flotntoke
thoroughly vaped
Now that's completely different from the matrix!
anyone had any experience with a tire perc, or how it relates to the matrix?
I think you're putting a little more importance on the name than the function. Understandable, with the way things sometimes go in this thread. The much beloved D020 above is what I call a slitted perc in its simplest form.
This is a matrix perc:
It is made by Mobius and is found in pieces that go for $300-$500 new. Sometimes copied better than others. The best copies I've seen are by US glassblowers. There are at least a few Chinese pieces that have similar percs, but nothing like this that I've seen. This is why I usually put "matrix" in quotes on this thread.
A tire perc is the same principle, but not nearly as intricate. Here is a piece that used to include a very simple tire perc, but has evolved into this:
So, a very simple matrix type perc that looks like a tire.
There are also UFO percs that look like this:
They are all examples of showerhead percs (and there are other variations). I think many like them for the same reasons I do. They can all be used with a lower diffusion technique, though the more intricate the perc, the more control it takes. More smaller holes/slits in the perc will usually create more diffusion with smaller bubbles that can stack more. IME pulling your hit through with a harder draw will bring bubbles all the way up the can in some cases, depending on how well the the perc is designed and constructed. This is great for combusting, because it can smooth out the hit and add a bunch of moisture, allowing huge one hit/snaps. But, IMO it also drains flavor from vapor. If you keep it slow and steady through any of these you can avoid that. You get few larger bubbles, or optimally bubbles aren't even formed. You just get a bit of turbulence. This is easier for most people to do with few larger holes, as on the UFO above.
Many options, and very hard to tell what you might like until you get a few hits on one and at least take close looks at videos of others once you have a feel for it. So, for many it's better to go with something simpler - like the D020 types - and build from there. They're usually cheaper and more forgiving of technique in retaining flavor. I have bubbs with each of these and a few more showerheads (as well as other percs) and still mix up which I use for a bit of variety, though I have my favorites. The key with any, if trying to keep as much flavor as you can, is to go slow and steady while pulling vapor through. Once vapor goes through the perc and fills the can, you can clear it as hard as you like with little to no flavor decrease. So depending on perc and function, you can still get a nice bubble show and stack them up the whole can and not lose too much flavor.