CLEAR DOWNSTEMS

The Clear Downstem is a straightforward glass replacement part for bongs and water pipes, available in nine sizes from 2 inches to 6 inches. Built for smokers who need a quick swap without hunting for a specialty piece, these downstems fit standard 14mm female joints and work with most common water pipe setups.

Why keep a spare downstem around

• Instant recovery from accidents — one clumsy reach and your daily driver is back in action instead of shelved
• Clear glass shows water level and buildup — you'll know exactly when it's time for a cleaning session
• Nine sizes cover most rigs — from compact 2-inch pieces to tall 6-inch tubes, measure once and order right
• Standard 14mm joint — plays nice with the majority of bowls, ash catchers, and water pipes you already own
• Simple slitted diffusion — breaks up smoke for smoother hits without overcomplicating airflow

Best for

Anyone who's been burned by a broken downstem before. If you've got a favorite bong that sees regular use, having a backup means you're never stuck waiting on shipping when something cracks. Also solid for folks building out a collection of different-sized rigs — grab a few lengths and you're covered across the board.

How to use it

Measure your current downstem before ordering. You want the effective length — that's from the bottom of the ground joint (where it seats into your bong) down to the tip that sits in the water. Too short and your smoke won't filter properly. Too long and you're grinding glass against glass, which nobody wants.

Once you've got the right size, slide it into your water pipe's joint at a slight angle, then straighten it out. The bottom should sit about half an inch to an inch below the waterline. Too deep and you're working harder to pull; too shallow and you're not getting proper diffusion.

For the smoothest hits, keep your water fresh and your downstem clean. Resin buildup in those diffusion slits kills airflow fast. A quick soak in isopropyl alcohol every few sessions keeps things pulling like new.

Specifications

Fit and compatibility

These downstems fit 14mm female joints, which is the most common size in the game. If your bong takes 10mm or 18mm joints, you'll need a different piece or an adapter. Not sure what size you've got? The dime test works: a dime is roughly 18mm across. If your joint opening is noticeably smaller than a dime, you're probably looking at 14mm.

Works with standard bowls and accessories designed for 14mm male connections. If you're running an ash catcher or precooler inline, make sure to account for the added length when measuring.

Frequently asked questions

How do I measure for the right downstem length?

Stick a pencil or chopstick into your bong's joint until it hits about where you want the water level to be (half inch to an inch of submersion). Mark where it meets the top of the joint, pull it out, and measure from that mark to the tip. That's your effective length. Round down if you're between sizes — slightly short is better than too long.

Will this fit my 18mm bong?

No, these are 14mm only. You'd need either an 18mm downstem or an 18mm to 14mm adapter to make it work. Forcing a 14mm piece into an 18mm joint is a recipe for a wobbling, leaking mess.

What's the difference between total length and effective length?

Total length includes the joint section that sits inside your bong's opening. Effective length is just the part that extends down into the chamber. Effective length is what actually matters for water submersion and fit.

How often should I clean my downstem?

Depends on how much you're smoking. Heavy daily use? Once a week minimum. Casual use? Every couple weeks should keep it flowing smooth. When you notice the hits getting harder to pull, that's buildup talking.

Can I use this for dabbing?

Technically yes, but it's designed for flower. If you're running a dab rig, you'd typically use a shorter stem or no downstem at all, depending on your setup. Flower rigs benefit more from the extra diffusion length.

Why does the size range matter so much?

Because bongs come in wildly different shapes and joint angles. A beaker with a 45-degree joint needs a different length than a straight tube with a 90-degree joint, even if they're the same overall height. Measure your specific piece rather than guessing based on how tall your bong is.

Is clear glass more fragile than colored glass?

Nope, same material. Clear borosilicate is the same stuff as colored — the color comes from additives that don't affect strength. The main advantage of clear is visibility: you can see exactly how dirty things are getting inside.