What is the LA Pipes 12" Clear Single UFO Showerhead Perc Straight Tube?

The LA Pipes 12" Clear Single UFO Showerhead Perc Straight Tube is a thoughtfully designed borosilicate glass water pipe that our team found delivers impressively smooth and cool smoking experiences, clearly aimed at users who appreciate classic design with modern filtration. 

Crafted by LA Pipes, a brand we know for their California-made quality and commitment to functional pieces, this straight tube immediately caught our attention with its dual percolation system and ice-friendly build. It’s a classic straight tube, standing at a versatile 12 inches, making it a solid daily driver for solo sessions or sharing with a couple of friends from the Daily High Club community.

The combination of a traditional straight tube form with advanced features like the UFO perc and ice catcher suggests a piece designed for those who want familiar comfort but also demand the kind of performance improvement seen in more contemporary designs.

This isn't just a nod to the past; it's a well-executed evolution, potentially serving as an excellent bridge for users looking to explore more sophisticated percolation without feeling overwhelmed by overly complex apparatus.  

Quick Verdict / Our Recommendation

For those of you who like the bottom line upfront, here’s a quick rundown of what our Daily High Club team thought about the LA Pipes 12" Clear Single UFO Showerhead Perc Straight Tube:

This table offers a snapshot, but the real story is in the details of how this piece performs and feels in hand, which we'll look into next.

What are the Key Features and Specifications of the LA Pipes 12" Straight Tube?

The LA Pipes 12" Straight Tube impressed our team with its robust construction and a well-thought-out array of features designed for a top-tier experience. Here’s what stood out to us during our hands-on evaluation:

• Material(s): We immediately noticed the borosilicate glass construction. This isn't just any glass; it felt reassuringly solid in our hands. Borosilicate is prized for its durability and resistance to thermal shock , meaning it can handle the heat of regular use and cleaning without easily cracking. The scientific properties of borosilicate, specifically its low coefficient of thermal expansion, make it less subject to thermal stress than other common glass. We expect this piece to last. The product page mentions 4mm thick walls, and we could certainly feel that heft, contributing to its sturdy feel.  
• Dimensions & Design:
  • Height: It stands at a perfectly balanced 12 inches. Our team found this height ideal – tall enough for good cooling and water volume, but not so large it becomes unwieldy. It’s a classic straight tube design , which we know generally offers direct hits and can be easier to clear compared to some other styles.  
  • Base Width: The 4-inch wide base gave us a lot of confidence. It felt very stable on the table, reducing those heart-stopping "is it gonna tip?" moments that no one enjoys.
  • Neck Length: The 7.5-inch neck provides ample space above the UFO perc and for the ice catcher. This generous length is important, as it allows both the percolator to function without interference and the ice to do its job effectively, both contributing to cooler hits before the smoke reaches the mouthpiece.
• Percolation System – The Dynamic Duo:
  • UFO Showerhead Perc: This was a highlight. Located in the neck, the UFO showerhead perc went to work diffusing smoke through its slits, creating a flurry of bubbles. We observed this significantly smoothed out the smoke. Showerhead percs are known for efficient bubble production and filtration because the slits break up the smoke, increasing its surface area for interaction with the water. This particular one lived up to that reputation, and its UFO-like appearance adds a neat visual touch.  
  • Removable Downstem Perc: Complementing the UFO perc, the removable 3-slit 18mm to 14mm downstem acts as the first line of diffusion. We appreciated its classic functionality and the fact that it's removable – a big plus for cleaning. This two-stage approach means the smoke is conditioned twice, balancing impressive performance with more manageable maintenance for at least one of the percolating components.
• Ice Catcher: The 3-pinch ice catcher was a welcome sight. We loaded it with two or three ice cubes, and it made a noticeable difference, delivering exceptionally cool and refreshing hits. It’s a simple but highly effective feature for those who prefer their smoke chilled.
• Bowl & Joint:
  • It comes equipped with a 14mm male funnel bowl featuring a flat glass handle. This handle was surprisingly useful for easy gripping and removal, especially when passing the piece or clearing the chamber. The 14mm joint is a standard size, offering compatibility with other accessories our Daily High Club community might own.
• Branding & Origin: The subtle LA Pipes decal gives it that authentic California vibe. Knowing it’s Made in California adds to our appreciation for its craftsmanship and supports the brand's commitment to local production.  

How Does the LA Pipes 12" Straight Tube Perform? (Our User Experience)

The LA Pipes 12" Straight Tube truly shines in performance, delivering consistently smooth and satisfying hits thanks to its clever filtration and cooling features. Our team put it through its paces, and here’s the breakdown of our experience:

What is the Filtration and Smoothness Like?

Exceptionally smooth, that’s the short answer. The dual percolation system is no gimmick. We watched as the smoke first hit the slits in the removable downstem, breaking up into initial bubbles. Then, seeing it travel up to the UFO showerhead perc was impressive; it created a cascade of finer bubbles, really maximizing smoke-to-water contact.

This process, where percolators break smoke into smaller bubbles, is key to increasing the interaction with water, thereby improving cooling and filtration. This double action, in our experience, significantly reduced any harshness. We found the draw to be quite effortless for a piece with this level of filtration. Some bongs with multiple percs can have a lot of drag, but this one felt well-balanced, a testament to its functional design.  

How Were the Hits with the Ice Catcher?

Chilled to perfection! We popped a few ice cubes onto the 3-pinch ice catcher – it comfortably held about two standard-sized cubes – and the difference was immediate. The smoke, already smoothed by the percs, became noticeably cooler and incredibly refreshing on the inhale.

For anyone who finds smoke a bit warm, this feature is a game-changer. It’s like adding a cool breeze to your session, making each draw more comfortable. The ice catcher provides an extra cooling layer by holding ice above the water chamber, so as smoke travels past, it cools further.  

What is the Ease of Use and Setup?

Getting started was a breeze. For a straight tube, it’s very intuitive. We found filling it to the right water level was straightforward for the main chamber and downstem. The UFO perc took a little finesse – we learned that tilting the piece slightly while filling helped get the water into the perc chamber without overfilling the main tube. The 14mm funnel bowl was easy to load and the flat handle made it simple to lift.

Overall, it’s very user-friendly, even for those who might be newer to multi-perc pieces. The straightforward nature of straight tube bongs often makes them less intimidating for users who are just beginning to explore pieces with more advanced filtration.  

How Durable and Well-Built Did We Find It?

This thing feels built to last. The 4mm thick borosilicate glass isn't just for show; it gives the piece a reassuring heft and sturdiness. We weren’t terrified of accidentally knocking it, especially with that solid 4-inch wide base providing excellent stability. The exceptional durability of borosilicate glass, including its resistance to breaking from physical impact compared to regular glass, makes it a reliable choice.

The joints felt well-made and the overall craftsmanship, being "Made in California" by LA Pipes , seemed evident. We’ve seen LA Pipes’ commitment to quality , and this piece felt like a testament to that. The combination of effective dual percolation and an ice catcher in a relatively compact 12" straight tube offers a high degree of smoke conditioning typically found in larger or more intricate pieces, representing excellent value.  

What are the Benefits of Using the LA Pipes 12" Straight Tube? (Pros)

Our team identified 3 main benefits that make the LA Pipes 12" Straight Tube a standout choice:

• Benefit 1: Superior Smoke Conditioning for Smoother Hits. The combination of the UFO showerhead perc and the diffused downstem really works wonders. We consistently experienced hits that were significantly less harsh than what you'd get from a non-percolated piece. That UFO perc, in particular, creates a fantastic bubbling action that filters and cools the smoke effectively. Showerhead percolators are designed to improve the smoking experience by breaking up the smoke, making it less harsh to inhale, which can lessen coughing.  
• Benefit 2: Ice-Cold Rips on Demand. The built-in 3-pinch ice catcher is a massive plus. Being able to easily add a couple of ice cubes transformed good hits into great, refreshingly cool ones. For students who might be sharing or having longer sessions, this cooling capability really improves comfort and makes for a more enjoyable experience overall.
• Benefit 3: Solid, All-American Build Quality. Knowing this piece is made from 4mm thick borosilicate glass and crafted in California by LA Pipes gave us real confidence in its durability. It feels sturdy, stable (thanks to that 4-inch base), and ready for regular use. Plus, LA Pipes has a reputation for quality and even offers a lifetime warranty on their branded pieces for customers in the US , which speaks volumes about their confidence in their products. This kind of warranty offers significant peace of mind, especially for a student budget, as it implies long-term value and support beyond the initial purchase.  

What are the Drawbacks of the LA Pipes 12" Straight Tube? (Cons)

While we were largely impressed, our team noted 2 potential drawbacks to keep in mind with the LA Pipes 12" Straight Tube:

• Drawback 1: UFO Perc Water Level Precision. 

We found that getting the water level just right for the UFO showerhead perc requires a little bit of a learning curve. If you add too little, you don’t get the full bubbling action; too much, and you might risk splashback, especially with a strong pull. It’s not a dealbreaker, but expect a session or two to master it. One customer review also noted a similar learning curve with loading a perc , so it's a plausible experience. This is a common characteristic with many fixed percolators – they perform best when the water level is dialed in.  

• Drawback 2: Standard Bowl Capacity. 

The included 14mm funnel bowl is perfectly functional for solo sessions or a small group, but it’s a standard size. If you’re someone who prefers packing massive bowls for extended party sessions, you might find yourself reloading a bit more frequently or considering an upgrade to a larger capacity bowl down the line. This isn't a flaw in the design, but rather a characteristic of a standard-sized bowl that might not suit every user's preference for every occasion.

Acknowledging these minor points provides a balanced view; no product is entirely without its quirks, and these are more about user adaptation and preference than significant design flaws.

How Does the LA Pipes 12" Straight Tube Compare to Alternatives?

When we look at the LA Pipes 12" Straight Tube next to other pieces in the Daily High Ckub lineup, a few things stand out.

Compared to a basic, non-percolated straight tube of similar size, the LA Pipes model offers vastly superior filtration and cooling due to its UFO showerhead perc, downstem perc, and ice catcher. You’re getting a much smoother experience, which is a significant upgrade. Of course, that extra engineering and American craftsmanship mean it’s positioned at a different price point than the most basic imported options.

Against a beaker bong with similar percolation, the straight tube design of the LA Pipes piece generally provides a more direct and quicker hit. Beaker bongs, with their wider bases, often hold more water and can create a more turbulent smoke flow, resulting in a slower, more effortful inhale, though often very smooth.

Straight tubes, conversely, tend to have a more laminar flow, meaning the smoke travels more directly and can be cleared more efficiently. Stability is excellent on this LA Pipes model due to its 4-inch base, rivaling many beakers, though beakers inherently have a wider footprint which contributes to their renowned stability.  

The LA Pipes 12" Straight Tube carves out an interesting niche. It brings the high-level filtration and cooling often associated with well-designed beaker bongs into the straight tube form factor. This appeals to users who might prefer the aesthetic, feel, or more direct hit of a straight tube but don't want to compromise on the smoothness that advanced percolation offers.

Ultimately, for users prioritizing robust, multi-stage filtration and cooling in a classic, easy-to-handle straight tube form factor, the LA Pipes 12" model holds a strong position. If maximum water volume for the slowest, largest possible rips is your absolute top priority, a larger beaker might be worth considering. However, for all-around excellence in its category, combining effective smoke conditioning with a manageable size and durable build, this piece is a top contender.

Who Should Buy the LA Pipes 12" Clear Single UFO Showerhead Perc Straight Tube?

After extensive "testing" (a tough job, we know!), our Daily High Club team believes the LA Pipes 12" Clear Single UFO Showerhead Perc Straight Tube is best suited for daily users and students seeking exceptionally smooth, cool hits from a durable, American-made piece without venturing into overly complex or massive designs.

It’s particularly ideal for:

• Users who appreciate classic straight tube aesthetics but demand modern filtration performance. This piece beautifully marries the old-school cool of a straight tube with the new-school effectiveness of a UFO perc.
• Smokers sensitive to harshness, as the dual percs and ice catcher work together brilliantly to condition the smoke, making each inhale significantly more comfortable.
• Students looking for a reliable, sturdy daily driver that’s easy to handle and won’t break the bank, especially with Daily High Club member pricing. Its borosilicate construction means it can withstand the rigors of regular use.
• Anyone who values American craftsmanship (Made in California by LA Pipes ) and the peace of mind of a potential lifetime warranty for US customers.  
  

If you’re looking for your first "serious" bong upgrade from a basic piece, or a dependable workhorse that delivers quality sessions time after time, we think the Daily High Club community will really appreciate this one. It offers a tangible step up in performance and build quality.

How Do You Use the LA Pipes 12" Straight Tube? (Our Team's Quick Start & Tips)

Our team found the LA Pipes 12" Straight Tube to be quite straightforward to get up and running. Here’s our quick guide for the best experience:

1. Fill 'Er Up (The Right Way):

• • Main Chamber: Add cool water through the mouthpiece until the bottom slits of the removable downstem are submerged by about half an inch to an inch.
  • UFO Perc Trick: This is key for "how to fill a showerhead percolator bong." We found the easiest way to get water into the UFO perc is to slightly tilt the bong and slowly pour a little extra water through the mouthpiece. Watch as the UFO perc chamber fills. You want enough water in there so the slits at the bottom of the UFO are covered, allowing it to bubble, but not so much that it’s completely full. It might take a try or two to nail the perfect amount for optimal percolation without splashback. This addresses a common question users have about getting water into these types of percs.

1. Ice It Down (Optional, but Recommended!): Gently drop 2-3 ice cubes through the mouthpiece so they rest on the 3-pinch ice catcher. This is a simple step that really improves the coolness of the hit.
2. Pack Your Bowl: Grind your favorite herb (not too fine!) and pack it into the 14mm male funnel bowl. Don’t overpack, or you’ll restrict airflow.
3. Light Up & Inhale Smoothly: Apply flame to the herb while inhaling steadily. You’ll see (and hear!) both the downstem and the UFO perc spring into action, diffusing the smoke.
4. Clear the Chamber: Once you’ve drawn enough smoke, remove the bowl using its handy flat glass handle and inhale the remaining smoke from the tube.

Our Pro Tip: Experiment with the water level in the UFO perc. We noticed slight variations could change the draw and bubble intensity. Find what works best for your pull! This little bit of personalization can make a big difference in tailoring the hit to your preference.

How Do You Clean and Maintain the LA Pipes 12" Straight Tube?

Keeping your LA Pipes 12" Straight Tube clean is key for fresh-tasting hits, and our team found its design makes it relatively manageable. Here’s our go-to method:

Disassemble: Carefully remove the 14mm bowl and the removable downstem. These can be cleaned separately, which is a big advantage.

The Soak (for Bowl & Downstem): We like to place the bowl and downstem in a zip-top bag or container with isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher is best) and some coarse salt (like Epsom or sea salt). Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or longer for tougher residue. Give it a good shake periodically.  

Main Tube & UFO Perc Clean:

Empty any old water.

Pour a generous amount of isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt directly into the main tube.

Pro Tip for Percs : Use finer salt if you're concerned about it getting stuck in the UFO perc slits, though we found coarse salt generally works if you shake well and rinse thoroughly. Some users prefer finer salt for intricate percs to make sure it dissolves and rinses out completely.  

Plug the mouthpiece and joint opening securely (plastic wrap and rubber bands work in a pinch, or dedicated bong caps).

Shake vigorously! The salt acts as an abrasive to scrub off resin. You might need to let it sit and soak for a bit, shaking intermittently, especially to get the UFO perc clean.

Rinse Thoroughly: After shaking and soaking, pour out the dirty solution and rinse ALL parts—main tube, downstem, and bowl—extensively with warm water until all alcohol and salt are gone. This is important to remove any cleaning agent residue.

Dry: Let all parts air dry completely or use a soft cloth.

Frequency: We recommend rinsing with hot water after each day of use and doing a full alcohol clean at least once a week, or more often depending on your usage, to keep it hitting fresh. The borosilicate glass is non-porous and its smooth surface makes it easier to clean than other materials, and it's resistant to corrosion, helping it maintain its clarity.

The removable downstem significantly simplifies cleaning one of the percolation stages; while the fixed UFO perc requires the standard full-bong cleaning method, having one less fixed internal component to worry about makes overall maintenance less daunting compared to pieces with multiple, complex fixed percs.  

Is the LA Pipes 12" Clear Single UFO Showerhead Perc Straight Tube Worth the Investment? (Our Final Verdict)

So, after all our sessions, bubbling experiments, and cleaning habits, is the LA Pipes 12" Clear Single UFO Showerhead Perc Straight Tube worth your hard-earned cash? 

Yes, our Daily High Club team confidently says it is, especially for students and daily users looking for a significant upgrade in smoothness and cooling without breaking the bank or dealing with an overly complicated piece.

It strikes an excellent balance between classic, user-friendly straight tube design and genuinely effective modern filtration. The dual percs and ice catcher aren’t just for show; they deliver a noticeably improved smoking experience.

Coupled with its sturdy, American-made borosilicate glass construction and the backing of LA Pipes' reputation for quality and their lifetime warranty for US customers , we see this as a smart investment for enjoyable sessions for years to come.

It’s a piece that the Daily High Club community can get behind, offering tangible benefits that improve the overall experience. The combination of performance, durability, and brand support makes it a compelling option in its category.  

Where Can You Buy the LA Pipes 12" Straight Tube?

Ready to experience those smooth, icy hits for yourself? The LA Pipes 12" Clear Single UFO Showerhead Perc Straight Tube is available right here at Daily High Club.

Don’t forget to check out our Cabana Club membership for unbeatable prices – you could save instantly on this piece!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the LA Pipes 12" Straight Tube

Our team gets a lot of questions, so here are some common ones about the LA Pipes 12" Straight Tube:

How do you fill the UFO showerhead percolator correctly on this straight tube? 

Our team found that tilting the piece slightly and adding water slowly through the mouthpiece allows the UFO perc to fill to the optimal level—just enough to cover its diffusion slits—for fantastic bubbling action without overfilling.

What makes the borosilicate glass in this LA Pipes bong special? 

In our experience with the 4mm thick borosilicate glass, it makes this straight tube impressively durable and highly resistant to heat changes (thermal shock), making sure it can handle regular sessions and cleaning like a champ. Borosilicate glass is known for these properties, making it a superior material for smoking devices.  

Should I put ice in this bong, and does it really make a difference? 

Absolutely! We found the built-in 3-pinch ice catcher is perfect for holding a few ice cubes, and yes, it delivered noticeably cooler and smoother hits during our sessions. It’s a simple feature that significantly improves comfort.

What does the UFO showerhead percolator actually do for the hit? 

From what we observed, the UFO showerhead percolator is a star player; it works by forcing the smoke through multiple slits into the water, breaking it into many smaller bubbles. This dramatically increases the smoke's contact with water for significantly better filtration and a much smoother, less harsh inhale. This increased diffusion is a key benefit of showerhead percs.  

Is a straight tube bong like this LA Pipes one good for beginners? 

Yes, we think this LA Pipes straight tube can be a great choice for beginners looking to step up their game. While it has effective percolation, its fundamental straight tube design is generally easy to use and clear , and the borosilicate glass is forgiving. The main learning curve is just mastering the UFO perc water level. Showerhead percs are often recommended for beginners due to the smoother experience they provide.