Silicone

A silicone bong is a water pipe where the body is made of flexible silicone, and glass is only present where needed: in the bowl or the downstem. This category features models shaped like figures, from the standing Grogu to a mushroom with a comic print. Below, we describe how they differ and what to look for before choosing one.

Silicone instead of glass

The silicone body bends and flexes instead of breaking, which is why such equipment withstands falls from tables, transport in backpacks, and living with pets. It is also lighter than its glass counterpart. When washing, the body can be bent to reach the inside, which cannot be done with a rigid glass structure.

When choosing, it’s worth checking what type of silicone is described with the model. LABUBU Labubong has a body made of heat-resistant food-grade silicone, while the smok MIX is made of food-grade silicone. Pikachu and the mushroom MIX have bodies made of flexible silicone resistant to damage. The glass bowl or downstem remains fragile and requires caution.

Figure, height, and format

The standing figures of Grogu (Baby Yoda) in beige, green, and yellow colors are 13 cm tall, stand on a countertop without a base, and fit into the side pocket of a backpack. The smok MIX, sold by the manufacturer as Mad Dinosaur, is 5.5 inches according to the manufacturer, while LABUBU Labubong is about 8 inches.

Pikachu, the yellow figure holding a red heart, is described by the manufacturer as a compact model. The mushroom MIX has a wide, stable base and a lightweight body covered with a multicolored print. Next to bongs in this category, there are also silicone pipes shaped like mushrooms, measuring 10 cm in length.

Bowl, downstem, and joint

The construction of the socket determines whether you can buy a replacement later. You will most often encounter three solutions:

• removable glass bowl with a 14 mm joint, like in LABUBU Labubong, or a 14 mm joint with a bowl of the same diameter included, like in the smok MIX
• removable glass downstem set in the body: with a built-in screen in Pikachu, transparent in the mushroom MIX
• screw-on downstem shaped like the character’s head without a coupling, like in the standing Grogu

A 14 mm joint is a standard size, so a broken bowl can be easily replaced with another. Grogu is a closed set: the downstem fits only this figure and you cannot install interchangeable parts in it. The smok MIX additionally has a built-in diffuser that disperses the flow in the chamber.

How to choose a silicone bong

If the equipment is going to travel with you, choose a small format, like Grogu or the smok. If you want the option to replace the bowl, look for a 14 mm joint. If simplicity matters, a figure without a coupling requires no part adjustments.

The designation MIX in the name indicates that the color or print is selected from the current pool, not chosen at the time of ordering. This applies to LABUBU Labubong, which has several colors and two versions of the figure’s eyes, the smok in green, blue, or brown, and the mushroom MIX. You can find glass and other models in the Bong category.

Washing and storage

Always remove the glass before washing, as it is the smallest and most fragile element of the set. Rinse the body with warm water and mild soap, and clean the bowl or downstem separately. Before reassembling, allow all parts to dry completely; otherwise, moisture remains in the socket.

Change the water in the chamber after each use. Do not dry silicone on a radiator and do not wash it with boiling water or acetone, and keep the set away from sunlight, as heat and UV radiation harden silicone and fade its color. Further steps are described in the guide cleaning the bong and accessories step by step.

Frequently asked questions

Does a silicone bong break?

The body does not, as silicone bends and returns to shape. The glass elements, namely the bowl or downstem, remain fragile, so they are at risk of breaking upon falling. Before transport, remove the glass and pack it separately. Pikachu and the mushroom MIX have bodies made of flexible silicone resistant to damage.

What does MIX in the model name mean?

That the color or print is selected from the currently available pool. With LABUBU Labubong, smok MIX, and mushroom MIX, you do not choose a specific variant when ordering, and each piece may look slightly different. LABUBU Labubong has several colors and two versions of the figure’s eyes, while the smok MIX can be green, blue, or brown.

Can I buy a new bowl for every model?

Not for every model. LABUBU Labubong and smok MIX have a 14 mm joint described as standard, so a replacement is easy to find. The standing Grogu does not have a coupling, and its screw-on downstem fits only this figure. Pikachu and the mushroom MIX have a removable glass downstem set in the body.

How often should I change the water in the chamber?

After each use. Standing water quickly starts to smell, and in figures with a single chamber, there is nowhere to drain it. After pouring out the water, rinse the body and set it aside to dry. When rinsing, first remove the glass bowl or downstem, as it is the most fragile element of the set, and do not dry the body on a radiator.

What should I use to clean the silicone body?

Warm or lukewarm water with mild soap or detergent. Avoid boiling water, acetone, and solvents, and do not scrub the print on the mushroom MIX with a brush. Clean the glass separately, and dry all parts before reassembling. After washing, keep the set away from sunlight, as heat and UV radiation harden silicone and discolor it.