Cheap High Quality Bubbler
- Thread starter Bleezy
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- cheap bubbler glass
S1N3
Tarzan @ KloudSociety
So I've recently purchased both the Snakster from PipesDaddy ($29) and the Mini Hydrator from VaporWarehouse ($89) and I wanted to post my thoughts and a pic to compare.
I really like the quality of the Hydrator, there are no imperfections in the glass, it stands up straight, has a perfectly designed perc for vapor, and one of my favorite mouthpieces to date!
Most of those things are also the negative points for the Snakster, the glass is riddled with imperfection, it stands crooked, and I'm not a huge fan of how it "chugs", but it works.
Lets also keep in mind that I could purchase 2 1/2 Snaksters for the price of one Hydrator, so, for the price, the Snakster really is unbeatable. But if you have the extra money I will recommend the Mini Hydrator every time! It's my new daily driver, paired with my Mulberry twig Underdog!
Thanks for this review, there were also more comparisons made here: http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/v...s-40-pipesdaddy-com-vapor-glass-bubbler.6050/
Does anyone know of a better price point on the VB? When comparing the Snakster I'm really digging the value.
Anonymouse
Sith I care
This isn't so practical if you're an international customer, and shipping can be almost as much as the order cost. The way they handle international shipping is a bit ridiculous, actually. Their shipping calculator comes up with ridiculously high numbers. I don't know if this is because they have the wrong weight or cost values in there, or if they're just estimated (very) high to be safe, but if you had to pay the shipping calc's quoted prices nobody from overseas would order.
When i placed my first order months back, they told me to just put the order through, and they'd work out the real shiping cost and charge me that, and that this was the only way they could do it; he couldn't take a list of items and give me an accurate quote beforehand. Turns out, what actually happens, is that they charge your card immediately for the full order and inflated shipping estimate price, make up the order, then a few days later before they actually ship it, they refund the cost difference between the inflated and actual shipping cost (like $90 in the case of my most recent order). This sucks because I paid bank currency conversion fees to make that unneccesary additional payment $AU to $US), then paid conversion fees again when they refunded it back to me ($US to $AU), so I only got like $70 of that $90 back. Yay.
Well, great. Sounds like mine is defintely defective. The photo on the website is kinda ambiguous as to whether it's open or not, but leaving it open is silly, so I'm assuming if yours is closed, they're all meant to be. Doubt they'll replace it, though, given the shipping cost for them is probably more than their cost price on the pipe, so I'm sure they'll come up with some excuse.
With a closed downstem it's a decent piece for $50. I've had to block mine with a ball bearing. Have to remove the damn thing every time I use it so it doesn't rust, but I haven't found a glass bead the same diameter yet. Just wish it had six slits per side instead of three. There's easily room for six with the same spacing, which makes it an incomplete design in my eyes.
It's actually a stemline. If the housing tube of the slotted tube is perpendicular to the slotted tube, it's a stemline, while parallel to the slotted tube is an inline. Also stemlines tend to have side slits instead of up or down, but not always if function warrants otherwise.
I actually ordered one of those (and a few other pipes) a few weeks back. My package just arrived today and I'm really disappointed. The honeycomb pipe is missing; they've sent a taller version of the same pipe instead, which doesn't mate very well with my Extreme Q, and has fewer inline slits.
I ordered this:
http://www.pipesdaddy.com/Honeycomb-Perc-Glass-Water-Pipe-p/wp-0169.htm
...but they actually sent me this:
http://www.pipesdaddy.com/7mm-Inline-Honeycomb-15-Glass-Water-Pipe-p/wp-0179.htm
(Mine has the blue dot, 4 inline slits and everything. Also, having the thing in my hands, I can say the thickest glass is 5mm at-most, not 7. It's just a slightly taller version of the above pipe, which is also 5mm tops.)
I also reordered an infamous bubbler, to replace my one with a broken 18mm input, and it was completely absent (though they sent a circ ash catcher I didn't order, possibly by mistake instead of the infamous?). I also ordered a Snakster to go with a Lotus that should be arriving any day, and that too was completely absent. :/
The ash catcher is a "14mm to 19mm Shower Head Glass Ash Catcher - Blue" which I didn't order, and isn't on the invoice. Not that it matters as it's 14mm output and I have no pieces with 14mm input, and even if I did, the catcher seems defective; the output fitting is twisted so the catcher cannot sit level due to its own weight twisting it around towards the ground. It's bent 45 degrees like it's meant to be, but also twisted 45 degrees on top of that. Well, more like 35 degrees.
Oh, and I also got one of those $20 oil rigs I mentioned, and mine doesn't resemble the photo much. It has a much smaller, much slimmer can, and a very tiny base that tips easily, compounded by the fact it leans precariously to the left. The downstem is off-centre and only comes 2/3 the way down the can. Weirdly, the glass in the mouthpiece is thick as fuck (~3mm), which is nicely sturdy, but makes it really top heavy and even more prone to tipping. The can itself is made of much thinner glass. There's also scratches and a sharp spur of glass on top of the mouthpiece right where the lips touch. The last issue could be cleaned up with a file and MAPP torch, but it still shouldn't have been shipped out that way in the first place. Edit: There's also a small glass blob on the bottom of the DI joint (on the actual taper) that prevents a dome from seating all the way, so the dome wobbles and leaks air through the joint.
I've sent them a long message detailing all the problems, so lets see what they do...
I'll probably upload some pics and review the four pieces I got once the order is all corrected and finalised. The weird thing was, I actually told their support before I ordered that I intended to review all four pices for a forum, and to make sure to pick good examples if they didn't want anything embarrassing in the reviews. Despite that, I got all the crap above. Not a good sign. :/
I didn't pursue replacing the crappy $50 oil rig because of shipping hassles and costs, but you can bet I'm not going to stand for two missing pipes and one incorrect pipe.
knowing its import I think they expect it and make the amends to hold sales and also to be good biz merchants.
Well, here's hoping that's the case. I'm pretty damn annoyed already, but if they try to mess me around further I'll be livid. This is completely their fault in regards to picking the order, and I expect them to supply the missing stuff and cover the cost to ship it. It's what an honest business would do. They're still selling fake titanium nails, though, so I don't know how upstanding and trustworthy we can consider them. :/
(Also, please use paragraphs. It's much easier to parse and quote.
)
ou812?
Well-Known Member
My bad will do on the paragraphs, didnt do well in punctuation and grammar,was a wild child and stayed in metal shop and auto shop ,but will try my best
Sorry for the shit deal PD threw your way and I truly understand your concern when it comes to shipping and returns ..had no idea you were from the wonder down under, I would say fug it too for the 50...but I will admit I wrote them and asked and he reassured me it wasn't open but looking at that pic is certainly looks open to me. I had read a review below on it where someone stated the exact same thing as you ,so I was skeptical , but its a 50 dollar piece,and has a stable base and built more durable than the avg. grade that small glass bubbs are made of or the cookie cutter import A/C. My perc is closed and its smooth enough but not as smooth as the ones that are of a better quality.
I wont go over 50 bucks at PD, thats the limit there, most of it works for us but my complaint as with a lot of import..not built well and so fugg'n frail.... so the 5mm on import cheapie glass that is built right and works, who can complain,right?
When making a REAL glass purchase, I go over to Jhan Pixel (AEON GLASS) or COLIE GLASS (functional art engineers/artists who do their own R&D) and will buy a sweet piece from them that they do test and fit for a huge savings over a bigger named artists work.YMMV.
Good luck w/the PD haul, Im sure they'll make good and hopefully you will be smiling a few weeks from now when its all figured out!! Post and let us know if they shrug their part in fixing the issue!!
Sorry for the shit deal PD threw your way and I truly understand your concern when it comes to shipping and returns ..had no idea you were from the wonder down under, I would say fug it too for the 50...but I will admit I wrote them and asked and he reassured me it wasn't open but looking at that pic is certainly looks open to me. I had read a review below on it where someone stated the exact same thing as you ,so I was skeptical , but its a 50 dollar piece,and has a stable base and built more durable than the avg. grade that small glass bubbs are made of or the cookie cutter import A/C. My perc is closed and its smooth enough but not as smooth as the ones that are of a better quality.
I wont go over 50 bucks at PD, thats the limit there, most of it works for us but my complaint as with a lot of import..not built well and so fugg'n frail.... so the 5mm on import cheapie glass that is built right and works, who can complain,right?
When making a REAL glass purchase, I go over to Jhan Pixel (AEON GLASS) or COLIE GLASS (functional art engineers/artists who do their own R&D) and will buy a sweet piece from them that they do test and fit for a huge savings over a bigger named artists work.YMMV.
Good luck w/the PD haul, Im sure they'll make good and hopefully you will be smiling a few weeks from now when its all figured out!! Post and let us know if they shrug their part in fixing the issue!!
S1N3
Tarzan @ KloudSociety
Are there any distinguishable differences between these two?
- http://www.pipesdaddy.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=WP-0174&CartID=1
- http://www.pipesdaddy.com/Honeycomb-Perc-Glass-Water-Pipe-p/wp-0169.htm
kingofnull
ace
The first one is 1" taller and has blue worked sections. The Mini VB Hydrator will have the least 'chug' of all three by design; the dewaar joint tends to allow for open airflow, while stemless pieces like the first two tend to be chuggier.
Anonymouse
Sith I care
Only differences are colour and bowl, otherwise the pieces are made to the same pattern. There's also some other colours and some bent-neck variatios of that design, too. It costs more because PD buy fewer of the coloured ones; In the same quantity as the clear they'd be almost the same price.
An extreme example of this is the two honeycombs I posted above. Only real difference is that one is 4" taller, but the short one is $65 and the tall one $140. Adding 4" of straight tube does not more than double fabrication costs.
samirfuzzywuzzy
Well-Known Member
Liquid Sci glass. Excellent quality and low price. Not to mention its tiny.
kingofnull
ace
really nice piece!
JoeKickass
Well-Known Member
That piece looks really solid! And that is my absolute favorite format! When using the pax or solo or any other portable vape it's so nice to have the joint low down so the vape isn't off waving miles above your head lol
I'd love to have the cash for one of these:
So I couldn't help it when I found a knockoff for $130:
convotutor
New Member
So I couldn't help it when I found a knockoff for $130:
[/quote]
Hi
Can you point me to where you got that bubbler ?
Thanks
Hi
Can you point me to where you got that bubbler ?
Thanks
JoeKickass
Well-Known Member
The link is in the YouTube description, he has similar pieces but that exact one is sold out. It went fast so I imagine they'll get more soon!
samirfuzzywuzzy
Well-Known Member
Knock of for 130 bucks? my Liquid sci was about 130 and its glass is 7mm/5mm
S1N3
Tarzan @ KloudSociety
Was that from a shop? Can I order online, looking for pretty much that exact setup.
On a side: This thread inspired me to see my friend over at Blue Nile, NYC. Man you help that guy sell one Pax and the haggling level goes: $400 bongs go for $200
and $200 for $100 + Choice diffusor and other goodies. The amount of European tourists going to that store 
everyone must be trying to save on that crazy VAT import tax. Unfortunately for me he didnt have anything like the VB setup or a waffle/honeycomb under $200 Definitely a great store though for anyone in Manhattan check them out over on Bleeker near West 4th. Check Yelp for their address. The guy is fine with you showing him a piece online and will try to beat it with whatever he has available. Only downside is only has 1 case of non branded glass so the cheap-o's arent in high supply.
samirfuzzywuzzy
Well-Known Member
Was that from a shop? Can I order online, looking for pretty much that exact setup.
On a side: This thread inspired me to see my friend over at Blue Nile, NYC. Man you help that guy sell one Pax and the haggling level goes: $400 bongs go for $200
Unfortunately for me he didnt have anything like the VB setup or a waffle/honeycomb under $200 Definitely a great store though for anyone in Manhattan check them out over on Bleeker near West 4th. Check Yelp for their address. The guy is fine with you showing him a piece online and will try to beat it with whatever he has available. Only downside is only has 1 case of non branded glass so the cheap-o's arent in high supply.
Liquid sci is a really awesome brand thats made side by side with other names by a big glass house. I cant remember the name of the glass company if my life depened on it right now. I picked mine up in downtown charlotte while I was on vacation.
Local shops on the east coast seem to be picking them up like hot cakes.
They seem to be calling this a "Wheel Perc". IMO it stacks bubbles just as good as Honeycomb percs with out the tiny holes to clean
http://www.badassglass.com/ seems to have a decent ammount of Liquid Sci stuff
convotutor
New Member
ItS $230 on the website.
Did you get a deal for $130? How were you able to get that price if you don't mind me asking.
http://www.badassglass.com/liquid-sci-oil-rig.html
ataxian
PALE BLUE DOT
I have my own option when it comes to mouth pieces.
The smaller mouth pieces are better for a smooth draw.
The big bong type mouth pieces are good for the recreational user however as a medical marijuana patient I find the bong style mouth piece are not very practical!
Be careful with low quality glass. (Clarity)
I bought a few $100's of cheap glass.
After 2 years of accumulating I want to throw my stuff away and start over.
Start with better glass pieces.
I would rather have one really good piece than 5 generic ones like I have.
Or 2 good ones instead of a WALMART COLLECTION.
Here is some ideals:
http://aqualabtechnologies.com/wicked-sands-glass-tiny-sidecar-vapor-bubbler.html (Cheap)
http://aqualabtechnologies.com/scie...-glass-50-mm-gridded-4-slit-mini-bubbler.html (sold out)
This is the one I wish I had bought to start out with and I will give my glass away and start over.
http://aqualabtechnologies.com/scie...-glassworks-ion-bubbler-with-matrix-perc.html
Your will be happier in the long run if you go for a little better quality.
Smaller mouth pieces are nice.
If your money is tight then get this one:
http://www.pipesdaddy.com/Honeycomb-Perc-Glass-Water-Pipe-p/wp-0169.htm
This will do the job and keep money in your wallet.
Plus the draw would be smooth.
Nice starter!
Richy
Frequently up in space with Bowie
I just noticed that Colie Glass have released a new "Mini Thick Bubbler" and it's priced at $50 retail so that works out to $40 with the 20% FC discount when you pay direct. As always contact Colie Glass through the contact seller button on the right hand side of the webpage to receive the discount.
It comes in at a height of 5-6 inches and has a wall thickness of 5mm. It's made with Schott glass and thick German Lenz joints so you're getting some real quality especially for such a low price.
Shown above is the low profile 14mm version but you can also get it in 18mm as well, both version come with a matching bowl like the one you can see here. As can be seen in the pictures the diffused downstem is removable for easy maintenance which for me really adds to the attraction of this piece.
Shipping is less than $5 in the States and $7 to Canada. International members, of which I am one, should also note that the shipping costs are very reasonable at $15.25.
Edit: Please note that the text highlighted in white are links to the relevant store pages. Thanks ataxian for pointing out that I could have made that clearer.
It comes in at a height of 5-6 inches and has a wall thickness of 5mm. It's made with Schott glass and thick German Lenz joints so you're getting some real quality especially for such a low price.
Shown above is the low profile 14mm version but you can also get it in 18mm as well, both version come with a matching bowl like the one you can see here. As can be seen in the pictures the diffused downstem is removable for easy maintenance which for me really adds to the attraction of this piece.
Shipping is less than $5 in the States and $7 to Canada. International members, of which I am one, should also note that the shipping costs are very reasonable at $15.25.
Edit: Please note that the text highlighted in white are links to the relevant store pages. Thanks ataxian for pointing out that I could have made that clearer.
ataxian
PALE BLUE DOT
SSVUN~YAH
You Must Unlearn, What You Have Learned...
Richy
Frequently up in space with Bowie
The links are highlighted in white in the article. Just click on any of them and use the contact seller button you'll see on the right hand side of the page under "Seller's Information". The button is in blue writing just to the right side of the picture of the guy holding the flask.
I'll PM you his email address if I can find it from when I ordered some stuff.
Edit: Anyone else just send me a message if you want the address.
I'll PM you his email address if I can find it from when I ordered some stuff.
Edit: Anyone else just send me a message if you want the address.
samirfuzzywuzzy
Well-Known Member
the one you are referring to is an oiler. its almost double the size of what i have.
I visited a head shop in downtown charlotte while on a road trip and the shop has direct connection to many glass houses. This was also the only shop I've visited on the east coast boasting over 2000 sq ft of hand made hemp goods. their glass selection looked liked he hit the rape button on ALT's catalog.
Dreamerr
Always in a state of confusion and silliness♀
Ataxian, sell the stuff you don't want in the classifieds so you can buy one of the better pieces you do want. Most start with cheap to see if they like water. I am glad I didn't buy anything expensive as I barely use water. I did last night as my lungs are taking a hit at the moment I think maybe from all the rain but who knows.