I bought one for $30, and i've had it for 3 years. It's better to buy one than make some shitty knock-off with things you shouldn't be smoking out of anyway. I'm a purist in that regard. Bongs are great. Most people say that they prefer bongs to J's or the other way around, but I don't tell a difference. Weed is weed. The bong hit's rip smoother, which, I imagine allows me to get ripped quicker, but overall, it's not that different. A J is better for social events. Bongs can be a lot of work.