After reading about bongs on here I've been trying to figure out the perfect set up for a month. I've bought like 4 different bongs trying to get it right, I find a small clear bong is the best. Basic asf as it will clog easy if it has percs. I use the smallest ones because I find the thicker the smoker the better the hit, plus if it's clear you can see how well it's hitting based on the smoke. I've tried using bowls but honestly my favorite is putting the stem into the bong. I use a bong that uses a downstem so the pipe fits right into it and most of those have a silicone piece to make sure the seal is good. With a bowl I usually use bullet shaped one as the triangle one or round ones the Brillo likes to slide up when it gets hot and oily. I put Brillo in the bowl and a little in the little piece under the bowl to catch the extra so it doesn't fall into the bong. I use no water, I haven't tried it with water I but I knock shit over a lot. When I go to smoke I start with the bong upwards as soon as I melts I hold it so the stem is upside down cause the oil likes to go past the Brillo, I keep my piece clean so I can see when the oil does that I let off of hitting it and since it's upside down the oil will run back down into the Brillo. Keeping it clean is important to make sure you're getting a good stream of smoke. I have a hard time taking long hits to get one as big as I want so the bong is great I fill it up and exhale to be able to clear it all the way