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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. The bowl is where you pack your material, and the downstem is the tube that connects the bowl to the bong chamber. The bowl and the downstem work together to deliver smooth and filtered hits, but they also affect the airflow, the flavor, and the appearance of your bong. That’s why choosing the right type and size of a bowl and downstem for your glass bong is crucial.
What are bowls and downstems?
A bowl is a small cup-shaped piece that attaches to the top of the downstem. It usually has a hole at the bottom that allows the smoke to travel through the downstem into the water. Bowls come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and designs, depending on your preference and style. Some bowls have handles or pokers to make them easier to remove or clean. Some bowls have built-in screens or filters to prevent ash or debris from clogging the downstem. Some bowls have special features like glow-in-the-dark, UV-reactive, or themed designs.
A downstem is a long tube of glass that connects the bowl to the bong chamber. It usually has a few slits or holes at the bottom that create bubbles and diffuse the smoke in the water. Downstems come in different lengths, diameters, and styles, depending on your bong size and shape. Some downstems are fixed or built-in to the bong, while others are removable or adjustable. Some downstems have extra percolators or diffusers to enhance the filtration and cooling of the smoke.
How to measure bowls and downstems?
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a bowl and a downstem for your glass bong is the size. The size determines how well they fit together and with your bong. If the size is too big or too small, you may experience leaks, cracks, or poor performance. To avoid these issues, you need to measure your bowls and downstems correctly.
The size of a bowl is measured by its joint size, which is the diameter of the opening that connects to the downstem. The most common joint sizes for bowls are 10mm, 14mm, and 18mm. To measure your bowl joint size, you can use a ruler or a caliper to measure across the opening in millimeters. Alternatively, you can use a coin as a reference: a dime is about 18mm, a penny is about 14mm, and a pencil eraser is about 10mm.
The size of a downstem is measured by two numbers: its joint size and its length. The joint size is the same as the bowl joint size, which is the diameter of the opening that connects to the bowl. The length is measured from the bottom of the joint to the bottom of the downstem. To measure your downstem length, you can use a ruler or a tape measure to measure along the side of the downstem in millimeters or inches. Alternatively, you can use a marker to mark where the downstem meets the bong and where it ends inside the chamber, then remove it and measure between the marks.
How to choose bowls and downstems?
Once you know your bowl and downstem sizes, you can start looking for options that suit your needs and preferences. There are many types of bowls and downstems available on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some tips on how to choose bowls and downstems:
- Choose a bowl that matches your smoking style. If you like small hits, go for a smaller bowl that holds less material. If you like big hits, go for a larger bowl that holds more material. If you like sharing with friends, go for a party bowl that holds enough material for multiple people.
- Choose a bowl that matches your bong style. If you have a simple bong, go for a simple bowl that blends in with your bong. If you have a colorful or themed bong, go for a colorful or themed bowl that adds some flair to your bong.
- Choose a downstem that matches your bong size and shape. If you have a tall or straight bong, go for a longer downstem that reaches deeper into the water. If you have a short or angled bong, go for a shorter downstem that fits better into the chamber.
- Choose a downstem that matches your filtration preference. If you like more diffusion and smoother hits, go for a downstem that has more slits or holes, or a percolator or diffuser. If you like less diffusion and more flavor, go for a downstem that has fewer slits or holes, or no percolator or diffuser.
Where to buy bowls and downstems?
If you are looking for bowls and downstems for your glass bong, you can find them online or in local smoke shops. However, not all bowls and downstems are created equal. Some are made from low-quality glass that can break easily or contain harmful chemicals. Some are poorly designed or manufactured that can cause leaks or cracks. Some are overpriced or misrepresented that can rip you off.
To avoid these problems, you should buy bowls and downstems from reputable and reliable sources that offer high-quality products at reasonable prices. One of the best places to buy bowls and downstems online is Grasscity, the world’s best online headshop. Grasscity offers a wide range of bowls and downstems from top brands like Grav Labs, Empire Glassworks, HiSi Glass, ROOR, and more. They also offer fast and discreet shipping, free returns, and excellent customer service.
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. Bowls and downstems affect the airflow, the flavor, and the appearance of your bong. They also affect the filtration and cooling of the smoke. To choose the right bowl and downstem for your glass bong, you need to measure them correctly, consider your smoking style and preference, and buy them from a trusted source. By following these tips, you can find the perfect bowl and downstem for your glass bong.
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