Before Buying a Double Perc Bong, You Should Be Prepared - Here's Why

A percolator bong, or perc bong as it's often called, has an extra water chamber that makes the smoke even cooler and cleaner before inhaling.

Think of a perc bong like a turbo-charged car engine. Just like adding a turbo-charger can enhance an engine's performance, incorporating a percolator makes your standard bong better.

As you take a puff and breathe in through the mouthpiece, the smoke goes down into the first water-filled base. This is where the smoke gets filtered.

Next, the perc acts as another level of purification and cooling by passing through more water surface area [1].

This also helps reduce the harshness of the smoke on your throat and lungs due to high temperatures from igniting dry herb in the bowl. 

A percolator often referred to as a 'perc', aids to increase diffusion of smoke through a water bong making it smoother and cooler to inhale.

The percolation process is all about increasing surface area contact between smoke and water. This occurs when the smoke goes through tiny holes or slits in the perc structure [2]. The smoke is divided into smaller bubbles.

This increased exposure allows more heat transfer with surrounding cooler water. Cooler smoke means less irritation for your throat and lungs — a bonus if you're looking for an easy-going smoking experience. 

Different types of percs have different designs but operate on similar principles: diffusion and filtration. There are several types of percs available in the market, each offering a unique filtration method and aesthetic appeal [3].

One of the most traditional types is a Tree perc. Tree percolators are called that because they look like trees, with branches coming out from a center trunk. Each arm is equipped with percolation holes that allow smoke to pass through.

The number of arms in a tree perc can vary with more arms typically resulting in better diffusion and a smoother hit. However, tree percs can be more fragile than other types due to their intricate design. 

Next is the Honeycomb perc and as you guessed, resemblances an actual honeycomb. The Honeycomb percolator is known for its efficiency and the unique visual appeal it provides when in use.

The Matrix perc is a newer design. It has vertical and horizontal slits that offer a lot of filtration. This is due to the crisscrossing of the slits creating many tiny chambers for the smoke to pass through.

The design of UFO percolators is not just for looks, it also affects how they work. The dome shape allows for an excellent dispersion of smoke, which is then filtered through multiple tiny holes.

The UFO percolator is preferred for its ability to produce a high volume of bubbles, which amplifies the filtration process. 

This type of percolator is less complicated with just a single horizontal tube with small holes. The Inline percolator is simple and effective, giving a clean and smooth smoking experience with less resistance.

Showerhead percolators look like a showerhead that makes smoke go out into the pipe. Then the smoke goes back up through the middle. Its design and popularity make the showerhead perc a noteworthy benchmark in the evolution of percolators. Often used interchangeably with the UFO perc, as they’re very similar.

So what about double percs? Well, these bad boys take things to another level. Having two percs instead of one, these models provide better filtration and cooler smoke for a more enjoyable smoking experience.

A double percolator is made by placing two percs on top of each other causing a double chamber effect. This creates the best percolator bongs compared to regular bongs. 

When it comes to enhancing your smoking experience, percolators without a doubt should be added to your bong build. However, should you choose a double perc and single perc bong?

A single perc bong has one percolator that filters the smoke once. It cools down the smoke and gives a smooth bong rip compared to standard bongs without any percs.

The story changes with double perc bongs; they take filtration to another level by filtering the smoke twice through two different percs before inhaling. This results in even cooler and smoother hits which can be much more enjoyable for many.

The design could be a tree perc, matrix perc, or UFO perc. The choice is yours, however, make sure it's made from borosilicate glass.

In terms of complexity, filling up a double perc bong is slightly trickier due to its additional chamber but don't worry. The rewards are well worth it. 

One of the challenges when using multi chamber percolator bongs is getting the water levels right. It's crucial to make sure that all chambers have an adequate amount of water for optimal filtration.

Too much or too little water can ruin it.

Many double perc bong models have separate enclosed chamber designs, making the process of filling even more complicated. Each section needs to get just the right amount of water without overflowing or losing pressure.

If you're too slow, too much water will be lost from the percs and not enough negative pressure. Too much water and you have to start the process over again.

Often this requires tilting and maneuvering your bong in different angles, which isn't always easy or convenient especially if you have a tall bong.

If filling standard enclosed double perc bongs is too challenging - there might be a better way forward. Modular designs are less tedious because they have removable parts for easy access and cleaning. This is different from traditional perc bong designs.

Using a regular enclosed double perc bong can be challenging, but a modular bong will change your smoking experience and is a better option.

With a modular double perc bong, each chamber can be filled independently which means you're not relying on negative pressure and timing as much. Fill the percs separate from the base until each perc is at the right level. At the same time, you can fill the base without having to rush.

Once they're all at the correct level just screw each module into place for a complete double chamber bong. 

Cleaning doesn't have to be tedious anymore either. With its detachable components, getting to those hard-to-reach areas is simple. Just break your bong down into its parts, soak them in a bong cleaning solution, scrub if any resin remains, rinse with water and you're done.

In addition to being practical and easy to use, opting for a modular design also supports sustainability efforts. If any part gets worn out or damaged over time - don't worry. Instead of replacing the entire unit, as you would need to do with other pieces, simply swap out that particular section.

Only needing to replace individual sections instead of the whole bong helps reduce waste considerably—a win-win situation indeed. 

Filling a double perc bong can be an intimidating task because of the separate perc chambers if you don't have a modular design. To fill a regular double perc bong you need to use negative pressure and careful timing.

Make sure the mouthpiece of your double perc bong is easily accessible on a flat surface.

Add water to the top of your first percolator chamber until it is full. Then blow into the straight tube mouthpiece connected to the top perc to push the water into the 2nd perc below. The percs holes need to be covered in ¼-½ inch of water.

Next, add water to the top percolator chamber again until its holes are also over in ¼-½ inch of water. The next step is important so you'll need to move quickly.

Before water from both percs starts dripping down into the bong base, you'll need to pour water through the downstem until the base is about two-thirds full. Make sure the downstem is submerged.

This will create negative pressure and will keep the water in the percs from falling into the base of your bong. 

Due to a percs tiny holes, regular cleaning of your percolator bong is important to make sure they don't get clogged. This may seem daunting, but we're going to make it as straightforward as possible. The key is regular cleaning to prevent resin and tar build-up.

To start off, gather your cleaning materials. These include:

• Isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher)
• Course sea salt
• Citric acid or lemon juice
• Pipe cleaners or cotton swabs
• Ziplock bags for small parts
• Fresh warm water

Now that you've got all the necessary tools, let’s get down to business:

• Dismantle your modular double perc bong carefully into its individual components. This makes each part easier to clean.

  
  
• In separate ziplock bags, soak your parts, including double perc, in isopropyl alcohol mixed with citric acid or lemon juice and sea salt. Shake gently and leave them for about 30 minutes.

• Use pipe cleaners or cotton swabs to scrub difficult-to-reach spots within the interior of the bong.

  
  
• Rinse all parts thoroughly under warm water. Make sure no cleaning solution is left as it can alter the taste of your smoke.

Your double percolator bong should now be squeaky clean and ready for use.