If you are a fan of glass bongs, you know how important it is to have the right bowl and downstem for your smoking experience. The bowl is where you pack your herb or tobacco, and the downstem is the tube that connects the bowl to the bong itself. The bowl and downstem work together to deliver smooth and flavorful hits, but they also affect the airflow, filtration, diffusion and cleaning of your bong. Therefore, choosing the right type and size of a bowl and downstem is essential for getting the most out of your glass bong.
What are the types of bowls and downstems?
There are many types of bowls and downstems available for glass bongs, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Standard bowl: This is the simplest and most common type of bowl, which has a single hole at the bottom and fits into a rubber grommet or a metal slider. Standard bowls are easy to use and clean, but they may not offer much diffusion or filtration.
- Glass on glass bowl: This is a type of bowl that has a ground glass joint at the bottom, which fits into a matching joint on the downstem. Glass on glass bowls are more secure and durable than standard bowls, and they allow for better airflow and diffusion. However, they may be more expensive and harder to find.
- Diffuser bowl: This is a type of glass on glass bowl that has multiple holes or slits at the bottom, which create more bubbles and surface area for smoke to interact with water. Diffuser bowls offer better filtration and cooling than regular bowls, but they may also increase drag and resistance.
- Standard downstem: This is the simplest and most common type of downstem, which has a single hole or slit at the bottom and fits into a rubber grommet or a metal slider. Standard downstems are easy to use and clean, but they may not offer much diffusion or filtration.
- Glass on glass downstem: This is a type of downstem that has a ground glass joint at both ends, which fits into a matching joint on the bong and on the bowl. Glass on glass downstems are more secure and durable than standard downstems, and they allow for better airflow and diffusion. However, they may be more expensive and harder to find.
- Diffuser downstem: This is a type of glass on glass downstem that has multiple holes or slits along its length, which create more bubbles and surface area for smoke to interact with water. Diffuser downstems offer better filtration and cooling than regular downstems, but they may also increase drag and resistance.
How to measure the size of a bowl and downstem?
The size of a bowl and downstem is determined by the diameter of their joints, which can vary from 10mm to 29mm. The most common sizes are 14mm and 18mm, which are compatible with most glass bongs. To measure the size of a bowl or downstem, you need to use a ruler or caliper to measure the outer diameter of their male joints or the inner diameter of their female joints. Here is a table that shows the approximate sizes of different joints:
| Joint Size | Outer Diameter (Male) | Inner Diameter (Female) |
|---|---|---|
| 10mm | 9.5mm | 10.5mm |
| 14mm | 13.5mm | 14.5mm |
| 18mm | 18.8mm | 19mm |
| 29mm | 28.8mm | 29mm |
To choose the right size of a bowl and downstem for your glass bong, you need to make sure that their joints match each other and the joint on your bong. For example, if your bong has an 18mm female joint, you need to get an 18mm male downstem and an 18mm male bowl. If you want to use a different size of bowl or downstem, you can use an adapter or a converter to make them fit.
How to choose the right type and size of a bowl and downstem for your glass bong?
The right type and size of a bowl and downstem for your glass bong depends on your personal preference and smoking style. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a bowl and downstem:
- Airflow: The airflow of your bong is affected by the size and shape of the bowl and downstem, as well as the amount of water in the chamber. A larger bowl and downstem will allow more air to pass through, resulting in bigger and smoother hits. A smaller bowl and downstem will restrict the air flow, resulting in smaller and harsher hits. You can adjust the airflow by changing the water level or using a carb hole or a slide.
- Filtration: The filtration of your bong is affected by the amount and type of diffusion that the bowl and downstem provide. Diffusion is the process of breaking up the smoke into smaller bubbles, which increases the surface area for smoke to interact with water. More diffusion means more filtration, which reduces the toxins and tar in the smoke, making it cleaner and healthier. However, more diffusion also means more drag and resistance, which makes it harder to inhale. You can choose a bowl and downstem that have more or less diffusion depending on your preference.
- Cleaning: The cleaning of your bong is affected by the design and material of the bowl and downstem, as well as the frequency and method of use. A simpler and smoother bowl and downstem will be easier to clean than a complex and textured one, as they will have less crevices and residue. A glass bowl and downstem will be easier to clean than a metal or plastic one, as they will not rust or melt. You can clean your bowl and downstem by soaking them in alcohol or boiling water, or using a pipe cleaner or a brush.
In conclusion, choosing the right type and size of a bowl and downstem for your glass bong is a matter of personal preference and smoking style. You can experiment with different combinations of bowls and downstems to find the one that suits you best. Remember to always use high-quality products from reputable brands, such as Grasscity, 420 Science, Fat Buddha Glass, Smokea, or Water Bongs Glass Pipes. Happy smoking!
