Glass pipes are an integral element in many types of smoking devices. Whether it is a bong or a dab rig, glass pipes are amongst the most common and popular choices of smokers around the world. Some devise refer to this element as stems, shafts and other alternatives. Pipes have been used for several millennia, and in all major ancient civilizations. Some people think the first such pipes were made of clay, wood, or corn cob, and later antlers of animals, such as deer and elk. In reality, bamboo predates these materials. Today, other than glass, you could get pipes made of clay, ceramic, acrylic, metal, bamboo, wood, or a combination of these materials.

 

Types of Glass Pipes

 

There are dozens of designs out there. Most of them can be classified into five major categories: hand pipes or chillums, spoon pipes, bubblers, steamrollers, and Sherlock pipes. It should be noted that Sherlock was not the first one to use the stylish, curved and hook-shaped pipe. He simply made it a pop culture phenomenon.

 

Chillums are basic glass pipes. Most chillums have one simple tube. The design is primitive, but it works. Basic glass pipes or chillums, also known as hand pipes, are effective and efficient. They don’t cost much. They serve the purpose. However, if you are looking for contemporary features, such as cooling or other facilitating functions, then you must opt for other variants.

 

Spoon glass pipes are so called due to their shape. The form includes a bowl that is loaded with herbs, or the substance of your choice. These models have a carburetor. The carb hole needs to be plugged with your finger when you smoke. Sherlock pipes with the classic arched stem are usually bigger. This is owing to the longer stem. If the stem is longer than usual, then it is fondly called Gandalf pipe. Bubblers are a hybrid of glass pipe and bong. It uses water for filtration and diffusion. Steamrollers are more complicated due to the design. The complex design delivers a smoother, more potent and flavorful smoke.