I prefer 18mm because there are more options for ashcatchers, and it fits perfectly for vapourbonging w/ my Solo.
Nah I bought an adapter. They're like 25$ http://www.planetvape.ca/pvhegong-high-efficiency-gong.html
If you end up buying an 18mm bubbler, there's a 18mm stem adapter for solo from planet vape. My bubbler is 18mm, but I'm using a sepearte adapter to fit the 14mm solo stem from planet vape. This is what I end up with, fits perfectly fine and works great.