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. Two of the most essential parts of any bong are the bowl and the downstem. The bowl is where you pack your material, and the downstem is the tube that connects the bowl to the water chamber. Together, they create the airflow and diffusion that make bongs so smooth and satisfying.
But how do you choose the right type and size of a bowl and downstem for your glass bong? There are many factors to consider, such as compatibility, functionality, aesthetics, and personal preference. In this blog post, we will guide you through the basics of bowls and downstems, and give you some tips on how to find the best ones for your bong.
What are bowls and downstems?
A bowl is a small cup-shaped piece that attaches to the end of a downstem or directly to the joint of a bong. Bowls come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and designs, but they all have a hole at the bottom that allows the smoke to travel through the downstem. Bowls can be made of glass, metal, ceramic, silicone, or other materials.
A downstem is a long tube of glass that connects the bowl to the bong. Downstems can be fixed or removable, depending on the type of bong. Downstems have a few slits or holes at the bottom that create bubbles and diffuse the smoke in the water. Downstems can also have different features, such as percolators, ash catchers, or ice pinches.
Why are bowls and downstems important?
Bowls and downstems are important because they affect the performance and quality of your bong. The size and shape of your bowl determine how much material you can pack, how long it will last, and how easy it is to light and clean. The length and diameter of your downstem affect the airflow and drag of your bong, as well as the amount of water you need to fill it. The slits or holes in your downstem affect the diffusion and filtration of your smoke, as well as the noise level of your bong.
Choosing the right type and size of a bowl and downstem can make a big difference in your smoking experience. You want to find a balance between functionality and aesthetics, as well as compatibility with your bong.
How to choose the right type and size of a bowl and downstem for your glass bong?
The first thing you need to do is to check what kind of joint your bong has. The joint is where the bowl or downstem connects to the bong. Joints can be male or female, meaning they either stick out or go in. Joints can also have different sizes, usually measured in millimeters (mm). The most common sizes are 10mm, 14mm, and 18mm.
You need to match the gender and size of your bowl or downstem with the joint of your bong. For example, if your bong has a 14mm female joint, you need a 14mm male bowl or downstem. If your bong has a 18mm male joint, you need a 18mm female bowl or downstem.
The next thing you need to do is to measure the length of your downstem. You can do this by inserting a pencil or a straw into the joint of your bong until it reaches the bottom of the water chamber. Mark where it meets the top of the joint, then pull it out and measure it with a ruler. This is how long your downstem should be.
You also need to consider the diameter of your downstem. The diameter affects how much airflow and drag you get from your bong. A wider diameter allows more air to pass through, resulting in bigger hits but less flavor. A narrower diameter restricts more air, resulting in smaller hits but more flavor. You should choose a diameter that suits your preference and lung capacity.
The last thing you need to do is to choose the type of bowl and downstem that you like. There are many types of bowls and downstems available on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some examples:
- Glass bowls: Glass bowls are easy to clean, durable, and come in many colors and designs. They also preserve the flavor of your herb or tobacco better than other materials. However, they can break easily if dropped or mishandled.
- Metal bowls: Metal bowls are cheap, sturdy, and heat-resistant. They also have a larger capacity than glass bowls. However, they can alter the taste of your smoke and rust over time.
- Ceramic bowls: Ceramic bowls are stylish, unique, and heat-insulating. They also have a smooth surface that prevents resin buildup. However, they can be expensive, heavy, and fragile.
- Silicone bowls: Silicone bowls are flexible, unbreakable, and easy to transport. They also come in many colors and shapes. However, they can be hard to clean, melt under high temperatures, and retain odors.
- Diffused downstems: Diffused downstems have slits or holes at the bottom that create more bubbles and increase the diffusion and filtration of your smoke. They also reduce the noise level of your bong. However, they can be harder to clean and clog more easily than regular downstems.
- Percolator downstems: Percolator downstems have additional chambers or devices that further cool and smooth your smoke. They can have different shapes, such as showerhead, tree, honeycomb, or turbine. However, they can be expensive, complex, and fragile.
- Ash catcher downstems: Ash catcher downstems have a small bowl attached to the side that catches the ash and debris from your herb or tobacco. This prevents them from entering the water chamber and keeps your bong cleaner. However, they can add extra weight and drag to your bong.
- Ice pinch downstems: Ice pinch downstems have a small indentation or notch that holds ice cubes in place. This cools your smoke even more and makes it easier on your throat and lungs. However, they can make your bong taller and more unstable.
You should choose the type of bowl and downstem that matches your style, budget, and needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type and size of a bowl and downstem for your glass bong can enhance your smoking experience and make your bong last longer. You should always check the compatibility, functionality, aesthetics, and personal preference of your bowl and downstem before buying them. You can also experiment with different combinations and see what works best for you.
If you are looking for high-quality bowls and downstems for your glass bong, you can check out some of these online stores:
- Grasscity: Grasscity is one of the largest online headshops in the world. They offer a wide range of bowls and downstems for any bong size and style.
- 420 Science: 420 Science is a trusted online retailer of smoking accessories. They have a variety of bowls and downstems from reputable brands such as GRAV, Empire Glassworks, HiSi Glass, and more.
- Fat Buddha Glass: Fat Buddha Glass is an online store that specializes in glass products. They have a selection of high-quality glass bowls and downstems that are handcrafted by skilled artisans.
- SMOKEA: SMOKEA is an online smoke shop that offers everything you need for your smoking lifestyle. They have a range of affordable and durable bowls and downstems for any bong type.
- Water-Bongs-Glass-Pipes: Water-Bongs-Glass-Pipes is an online store that sells handmade glass products from Europe. They have a collection of unique and colorful bowls and downstems that are made from Pyrex glass.
We hope this blog post has helped you learn how to choose the right type and size of a bowl and downstem for your glass bong. Happy smoking!
