can be ultra-filtered. The extra filter not only provides more flavorful and smoother hits but also reduces pollutants and carcinogens.
Why Do People Like Recycler Bongs?
There are several reasons why many cannabis smokers prefer recycler bongs. Here are some of them:
- As previously mentioned, a recycler rig minimizes the level of pollutants and carcinogens, which can have devastating effects on a person’s health.
- It allows for a cleaner hit, which means it is cooler and smoother on the throat and lungs.
- With a recycler bong, you are guaranteed that your mouthpiece will not be filled with water and the smoke is always fresh (never stale) because it does not get into contact with air that much. This means your hits are more flavorful.
- Using a recycling bong means allowing maximum filtration.
What Are the Different Varieties of Recycler Bongs?
Recycler bongs come in different types and are divided into three main categories.
External Recycler Bongs
The external version of recycler rigs is what most smokers use. It comes with a simple design—one chamber on top of the other. The water moves through the chambers through interlinking arms. It offers a basic level of filtration and is the most affordable of all three types.
Internal Recycler Bongs
The internal recycler bong or incycler is more compact than its external counterpart, so it is easy to carry around. Its main tube has two chambers. Imagine the incycler as a small bottle that’s placed inside a larger bottle; that’s what it looks like. It is more stylish than the other two types, more durable than the external ones, and easy to clean. However, it is pricey compared to the external recycling bongs.
Klein Recycler Bongs
This variety is a combination of the best features of the external and internal types. The first tube is for intake while the second one is reserved for drainage. If you want extreme filtration, this should be your first option. The Klein recycler bong, however, is difficult to clean and manage. It is very expensive as well.
Comparing Recycler Bongs with Standard Bongs
There are several differences between a standard bong and recyclers. Here are four of the most significant ones:
Quality of Hits
Recyclers produce smoother and cooler hits than standard bongs because of their advanced cooling and filtration processes. The hits aren’t harsh, and they taste better as well. The recycling process allows more flavors to go through.
Cooling and Filtration
This is the most significant difference between recyclers and traditional or standard bongs. Recycler bongs are more efficient in filtering and cooling the smoke. The smoke goes through different chambers and the process is continuous. This eliminates the discomfort that some people feel when inhaling, particularly for those who easily get into coughing fits. Recyclers filter out pollutants and carcinogens, so the hits are cleaner.
Aesthetics
Aesthetically speaking, recyclers are way above traditional bongs because of their unique and interesting appearance. Any bong with two chambers is more eye-catching than a regular-looking beaker-like bong.
Resin Buildup
There is less resin buildup in a recycler bong than in a traditional bong. As such, it’s easy to clean and maintain. You won’t have to worry about buildup as recyclers are cleaner than standards for a longer period. You won’t have to clean your bong after every use.
Recycler Bong Maintenance
While it’s true that recycler bongs do not load up on resin buildup and can stay cleaner for long periods even without cleaning, it is also true that regular maintenance will keep them in excellent condition, allowing them to stay effective and efficient for years. If you want your recycler rig to keep giving out excellent hits, these are what you need to do:
- Regular cleaning
Even if it has only minimal resin buildup, you still have to clean your bong as regularly as you can. If you notice that the smoke is starting to taste a little different or if you are having a difficult time drawing in air, then you need to regularly clean out your recycler.
Look for a quality recycler bong cleaner.
- The Right Water
The water that you put into your bong is a crucial factor in keeping your device well-maintained. To avoid mineral buildup, use only filtered or distilled water. This will also ensure that you’ll get clean hits.
- Proper handling and care
Most of recycler bongs are made from borosilicate glass, so they are sturdy and strong. Nevertheless, you should still learn how to handle your bong with utmost care. Proper handling will prevent it from breaking or shattering (as no bong is 100% shatterproof).
- Proper storage
After every use, make sure that you keep your bong in a place or area that is dry and cool. Never store it in an area that is prone to humidity and heat.
For extra protection, find a quality carrying case for your bong. Some manufacturers include carrying cases as add-on accessories for bongs.
What to Do When Buying Your First Recycler Bong
If it’s your first time purchasing a recycler bong, there are some things that you need to keep in mind to ensure that you’ll get the best quality that’s worth your hard-earned money.
- Choose the right material.
Recyclers come in different materials. The most common one is borosilicate glass but there are also those that are made from silicone and acrylic. Before choosing the material of your recycler, do research first on each of your options to find out which one will best suit your needs or preferences.
Whatever material you choose to go with, be sure that it is durable and can last for years and is therefore made of high-quality, world-class materials.
- The design and size matter.
Recycler rigs come in different designs, sizes, and shapes. Choose one that will be big enough for your smoking needs and be sure to go for a design that resonates with your choice or preference. Do not choose a design just because it is popular, or it is what your friend told you to get. Remember, design and size matter.
For example, if you often have huge rips, go for large-sized recyclers. If you want the best quality but cannot spend more than your budget, choose the smaller designs but be sure they’re high-quality ones. Never compromise quality because of your budget.
- The percolator is an essential factor.
Choosing a recycler with the right percolator is important because it plays a significant role in the recycling process. The type and quality of the percolator can affect the consistency and smoothness of the hits. So, find time to research which models or brands have high-quality and efficient percolators. There are online reviews and product descriptions that can provide you with the information you need.
Where to Find Good Quality Recycler Bongs
You’ll find some of the best recycler bongs online. You can check out virtual retail shops for bongs or manufacturer websites, such as Hitoki, as they might have several options for you to choose from.
Whether you decide to purchase online or from a brick-and-mortar bong shop, it’s important to research and read reviews. If you do this, you’ll get several ideas on which recycler and provider is best for you. Happy shopping!
Sources:
https://wayofleaf.com/accessories/bongs/recycler-bongs-explained
https://www.cannabox.com/blog/recycler-bongs-explained-for-stoners/
https://www.cannabox.com/blog/recycler-bongs-explained-for-stoners/
https://www.grasscity.com/knowledgebase/what-recycler.html
https://www.thickassglass.com/blogs/enlightenment/recyclers
