Picture this: you stroll into a dispensary and lock your eyes on the coolest glass pipes you've ever seen. You're drooling with anticipation, but then it hits you - you don't even know how to use a hand pipe! Fear not, my friend, because, with this guide, you'll become a seasoned marijuana pipe pro.
By the time you're finished reading, you'll know everything there is to know about these handy little devices.
What Are Hand Pipes?
The hand pipe is a must-have for herb enthusiasts. All pipes have a bowl to pack your herb and a mouthpiece to inhale the sweet smoke. Some pipes have a carb, a small hole that enhances airflow and improves your smoking experience.
High-quality glass pipes are the way to elevate your smoking game. Crafted by skilled glassblowers, these pipes have unique designs and patterns that make every session enjoyable.
Parts of a Hand Pipe
To choose the best smoking pipes, you should understand the different parts of a typical pipe.
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Mouthpiece: The mouthpiece is where you inhale the smoke and comes in various shapes and sizes. Some are straight, while others have a bend or curve for comfort.
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Chamber: The chamber is where the smoke accumulates before inhalation. It provides cooling and filtration, and its size and shape affect the smoking experience. A larger chamber produces bigger hits.
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Bowl: The bowl is where you pack your dry herb for smoking. It's typically located opposite the mouthpiece. Bowls can be made of different materials, and some bowls have a built-in screen to prevent small pieces of herb from being inhaled.
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Carb: The carb is a small hole on the side of the pipe that controls airflow and regulates smoke. Covering the carb hole with your finger while inhaling pulls the smoke into the chamber, and releasing it lets the air rush in for a bigger hit.
How To Use A Glass Hand Pipe
Using a glass hand pipe can feel intimidating, but with our step-by-step guide, you'll be a pro in no time. Here's what you'll need:
- flower
- grinder
- Something flat to push your herb down into the bowl
Step 1: Grind your flower and prep your pipe. Clean your new pipe, then grind enough flowers to fill the bowl. Don't pack it too tight or too loose. Find a happy medium.
Step 2: Pack the bowl, adding the ground herb using a pencil or your finger to pack it down.
Step 3: Cover the carb with your finger and light the herb while inhaling. Release the carb when you're ready to inhale fully. Enjoy!
Types of Hand Pipes
Spoon Pipes
The spoon pipe got its name due to its resemblance to, you guessed it, a spoon. It boasts a large mouthpiece, a narrow chamber, and a wider bowl, making it the perfect choice for beginners and seasoned smokers.
Sherlock Pipes (Gandalf Pipes)
Channel your inner Sherlock with the Sherlock pipe. These pipes have a sleek, classic design with a long, curved chamber that'll make you feel like the world's best detective whenever you use it. We love Sherlock pipes because we like class and style when we smoke.
Chillums / One Hitters
A chillum (aka a one-hitter) is the right size to take one or two hits before reloading. These bad boys are sneaky and perfect for when you're on the move.
Bubblers
Bubblers are innovative devices that blend the convenience and portability of a hand pipe with the effective water filtration system of a larger water pipe.
Hammer Pipes
The hammer pipe is perfect for long smoke sessions. This hammer-shaped pipe has a slim handle and a deep bowl. This allows for a generous amount of herb packing to enjoy your smoke without the hassle of frequent refilling.
Steamrollers
A steamroller pipe has a unique feature we love. Its carb is at the end of the pipe, and the bowl is in the middle. This allows smooth airflow for a rich smoking experience. However, it can produce harsher hits, so it's not recommended for beginners.
Buying Hand Pipes: Factors to Consider
With so many different hand pipes, we know picking one right for you can be overwhelming. So, what should you consider when purchasing a pipe? Here are four things that most herb enthusiasts look for:
Material
Hand pipes can be made from glass, wood, metal, silicone, ceramic... the list goes on. However, glass reigns supreme as the most popular material for pipes. Borosilicate glass used for pipes is sturdy, thick, and can handle heat, so it makes sense. And, if you take good care of it, it'll last you for ages.
Design / Functionality
The design and functionality of your hand pipe will impact your smoking experience. A good design can give you a smooth and flavorful hit, while a bad one can leave you with an unpleasant taste. Efficiency also matters, with the size and shape of your bowl and mouthpiece affecting smoke production and ease of cleaning.
Size / Portability
Choose a pipe size that fits your smoking habits. For occasional smokers, a chillum will do. However, if you like long smoke sessions like us, go for a pipe with a deeper bowl, like a hammer. And don't forget about portability! A bong or dab rig may be good at home, but hand pipes offer the convenience of easy travel and portability.
Glass Pipe Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you enjoy your glass pipe to the fullest:
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Use a pipe screen: A screen helps prevent unwanted ash or debris from getting into your mouth when you're inhaling.
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Keep it clean: Keeping your glass pipe clean is essential not only for aesthetic purposes but also for your health. Residue from smoking can build up over time and become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.
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Light it correctly (save the green): To get the most out of your herb, it's important to light it correctly. Light just a tiny corner of the bowl, and then take a few slow and steady draws to get the cherry going.
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Don't overpack it: Overpacking can cause airflow issues, leading to harsh hits and poor smoke quality. Pack your bowl just enough to get a good hit and re-pack as needed.
