With experimental results backing the medicinal and recreational uses of cannabis, people increasingly rely on it as an alternative to traditional medicines. Consequently, the cannabis industry keeps developing new and improved items for their consumers’ leisure.
However, a relatively long-standing piece of equipment for smoking cannabis is a glass pipe. Even today, these pipes are among the most convenient devices for dry herb smoking. As their name suggests, they feature durable glass, making them long-lasting and shatterproof to an extent.
Such attributes make glass pipes a fan favorite. Nevertheless, before you dive into the process of buying a suitable one, you should learn its ins and outs.
Straight-Tube Bongs
These water pipes are simple and straightforward. They have a tube attached to the outside of the bong. The weed is placed into the tube, and you can just simply light it up!
Beaker-Shaped Bongs
It is essential to know that this type is very similar to straight-tube bongs. The main difference is the button which is flared into a cone shape. It gives the shape of a beaker, and that’s the primary purpose of the given name.
Carburetor Bong
If you choose a bong with a hole in the middle, you should know that that bong is a carburetor bong. It is good to know that millions of people enjoy this bong because they believe it provides a stronger hit.
Multi-Chamber Bong
This is a slight variation of the first type of bong or the straight tube bong. This bong distinguishes itself from others for its tube is divided into two separate chambers connected by another chamber. This feature means that the smoke will be smoother and cooler.
Advantages of Glass Pipes
Apart from versatility, convenience, and portability, glass pipes are awesome in other aspects as well. Some benefits of using glass pipes for smoking include:
Easy To Clean
One of the best things about glass pipes is how easy it is to clean them. As long as you remember to maintain them regularly, they’ll remain in pristine condition for months.
Not to mention, you can use various cleaning methods and products, including acetone, isopropyl alcohol, salt, and other mixtures. So, it’s not a hassle to care for the pipe, and in turn, it’ll keep that “brand new item” shine.
Intricate Designs
Many glass pipes sport modern visual flare, adding to their overall appeal. That’s why many enthusiasts stick to them without faltering - they look stylish and classic.
The Gradual Changes in the Pipe
Another valuable attribute of glass pipes is how they gradually change as you use them. After a while, they become smokier, and it is also interesting to witness your pipe modify its color over time.
Pure Flavors
Many smokers prefer glass pipes because they allow the pure flavor of the herbs to shine through. Unlike wood pipes, glass doesn’t interfere with the natural aroma of the herbs. Hence, purists avoid any other material.
Better Heat Capacity
For all smoking equipment, their heat capacity is the primary factor to keep an eye on. By nature, glass has a very high heating capacity. Therefore, it won’t overheat quickly or prematurely char your herbs.
What to Look for When Buying Glass Pipes Online
In this day and age, people often rely on online shopping. You can find many online stores selling glass pipes of different types, making various claims. So, it’s not hard to get lost among all the ads, forgetting what it was you were looking for in the first place.
For directions, we have rounded up the basic things you need to look out for when buying a glass pipe online.
Size & Portability
Glass pipes are available in various shapes and sizes. Depending on your taste, choose a pipe that will provide your usual requirements. Glass pipes range from pocket-sized pipes to full-size set-ups. So, opt between discreetness and portability.
Reliable Brand
Online shopping comes with some caveats due to its remoteness. Given that there is no personal interaction between the vendor and the buyer, it is hard to determine the genuineness of a product. Hence, order from a reliable brand or vendor to avoid becoming victims of foul play.
Functionality and Pipe Style
Another critical thing to watch out for is the functionality of your pipe. Not all glass pipes will be adjustable as much as one would like. To avoid such disappointments, pay attention to this before making the purchase.
Price Point
Lastly, a significant factor to consider is that the pipe you choose fits your budget. After all, glass pipes are breakable items: a fact you cannot avoid. Therefore, when you buy a glass pipe, don’t go out of your way and keep your expenses in check.
Types of Glass Pipes
To choose a suitable glass pipe, you need to first learn about the available variations. Commonly, glass pipes come in five styles, each of which has unique features.
Sherlock Pipes
Named after the famous detective Sherlock Holmes, these pipes have a bowl for holding the herbs on one end. Meanwhile, they feature a long stem and curved design. Sometimes this pipe may come with a carburetor, too.
Bubblers
This pipe is a hybrid that bridges the differences between a bong and a smoking pipe. Bubblers have a small, portable size, but you can add a small amount of water to them, which filters the smoke and cools it before it hits your throat.
Chillums
Chillums are the most straightforward hand pipes as they are light and keep the dry herb packed on one end. However, they don’t feature a carburetor. These are the smallest glass pipes and only allow you to smoke a meager amount at a time.
Spoon Glass Pipes
Spoon pipes are the most popular hand pipes, given their sleek structure. They use a small bowl on one end and a carburetor. The carburetor aids you to inhale better and prevents the accumulation of stale smoke in the pipe.
Steamrollers
Steamrollers are the most compound smoking pipes and the most challenging to use. These are similar in structure to chillums and feature a front-facing carburetor and a bowl on one end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1- How to clean glass pipes?
Cleaning glass pipes is a relatively easy task. You can conveniently use any cleaning product to clean your hand pipe regularly, including rubbing alcohol. Compared to other smoking pipes, glass pipes are relatively low-maintenance and undemanding.
Q2- How does a glass pipe work?
Irrespective of the type of glass pipe you use, they all primarily work the same way. Most pipes (except chillums) feature a bowl on one end that holds the dry herb. Next to the bowl, most pipes have a small carb hole that you need to cover with your finger and let go of when you inhale.
Conclusion
Searching for a glass pipe that fits your needs requires some “know-how” beforehand. However, if you come to terms with the basic principles, the task becomes a lot more straightforward.
Generally, you should look for high-quality glass pipes within a reasonable price range. Also, look for known brands to maximize your chances of getting more value for your buck.
