I am currently, and have been for some time, considering trying cannabis and figured following a forum like this could help me make my decision. From many things I've heard about different smoking apparatuses I've come to the question, "What makes a pieces hit smooth or hard or any of the other descriptive words used to describe hits from different smoking apparatuses?" Thanks!
If you're looking for the smoothest hit then I'd say invest in a vaporizer because thats as smooth as it gets because its vapor not actual smoke. After that I'd say bongs tend to be the next smoothest and thats because they pass through water which adds filtration and most have ice notches so that you can chill the smoke so by the time it gets to you its nice and easy to smoke. The next smoothest would be a bubbler which is pretty much tiny bong or even a a mixture of a bong and a pipe. Then comes the pipe which can be harsh when you smoke it but thats because the smoke doesn't have any filtration or much time to cool down. Lastly, I think joints are the harshest not only because there isn't much time for the smoke to cool down but also because you're smoking paper. The first time you smoke it will seem harsh and you might not get very high and you'll be like wtf why do people do this?! But it'll get easier to smoke with experience and after the first time you'll always get high. Personally, I didn't get very high my first time and I coughed so much it was crazy!
This little bubbler cost me $8.99 If you take smaller hits they are really smooth and you actually taste the smoke. Great little piece if you aren't ready for a bong and want smoother smoking
One a side note to vapes. Yes they are the smoothest hits however the vapor tends to be a bit dry so it can definitely tickle your lungs in the wrong way and you may cough your lungs out regardless. Like everything in the beginning take it slow. Take small hits. And if you do that with a vape you will love it. Bongs are definitely second best. Better yet, if you could get a Vape and hook it up to a bong for some vapor bonging you will be in heaven. It'll add moisture to the vape and make it cooler and even easier on the lungs. For your first time make sure you are in a comfortable place and with great people. Or no people whichever you prefer. The first high will be your first impression and make sure it's a good one. My first time was bliss, and I've been smoking ever since.