Stemline VS Inline

I'm wondering which one is better in terms of diffusion... the design of the percs seem to be the same, and the inline has the ability to have more slits for more diffusion. However, stemlines seem to be much more popular that these inlines. I know my stemline stacks a TON, but I could see the inline stacking just as well if the tubing didn't restrict it from doing so.

Long story short, which diffuses better, the inline or stemline?

Of course, this is considering the fact that both the inline and stemline have the same amount of gridding/ slits.

For those who don't know what an stemline/inline is, search for HOPS inline bong and SG Stemline.

Could you perhaps explain the difference to a noob?

I tried googling 'stemline', but from the results I got I can't tell the difference between a stemline and an inline.

Pictures would work.

I think "stemline" commonly refers to the pieces from Sovereignty Glass. The cool thing about these and the reason they diffuse so well is that it is not just 6 straight-cut slits. They slits are "gridded" with a bunch of tiny holes. So the vapor or smoke is split into a bunch of bubbles instead of 6 bubbles.

I have seen pieces use the term gridded inline with is similar to the Sovereignty Stemline.

I have also seen makers other than SG use the term "stemline" so it gets confusing. The big difference is whether the stemline/inline is gridded or not.

That makes sense. I noticed the gridded slits like you call them when googling, but figured they're just slightly differed from the ones the OP was revering to since he specifically mentioned the 6 slits. I thought they'd have a totally different shape/design from the inlines, thanks for clarifying that mr. Mormon.

i love stemlines... you got to remember that a lot of times with an inline all the whole won't fire because air wants to travel through the part of least resistance ie the first holes.... stem lines with grids fix that problem!

With a stemline, the water is much more adjustable based on if you want more flavor versus more diffusion.

Stemline is diffusion with the tube vs inline which is pre-tube. Both function very similar and in most cases stemlines will only be available in the premium pieces (sovreignty,mobius, etc). I have both and find very little difference unless im using imported/chinese glass.

Sorry, should've told you guys that both were gridded. I still find it strange how inlines aren't nearly as popular as stemlines.

Personally I think stemline. The slits are closer together, so the amount of water you have to go through to reach each slit is more uniform. I used to own an inline bubbler, and it doesn't compare in terms of diffusion to my stemline.

I have both atm! I will try to shoot a vid asap

My personal preference though is the stemline. The inline has very little drag and has a nice gluggy-ness to it, but compared to how mesmerizing the stacked bubbles are with the stemline, combined with the smooth hit and good taste, I just have a 'better time' hitting the stemline. All preference though.

Here's two videos that illustrate the difference in functionality between an Inline designed By HOPS and the Stemline, designed by Steve at Sovereignty Glass:




vs: