Cheap High Quality Bubbler

[nihil]

Thanks for the honest review and feedback @Ratchett.

I ordered an FC-710 for a friend last month and was impressed with it. It did have a canted downstem (U-stem?), but was tolerable enough that I ordered one for myself last week. I was going to order the UFO this weekend, but think I will pass now.

Between my disappointment of the original FC-187, people reporting poor packaging of multiple pieces and not so stellar quality assurance I think I am going to hold off on procuring anymore from him as well, at least for the time being.

 

[bussinrounds]

Know it has fallen from the favorites list in this thread lately, but IMO it's hard to beat the good ole GB187 for vaping flowers. Any of the sidecar versions (FC 187s etc) or the UFO V2 that's out now would probably be good, too. Think you'll enjoy larger chamber and less diffusion. You'll retain more flavor and be able to see/feel the differences of different temps more.

All those funky percs and the bubbles they produce do look really cool. But for me, I'd rather be closer and more in tune to the vapor and leave the big bubble stacking and intricate water paths to smokers. Also, a hell of a lot easier to keep clean or deep clean as necessary if you don't have a maze of glass inside.

This is interesting.

What I've been doing recently is starting off with the GB187 (at 5 on the Solo) for a few blasts and going to the GB194 when I kick it up to 7 to 'finish it off', because the taste is crappy anyway up there and losing that is actually a positive ! Plus it's not as irritating to the throat at higher temps with the 194. (I like taking big hits too, so that factors in also)

Sometimes I'll take a dry one at 3 when it's heating up, straight of the GonG for maximum flavor

 

[Slow Draw McGraw]

@Ratchett
All my glass is still sitting in CALI since last week. Not sure what the hold up could be?
I'm anxious to see how the UFO functions. I also have a GB-187 coming too. I didn't go with Steven's "FC-187" because of all the bad reports I have been hearing AND seeing.

 

[Delta3DStudios]

@Ratchett
All my glass is still sitting in CALI since last week. Not sure what the hold up could be?
I'm anxious to see how the UFO functions. I also have a GB-187 coming too. I didn't go with Steven's "FC-187" because of all the bad reports I have been hearing AND seeing.

The FC-UFOv2 is certainly the best piece of the 3 that I have, so there's still *hope* for you

But yeah, seriously people - I suggest you avoid Steven unless you don't mind risking the chance of getting a poorly made piece.

I personally think I've learned quite a bit about glass over the past year thanks to DHgate, and I have a better idea what I like and don't like. Now it's time to step up my game and pay for quality glass.

@jambandphan03 When are you going to start sharing your masterpieces with us???

 

[Slow Draw McGraw]

http://m.dhgate.com/product/wp-010-two-functions-hand-blown-glass-vase/166215931.html#s2-36-1

Is there a reason this peice has $20 shipping? Is it because they want to push a newer version that costs about the same with shipping included?

http://m.dhgate.com/product/yq-21a-11-5-inch-glass-glass-water-pipe-two/209553754.html#s2-33-1
Maybe I'm cynical.


My Local Shop has this peice for $100. I tried showing the owner the link and told him I'd give him $40 for the peice since its been there for a year. He said no, $85 was the Lowest.

EDIT: @ChiefKeefe

I'm not sure this is the case. Look at other pieces shipping prices from sunshinestore.

 

[ChiefKeefe]

Sunshine charges less for the product and makes the customer pay shipping I believe. His shipping is BOMBPROOF though. Stevens pieces are more expensive but shipping is free.. Not as good at shipping stuff many people have gotten broken pipes.

 

[subway13029]

I waiting on my d cycler from kathy and my fc 186 from Steven which I'm not looking forward too with all the problems with steven. I know I should got the gb 186 but most people said the fc was better but worried about quality now??bummer..hope the d cycler is nice..

 

[MilkyMondays]

I waiting on my d cycler from kathy and my fc 186 from Steven which I'm not looking forward too with all the problems with steven. I know I should got the gb 186 but most people said the fc was better but worried about quality now??bummer..hope the d cycler is nice..

I ordered the fc-186 and the straight fab. After hearing all this I'm not looking forward to potentially receiving two broken pieces of glass *knock on wood* either, but do think steve's quality is the best when you get a good piece. Sucks that chinese Q.C. is so bad-- they make glass, they can just melt down and reuse!!!!!

not to mention i've been waiting since May 21st.

 

[turdhole]

my last couple shipments from steven have been fine. shipped fairly quick and safely packaged

 

[flotntoke]

Few pictures of the FC-UFOv1 and the FC-UFOv2 side-by-side (V1 on the left, V2 on the right)

(Sorry had to mess with the contrast, I suck at photography and I have very little lighting to work with!

As you can see, the V2 has 2x the slits in the perc, and the joint was raised another 1 or 2 cm for the mouthpiece. Also the two mouthpieces I have are different sizes, seems it's totally random what size and angle you'll get with the mouthpiece.

As mentioned. my V1 had too many problems for me to accept as-is (VERY wobbly base, poorly cut perc, and a split in the glass). The V2 while better, still wobbles and has a poorly cut perc.

Honestly, at this point Steven has had 3 chances with me, none of which passed my reasonably low standards. I personally will avoid purchasing from him in the future, and will not recommend his products to other members simply because his QC standards are far too low.

*Maybe* I'll give him another chance in several months, but not anytime soon

Many thanks for this great review complete with comparison pics @Ratchett !! Have been waiting for your impressions before pulling the trigger on this one - and think I'm going to hold off for time being. My luck with Steven has been good to date, but sounds like he may be ramping his business up a bit too fast to keep up with even the lesser quality we've come to expect from DHGate vendors.

Totally agree with what you are saying about getting a better feel for glass from all these Chinese pieces, and now feeling like stepping up the game a little. Although I have about a half dozen decent Chinese pieces (and a few better US ones) I find I keep going back to the same few. GB187 being the most frequent of the Chinese ones. Maybe time for a new thread of "Reasonably Priced Bubbler; $150 - $300"? Maybe even more like $400. This GB187 has definitely whet my interest to see how a real Mobius Ion compares! Or, maybe even a Reti.

 

[subway13029]

I ordered a kathy and steven same time and after a week the kathy was in u.s. and Stevens was still being processed..then when I messaged them Jane said it was being mailed that day..and now it's been mailed..geez.

 

[cybrguy]

My first order from Steven, a fc-187v1 came broken. The replacement (still v1) wasn't bad enough to bitch about but I never use it. Draw is too restricted for the Lotus due to a poor perc and the perc is also too high in the can. Maybe it will be better with the Zion when I get it with it's better (expected) airflow.

I got a FC-UFO that I am happy with despite the joint being too deep, the top surface slightly concave and the MP joint being just slightly too low. Adapters make it quite usable and it is currently my goto piece.

The other pieces I want from him (like the fc-1000) are more difficult to make well and I would be nervous about getting them from him, tho their reviews are generally good. When it's time for something new I will reevaluate...

 

[ou812?]

My FC-1000 has developed a crack above the matrix perc going into two of the pillars. Doesn't affect function but will only get bigger. Bummer. When it came it was virtually flawless. Keep your eye open on these new Steven pieces, everyone. Mine had only been rinsed out a couple times and sat on one of those silicone hexagon trivets its whole life. I don't think it's even been bumped. Oh well. I'm on vacation starting today and it wasn't going anyway haha.

On a side note: I am PBWing( yeah it's a verb) my FC 710 and noticed that the piece will hold water all the way up to the stoppered mouthpiece without pushing water out the open male joint. Pretty nifty. It's defying gravity. Water is higher up than the open outlet.

Hey brother,
Bummed, just noticed my matrix perc (FC-1000) has a circular crack running around it and where the floor is that the pillars connect to on the outside of the can is a slight bulge where the floor sits has stress cracks about a 1/4 " 3 of them. Wonder if we should hit him up and see what he says, I went to check mine after reading your post and mine was fine, looked today and BALLS!! it was cracked Mission Impossible self destructing rigs,hmmm I didnt sign up for that

 

[rakka]

I placed an order for the FC-1000 just a couple days ago... Fingers crossed so hard that I don't have any of these issues it would be heartbreaking.

 

[alltoreup]

Hey brother,
Bummed, just noticed my matrix perc (FC-1000) has a circular crack running around it and where the floor is that the pillars connect to on the outside of the can is a slight bulge where the floor sits has stress cracks about a 1/4 " 3 of them. Wonder if we should hit him up and see what he says, I went to check mine after reading your post and mine was fine, looked today and BALLS!! it was cracked Mission Impossible self destructing rigs,hmmm I didnt sign up for that

Two is better than one for sure but it will be next week before I'm in a position to start snapping pics and sending messages.

 

[Cannabis Connoisseur]

Steve, Steve, Steve..... You know this ain't the first time we've had to put Cowboy's ass off his High Horse
EDIT: As a matter of fact, is there anyway we can get a tally of people who've gotten less than satisfactory results from an order with Steve? 1 ) HERE

 

[carlosod]

well that's a bit lynchy of you sir. on the forum you're mainly going to hear from people looking to vent or get help after a bad experience. I mean I never call Comcast to tell am my picture quality was great when steph curry blew it tonight, but if I lost picture and didn't see it, you know I'd be all on their phone giving them hell. lol

but seriously I'm scared now not my FC-1000 I've been taking it all over town and everyone is smitten with my Chinese beast. if mine dies I'm replacing it asap. oh hey you guys are aware of the nasty pressure sweep you can create with this thing If you start using a stopper right? this isn't a normal tube, don't closed stopper this thing without drawing air out of the piece. idk the physics behind it but it can do this shotgun chug thing that's rather violent depending on how you cap in cap it and shake it up. it's gnarly it happened to be once it made a dearth gulp then it ejaculated. since then I stick to just filling with ISO then blowing and drawing mostly. some shaking but no plugging, I am almost certainly crazy but I m pretty sure I'm not making this up haha

oh and I use whip adapter from my evo less direct heat less awkward stress vs cloud buddy inverted. work perfext with the whip tube wrapped clockwise around and under the mouth piece from the FC-1000 where my evo sits to the left of my pillar and the connection feels very natural. I pull it off the vape and it dangles anywhere without issue. officially spoiled by my 63 dollar import. haha I'm sure as calculated as I've been if it's shoddy mine will break as I cannot stop using it

 

[Mr. Gweilo 420]

Steve, Steve, Steve..... You know this ain't the first time we've had to put Cowboy's ass off his High Horse
EDIT: As a matter of fact, is there anyway we can get a tally of people who've gotten less than satisfactory results from an order with Steve? 1 ) HERE

Yep I'm on that list. In our last conversation he was rather offended when I told he had a vast array of excuses for his problems.

I guess that is the two sides of the coin with him. On one hand he has the most innovative and interesting designs and on the other hand he has poor quality control, ordinary customer service imo, higher prices and erratic delivery. I also think he is less than honest. But opinions are just like ...

 

[deltr0n]

For what it's worth, I've ordered the FC-mini and the straight fab, both from Stevenlmz79 and am please as can be with both. Both came in bomber packaging, though my straight fab was wet when I unboxed it, which was strange.

Craftsmanship on both is great, flame polished percs (I think) even bases, everything lines up, straight tubing, no flaws, marks, cracks. Fc-mini I got in mid April and straight fab I got a week ago.

Will post pics when I'm not slammed at work (soon hopefully)

 

[Monsoon]

I guess I'll pipe up and just say that I haven't had any issues with Steven so far and none of the pieces have had defects that made me seek a remedy from him. I've found his pieces to generally be of better quality than some other sellers, but I'm also not expecting perfection at that price from that site so I'm willing to discount small things like bubbles in the glass or marks or angles being slightly off as long as the function is good.

 

[NickDlow]

I guess I'll pipe up and just say that I haven't had any issues with Steven so far and none of the pieces have had defects that made me seek a remedy from him. I've found his pieces to generally be of better quality than some other sellers, but I'm also not expecting perfection at that price from that site so I'm willing to discount small things like bubbles in the glass or marks or angles being slightly off as long as the function is good.

Seconded!

I've bought the FC-187v1, FC-710, FC-711, FC-UFO and straight fab from Steven. The only one I didnt like was the fc187 (sloppy perc) so I sold it on CL for a $5 profit. So even if they aren't the greatest they're still easy to unload. All the others are currently in my glass rotation.

For paying 1/10 of American glass prices, you're definatly getting your money's worth IMO. If it doesn't function then I complain also.

 

[Cannabis Connoisseur]

My only complaint with Steve, is i didnt get What i ordered. And I'm sure anyone would complain about getting something other than what you ordered.
If you ordered Lemonade an someone gave you Strawberry Lemonade, then sure you gave me a beverage and sure It's lemonade,but it's not what i gave you my money for. And while its a perfectly good glass of lemonade i may be allergic to Strawberries. Although Steve sent me a perfectly working piece its not what i ordered
and it does not suit my application at all.

 

[NickDlow]

My only complaint with Steve, is i didnt get What i ordered. And I'm sure anyone would complain about getting something other than what you ordered.
If you ordered Lemonade an someone gave you Strawberry Lemonade, then sure you gave me a beverage and sure It's lemonade,but it's not what i gave you my money for. And while its a perfectly good glass of lemonade i may be allergic to Strawberries. Although Steve sent me a perfectly working piece its not what i ordered
and it does not suit my application at all.

Agreed. I'd be pissed too.

That same thing happen to me with CCG (before they got their shit together) and I haven't bought from them since, besides the dcycler.

 

[polvoman]

Thirded.

My rant RE Steven in the open glass thread ...

My 2x FC 187 had pinholes in the joint causing major leakages, Im still waiting on the replacements for these even though I am given a promise nearly every day that these will ship "tomorrow".

FC 1000 doesn't stand up staight due to its warped base in 2 places, a crack in one of the pillars leaking water, a 5 " red/brown mark down the side of the mouthpiece.

This was the replacement for one that arrived smashed.

FC 186 arrived with wonky percs and at this point I gave up doing business with him as the replacements he was sending were clearly not from 'premium' stock. The replacement Fc 1000 was simply dirty and disgusting to receive.

I dont expect amazingly quality, never had with Stephen but the quality control has taken a massive dosedive imo (the bubbles in the welding has now got to a joke) and I wont be ordering or recommending him again.

Just for the record I have given him possibly more than 10 chances to rectify and every step he take in the right direction he manages to take two back.

I dont take any enjoyment from bad mouthing someones business even if it is imo deserved.

Glad to hear you have had more success though

 

[howie105]

After watching this thread long enough I am of the opinion that there is a complaint and praise cycle that manufactures go through here. What I can't figure if it is a an actual cyclic rise and fall in quality or just the way we respond as users. Either way this thread is very informative and fun to follow. Thanks