Its all about pull, airtightness, and the concentration of the smoke, a bong condenses the smoke as well as cools it, so you can take a bigger hit and get more at a time, while a pipe produces hot harsh smoke that gives you all the carcinogens, a bong avoids, and leaves you with a more foggy headed high.

this is what i have concluded from my own experiences and what others have told me.

I to use to wonder why a bong is just so much better than a pipe.