How to Measure Your Downstem

How to Measure Your Downstem

First Things First - What the heck is a downstem??

What the heck is a downstem??? Just because we love to smoke bongs, doesn’t mean we all know the terms for each part, and that’s okay! The downstem is the long, straight glass tube with slits at the end that reaches toward the bottom of your beaker bong. It holds the bowl where you keep all your precious bud and helps provide suction while pulling smoke or vapor into the water before getting inhaled. So basically your bong can't function without it so don't even try.

So we all know when your downstem breaks its an oh shit moment. But don't worry, there are only two main questions that you need to answer when looking for a new downstem. What's the length needed and how wide should it be.

1. Length Matters!

One thing you definitely want to avoid is getting a downstem that is too long and reaches the bottom of the beaker before it is able to rest in the joint, rendering it unusable. So to solve this problem before it even happens, here’s how to measure the length of the downstem you will need! 

The Pencil Method

1. Stick a pencil down the joint of your bong
2. Pull it out about a half an inch
3. Mark this spot on the pencil
4. Measure the length from the point of the pencil to the mark that you made
5. This is the length of the downstem you will need!

2. Don’t Forget Width!

You will also want to make sure the width, or the joint size is correct. This will make a difference in whether you will be using a 14mm bowl or an 18mm bowl. There is one very easy way to tell which one you will need.

The Dime Method

1. Place a dime over the ground joint of your base
2. If the dime covers the hole completely, it is a 14mm joint
3. If the dime slides into the piece, it is an 18mm joint

Simple as that! For your convenience and to avoid confusion, Prism Water Pipes only sells downstems that will fit our bases. But you can use this guide whenever looking to replace broken or lost pieces!

Prism Glass Downstem - Link

Prism downstems are made from classic borosilicate glass for beaker bongs. They have a 18mm male to 14mm female joint and are 120mm in length past the joint. 

Metal Downstems - Link

These downstems were made for those who frequently break their downstems, or want their downstem to match their clamp for a sleek look. The length of these downstems is adjustable because you can simply twist and remove section to shorten the length to fit almost any beaker. The full length will ship as is perfect for our Prism Beaker Bases. 

Titan Stem Downstems - Link

Precision machined so all the pieces fit together precisely.
Anodized smooth non-stick finish, so it will always-new look.
Made from Aircraft Grade Aluminum using the Latest in CNC machining technology.
- Comes With 3 Diffusers
- Comes With 18/18mm Joint & 18/14 Joint Low Profile
- Adjustable Length (2.5 Inch - 8.5 Inch)
- Unbreakable Metal

Know another way to measure your downstem or more tips and ticks, let us know below in the comments so we can share with everyone!

Thanks for reading :)