Video WILL be posted before you wake for your morning coffee and vape, mom. Son isn't showing up until tomorrow (boys, being boys... or I should say. sailors being sailors... getting their drunk on)
But, here's the review!
Dirty Rico (DR) Apocoline Bubbler Review
Initial Impressions
I was drawn to this piece, primarily by the perc to tube size and the anti-showerhead. I don't know how else to describe it. Its a tree perc, with all the spaces/tubes filled in and tiny little perc holes up and down, between each "tube". I don't know how many holes, I'll count later... but they're tiny and they make many tiny, little bubbles. Because the space between the outer wall of the perc and inside of the can, are so close. Little bubbles smash into each other, form bigger bubbles and it results in the absolute smoothest piece, I have ever hit.
So far, the only thing I've found that limits the size of rip I take, is my lung capacity. I can't say that for any other piece of glass I own and I've got some smooth ones.
Build Quality
Reminds me of the Leviathans, the glass has that same smoothness and tank-like build quality, though 5mm vs 7mm. Feels very sturdy in the hand. With the extra wide 5" base, it sits stable as a rock.
If there is any off-center/lean to the perc, I can't see it. Looks to be perfectly centered in the can. There are (correction) 2 small areas, with bubble flaws. Both are on the perc, within 1/4" of each other. Both are negligible in my opinion. They don't effect function, nor will they ever.
The brace of the mouthpiece seems unnecessary, but appreciated. Anything that adds to the strength of a glass peace, is a good thing.
Styling
First thing that drew me to the piece, was the looks. I liked the long lean can, the rounded top, reminiscent of the old Mobius bubblers. The perc, sparkles like jewels. I think the only thing that compares is the hand-woven lattice on the FC bubbler.
The design/shape of the piece, is perfect for wrapping your hand around the can. The mouthpiece, round and cupped, allowing for a nice seal. It is truly a comfortable piece to hold in your hand, with that nice 50mm can wall and the height, allowing enough room, for even the largest hands.
Placement and bend of the mouthpiece, allows for adequate view into the can, for controlling/judging vapor density.
Function
As I mentioned, hits are big and smooth. There is virtually no drag to this piece. I only feel it, when my GonG tube is loaded, towards the end of it being useful.
Flavor comes on strong. I broke it in with some White Night, then another tube, topped with a couple mm of top shelf kief. Both instances, it was easy to distinguish the flavors. During the draw, I can't feel so much as a tickle in the back of my throat. At no time, was any heat on the draw.
Repeating myself, it is the smoothest hitter, I've had the pleasure of owning/using. I thought the SSFG in 3pc form and the Lev lattice were smooth. But, on both those pieces, I'm drawn to cough at some point during the pull, because of that last little bit, that irritates the throat. I have yet to experience any of that.
I've only tried my HI with it so far, but its a perfect match. They even kind of look alike, in the design. With my other pieces, loading my normal amount... I can stretch it out to 5 or 6 hits. The Dirty Rico, can lay waste to a load in 2 hits. That's amazing.
The can doesn't really milk up, because the size of the inner downstem wall. I'm guessing around 30mm, which is pretty significant.
Definitely part of a shrinking daily rotation. This like my big tube, will more than likely get several days of use, before swapping out. Its a blast to use, with its unique styling/design, more than tough enough for glass aficionados. Unless you're just a straight up klutz, this piece will hold up to most anything.
Wrap-up
When I showed this to my wife, she gasped and said, "$250 for that!?". After I walked out with a huge @#$%-eating grin on my face, I noted it was possibly the best $250 I've ever spent. I was worried I was setting myself up for a fall, with lofty expectations. I kept staring at the pictures all night, had trouble sleeping. Woke up early, agonizing over the wait. No way, could this live up to what I had made it in my mind. Imagine my surprise when it far exceeded it.
If you've been considering one of these Apocoline pieces and you're sitting on the fence. Jump off and just do it. If you've ever wanted one, don't wonder if you should, just do it.
My only warning, would be the same that was given to me... I'm not sure how this would handle combustion. Looks like it would clog rather easily. Though, as with some of my other pieces, I can watch the vapor rez forming on each hit... this stays pretty clean. The wide/thick inner downstem, collecting the majority of it
I've decided to revise my rating scale. I'm not sure which route I want to take, but it will probably be based on 1 - 5, or 1 - 10 BDV mini skulls. Having said that, this piece is off the charts, even taking into account 2 small imperfections. A++, 5 out of 5 stars, 10 out of 10. I want the dual now!