Glass water pipe listings are full of terms that aren't obvious if you're new to glass. Here's what they mean, with examples from the Graffix glass line.
Base shapes
Beaker
A cone-shaped base, wide at the bottom like a lab beaker. It holds more water and is very hard to tip over. Example: the 18" Beaker + Perc.
Straight tube
A single straight tube on a flat foot. Slimmer, simpler and easy to clean. Example: the 24" Straight.
Can
A straight tube set into a short, wide, colored base. Compact and stable, with a distinctive look. Examples: the 12" Can and 15" Can.
Bubble base
A round chamber at the bottom of the tube, for extra water volume in a compact shape. Example: the 12" 45mm Bubble Base.
Percolators
A percolator ("perc") is a piece of glass inside the chamber that splits the smoke into many small bubbles as it passes through the water. Smaller bubbles mean more contact with the water, which cools the smoke and makes it smoother. The trade-off is a little more draw resistance and more spots to clean.
- Tree perc: a cluster of slotted glass arms. Example: the 24" Straight + 2 Percs.
- Donut perc: a ring-shaped percolator that spreads bubbles evenly. Example: the 24" Beaker with Donut Perc.
- Honeycomb disc: a flat disc full of small holes. Example: the 12" Straight with Honeycomb.
Downstems
Removable downstem
A separate glass tube that carries smoke from the bowl down into the water. It's easy to swap or clean, but it can be lost or broken.
Natural (fixed) stem
The downstem is fused into the piece, so there's nothing to lose and no loose joint to leak. It's a little harder to clean. Example: the 18" Beaker with Natural Stem.
Glass thickness
Thicker walls make a piece heavier and more resistant to knocks. Many glass water pipes use thinner walls. Our 24" 9mm Straight uses 9mm walls for extra durability.
Other designs
- Recycler: water cycles between two chambers as you draw, for extra filtration. Example: the Graffix Recycler.
- Bubbler: a compact piece with a built-in water chamber and an angled neck. Examples: the 60mm Sidecar and 60mm Sherlock.
- Mini rig: a small, short water pipe that's quick to fill and easy to store. Examples: the Inline Mini Rig and Beaker Mini Rig.
Color work
- Fumed glass: silver or gold vapor is baked onto the glass. Fumed pieces often shift color as they're used. Examples: the Fat Gold Fumed Hand Pipe and Fat Silver Fumed Hand Pipe.
- Frit: crushed colored glass melted into the surface for a speckled look. Example: the Fat Frit Hand Pipe.
- Wig-wag: colored glass worked into a woven, zig-zag pattern. Examples: The Ultimate G and the Big Ass Pipe.
Comparing materials? Read Acrylic vs. Glass Water Pipes. Ready to shop? Browse glass water pipes, rigs and hand pipes.
Graffix products are for legal tobacco use only. You must be 21 or older to purchase.