Cheap High Quality Bubbler

someone tossed a pebble into the pond, eh?

I don't care about my cheap glass working as well as name brands, it just has to satisfy me, which it does quite well. I'm gonna keep buying it.
This is exactly how I feel as well. I'm not out to impress anyone. I just want to enjoy my vaping and these pieces suit my needs perfectly. I can afford whatever I please but fortunately I am well pleased by the Chinese stuff :)
 

jambandphan03

in flavor country
@ataxian man I was thinking of you last night when I took this picture;
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What the hell do I have all of this glass for? haha at the start of 2014 I had never even used a vaporizer though a water path :) Anyway, I think the cupboard is now full.
I feel the same way, my cabinet is almost full too, and I still have more on the way... it's crazy. Glass hoarders... we can make a show about it... don't even want to talk about my friends marble collection. :p
I think I could be certified insane at this point. :mental::freak:
 

mvapes

Scratchin' Glass!
Accessory Maker
Sure, good idea. I can afford it and will keep it that way as well. And just to clear something up, I stay home alone a bit, don't really like being stared at by others for health reasons. I also don't have many visitors aside from an occasional visit. I could give two shits what other people think, I buy my glass because perc's and quality matters to me!

Everyone is entitled, I only made my statement because I was tagged to come in here when I was tagged to be part of a discussion.

Enjoy your GB. If you have anything else to say let's take it to a PM.
 

Mister G

Deceptively Old Fart
Okay so how about a change of topic. Yesterday I received the G-189 from Yingmin;

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My intital thoughts are the piece looks amazing. The glass is thick and there are zero imperfections that I can see. Compared to the pieces from Sunshine Store these products from Yingmin seem to be free from scratches and other imperfections. Now as you know this thing is meant to be some kind of tornado. Well I'm sorry to say I don't think so. Unless I am too stupid to get it to work. If you fill the water below the perc nothing it does not function at all. If you fill it just a little over the perc it functions but there is no tornado. It just kind of chugs. It works okay but I think the turbine may not function very well. However, when clearing the can there is something resembling a tornado action.

Lately I have been using the D0-20W and this has a much wider mouthpiece. The piece does milk nicely and I was getting a lot of vapor. It also seemed to contribute to an improved level of extraction as well.

Overall I'm not sure about this piece yet. I'm hoping that one of you can get it firing better than me.

P.S Sorry for the shitty pics. I thought they were better :(

Nice. My GB-189's arrival is imminent. I'll see if I can coax a vortex out of it, but I'm pessimistic if you weren't able to, but I'll give it a shot. Maybe I'll get the honeycomb by mistake like you? :evil:
 
Nice. My GB-189's arrival is imminent. I'll see if I can coax a vortex out of it, but I'm pessimistic if you weren't able to, but I'll give it a shot. Maybe I'll get the honeycomb by mistake like you? :evil:
Yeah I had you in mind Mister G. I'm really not sure about this one. Like I said when I lift my connections and clear the can there is a pretty strong vortex/tornado like action. But with the connections/gong/E-Nano on top the action is very different. To be honest I don't think it is very good. I'm still hoping that one of us may be able to figure it out. I had the picture in my mind that was posted here a while back with that super tornado action. Sadly it is nothing like that. Anyway, I will be very keen to hear how you do Mister G. Good luck :science: :leaf:
 

Mister G

Deceptively Old Fart
Yeah I had you in mind Mister G. I'm really not sure about this one. Like I said when I lift my connections and clear the can there is a pretty strong vortex/tornado like action. But with the connections/gong/E-Nano on top the action is very different. To be honest I don't think it is very good. I'm still hoping that one of us may be able to figure it out. I had the picture in my mind that was posted here a while back with that super tornado action. Sadly it is nothing like that. Anyway, I will be very keen to hear how you do Mister G. Good luck :science: :leaf:

Yeah, maybe when Yingmin5 gets his account authorized, we can work with him more closely, maybe get him to replicate the percs in your YQ42 in the GB sidecar form factor, also maybe make the can a little taller. Does your YQ42 (hope that's the correct item #), perc perform better with the hc feeding the turbine?
 
That's the point @Tweak

You, let's say decide to drop money into a 700 dollar piece. It's now your new baby, you love it, it's amazing piece. Your buddy comes over with a piece of glass from china that they paid 50 bucks for and says to you after trying your piece, "meh" - mine is just as good.
If that was me I would be kicking myself that I was out of pocket $650!

EDIT: @Mister G Ah I don't have a YQ42. I think the one you mean is the GB-188 (on the left with Roor logo). Actually that piece is still a virgin unfortunately. I don't have a 14mm connector and have been unable to locate one at a reasonable price.

I agree with you though about the potential to work with Yingmin. He seems interested, willing and able :) Perhaps it is time for us all to collaborate on an FC exclusive piece. I think it is certainly possible.

You may recall I was toying with the idea of setting up some kind of glass business. I came to the conclusion that it was more trouble than it would be worth. I can't compete with Sunshine Store or Yingmin in terms of price, speed and probably customer service as well if I am being honest. I also have other work which is more profitable. I gave the idea to a couple of young guys I am friends with. They were super keen but I imagine they probably lack the determination to get it off the ground.

Where I do think there is potential is us locating a glass manufacturer/factory/blower in China. I imagine the cost of producing these pieces is extremely low. I have searched a bit without success so far.
 
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equatorgringo

Well-Known Member
It takes a week for it to make it halfway down the east coast to me once it lands in New York.

I cant say enough good about the 187. I love it! If the 186 is the same quality, I may order another and sell my Mobius when it comes back from repair.

Mine will arrive a week after yours! That's how it goes. As long as it arrives. Now to get @yingmin5 re-instated here is the next task.
 

Mister G

Deceptively Old Fart
EDIT: @Mister G Ah I don't have a YQ42. I think the one you mean is the GB-188 (on the left with Roor logo). Actually that piece is still a virgin unfortunately. I don't have a 14mm connector and have been unable to locate one at a reasonable price.

Sorry, I meant the TDS-209. Isn't that the bubbler in the back right corner of this pic (edit: wow, it looks tiny!):

dhedzk.jpg
 
@cybrguy Thanks for that but unfortunately the shipping cost is too high from that seller. It would cost me a total of $34 which I could actually get a new bubbler for :bang: I have checked a few places suggested by other FC members but no luck with international shipping. Thanks anyway though :wave:
 

SSVUN~YAH

You Must Unlearn, What You Have Learned...
Is it time for the feats of strength? We skipped the pole too, bummer!
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My take is I think competition is good and keeps prices respectable while encouraging progress. I don't think Möbius is going to be going out of business anytime soon bc of this. Plus I don't think it will affect the retail or resale price of them either. I mean look at our classifieds, much love much respect for Möbius! I know I would trade my 187 for a Möbius in a heartbeat. I am by no means popping over to the Möbius thread (and IIRC nobody has) to mention the 187 rocks. I get both sides of the coin but honestly the new era of China glass is upon us that is for sure! :2c::peace:
 
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BoogerMan

Well-Known Member
So I finally got time to sit at my computer and begin my review I promised.

So it looks like the limit to a single post is 10,000 characters lol. Looks like I will be splitting my review up into a few nights.

Tonights post is going to cover sellers on DHgate and a website called Glass Pipe Master
Tomorrow (hopefully) I will be able to finish Glass Pipe Master and cover Thick Quality Glass
Soon after I will cover iOffer and Brothers With Glass

These are the items I currently have. I have bought and sold many others before this, some cheap and some a little more expensive. Please feel free to ask me any questions about percs, designs, sellers, etc and I will share my experience if I have used that style before or ordered from that seller.

I know that cheap is considered to be under $100, but I have a few items that were around $150 and I decided to include them only because I think they are worth it if you have a few extra dollars.

I am located in the US and I am not sure if all of these sites ship internationally. Sorry!

If anyone wants a video please let me know of which item(s). It may take me a few days because I'm working full time right now, but I would be more than happy to do it!

DHGATE

Seller: Sunshinestore
Item: D020
Link: http://www.dhgate.com/store/product/d020-bubbler-hand-blown-glass-vase-perc-water/175832535.html
Price: $29
Ordered: 4/18/2014
Delivered: 4/24/2014
Pros: Very functional. The perc has a nice smooth chug. Nice small bubbler for really cheap.
Cons: Seems "less expensive" and "lower quality" than the D020-W. Mine had a few flaws. A bubble near the joint and the slits on the perc were not cut very clean (it still pulled evenly though so not a huge deal). There were also some small bubbles in the bridge and on the weld where the can meets the base. I wish the chamber was a little larger. The D020-W solves that problem for me).


Seller: Sunshinestore
Item: D020-W
Link: http://www.dhgate.com/product/d020-...g/187455071.html#myaccount_orderdetail-1-null
Price: $33
Ordered: 4/18/2014
Delivered: 4/24/2014
Pros: My favorite piece to use with my 90 degree adapter and my volcano bag :) Pics of that setup if you want them? Smoother pull than the D020. More of a purr/fizz than a chug. Larger can. I like the sidearm. Zero flaws. Looks "more expensive" and "better quality" than the D020.
Cons: The sidearm is on the wrong side for me (I'm right handed). Again, not a big deal because it is super easy to get used to.


Seller: Btoc_Jewelry
Item: JH001 aka Toro Double Micro Knockoff
Link: http://www.dhgate.com/product/honey...r/180453128.html#myaccount_orderdetail-1-null
Price: $50
Ordered: 4/18/2014
Delivered: 4/25/2014
Pros: One of my favorite pieces. Pull is nice and smooth, a perfect blend of purr and chug. Very good quality like Sunshinestore items. For the price it is one of my most used items.
Cons: Little tiny flaws here and there. The mouthpiece is not a perfect circle. There is a light white mark on the side I can't get off. It is small though. only a few cm in length.


Seller: Kathy0577
Item: Black mini bubbler aka Toro Single Macro Knockoff
Link: http://www.dhgate.com/product/black...r/183729712.html#myaccount_orderdetail-1-null
Price: $28
Ordered: 4/18/2014
Delivered: 5/5/2014
Pros: Not many. It pulls smooth and like the Toro Double Micro Knockoff it has a nice blend of purr and chug with the inline being slitted on both sides.
Cons: This shipping took much longer that Sunshinestore and Btoc_jewlery. The quality is awful. The black paint is not even and it looks like a 5 year old painted it. It looks nothing like the actual Toro. Stick with the Toro Double Micro Knockoff sold by Btoc_Jewelry. Save your money and get a rig from Btoc_Jewlery or Yingmin5. I do not recommend this rig.


Seller: Kathy0577
Item: Inline to Honeycomb
Link: http://www.dhgate.com/product/new-h...s/183730975.html#myaccount_orderdetail-2-null
Price: $41
Ordered: 4/18/2014
Delivered: 5/5/2014
Pros: It is better quality than the above black mini macro knockoff. The pull is amazing. It has a really nice purr. The inline under the honeycomb eliminates the natural perc chug created when there is only the honeycomb. It is very easy to stack bubbles with this rig. Tons of diffusion. I really like this item but the quality still doesn't compare to Btoc_jewlery/sunshinestore/yingmin5 items.
Cons: Again slower shipping. Multiple welds had bubbles and the male joint was on a little crooked. I also wish the chamber was a little bigger. Still on the small side for me for this style perc. If you don't care about a cheaper looking bubbler with some defects then this is a good item to have just because it pulls so nicely.


GLASS PIPE MASTER

*The seller is a really nice guy. He usually always threw in a free dabber or nonstick container, extra nails, etc.
*I have also not found one noticeable flaw in any of the items I have ordered from this site.

Item: Double Grid Perc akak Double Stereo Matrix
Link: http://www.glasspipemaster.com/new-product/double-grid-perc-concentrate-water-bong.html
Price: $143 + about $15 shipping
Ordered: 5/4/2014
Delivered: 5/8/2014
Pros: One of the smoothest percs I have ever used. It purrs like no other. Tons of holes of diffusion. Quality is perfect. Very thick on every part, not just the can and base. As good as brand name glass (It looks like it made be made by Maverick or Diamond glass or Apollo Glass Works)
Cons: None. Well okay one minor one. The top chamber needs to be larger. You have to set the water level right above the perc. Any more water than that and it will be in your mouth. I wish I could see this perc in a straight tube. I bet it stacks like a frit!


Item: aka Double Barrel Recycler Hitman Knockoff
Link: http://www.glasspipemaster.com/all-products/double-cylinder-recycle-water-bong.html
Price: $88 + about $15 shipping
NOTE: Btoc_Jewlery has this same item for $57. Not sure if Glass Pipe Master got these from DHgate, but I just wanted to point this out. See DHgate link below
http://www.dhgate.com/store/product/1lots-glass-pipes-glass-bubbler-glass-glass/189937548.html
Ordered: 5/12/2014
Delivered: 5/16/2014
Pros: My favorite rig. This item is great and gets used almost every day. Thick glass, very sturdy. Perc is a perfect combo of chug and purr and it is a recycler. You can't go wrong with this one. If you are looking for a rig buy this one. You won't be disappointed. I still can't believe this item is so cheap. I believe the real one by Hitman is around $600 haha.
Cons: None.


Item: Inline submarine
Link: http://www.glasspipemaster.com/all-products/inline-perc-concentrate-glass-water-pipe.html
Price: $88 + about $15 shipping
Ordered: 4/14/2014
Delivered: 4/18/2014
Pros: Nice thick glass. Really heavy for the size. You can tell it is good thick glass. Perc is smooth and has a nice pull and the bent neck helps prevent water getting in your mouth. I love the mouthpiece on this little guy. I believe it is made by Apollo Glass Works (you can find more of their stuff on iOffer under the seller American Glass Studio, but Glass Pipe Master is usually cheaper).
Cons: None. Quality is perfect. Great small rig and amazing brand name quality for a cheap price.


Item: Dome Showerhead aka UFO Showerhead Sidearm
Link: http://www.glasspipemaster.com/all-products/dome-shower-head-perc-concentrate-water-pipe.html
Price: $88 + about $15 shipping
Ordered: 4/14/2014
Delivered: 4/18/2014
Pros: I love this little rig. Perc has more slits than the submarine inline so it has a bit more of a purr. Again, amazing brand name quality for a cheap price. Plus it looks like an igloo which is awesome haha.
Cons: None. Quality is perfect. Great small rig and amazing brand name quality for a cheap price.



Thanks for reading! Take it easy FC members.
 

Frederick McGuire

Aggressively Loungey
Quick :2c: on expensive vs cheap glass:

With cheap glass, every purchase is a gamble.
Sure we are getting some nice stuff right now, but it took a long while before we managed to find direct links to Chinese sellers.

Unless you end up with an utterly broken piece, you're pretty much stuck with what you get...
Poorly cut slits, crooked percs, etc are all possibilities you accept when you buy cheap glass.

With high end stuff, you're paying for perfection (as well as R&D on new percs and styles). With expensive pieces, you have a reasonable expectation of perfection, and if something is off, you can go back to the seller for a refund or exchange...

You're paying for peace of mind as well as perfection...

There are factors more than pure function, and most expensive stuff will be hands down superior overall IME.
------------------

My yingmin faketrix ion and stereo faketrix came today...
Very fast shipping through dhl.
The package looked pretty beaten up, but everything was very well packed with bubble wrap and came through in 1 piece.

Pre-water test/use first impressions:
A few minor scratches on the pieces (may even just be some crud on the glass, gotta give em a wash before I know for sure...)
A few small bubbles here and there, but pretty good build quality for the most part.

The faketrix percs look good, the spacing between most of the cuts is pretty even, and I didn't notice any janky slits.

The percs on the stereo faketrix a slightly crooked, but nothing that'll affect function.

The mouthpiece is kinda janky with how it attaches to the can (as discussed earlier in the thread), but it doesn't feel fragile.

The mouthpiece looks funny on the stereo, but its knocking off möbius, so that's explained.
I like the mouthpiece in the faketrix ion.
I actually prefer it to the legit möbius ion mouthpiece - möbius makes em a smudge too small for my liking.

Mine came with logos (I didn't specify I wanted them without) I might try to pbw them away, but I don't entirely mind them...

Stay tuned for more reviews once I've tried them :)
 

Moogly

Well-Known Member
Mine came with logos (I didn't specify I wanted them without)


oh so you *can* specify that you want it without a logo and they'll send you one? how do you do that?

I should have the 187 soon, and if I had not already ordered the D020-D before the 187 showed up in the forum, I would have waited...


link to the 187?
 
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Moogly,
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Tweak

T\/\/34|<
With high end stuff, you're paying for perfection (as well as R&D on new percs and styles). With expensive pieces, you have a reasonable expectation of perfection, and if something is off, you can go back to the seller for a refund or exchange...

Totally agree. High end you are paying for a more polished product. But as with everything in life, there is a point of diminishing return. Where we stop is a personal choice and I don't begrudge anybody for that.

There are factors more than pure function, and most expensive stuff will be hands down superior overall IME.

I see nobody arguing that point. We are talking purely functional.

I have issue with someone telling me "don't tell me your chinese glass performs similarly to a mobius" when everybody that has received theirs states that exact point. We are all adults here that can make our own opinions and share with each other without being admonished.

Looking forward to your review Fredrick. You plan on keeping either one of them?
 

Moogly

Well-Known Member
lets just stop talking about it, its a touchy subject. some people can never justify or see the point of a $400 piece and they never will be able to because that's just not their thing. some people can't see the point of a cheap chinese piece because thats just not THEIR thing, its personal preference.
 

Moogly

Well-Known Member
bummer, i think i'm going to get the DO20-D today then. how is everybody that has it liking theirs? any water test videos? trying to decide between it and the D020-T
 

ataxian

PALE BLUE DOT
lets just stop talking about it, its a touchy subject. some people can never justify or see the point of a $400 piece and they never will be able to because that's just not their thing. some people can't see the point of a cheap Chinese piece because thats just not THEIR thing, its personal preference.
@Moogly I agree.

I have some paintings that cost ridicules amount of $.
I love still them 10 years later and haven't became bored nor would I sell them. The artist is becoming famous however that is not the point. I love his style and his work captures a time in my life I will take in my memory until I die.

The High End Glass Pieces provide a great deal of satisfaction as well.

I'm learning and once I figure out what I like I'll have a special piece made to fit the way I like to vaporise.

@PhotoRider @Frederick McGuire @Bob Loblaw @mvapes and many others I could go on for hours. Are true collectors. I would love to have the pieces they have. I retired early so I have to spread my $ and make it last these days. The Chinese stuff is not as pretty as the Glass Blower ARTIST's however it's cheap.

Glorifying our cheap collections is offensive to the real glass aficionados.

I encourage all of us cheap glass collectors to have fun and enjoy the ride while it last.

I'm not saying anybody is guilty of doing so however to say this cheap glass is as good as a HEADY piece is outrageous!

"Perception"!

Whether your a high or low end collector we all share a common tread:

"We All Love Glass"!
 
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