A Buyer's Guide to Hand Pipes

TYPES OF HAND PIPES:

• Spoon Pipe: shaped like a spoon
• Sherlock Pipe: has a long curved neck
• Gandalf Pipe: has an extra-long, curved neck
• Bubbler Pipe: holds a small amount of water
• Chillum Pipe: a small cylinder, ultra-portable

THE SPOON PIPE

The spoon is the most popular type of pipe. For many of us, this was the first type of pipe we explored. It's reliability, affordability, and portability keep these handheld pipes at go-to status -- even after adding bongs and dab rigs into the mix.

Spoon pipes typically feature a bowl (the deeper the better!) and a side carb. A side carb on all pipes is for controlling airflow. Let in fresh outside air to cool inhales and create more massive clouds.

THE STEAMROLLER

The massive 18-incher pictured above (also spotted in HBO Silicon Valley's infamous cough scene) ranks about as big as it gets when it comes to the steamroller. More commonly, you'll see glass steamrollers in a pocket-ready size.

Steamrollers are a middle ground between chillums and spoon pipes: they feature the cylinder shape of a chillum with a bigger bowl size like the spoon.Instead of a side carb, the carb is placed directly opposite the mouthpiece.

THE BUBBLER

Bubblers add a splash of water filtration to your hand pipe routine. Compared to a full-sized water pipe, it's nice and easy to rinse and refill in the sink.

You can buy a bubbler in both an "upright" and "hammer" shape. Hammer bubblers are shaped just like the household tool; upright bubblers tend to have a wider water chamber with a less extended mouthpiece.

PRO TIP!A bubbler with a joint is more likely to work with concentrates, too!

Further Reading: What's So Great About Bubblers?

THE SHERLOCK

Sherlocks are pretty much the same thing as a spoon pipe, but with a long curved neck. A sherlock features the same spoon bowl and side carb construction. The style tends to be more for personal preference, but does add some extra cooling with the elongated design.

THE CHILLUM

Chillums -- also called "tasters" -- are the smallest hand pipe. They typically pack just a couple rips at a time, which makes the chillum great for on-the-go. Another perk is that they're super easy to clean: simply soak in Isopropyl to get it right back to squeaky-clean status.

Chillums are often shaped like a miniature steamroller. Some designers add artistry through themes, contours, and stands.

Popular Chillums & Tasters: