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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. But how do you know which ones to choose for your bong? In this blog post, we will explain what bowls and downstems are, what sizes and types they come in, and how to pick the best ones for your bong.
What are bowls and downstems?
A bowl is the part of the bong where you place your herb or tobacco that is ready to be combusted. It is usually made of glass, metal, wood, or silicone, and it has a hole at the bottom that connects to the downstem. The bowl can have different shapes, colors, and designs, depending on your preference and style.
A downstem is a long tube of glass that connects the bowl to the body of the bong. It runs down into the chamber of the bong, where it creates bubbles and diffuses the smoke as you inhale. The downstem can have different lengths, diameters, and features, such as slits, holes, or percolators, that affect the airflow and filtration of the smoke.
What sizes do bowls and downstems come in?
When choosing a bowl and a downstem for your bong, you need to make sure they are compatible with each other and with your bong. The most important thing to look for is the joint size, which refers to the circumference of the stem where it meets the bong or the bowl. The joint size determines how well the parts fit together and form an airtight seal.
The most common joint sizes for bowls and downstems are 10mm, 14mm, and 18mm. However, there are also other sizes available, such as 12mm or 19mm. You can usually find information about what joint size your bong requires from the manufacturer’s specifications or by measuring it yourself with a ruler or a caliper.
To ensure compatibility, you need to match the joint size of the bowl with the joint size of the downstem, and the joint size of the downstem with the joint size of the bong. For example, if your bong has an 18mm joint, you need a downstem with an 18mm joint at one end and a bowl with an 18mm joint at the other end. Alternatively, you can use adapters or reducers to connect parts with different joint sizes.
What types of bowls and downstems are there?
Besides the joint size, there are other factors that affect how bowls and downstems perform and function. Here are some of the most common types of bowls and downstems that you can find on the market:
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Standard bowl:
This is the simplest type of bowl that has a cone shape and a single hole at the bottom. It is easy to use and clean, but it can also clog easily or let ash fall through into the bong. -
Screen bowl:
This is a type of bowl that has a metal or glass screen at the bottom that prevents ash from falling through into the bong. It also helps to conserve your herb or tobacco by burning it more evenly. -
Funnel bowl:
This is a type of bowl that has a wide opening at the top and a narrow stem at the bottom. It allows you to pack more herb or tobacco into it and provides better airflow than standard bowls. -
Slide bowl:
This is a type of bowl that has a handle or a knob that allows you to slide it out of the downstem easily. It is convenient for clearing the smoke from the bong or changing bowls quickly. -
Themed bowl:
This is a type of bowl that has a unique shape, color, or design that reflects your personality or style. For example, you can find bowls shaped like animals, fruits, skulls, mushrooms, etc. -
Straight downstem:
This is the simplest type of downstem that has a straight tube with no features. It provides minimal diffusion and filtration of the smoke, but it is also easy to use and clean. -
Diffused downstem:
This is a type of downstem that has slits or holes at the bottom that create bubbles and diffuse the smoke as it passes through the water. It provides better diffusion and filtration of the smoke than straight downstems, but it can also clog more easily. -
Percolator downstem:
This is a type of downstem that has a percolator at the bottom that further diffuses and filters the smoke. A percolator is a device that has multiple chambers, tubes, or holes that create more bubbles and surface area for the smoke to interact with the water. There are many types of percolators, such as showerhead, tree, honeycomb, turbine, etc. -
Adjustable downstem:
This is a type of downstem that has a mechanism that allows you to adjust its length to fit different bongs. It is convenient for switching between different bongs or finding the optimal length for your bong. -
Silicone downstem:
This is a type of downstem that is made of silicone instead of glass. It is flexible, durable, and easy to clean, but it can also affect the taste and quality of the smoke.
How to pick the best bowls and downstems for your bong?
Now that you know what bowls and downstems are and what types and sizes they come in, you might be wondering how to pick the best ones for your bong. There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on your personal preference, budget, and experience level. However, here are some general tips that can help you make an informed decision:
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Consider your bong size and shape:
You want to choose bowls and downstems that match the size and shape of your bong. For example, if you have a small or narrow bong, you might want to choose a smaller or shorter bowl and downstem that won’t make your bong too heavy or unstable. If you have a large or wide bong, you might want to choose a larger or longer bowl and downstem that will fill up your bong with more smoke. -
Consider your smoking style and preference:
You want to choose bowls and downstems that suit your smoking style and preference. For example, if you like to take big hits or share your bong with friends, you might want to choose a larger or deeper bowl and a diffused or percolated downstem that will produce more smoke and smoother hits. If you like to take small hits or conserve your herb or tobacco, you might want to choose a smaller or shallower bowl and a straight or slitted downstem that will produce less smoke and stronger hits. -
Consider your cleaning and maintenance habits:
You want to choose bowls and downstems that are easy to clean and maintain. For example, if you don’t like to clean your bong often or thoroughly, you might want to choose a simple or standard bowl and a straight or silicone downstem that won’t clog or break easily. If you like to keep your bong clean and shiny, you might want to choose a screen or funnel bowl and a diffused or percolated downstem that will prevent ash from entering the bong and improve the taste and quality of the smoke. -
Consider your budget and quality standards:
You want to choose bowls and downstems that fit your budget and quality standards. For example, if you are on a tight budget or don’t care much about the aesthetics or durability of your bong accessories, you might want to choose cheap or generic bowls and downstems that will do the job but won’t last long or look good. If you have some extra money to spend or care about the appearance or longevity of your bong accessories, you might want to choose high-quality or branded bowls and downstems that will perform well and look great.
Where to buy bowls and downstems for your bong?
If you are looking for bowls and downstems for your bong, you have many options to choose from. You can buy them online from reputable websites such as
Grasscity
,
Fat Buddha Glass
, or
Smokea
, where you can find a wide range of products at affordable prices. You can also buy them in person from local head shops or dispensaries, where you can see and touch the products before buying them. However, make sure to check the reviews, ratings, and customer service of any website or store before making a purchase.</p
