If you enjoy smoking herb or tobacco from a glass bong, you might have wondered how to make the experience more pleasant and smooth. One of the most common ways to cool down the smoke and reduce the harshness on your throat and lungs is to add ice cubes to the water chamber of your bong. However, this method has some drawbacks, such as melting ice that can overflow the water level, dilute the flavor of your smoke, and make your bong harder to clean.
Fortunately, there is a better alternative: ice or glycerin tubes. These are cylindrical glass attachments that have a spiral coil inside. They can be attached to the top of your glass bong, replacing the neck and mouthpiece. The space inside the cylinder is filled with either ice or glycerin, a non-toxic fluid made of fatty acids that is commonly used in cosmetics and food products. Ice or glycerin tubes can provide a cooling effect for your smoke, without adding any moisture or impurities.
How do ice tubes work?
Ice tubes are simply glass cylinders that have a hollow coil inside. You can fill the coil with ice cubes or crushed ice, and then attach the tube to your bong. The smoke will travel through the coil, which will act as a heat exchanger and cool down the smoke before it reaches your mouth. Ice tubes can lower the temperature of your smoke by up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, making it more comfortable and enjoyable to inhale.
How do glycerin tubes work?
Glycerin tubes are similar to ice tubes, except that they have glycerin instead of ice inside the coil. Glycerin is a liquid that can freeze quickly and stay cold for a long time. Glycerin tubes can be stored in freezers to keep them nice and frosty in between uses. However, please do not make the mistake of storing your whole bong in there, as this can damage your glass piece. Glycerin tubes can also lower the temperature of your smoke by up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but they have some advantages over ice tubes:
- They last longer than ice tubes, as glycerin does not melt or evaporate.
- They do not affect the water level or flavor of your smoke, as glycerin does not mix with water or smoke.
- They are easier to clean than ice tubes, as glycerin does not leave any residue or mold.
How to use ice or glycerin tubes?
Using ice or glycerin tubes is very simple and straightforward. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Detach the tube from your bong and fill it with either ice or glycerin, depending on your preference. Make sure you fill it enough to cover the coil, but not too much to block the airflow.
- Attach the tube back to your bong, making sure it fits securely and snugly.
- Pack your bowl with your favorite herb or tobacco and light it up.
- Inhale slowly and deeply through the tube, enjoying the icy smooth hits from your cooled bong.
- After using, detach the tube and rinse it with warm water. You can store it in the freezer again for later use, or let it dry and store it in a cool place.
How to clean ice or glycerin tubes?
To keep your ice or glycerin tube working in tip-top shape, you need to clean it regularly. Here are some tips on how to do it:
- Rinse your tube with warm water after each use, to remove any ash or debris that might have accumulated inside.
- Use a pipe cleaner or a cotton swab to gently scrub the inside of the coil, especially if you notice any buildup or stains.
- Soak your tube in a solution of warm water and vinegar for about 15 minutes, to disinfect and deodorize it.
- Rinse your tube again with warm water and let it dry completely before storing it.
Where to buy ice or glycerin tubes?
If you are interested in trying out ice or glycerin tubes for yourself, you can find them online or at your local head shop. There are different models and sizes available, so you can choose one that suits your preferences and budget. Some examples of popular brands are:
- DankStop, which offers a variety of freezable pipes and bongs that use glycerin to keep themselves cool.
- Toker Supply, which sells bongs with removable glycerin coils that can be swapped with different colors and designs.
- One Sixty Glass, which specializes in custom-made glass bongs and pipes, including ice and glycerin tubes.
Conclusion
Ice or glycerin tubes are a great way to enhance your smoking experience and make it more smooth and enjoyable. They can cool down the smoke from your glass bong without diluting it, and they are easy to use and clean. You can find them online or at your local head shop, and choose from different models and sizes. Ice or glycerin tubes are definitely worth trying if you are looking for a new way to smoke your herb or tobacco.
