How Do Glass Pipes Work?
The steps it takes to smoke flower from a glass pipe is fairly simple. First and foremost, you need your glass pipe and your choice of herb. The herb should be ground well, so it'll be easy to pack. At this point, you simply follow these steps for an enjoyable glass pipe smoke:
- Pack Your Bowl - Take your herb or flower and pack your glass pipe's bowl. Tamp it down so there are no air pockets, but not too tightly to prevent it from properly burning.
- Heat Your Herb - Use your choice of torch or lighter and place its flame over your bowl. Be careful not to burn yourself from the heat of the bowl. Very quickly, smoke will fill the stem, ready for you to inhale.
- Press The Carb Hole - This next step is optional but helps you make stronger pulls with your glass pipe: press your thumb over the carb hole located on the side of the bowl when you inhale, and release it once you're done.
- Puff, Puff, Done - With lips to the mouthpiece, you simply inhale the smoke coming from the stem. If you notice the herb in the bowl has stopped burning, you'll have to spark it again to produce more smoke.
Once it's all done, make sure to clean out any residue in the bowl and stem so it'll be ready for your next session.
How do you clean a glass smoking pipe?
Initially, you could simply rinse your glass pipe in water for a few minutes after scooping out the leftover herb from the bowl. On the other hand, for a more thorough cleaning, here's what you should do:
First, put your pipe in a resealable plastic bag with hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar. The liquid should be enough to cover the entire pipe. Also, add salt or baking soda to help clean out the tough spots inside the pipe. Shake the bag for a few minutes, or if it's especially dirty, leave it to soak for 12 hours.
Next, remove the pipe from the bag and place it in warm water. This should remove any and all loose buildup. For more difficult spots, carefully scrape them off with a Q-tip or toothpick. Give it another good rinse, then leave it on a soft towel so it can safely dry.
After this simple, easy process, you'll have a pristine, good-as-new pipe ready for your next smoke session.
Are there different glass pipe types?
For sure, there are a bunch of glass pipe types for you to choose from. Are there any particular differences? They all mainly offer a straightforward smoke, but some might include a filtration element. Here are some of the main types we recognize:
Spoon Pipes
Glass spoon pipes are your basic but classic glass pipe made for smoking herbs. It gets its name from its shape, which simply appears more like a tubular spoon. Simply pack the glass smoking bowl and inhale smoke from the stem, the spoon pipe is as straightforward as they come.
Sherlock Pipes
An impressive twist among glass pipes, the Sherlock pipe is named after the curved tobacco pipe used by the famous fictional detective "Sherlock Holmes." Those with longer stems are also sometimes called "Gandalf pipes," obviously after the gray wizard who puffed with the best of them in Lord of the Rings. Elegant, refined, and sure to take your smoking session to new heights, a Sherlock pipe is a good choice for many.
One-Hitters/Chillum Pipes
A glass one-hitter is a slim, discreet glass pipe made to pack a small amount of dry herbs. This ensures the user can consume a single hit whenever and wherever they'd like. A similar version of this type of glass pipe is the Indian Chillum, a traditional pipe smoked by Hindu mystics on their travels to find enlightenment. Certainly, with one of our glass Chillums, you'll be at peace all day long.
Bubblers
Blending a water pipe and a glass pipe, the bubbler is a handheld hybrid that allows users to filter their smoke through a miniature water chamber. Though not as portable as a regular glass pipe, it is certainly better than carrying around a full bong. For those who enjoy smooth, quick hits on a camping trip or a discreet outing with friends, glass bubbler pipes hit the spot.
Water Pipes & Dab Rigs
Finally, "the big kahunas" of the smoke game: bongs/water pipes and dab rigs. These pieces are the veritable symbols of the 420 and 710 community, delivering all the smoke smoothly and plentifully. The main difference between the two is that water pipes burn dry herbs, while dab rigs are designed specifically for smoking concentrates.
Above are your pipes of choice, but the bigger question is where you can find the best ones. No need to worry, though. Just browse MJ Arsenal's selection of finely crafted pipes, and you'll find out soon enough.
Can I use a glass hand pipe for concentrates, or is it only for dry herbs?
Yes, you can use your glass pipe to smoke concentrates. However, it requires using some dry herbs to help provide a base to heat them properly. Simply pack half your bowl with dry herbs and the other with your preferred amount of wax concentrate. Then, spark it up and enjoy!
What is the difference between smoking dry herbs from a glass pipe vs. a water pipe?
Glass pipes and water pipes offer very different smoking experiences due to just a few key differences. Understand that each offers its own pros and cons. For example, water pipes can offer smoother pulls but can be quite bulky compared to glass hand pipes. On the other hand, glass pipes can give off a stronger yet rougher smoke. Here's a more detailed comparison:
Filtration:
When using a glass hand pipe, the smoke travels directly from the bowl to your mouth without passing through water. This means the smoke remains unfiltered and can be harsher on the throat and lungs, especially if the herb is burned too hot. The lack of water also means there is minimal cooling of the smoke.
On the other hand, water pipes feature a water chamber that filters and cools the smoke before inhalation. The smoke is forced to pass through the water, which helps remove some impurities and reduces the overall harshness. As a result, water pipes tend to provide smoother hits compared to glass pipes.
Smoke Density:
The smoke produced from a glass pipe is usually denser and more concentrated because it doesn't pass through water, allowing for a stronger flavor profile. Water pipes produce less dense smoke due to water filtration, which can result in a milder taste and a more comfortable smoking experience for some users.
Concentration:
Glass pipes allow users to take smaller, more controlled hits, which can be ideal for microdosing or conserving herbs. Water pipes facilitate larger hits due to their water filtration, allowing users to inhale larger amounts of smoke in a single breath. However, filtration may affect the concentration of their hit to some degree.
Overall:
The glass pipe and water pipe each offer their own experiences, plus distinct advantages for different types of smokers. The on-the-go aficionado will surely prefer the directness of a glass pipe, while the recreational cloud-maker will enjoy a relaxing puff from their water pipe at home.
At MJ Arsenal, it's all about making the best possible experience for you. That's why we offer a broad range of water pipes, bongs, and dab rigs in impeccable designs and colors. For those who enjoy the higher things in life, we've got it all. Shop MJ Arsenal today.