If you want smoother, cleaner, and better-tasting bong hits, the Carball bong adaptor by BlackLeaf is one of the most underrated accessories you can add to your setup. This small adapter sits between your bowl and bong, housing activated carbon pellets that filter out contaminants before smoke ever reaches your lungs. In this Herbistry420 review, 40 breaks down exactly how it works, how to set it up, and whether it is worth the price.
What Is the Carball Bong Adaptor?
The Carball bong adaptor is a small glass attachment with a large ball-shaped chamber. Inside that chamber is a screen at the bottom and a bed of activated carbon pellets. When smoke passes through on its way to the bong water, the activated carbon absorbs contaminants, carcinogens, and impurities — leaving you with a cleaner, smoother hit.
BlackLeaf offers the Carball in both 14mm and 19mm joint sizes, so it fits most standard bong setups. You can also find the Carball Fancy version for those who want a more premium look. The activated carbon pellets (ActiTube brand works great) are sold separately and are very affordable.
How Activated Carbon Works in Your Bong
Activated carbon — also known as activated charcoal — is a form of carbon that has been processed to create millions of tiny pores, dramatically increasing its surface area. This makes it highly effective at absorbing contaminants from both air and water.
When you combust cannabis, the smoke contains carcinogens and other harmful byproducts. The Carball bong adaptor places activated carbon directly in the smoke path, allowing it to absorb as many of these impurities as possible before the smoke travels through your bong water and into your lungs. The result is a noticeably smoother and potentially healthier hit.
5 Reasons to Add the Carball Bong Adaptor to Your Setup
1. Smoother Hits Every Time
The most immediate benefit of the Carball bong adaptor is how smooth the hits become. By removing impurities from the smoke, you get a cleaner draw with less irritation. In the video, 40 takes multiple big hits without a single cough — that says a lot about the filtration quality.
2. Better-Tasting Cannabis
Activated carbon does not add any flavor — it only removes impurities. This means you get the full, true flavor of your cannabis without the harshness or off-notes that combustion byproducts can cause. If you care about taste, the Carball is worth it for this reason alone.
3. Potential Health Benefits
While no filtration system eliminates all combustion byproducts, activated carbon is well-documented for its ability to absorb contaminants. Adding the Carball bong adaptor is a simple way to reduce your exposure to some of the harmful compounds created when cannabis is burned.
4. Affordable and Easy to Use
The Carball itself is under €9, making it one of the most cost-effective bong upgrades available. The activated carbon pellets are cheap and last through many sessions before needing replacement. When you notice a change in flavor or taste, it is time to replace the pellets — or swap them out every couple of weeks as a general rule.
5. Works with Your Existing Setup
The Carball bong adaptor fits into most standard setups with the right joint size adapter. You can pair it with an ash catcher for even more filtration. In the video, 40 runs a setup with bowl → ash catcher → Carball → downstem for maximum filtration. The only trade-off is a slight increase in draw resistance with all the extra accessories stacked.
How to Set Up and Use the Carball Bong Adaptor
- Fill the Carball chamber with activated carbon pellets (ActiTube or similar)
- Connect the Carball between your bowl and bong downstem using the correct joint size
- Use a joint size adapter if your bong is 14mm but your Carball is 19mm (or vice versa)
- Pack your bowl normally and smoke as usual — the carbon does its job passively
- Replace carbon pellets when you notice flavor degradation, or every 2–3 weeks with regular use
- Clean the Carball glass regularly to maintain airflow and hygiene
One important note: stacking multiple accessories (ash catcher + Carball + adapter) does increase the draw resistance. This is normal — you just need a bit more breath to pull through. Once you are used to it, the smooth, clean hits make it completely worth the adjustment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to replace the activated carbon in the Carball?
Replace the activated carbon in your Carball bong adaptor when you notice a change in taste or when hits feel less smooth than usual. As a general guideline, replacing every 2–3 weeks with regular use is a safe approach. The carbon absorbs contaminants over time and eventually becomes saturated.
Does the Carball change the flavor of hits?
No — activated carbon is completely flavor-neutral. It only removes impurities, so you get the full, clean taste of your cannabis without any added flavor from the carbon itself. Most users report that hits actually taste better because the impurities that mask natural flavor are removed.
What size Carball do I need?
The Carball comes in 14mm and 19mm versions. Match the joint size to your bong’s downstem, or use an adapter to connect different sizes. BlackLeaf also offers the Carball Fancy for those who want a more premium aesthetic.
References
Learn More on Herbistry420
Purchase Links
🛒 Carball Bong Adaptor (14mm)
🛒 Carball Bong Adaptor (19mm)
🛒 Carball Fancy (14mm)
🛒 Activated Carbon – ActiTube
Note: Some links are affiliate links. Purchases through these links support the channel at no extra cost to you.
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