Bong downstems filter smoke through water to cool it for a smoother, more flavorful smoking experience. They also improve filtration by preventing toxins from passing through the lungs unabated.
When shopping for a new downstem, consider the size of your bowl. Downstems come in various lengths and widths that match the male joint of your bowl’s connecting piece.
Size
The downstem is the tube that carries smoke from your slide or bowl piece into the water chamber of your glass pipe to filter and cool each hit. They come in a variety of lengths and can be fixed or removable. Many downstems have different perks built in to filter the smoke further.
Choosing the right downstem size ensures your slide or bowl fits appropriately. To find the right downstem size, insert a pencil into the female ground joint of your bowl or slide and mark it to the length you want the downstem to be. Then subtract the ground joint length from the pencil mark to get the downstem length you need.
Downstems can be either fixed or removable, and both can add functionality to your dab rig. Removable down stems are great for keeping your bong clean as they can be removed and submerged in isopropyl alcohol to be cleaned. They also come in various shapes and sizes, so you can choose one that fits your style.
Length
A downstem in a bong or water pipe plays an essential role in facilitating clean, smooth hits. They transport smoke from the slide to the water chamber, allowing for the filtration and cooling of each puff. Downstems come in various lengths, each with its unique style and function.
For instance, downstems feature larger holes for a more pronounced diffusion effect. This creates more bubbles in the hit, creating that deep, bubbly sound we all know and love.
For optimal function, your Downstem must be the correct size for your bong. It must fit snugly with the bowl’s connecting joint at one end and the bong’s water chamber at the other. You can use a pencil to measure to ensure you’re purchasing the right length. Just insert it into the joint until the pencil becomes submerged, then measure from there to find the exact length you need for your downstem. Using the wrong size can cause your Downstem to become blocked and prevent it from functioning correctly.
Shape
A downstem is usually a glass tube that connects your bong’s bowl to the water chamber. They can be fixed or removable and come in different shapes and sizes. They can be used with various accessories to provide extra filtration and diffusion.
They also serve as a buffer between the bowl and the water chamber, which prevents it from getting damaged. This is especially helpful for beginners who are clumsy or want to save time cleaning their pieces.
Downstems can also be shaped to have additional functions, such as an ash-catcher or perc. An ash catcher provides another layer of filtration by trapping all the gunk and toxins before they enter your lungs. Perc allows you to break down the smoke further with small slits, creating a smoother inhale.
While there are many different types of downstems to choose from, it is essential to find one that fits your pipe’s size and function. Fortunately, finding the right downstem is easy as long as you follow these tips:
Material
When shopping for a downstem, it’s important to remember that ground joint size matters. This is the size of the downstem’s end that connects to the bong bowl and the bottom of the water pipe. If you’re buying a new downstem, check out the measurements on the joint and compare them with the dimensions of your bowl to ensure an airtight connection.
Downstems are made from various materials, but glass is the most common and affordable. They can be affixed or removable, though they’re usually straight and easy to scrub or submerge in isopropyl alcohol for quick cleaning.
Whether you’re shopping for a downstem to enhance your current bong or to replace one that’s gone kaput, many high-quality options are available. One of the best brands offers different 10mm downstems with various diffuser holes. These specialized pieces are ideal for smokers who want to enjoy a smooth hit every time they smoke. If you need help with what to look for in a downstem, visit your local smoke shop and ask the staff for assistance.
Function
The function of a downstem is to transport smoke from the slide into the water chamber of your bong for filtration and cooling. Downstems come in various sizes and lengths to match your water pipe setup. Many also feature different types of percolation to add smoothness and filtration to your hits.
Downstems can be either fixed or removable. Removable downstems allow you to switch out your downstems if they break or you want to try something new. They are also easier to clean since you can remove them from your bong and put them in a Ziploc bag with 90% isopropyl alcohol and a spoonful of salt. Please leave it in for about an hour to break down any resin build-up.
Fixed downstems are usually made of glass, but some are silicone. Both options work equally well, but glass is more fragile and requires more care. Silicone is durable and can be cleaned with most regular household cleaning products.
