Bongs are the perfect smoking accessory for filtering big hits, and hand pipes are great for on-the-go. But what about when you want something in-between? Enter: bubbler pipes. These wonderful glass hand pipes are the best of both worlds, offering bother portability and filtration. If you're thinking about purchasing one, or have never heard of theme before, this guide is for you.
What is a bubbler?
A bubbler (also known as a bubbler pipe) is a hand pipe that adds in the option of water. They have a mouthpiece, neck, bowl, chamber, and stem percolator. Connected to the bowl piece is a the fixed stem perc that creates bubbling in the chamber. This bubbling action helps not only to filter gunk out of your pipe, but also cools down the smoke. This makes it easier on the lungs and more crisp in taste. The most common material used for bubblers is glass, however they can also be found in other materials such as silicone and acrylic.
Why should you get a bubbler?
Glass bubblers are truly the piece for every occasion. Their size makes them easy to carry around, and they only take a couple seconds to fill up and be ready to go. For cooler, smoother hits, you will need a bigger water pipe, but bubblers are a step up from harsh hand pipes. Although the chamber is small, the little bit of added cooling power makes a big difference in your hits and really ramps up the smoking experience. For smoking on the go, bubblers are a top choice.
What are the different styles of bubblers?
While not available in as many options and styles as full sized bongs, there are still some great options to pick from in terms of design. Bubbler pipes come in 3 main design styles:
1. Sherlock Bubblers: Recognizable by their classic 'S' shape, this is probably the most common style you'll find. This style is composed of a curved mouthpiece and a single chamber. The flat base of the chamber holds the piece upright, and usually widens at the bottom for added stability.
2. Double/Multi Chamber Bubblers: For an enhanced smoking experience, this pipe style has multiple chambers, usually each with their own stem percolator. This gives you even more cooling power, resulting in smoother hits than a single chambered piece can offer. The increase in size does make this type slightly less portable, but its still a heck of a lot easier than transporting a big bong!
3. Hammer Bubblers: If stability is a concern you have when buying pipes, hammer bubblers may be your best option. This bubbler pipe has an extended mouthpiece that rests on a table or other surface, connecting diagonally to a large chamber. The chamber in hammer bubblers is often larger than the chamber is a sherlock, and the horizontal design makes it shorter and harder to knock over. If you've ever had dreams of being a judge in a court of law, the gavel-like shape is pretty neat too.
How do you use a bubbler?
This one is a breeze. Another added benefit of bubblers? They're super easy to use!
1. Fill the chamber with water. This can be done through the bowl piece directly above the chamber. A good rule to follow for water level is to fill approximately half an inch above the opening of the perc. If the stem's opening isn't completely underwater, it's not going to filter your water evenly. Make sure to dry out the bowl after this step so you don't get your herb wet!
2. Load the bowl. This isn't any different than how you would fill a hand pipe or bong: simply grind or hand-pick apart your bud and lightly press into the bowl. You want it packed in for even burning, but if you pack the bowl too tightly for air to pass through, it will be difficult to smoke it.
3. Cover the carb hole (usually located on the side of the bowl), spark up your weed and inhale. You can remove your finger while inhaling as needed to get the perfect airflow for your hit. Again, this step isn't any different from using a regular spoon pipe.
If you were having trouble deciding on purchasing a bubbler, you should now have the confidence to decide if this smoking accessory is right for you. Interested in browsing for one now? Hit the link for a great selection of affordable glass bubbler pipes.
