Because of the smell, the fact that you are smoking the paper and the chems in the paper (unless you use PureHemp or similar wraps), I do prefer to use a bong, but have also found that as you smoke it down, it collects the resin in oily form, and concentrates the oils, therefore, in the finishing hits, esp., it does get stronger. I have a Freind who will not smoke any other way BUT a joint, says he doesn't get high at all with a bong...go figure. I would say that everything is subjective...it all depends who you ask...