A bong is a bong !
The idea that expensive bongs are better is IMO just a way to get you to spend your money.
The best ones I have ever had were all made from allsorts of things and believe me there have been some wicked and bizarre ones.
A 2 stage potato bong
A chilled melon bong :thumbsup:
And the most ridiculous a 4 stage bottle bong. :wtf:

I own some store bought bongs but I believe half the fun is in construction , it's added pleasure when they work first time without leaking ..