Bubblers

What is a Bubbler?

Essentially, a bubbler pipe is the product of taking a hand pipe, and adding the valuable benefit of water filtration. Think… the middle ground in between a pipe and a bong! Similar to bongs, a bubbler is made up of a bowl, chamber, stem, percolator, and mouthpiece. However, a big difference is in the bowl component: Rather than a separate bowl that you connect into your piece, it is built-in just like a dry hand pipe. Additionally, the percolator in a bubbler is much simpler than in a bong. Bongs have a countless amount of different perc types such as showerhead, tree, and matrix, but more often than not, a bubbler is usually equipped with a simple fixed stem. However, these still get the job done fantastically, and you will always achieve a cooler and smooth hit with water filtration.

History of Water Pipes

There is evidence that the making and smoking of water pipes dates back thousands of years ago in Africa and Central Asia. It is believed that they were first created to smoke tobacco. The materials used consisted of bronze, brass, or even bamboo wood. Fast forward, once the 1960’s and 1970’s hit, this is when glass blowing pipes truly started to take off. All of the innovation starting thousands of years ago brings us to where we are today: Countless designs, methods, and functionalities in the water pipe world.

Bubbler, Pipe, or Bong?

Are you wondering if a bubbler is a good fit for your needs? First, it's important to consider your priorities when it comes to smoking. Do you want the quickest, most straightforward option out there, and filtration doesn’t mean much? Go for a dry hand pipe. Or rather, do you enjoy the fun of different percolator styles, or choosing unique attachments to dress up your piece? A bong is just for you! However, if you’re somewhere in the middle, a bubbler could be the perfect option. It has the benefits of both portability and simple water filtration, so you can’t go wrong with this great pipe style.

How To Use a Bubbler Pipe

Step 1: Fill the chamber with water. A general rule of thumb when it comes to filling water into any piece with a perc is to fill it approximately half an inch above the opening where the water passes through. This provides enough liquid to generate bubbling and optimize filtration and cooling. However, an excess of water will create more drag or resistance in your hit.

Step 2: Load the bowl. As you would with a bowl or dry pipe, grind your herb with a quality grinder, and pressed into the bowl with medium firmness.

Step 3: Place your finger on the carb hole, light the weed, inhale, and remove your finger from carb hole to adjust airflow and clear the bowl. The method of sparking up with a bubbler is nearly identical to a dry pipe. It’s that simple!