If you are a fan of smoking herb or tobacco with a glass bong, you might be wondering how to choose the right type and size of a bowl and downstem for your device. A bowl and a downstem are two essential components of a glass bong that affect the quality and quantity of your smoke. In this blog post, we will explain what they are, how they work, and what factors you should consider when buying them.
What is a bowl and a downstem?
A bowl is the part of the glass bong where you place your herb or tobacco that is ready to be combusted. It is usually attached to an outer stem that connects to the downstem. Bowls can be made of different materials, such as glass, wood, metal, or silicone, and come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and designs.
A downstem is a long tube of glass that connects the bowl to the body of the glass bong. It runs down into the chamber of the bong where the water is stored. The downstem has small slits or holes at the bottom that create bubbles and diffuse the smoke as it passes through the water. This cools down and filters the smoke, making it smoother and less harsh on your lungs.
How to choose the right type and size of a bowl?
When choosing a bowl for your glass bong, there are two main things you need to look for: the joint size and the shape.
- The joint size refers to the diameter of the opening of the bowl where it connects to the downstem. It determines whether the bowl will fit your bong or not. The most common joint sizes are 10mm, 14mm, and 18mm, although there are also other variations. You need to make sure that the joint size of your bowl matches the joint size of your downstem. Otherwise, you won’t be able to use them together.
- The shape of the bowl affects how much herb or tobacco you can pack in it and how easy it is to light and clean. There are many different shapes of bowls, such as cone, round, funnel, tulip, etc. Some bowls have deeper or wider chambers than others, allowing you to load more material or enjoy longer sessions. Some bowls have handles or knobs that make them easier to grip and remove. Some bowls have screens or filters that prevent ash from falling into the bong. You should choose a shape that suits your preferences and needs.
How to choose the right type and size of a downstem?
When choosing a downstem for your glass bong, there are three main things you need to look for: the joint size, the length, and the diffuser.
- The joint size refers to the diameter of the opening of the downstem where it connects to the bong. It determines whether the downstem will fit your bong or not. The most common joint sizes are 14mm and 18mm, although there are also other variations. You need to make sure that the joint size of your downstem matches the joint size of your bong. Otherwise, you won’t be able to use them together.
- The length of the downstem affects how far it reaches into the water chamber of the bong. It determines how much water you need to fill in your bong and how much diffusion you get from your smoke. The length of the downstem should be long enough to submerge its bottom part in water but not too long that it touches the bottom of the bong or makes it hard to draw air through it. You can measure the length of your downstem by inserting a pencil into your bong until it reaches where you want your downstem to end and then marking it with your finger. Then measure from the tip of the pencil to your finger with a ruler.
- The diffuser refers to the design of the bottom part of the downstem where it has slits or holes that create bubbles and diffuse smoke. The diffuser affects how smooth and flavorful your smoke is. There are many different types of diffusers, such as slitted, showerhead, vortex, pearl, fission, etc. Some diffusers have more slits or holes than others, creating more bubbles and more diffusion. Some diffusers have different shapes or angles that create different patterns or effects on your smoke. You should choose a diffuser that enhances your smoking experience.
Where to buy bowls and downstems for your glass bong?
If you are looking for high-quality bowls and downstems for your glass bong, you can check out some of the online stores that offer a wide range of products at affordable prices. Here are some of the websites that we recommend:
- Grasscity: This is one of the most popular and trusted online head shops that sells everything you need for your smoking needs. They have a large selection of bowls and downstems in different sizes, shapes, colors, and materials. They also offer free shipping on orders over $50 and a 30-day return policy.
- Fat Buddha Glass: This is another reputable and reliable online head shop that specializes in glass products. They have a variety of bowls and downstems in different styles, designs, and features. They also offer free shipping on all orders and a lifetime warranty on their products.
- Smokea: This is a newer but fast-growing online head shop that offers a wide range of smoking accessories and products. They have a good collection of bowls and downstems in different options and prices. They also offer free shipping on orders over $10 and a rewards program that gives you points for every purchase.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type and size of a bowl and downstem for your glass bong can make a big difference in your smoking experience. A bowl and a downstem are two essential components of a glass bong that affect the quality and quantity of your smoke. You should consider the joint size, the shape, the length, and the diffuser of your bowl and downstem when buying them. You should also check out some of the online stores that sell high-quality bowls and downstems at reasonable prices. 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.
