If you are a fan of glass bongs, you know how important it is to have the right accessories to enjoy your herb or tobacco. One of the most essential parts of a bong is the bowl and downstem, which connect the bowl piece to the main chamber of the bong and provide diffusion for your smoke. But how do you choose the right type and size of a bowl and downstem for your glass bong? Here are some tips to help you out.
Types of bowls and downstems
There are different types of bowls and downstems for glass bongs, depending on the material, design, function and compatibility. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Glass on glass bowls and downstems: These are the most popular type of bong accessories, as they offer a tight seal and a smooth smoking experience. Glass on glass bowls and downstems are made from borosilicate glass, which is heat-resistant and durable. They have a male or female joint that fits into a corresponding joint on the bong, usually 14mm or 18mm in diameter. Glass on glass bowls and downstems can have different shapes, colors and features, such as handles, screens, ash catchers, percolators and more.
- Metal bowls and downstems: These are the classic type of bong accessories, as they are cheap, easy to use and widely available. Metal bowls and downstems are made from stainless steel, brass or aluminum, which are sturdy and resistant to corrosion. They have a rubber grommet that seals the connection between the bowl and the bong. Metal bowls and downstems can have different sizes, designs and finishes, such as anodized, chrome or gold plated.
- Ceramic bowls and downstems: These are the artistic type of bong accessories, as they offer a unique look and feel. Ceramic bowls and downstems are made from clay, which is molded, fired and glazed. They have a rubber grommet that seals the connection between the bowl and the bong. Ceramic bowls and downstems can have different shapes, colors and patterns, such as animals, skulls, fruits or flowers.
- Silicone bowls and downstems: These are the modern type of bong accessories, as they offer a flexible and durable option. Silicone bowls and downstems are made from food-grade silicone, which is non-toxic and heat-resistant. They have a male or female joint that fits into a corresponding joint on the bong, usually 14mm or 18mm in diameter. Silicone bowls and downstems can have different colors and features, such as glow in the dark, detachable or unbreakable.
Sizes of bowls and downstems
The size of your bowl and downstem is determined by two factors: the joint size of your bong and the length of your downstem. Here are some guidelines to help you measure them:
- Joint size: The joint size is the diameter of the opening where you insert your bowl or downstem into your bong. The most common joint sizes are 14mm and 18mm, but there are also other sizes such as 10mm or 29mm. To measure your joint size, you can use a ruler or a coin. A 14mm joint is roughly the same size as a dime, while an 18mm joint is roughly the same size as a penny.
- Downstem length: The downstem length is the distance from the bottom of the joint to the bottom of the downstem. The ideal downstem length depends on the height and shape of your bong, but generally you want your downstem to reach about halfway into the water chamber for optimal diffusion. To measure your downstem length, you can use a ruler or a pencil. Insert your pencil into your bong until it touches the bottom of the water chamber, then mark where it meets the joint with your finger. Remove your pencil from your bong and measure from your finger to the tip of your pencil.
How to choose?
Now that you know how to identify the types and sizes of bowls and downstems for glass bongs, you can choose the ones that suit your preferences and needs. Here are some factors to consider when choosing:
- Material: The material of your bowl and downstem affects the quality, durability and appearance of your bong. Glass on glass bowls and downstems are the best choice for a smooth and pure smoke, as they do not alter the flavor or aroma of your herb or tobacco. They are also easy to clean and maintain, as they do not rust or stain. However, they are also more fragile and expensive than other materials. Metal bowls and downstems are the best choice for a cheap and sturdy option, as they do not break or crack easily. They are also easy to find and replace, as they are widely available. However, they can also affect the taste and smell of your smoke, as they can leach metal particles or chemicals into your water. They are also harder to clean and can get hot to the touch. Ceramic bowls and downstems are the best choice for a unique and artistic option, as they offer a variety of designs and colors to match your personality and style. They are also fairly durable and heat-resistant, as they do not melt or warp easily. However, they can also be more expensive and harder to find than other materials. They can also chip or crack if dropped or mishandled. Silicone bowls and downstems are the best choice for a flexible and modern option, as they offer a range of features and benefits to enhance your smoking experience. They are also very durable and heat-resistant, as they do not break or burn easily. They are also easy to clean and store, as they can be folded or detached. However, they can also be more expensive and harder to find than other materials. They can also attract dust and lint if not stored properly.
- Design: The design of your bowl and downstem affects the functionality, performance and appearance of your bong. Bowls and downstems can have different shapes, sizes, colors and features that can influence your smoking experience. For example, bowls can have different capacities, handles, screens, ash catchers or percolators that can affect how much herb or tobacco you can pack, how easy it is to hold or remove your bowl, how clean your smoke is or how smooth your hits are. Downstems can have different lengths, widths, angles, slits or percolators that can affect how well your smoke is diffused, how much drag you feel when inhaling or how cool your hits are.
- Compatibility: The compatibility of your bowl and downstem affects the fit, seal and stability of your bong. Bowls and downstems need to match the joint size of your bong in order to fit properly and create a tight seal that prevents air leaks or water spills. They also need to match the height and shape of your bong in order to balance well and avoid tipping over or breaking.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type and size of a bowl and downstem for your glass bong is not a difficult task if you know what to look for and what to avoid. By following these tips, you can find the perfect accessories for your bong that will enhance your smoking experience and make you enjoy your herb or tobacco even more.
For more information on bowls and downstems for glass bongs, check out these websites:
