Whether you are just now beginning your journey into the world of smoking or if you’re looking to expand the tools you use and purchase your first water pipe, determining which water pipe is the right fit for you can be difficult. There are endless options and determining what REALLY matters can be tricky. So to help, we’ve put together this guide to give you the information you need and help make deciding on what water pipe is right for you, much easier.
When buying a new water pipe, there are a couple of factors you will want to consider before you make your purchase: what you will be primarily smoking, size, cost, maintenance, and material.
What will you be smoking?
The first step in determining what water pipe is the best fit for you, is figuring out what product you will be smoking – flower products or concentrates. If you are a traditionalist and sticking to flower, a simple water pipe will get you started. However, if you are more interested in concentrate use, you will want to make sure that your new pipe is compatible with a few other things like quartz bangers and nails. Looking for a versatile piece that can handle both? Search for a water pipe that’s adaptable.
Size
Bigger is better, right? Well when it comes to your first water pipe, that may not always be the case. A sizeable piece can make an impact and act as a focal point in your home, but is that really going to fit your needs as a smoker? There are a few things to consider when it comes to the size of your first water pipe.
- Where do you plan to store your new water pipe? – While this may seem like a no brainer, the size of your new piece will determine its storability. Would you like to have something more discreet that you can hide away in a cabinet after use or are you comfortable with owning a real showpiece that demands its own display space. Additionally, do you plan on modifying your new water pipe? While storage is a more mundane factor of water pipe ownership, it is still a practical aspect to consider.
- What size inhale is most comfortable for you? – As a general rule, the bigger the pipe, the bigger the hit. If this is your first water pipe, or if you are more inclined to smaller pulls, a small to medium sized water pipe might be a better fit for you than something on the larger side.
- How will you be using your new water pipe? – Are you looking for a piece that is more portable and you can pack-and-play with on, say, your next camping trip? Or are you interested in a stable home piece that makes an impact? Smaller pipes are (not surprisingly) going to be more portable, they also tend to be more durable. A smaller sized water pipe like a mini beaker, or one that features a bell-shaped base, can withstand more wear and tear than larger pipes due to their center of gravity and sheer size. However, larger pipes provide you with more room for modification and customization (we’re talking to our concentrate lovers out there).
Cost
Cost is probably one of the primary factors on your mind when considering your first water pipe purchase. Do you have a budget in mind? A good water pipe can range from around $30 to $100 and up. If you are new to this game, whether you are looking for your first piece or for your first water pipe, then we recommend starting in a moderate price range. There are many materials out there that are much less expensive than glass, and many of our silicone models provide an affordable price point that can get you started the right way.
Maintenance
As with every piece that you buy, the amount of maintenance that goes into its upkeep is something to consider. Since this is theoretically your first piece, we recommend choosing a water pipe with features that make cleaning easier. Search for a water pipe with a removable downstem, a relatively simple silhouette (something that does not contain a lot of nooks and crannies like a pipe that features a complicated percolator combo), and an easily maneuverable size. Our Eyce Beaker is a great option that meets all of these needs, and its silicone material makes keeping your new piece clean a breeze.
Material
While glass may be the classic choice in water pipe material, it may not be the most suitable choice for you. While glass does provide a nice flavor profile and is generally easy to clean, water pipes are available in a variety of materials including acrylic, ceramic, bamboo, and silicone. Acrylic (or plastic) pipes tend to be much cheaper than other materials and are clear allowing you to see the quality of the water inside of them. However, they often aren’t modifiable and can lead to a less favorable experience. Ceramic pipes are more durable but tend to be much harder to clean which leads to a shorter lifespan. Bamboo is a unique spin on things, and silicone is extremely durable and flexible, making it a great fit for those searching for versatility.
If you are searching for a piece that provides all of the classic benefits of glass but the durability of silicone, our Eyce Spark is a great option to get you started. It features an all glass body backed by a Silicone ProTeck sleeve.
Buying a water pipe is ultimately a matter of your personal preference. Hopefully, this guide provides you with the information you need to make your first purchase and get you started on your journey into the world of water pipes.