From custom-made bong stems to sleek, stemless devices, Thick Ass Glass has several top-tier glass pieces available to any smoking enthusiast. Those looking to hone their collections will be curious about the differences between our glass pieces and why they are made in specific ways.
Why are some bongs available with a downstem, while others are completely stemless? What is a downstem and why does it matter? How can you get the smoothest smoking experience from start to finish with your custom glass piece? If you want to know the answers to these questions and learn even more about choosing the right kind of glassware for you, then you’ve come to the right place.
Check out the major differences and pros and cons of downstem vs. stemless glass bowls to find out what kind of piece will fit best with your one-of-a-kind collection.
Downstem Bongs
Stems are one of the most iconic features of a classic bong. Acting as the catalyst between the bong water and your herb bowl, a downstem activates water in the chamber to help you achieve a next-level smoking experience.
A downstem bong is a particularly useful choice for glass collectors who prefer bowls without carbs, which are holes that allow for smoke filtration. Most veteran bong users are used to lifting the tobacco bowl completely out of the downstem to achieve a full inhale. Not every downstem requires the full removal of the bowl during the smoking process, but it should be expected.
Downstem Bongs: Pros
- You can pull your bowl out at any angle without worrying about breaking your glass.
- It is easy to replace a downstem and a removable bowl with a number of options from our extensive inventory.
- There are a variety of downstem shapes and designs available, from a honeycomb downstem, which has several holes at the bottom for filtration, to a slitted downstem, which allows for better diffusion of smoke.
Downstem Bongs: Cons
- Downstems come in many different sizes, which means that you may not always purchase the correct size for your bowl - be sure to measure your bong beforehand!
- You need a reliable glass provider to ensure that the downstem you are buying is both affordable and durable.
Stemless Bongs
Since all types of glass pieces technically have “stems,” then what exactly is a stemless bong? Simply put, a stemless bong is a pipe that already has the stem built into it. The stem can be seen on the inside but is not completely removable like a traditional downstem. Most of them are similar in size and shape but can offer plenty of variety for even the most seasoned glass user. Depending on the type of smoking experience you want to achieve, you may end up favoring a stemless bong over its more common downstem counterpart.
Stemless bongs offer a unique advantage in that everything is built right into the glass, often giving you more bang for your buck. Some heavy-duty downstem bongs require clips and other extra accessories to ensure everything is properly held in place. This is also done to make sure the downstem does not fall out when pulling out the bowl.
Stemless Bongs: Pros
- There is far less drag to deal with, meaning fewer air pockets that travel along the pipe during your smoking session.
- The sleek design makes them not only easier to use but also much easier to clean than big stemmed pieces.
- Many of our stemless bong products include an end perc, hitting the smoke right where it is the strongest, amplifying the effects you get out of your product.
Stemless Bongs: Cons
- Most stemless bongs require more maintenance than those with downstems since more of the cleaning components are built in.
- Lifting a bowl incorrectly could result in the stem breaking, which means you will have to replace the entire bong instead of just finding a new stem.
Which Type of Bong is Right for You?
No matter if you are early or late to the water pipe game, there is a product made especially for your preferred smoking habits. We offer a huge selection of glass bongs and water pipes, which include added accessories to boost the bong experience. Our sturdy downstems are reinforced with clips that make it easy to slide the bowl in and out, causing zero interruptions to the smoking process.
Stemless bongs are also available for those looking for a more built-in experience. These fixed stems percolate water on the inside, filtering it and building up its power before delivering smooth smoke directly to your lips. If you already have a bong, but you are in the market for a new downstem, our pros have got you covered. We offer an incredible inventory of downstems, bowls, slides, reclaim catchers, and anything else you might need when trying to enjoy some downtime.
Find Top-Notch Stemmed and Stemless Bongs at Thick Ass Glass Today
Have you figured out what kind of bong best suits your fancy? Do you want a stem that sticks out, or one that stays in place on the inside? Think about your cleaning methods, your available materials, and how often you plan on using your new pipe. All of these thoughts can help you choose the perfect piece for you. The type of hobbyist you are will determine what kind of bong is ultimately the right choice.
Still need help? We got you covered! If you are looking for extra guidance about choosing a stemmed or stemless bong, you can contact us online and get in touch with one of our glass experts to get some of your more detailed questions answered. We are certain that we have the right glassware to suit your needs. Select your unique, one-of-a-kind glass piece today and see how much more powerful your smoking experience can become with Thick Ass Glass products!