Buying my first bong

Discussion in 'Bongs, Dab Rigs, Bubblers, Water Pipes' started by Spaz Boy, Apr 10, 2013.

  1. So I'm in the market for my first water pipe. I'm also a poor college kid on a budget- not looking to drop more than 70. Must-haves: all glass, slide with no carb, ice catcher, and at least 10 inches. After searching for a few hours, here's what I've turned up

    Ozzy Glass Water Pipe - Clear

    14" Double Condenser Perc Water Pipe w/ Ash Catcher, Clear/Blue - Glass Pipes, Water Pipes, Color Changing Glass and more. LoadedGlass.com

    Haven't found a deal better than the first one. Nice bowl, diffused downstem, and dome perc for 42 (including shipping). Only thing is it's china glass. Not a huge problem as I'm very meticulous with my things, but still makes me wary.

    The second one's higher quality, bigger, and comes with an ash catcher for a total of 58. Not to mention sexy condensers that tickle my pickle. Currently out of stock, but there are others like it. I'm leaning more towards this one.

    Thoughts? Opinions? I'd appreciate if anyone could recommend some moderately priced, lesser-known websites or glassblowers
     
  2. i would not buy one of those at all. go with an SSFG travel straight or travel beaker. they are right at where your price range is, but for a tiny bit more you can get a showerhead downstem, and i will guarantee the hit with one of those will be better than those bongs you posted.

    Travel Tube Straight - Soul Shine Family Glass
     
  3. I actually took a look at those earlier, but that was before I decided to up my price range. I prefer the beaker base even though it's shorter, but it's out of stock.

    Right now I'm looking through Jhanpixel and Glass Blowers Direct
     
  4. never heard of either of those, but just make sure to do some research and get some american blown glass. you may think it might not make that much difference, but if you were to hold china glass in one hand and american in the other, it's like apples to oranges.
     
  5. These are both American Blower's who do great work. I have a Custom Fritted Disc Comming in from GBD (Ya go duck yourself Mr. Rooster patenting Lab Equipment and the like) and I've Seen Jhan DOING WORK lately on his FC thread.
     
  6. None of those sites really looks to promising. Obviously you price range pushes you towards the not so creditable site but one my friend has bought multiple time from,but was all concentrate tools. Should be the same for all products though as far as service.
    CLEAR 4 TREE ARMS BUBBLER
     

  7. Yea, I've been checking out different glass types, manufacturing processes and companies. And there's definitely a difference.
    I'm just not keen on forgoing on the items I posted for a more expensive piece of supposedly higher quality. I mean unless I shell out significantly more, I have no reason to believe the glass would be of significantly higher quality. Especially since a few prominent american glassmakers use china glass or low-quality Pyrex themselves
     

  8. Jhan's work looks really good, and his ratings are all great. But with his steeper prices and the fact that he normally doesn't include bowls or downstems, he's out of my range
     

  9. Green Buddha's almost exclusively oil rigs, and over my budget. That bubbler looks legit, but I have eyes only for a large bong

    Judging glass quality online is the biggest problem. It's like taking a leap of faith, and being broke doesn't help
     
  10. Of course glass quality is important but when you have a trained american blowing glass you can see the difference in the glass itself. No bubbles, which is what makes the glass weak, and better welds so the out stem doesn't break off. You said you wanted beaker too. The glass blower has to stretch the glass to make a beaker making it a weak point unless they stretch it right. I've seen chinese beaker break simply from putting it down on the counter a little too fast. Of course get whats in your range and what you want. Just another opinion

    Holy crap! Well i know where my next paycheck is going haha
     
  11. your glass bong can be cleaned with ISO (alcohol) just buy another acrylic becuase you cant clean those [​IMG]
     
  12. Sidecar mouth piece with colored Frit and matching slide:wave:
     

  13. That sounds gorgeous. Please post lots of pics and videos when it comes.

    And OP, let us know what you decide too. The original $42 one you were looking at, honestly, looks excellent for the price. And at that price you could use what you save to get a nice diffused downstem
     
  14. #14 Demon ofthemist, Apr 11, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 11, 2013
    I wish they had more in stock that's so cheap and 5 dollar shipping. HAMBONE.

    Edit: wait those are twisted percolators, I wouldn't get it.
     
  15. #15 Mr Mafialand, Apr 11, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 11, 2013
    Here are a few I've picked out, hopefully you'll like them. In any case, I'd consider having a look around this website.
    - Black Leaf Golden Dragon Series
    Imo, these are some spectacular pieces They're Black Leaf too, so you know the quality's good.

    EDIT: Noticed the link is badly redirected... Anyway, just Google Black Leaf Golden Dragon Series, grasscity is the website They'll be there ;)
     
  16. idk where abouts you live, but most headshops have a April 20th sale, just wait n go around your local shops
     
  17. If you have HVY in your local shops, I'd strongly suggest picking one up. The minis really shouldn't cost any more than $50+tax, but they're solid pieces and come with ice notches and a diffused downstem. This should already be fairly smooth, but if you want to get more diffusion go with a simple small ashcatcher. That all should give you a pretty good piece with nice hits, and a good amount of stealth for the dorms (also recommend tube over beaker for that reason, much quieter chug.
     
  18. Finally figured out how to multi-quote. Great success!


    Seriously considering it, but I'm not liking how they don't mention thickness


    What's the deal with twisted percs? I probably won't be buying it anyways though. Loadedglass doesn't pick up, and I have a rule to never buy from sites that don't answer their phones


    Yea I saw those. Love how they come with an extra downstem and ashcatcher, but EDIT's shipping prices are disgusting. Bad disgusting
     

  19. Planning on hitting up a few tonight, just to check prices


    I don't really have to worry about stealth since I'm off campus. But if the shops have good deals I'll take them over buying a piece online. I've been to some of them over the last few months though, and I'm pretty sure their prices suck
     
  20. #20 Spaz Boy, Apr 12, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 12, 2013
    Think I'm gonna go with the first link I posted from pipesdaddy. Took FOREVER to decide between that and the Black Leaf Golden Dragon w/ ashcatcher (which came up to 105). Unfortunately, I have a crippling anti-carb OCD. If half the pieces on EDIT weren't out of stock, my choice would've been different
     

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