‍Pipes

Pipes are one of the most popular methods for consuming dry herbs. They are simple to use, portable, durable, and relatively discreet. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, with each having a different kind of functionality. While the term pipes refers to a narrow tube for burning and smoking dry herbs, the term water pipe typically refers to a water bong. Whether you prefer a straightforward experience or something more complex, the wide range of pipes available means there’s a pipe design that fits your needs. 

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Types of Pipe Materials

There are different types of pipes crafted from different materials, each with its own unique features. Glass pipes, metal pipes, wooden pipes, silicone pipes, acrylic pipes, and ceramic pipes are just a few common materials used. 

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Typically made from borosilicate glass, glass pipes are heat-resistant and durable, and are available in a wide range of artistic designs and shapes. When maintained properly, glass pipes offer a clean, pure flavor that doesn’t impact the taste of the smoke. Metal pipes are known to be extremely durable, and can handle rough handling. While metal pipes sometimes can impart a metallic taste to dry herb smoke, they are very portable pipes that are often found at an affordable price. 

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Revered for their craftsmanship and visual appeal, many users look to wooden pipes for their craft and the natural taste that wooden pipes can add to your dry herb smoke. Like bamboo water bongs, wooden pipes are loved for their natural aesthetic and eco-friendly nature. If you’re looking for an alternative option to wooden pipes, you may find that you’ll enjoy a silicone pipe at likely a lower price point. While not as functional as other types of pipes, silicone pipes are easy to clean, flexible, and virtually unbreakable. They are often able to be rolled up into a compact shape as well. Similarly, acrylic pipes are a lightweight and more affordable option than glass or metal pipes. For those looking for an artful experience, look no further than a ceramic pipe. Similarly to glass, ceramic pipes offer a delicate yet clean smoking experience. 

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Common Pipe Designs

Some of the most common pipe designs include water pipes, spoon pipes, one-hitters, steamrollers, and chillums. 

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Water pipes, such as The Terratokes Katana Bong, use water filtration to cool and filter dry herb smoke, thus providing a smoother and less harsh smoking experience. As one of the most popular ways to consume dry herbs, water pipes can be found in nearly every shape, size, and design possible. There are many different water bong types, but almost all feature a base of some kind, typically a beaker base or straight tube base, a chamber for the smoke to pass through, a mouthpiece, and of course a bowl and downstem. Most users look to a water pipe for a less harsh hit as the water, and typically the percolator included in water pipes, filter out impurities and allow for a more profound dry herb taste. Not only do water pipes allow for cooler hits on the throat, but they also allow for larger hits and easier use, especially for everyday users. 

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Aside from water pipes, spoon pipes are one of the most common types of pipe, and are typically one of the first pipes new smokers purchase. Their design is relatively simple and features a bowl, carb hole, and a mouthpiece. One-hitters, which often function similarly to joints, are small, discreet pipes designed for single-use hits and often resemble a cigarette. One-hitters allow you to pack one small bowl and enjoy it within a few hits. Some one-hitters are disposable, but plenty are available made from glass and other materials that are reusable. Steamroller pipes feature a straight tube design with a large front-facing carb hole for more powerful hits. As opposed to a spoon pipe, a steamroller pipe will offer a larger hit in the same nature that a water pipe will. Finally, if you’re looking for an alternative to a spoon pipe that is small and easy to use, you may enjoy a chillum-style pipe.

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What to Look for in a Pipe

When deciding what type of pipe is right for you, you may consider material, design, size, portability, ease of cleaning, and functionality. Determine how portable you need your pipe to be. If you want something that can fit in your pocket, you may consider a spoon pipe, whereas if you want a larger pipe, you may consider a tabletop water pipe bong. 

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Additionally, consider your material. While glass will offer a clean taste at the cost of potential breakage, silicone, acrylic, and wood pipes will be much more durable. While most pipes will offer a similar smoking experience, the larger your pipe is the less harsh your hits will be. Consider bowl size as well as design, as some pipe designs can be more difficult to clean than others.