As regulations around the country relax, more and more people are getting into new hobbies. If you’ve never been a smoker before but you’re interested in glass pipes for their convenience, customizability, and clean smoking experience, but you aren’t sure where to start, consider some of these suggestions the first time you visit a glass head shop.
For Those That Appreciate a Simple Smoking Experience
Some of the simplest glass pipes are called glass hand pipes. These consist of a one-piece glass design with a small-ish (usually round) bowl connected to a short glass stem. Sometimes there is a hole in the side of the bowl known as a carb that helps regulate airflow.
These are great beginner pipes but many seasoned smokers enjoy them too because they offer a simple smoking experience, are easy to learn how to pack and light, and are very light, discrete, convenient, and straightforward.
Plus, many glass head shops will carry a wide range of unique, colorful designs that some collectors find very appealing.
For Those That Appreciate a Smooth Smoke
For better or worse, smoking from a glass hand pipe can be a little harsh. Some find that the hot, dry smoke irritates their throats.
For these people, a water pipe is probably the best option. Water pipes consist of a basal chamber that holds water and contains a downstem that accepts a bowl. A narrower chimney, through which smoke is drawn, is connected to the water chamber.
Drawing smoke through the bowl from the chimney draws it through the water chamber, which both filters and cools it. The smoke produced by a water pipe is smoother, cooler, and less irritating than that produced by hand pipes.
Others appreciate water pipes because they are often elaborately decorated (heady glass) and enable the user to take larger hits.
For Those That Appreciate Discretion
Another type of glass pipe you should consider before you visit a glass head shop is a chillum. These are the simplest, most basic glass pipes of all.
Basically, a chillum is like a hollowed-out glass cigarette or cigar. It consists of a cylindrical glass body with one open end into which the user packs the herbs and another which serves as a mouthpiece.
These tend to be small, light, durable, and discrete, making them a top choice for “pocket glass” and on-the-go smoking.
Looking for a Glass Head Shop in South Florida? (Plus a Tip)
For those of you looking for a glass head shop in South Florida, check out one of The Hip Cat Smoke Shop’s two locations. There’s one in Pompano Beach and another in Ft. Lauderdale. (You can also check out their online headshop at TheHipCatSmokeShop.com.)
They carry a huge range of high-quality glass smoking pipes, including all of the types mentioned here, in addition to others. They also carry dab rigs, rolling papers, grinders, vaping and other smoking accessories, and much more.
And here’s a quick trick, if you visit and like their selection. Take a picture of yourself or a group of friends from somewhere in your area and submit it to them. If you see the picture featured on their website, you can claim 20% off anything in-store!
