Hi all, Hope everybody's having a good weekend. I'm pretty new here and just wanted a bit of advice from the city before purchasing a new piece. I'm looking to buy a glass-on-glass bong and can spend up to $250 for the whole rig (piece, bowl, a/c, etc). I'm leaning towards a straight tube instead of a beaker, with ice notches, and I'm interested in an a/c. I'm thinking no percs since they look like they'd be a pain to clean, but I would like to get a decent diffuser on the down stem. Here are my questions: - Does brand really matter? People seem to rave about the Roors, Sheldon Blacks, Illadelphs, etc. but I'm wondering if they're worth the $$ vs. the no-name glass that's out there. - If brand matters, what's your pref? Roor / Toro / US Tubes / Phyre? - Seems like I should get at least 5mm glass, is that true? Does the 3mm stuff break really easily? - I'm trying to keep the size down, since it needs to be tucked away discretely, so would a 15" give decent hits or should I go a bit longer? - Anything else you'd really look for in a piece, other than styling? I'm in southern California and I'm pretty sure I can find most brands with a bit of driving. If you've got any favorite shops in the area feel free to suggest. Really appreciate the insights - thanks in advance!! Cheers
Brand name does matter. Unless you know that the local glass is of top notch quality. You can't go wrong with US Tubes, Toro, or a real RooR. However Phire is nowhere near the quality of many other tube companies, like the ones above. Also, glass thickness is crucial. A 3mm tube will break when you bump it against things. A fall won't even break some 9mm tubes. I would go atleast 5mm. And yes, a 15inch tube will deliver big hits. Obviously not like some 3 footers, but even a pipe will hit hard. Other than that the only things I can suggest are I personally like a diffy with holes, rather than slits. And pick up each tube your considering, You'll know instantly when you pick up quality glass. It is so much better than thin china shit. Hope this helps, be sure to post some milks after you make you choice.
thanks! really appreciate the insights. I think I'm going to see what shops in LA have a decent selection of US Tubes or Toros
You could always go for an EHLE too, their 5mm are very nice and very reasonably priced. Some of the nicest straights for the price.
re: wicked sands - holy shit! I just found some images of their shop: LA TACO » Wicked Sands ~ Tarzana that is an overwhelming amount of stuff, and some really cool pieces! Can't wait to go check it out.
Sorry, no longer exists. I would hit up dementia OP for some high quality tubes, with that budget you could get a nice Roor, Illy or US Tube.
SHIT. you live in SoCo? wtf are you asking us for just hit up your shop, or any shop and they will hook you up mad crazy
Yeah I know; we've got some good shops around, but lots of b.s. too you know? Seems to me like a lot of "run of the mill" spots with the typical selection, and only a few that have the really high quality glass with knowledgeable people. I've been in two shops in the last week looking at their glass, and not only did they not carry any high-end brands, when you ask the employees about the pieces they just sort of shrug. The folks here are a _lot_ more knowledgeable and helpful. Sounds like I'm just going to the wrong spots, though LOL!
Yeah dude. Just try to hit up some well mentioned shops, and just talk to the person at the counter, and tell them to school you on the pipes. Most blades at headshops are more than willing to help out
Yeah I second Wicked Sands, best shop in town imo in terms of high quality selection. For $250 you can probably get a nice wicked sands, illadelph or us tubes bong. The guy that manages the shop (Jason) is mad chill too... sometimes I stop by just to talk glass and see whats new...no pressure to buy there.
Cool - will definitely check it out! What about Mikes on Hollywood blvd? Anyone experiences shopping there? just curious; I heard they've got some good glass too.