Well, have I got a surprise for you all. I didn't want to say anything, because I wasn't sure how Allison would feel about it, but I didn't just get a custom SSFG 3 pc vapor rig.
No, I got a SSFG 3 pc vapor rig AND a Gridded Inline Bubbler. For the life of me, I can't figure out why she felt a rush to get things out to me. Its obvious, her and I have a connection (not like THAT)... we just click, when talking. But, really... we were talking about a $150 order (originally). So I don't know if she felt guilty for what amounted to two days of delay, and STILL getting my my order in LESS THAN A WEEK... but she offered to make me a deal on the Gridded Inline. An offer I couldn't resist. An offer, I'm not going to repeat, because I think she went way above and beyond. I hate to even say this, is sounds so stupid... but I almost cried when I opened the box and saw everything she had done for ME in a week (OK, I'm lying. I did cry and have a couple times since. Such big-hearted people!). Every call, email just overflowing with this larger than life, loving personality. Ray, is a VERY lucky man. I hope he realizes that and thanks whatever Higher Power, he might believe in... every. single. day.
So... pics, or review first? Uhm... PICS!
SSFG 10" Travel Beaker w/ SSFG Showerhead Downstem & SSFG Mini Inline AC/Perc
(excuse the crooked perc. I was SO excited and hadn't even used the pieces yet.)
Its a little front heavy. But with water in it... it doesn't tip. Plus... its @#$%ing 10" tall and holds up a inline perc, w/ an 18mm female joint. BAHAHAHA! This thing clears like a jet engine!
Can't see it here, but the downstem is off-center. But that's the nature of hand-blown glass. There are going to always be slight imperfections. (like unlevel fritted percs
)
Another side view
Closeup showerhead. @#$% this thing has a LOT of slits. BUBBLES!
Close-up joint. Thick and sturdy.
18mm female joint, 18/14 showerhead downstem, 14mm male joint perc
Mini 12-cut Inline AC/Perc 14mm male/18mm female (shotgun clear - *BOOM*). Sorry it looks so crooked (the picture really does exaggerate it). Me, in a hurry putting it together in haste.
A little straighter, more closeup shot.
Looking down the tube at three very tightly placed (no ice dropping past there) ice notches
Now... another drumroll please!
My NEW SSFG Gridded Inline Bubbler
Front view. Notice the same bracing on the body to inline
Inline perc... get this... EIGHTEEN holes. Not slits... holes.
SEE!!! (@#$%ing amazing!)
Side view
Yes, that is a closed end tube on the inline (the EIGHTEEN HOLE inline. Bahahahaha!)
Oh, a very sexy piece... 14mm female joint.
Impressions after use
SSFG 10" Travel Beaker w/ Showerhead Downstem & Mini Inline AC/Perc
I have quite the dilemma for a daily driver. The Saxo... eh... if I want to send a hearty @#$% you, to anyone that says a MFLB can't milk, I have a rapid response. I might take it out for those nights I want to hit myself in the head with a truck.
So its down to a 3pc SSFG rig, or an EIGHTEEN HOLE SSFG inline bubbler. I think its going to depend on my mood. I've had the pleasure of vaping a trench in the 3pc rig and it vapes quite nice. I've really taking a liking to inlines, after I figured out water levels and pulls on them. They are truly a pleasure to vape with and I just love the pull and WONDERFUL feedback. Now I know why so many blowers and people like them. The 3 pc is designed well, as a unit. Everything is meant for a little leanback. Even the inline. It makes for a very comfortable position for draws... which I think, when you're new to the game... you don't really realize how important it is. I want to be in a relaxed position... head, neck and angle I'm holding a piece to be comfortable. That's one thing the Saxo doesn't score points on, unless you have hands like Michael Jordan. But, this is a nice piece to hold, from a couple of angles (beaker and neck) You get excellent visual feedback from the top of the bulbous head of the crystal clear, thick glass on the inline and following it up the tube, to your mouth.
Because of its vapor volume, it delivers a nice long, tasty draw and with the 18mm female joint, clears in a rush!
>>WHOOOSH>>
Was worried before I got it, that asking for the 18mm would lead to a weight issue (which it balances well enough for me) and I was right to some degree. But the trade-off, because it STILL sits flat without having to even pay attention to it... but for the air-flow, it was PERFECT.
The glass is nice and thick (4mm on the travel beakers, btw. but its for a reason - they can repair it easier, if breakage... AND it doesn't NEED to be 5mm at this size). It IS thick and solid. Wonderful craftsmanship, with the fit. Everything is air/water tight. Pieces hold snug, once seated... no twist on the inline, when inserting/withdrawing whip.
Now the Gridded Inline Bubbler
Unfortunately, I got to try a single pull off this. I've been working with a cracked 14mm male whip adapter. It finally broke. I already @#$%ing SuperGlue'd it and I don't wanna hear @#$% about health hazards.... I HAVE to use this piece tonight. One hit was just a tease, off an awesome piece. I'll order a new adapter tonight, probably.
The inline. I can't get over... how truly awesome this thing hits... again, built for leanback. And for a piece its size, you can still give it a strong, hard pull... and no wet lips. Excellent feedback, both on the pull and visually, thru again... another bulbous air chamber top. Same crystal clear, thick glass. I believe however, this one is blown by Dave M. Still loyal in looks/style to SSFG pieces and even though its unlabeled... is worthy of the rep SSFG has rightfully earned. As its a smaller piece, in stature and volume... the 14mm female slide, is more than enough. I've got a hookup for the whip adpaters, I'll just have to suck it up and spend a few bucks.
Both inlines fire exceptionally well and nice dispersion on the bubbles. The Bubbler though, is a blast to watch in a mirror as the bubbles dance around EIGHTEEN HOLES of perc'ing bliss. Its got a larger opening for the mouthpiece, than I imaged, but even this... works well, with the feedback the piece gives you.
I think feedback of a piece is very important. I don't want to get through that massive milk, which I've proven I can pull off with a tiny, little, MFLB
, to find out... it was too much. Perfecting it on that Saxo, trust me... took a LOT of trenches and for two nights, I haven't been medicated... I've been stoned out of my @#$%ing mind. I'd rather not do that. Both these SSFG pieces provide a wonderful vapor (and I would imagine, smoking) experience. Its wonderful holding a quality piece of glass in your hand and enjoying the thought and workmanship that went into delivering that medication, which helps me get thru every single day.
Thank you Ray. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, Allison. You have made a new friend and a very loyal customer. Its no wonder, to this day... I still haven't read a bad word about their company. They are a huge credit and wonderful ambassadors for this industry.
Videos coming late tonight or early in the morning.
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