If you've ever enjoyed a nice hit from a packed bowl, you know how annoying it is when ash gets in your mouth. Insert the ash catcher, the answer to your problem that you may not have known existed.
What exactly is an ash catcher, and why should you consider using one? No, it's not an ashtray. The simple answer is that it's a handy attachment for your glass pipes or bongs designed to trap ash and debris before it reaches your mouth.
This blog will explain everything you need to know about ash catchers. We’ll go in-depth about how they work, the benefits, and why they've become a must-have piece in smoking accessories.
What is an Ash Catcher?
This accessory is an attachment used in bongs and water pipes to amplify the smoking experience by filtering ash and resin that builds up during use. Ash catchers consist of a chamber to catch debris and a joint to connect to the water pipe.
Adding one to your setup can significantly elevate your enjoyment. There will be no more ash in your mouth since the catcher stops debris from entering the main chamber of your water pipe. You'll enjoy a cleaner pipe and smoother smoke session.
The ash catcher consists of two joints: one for the bong stem and one for the bowl. The bowl is inserted through the upward joint, while the downward joint connects to the bong's stem. Ash catchers provide an extra layer of percolation and filtration in a separate water chamber, complementing the existing perc in the bong.
Maintaining your ash catcher is crucial for optimal performance. After each use, change the water like any water pipe. Also, regular cleanings should be incorporated using a glass cleaner. Keeping your ash catcher well-maintained guarantees a satisfying toke every time.
Why Do You Need an Ash Catcher?
Why can't you just dump ash into an ashtray like in the old days? Well, the answer lies in the evolution of smoking cannabis and the desire for a cleaner, more enjoyable experience.
The most common complaint about bongs is that they need more cleaning than other devices. The water in the bong needs to be changed and cleaned to keep it free of bacteria and other contaminants. Ash and resin buildup can also ruin flavor and add harshness, which is why cleaning is crucial.
ASH CATCHER USAGE GUIDE
Using an ash catcher can greatly optimize your smoking sessions with minimal effort. Here are five steps on how to use one.
- Begin by adding water to the bong chamber and ash catcher. Make sure it covers the downstem's percolators that are submerged in water.
- Next, remove the bowl and place the downward-facing joint of the ash catcher in its position.
- Take the bowl you removed and insert it into the upward-facing joint of the ash catcher.
- Pack your favorite weed strain into the bowl and ignite it with your new ash catcher.
- The smoke is drawn through the ash catcher’s downstem, then filtered and cooled as it passes through the water and percolator holes, creating thousands of tiny bubbles.
- Pull the filtered smoke into the bong for another cycle of diffusion through the bong’s downstem resulting in a smoother, cleaner hit.
Cleaning a bong can be tedious and time-consuming. Even if you ship it off to a bong cleaning service, you'll be without it for a while. Using an ash catcher prevents ash from entering the bong’s water chamber, keeping your bong cleaner for longer. Plus the extra filtration gives you cooler, smoother, cleaner hits.
How Does an Ash Catcher Work?
An ash catcher intercepts ash and debris before it enters the bong or bubbler’s main water chamber. It acts as a barrier, capturing particles that would otherwise dirty the water and compromise the smoke’s taste. You’ll typically attach this accessory to the bong or bubbler the downstem joint and insert the bowl into the ash catcher.
As you inhale, smoke travels from the bowl through the ash catcher downstem and into the water pipe. Then, the smoke travels down the water pipe downstem and its various percolators. Depending on the design, it could have diffuser options like, honeycombs, tree percs, matrix percs, or showerheads. These percolators work to break down the smoke into smaller bubbles.
When the smoke passes through the percolators, ash and debris are trapped in the ash catcher’s water. But the purified smoke continues its journey into the water chamber of the bong or pipe. This process results in cleaner, smoother hits with enhanced flavor and reduced harshness.
Regular maintenance aids optimal performance and prolongs the lifespan of the device. Having this accessory for your bong or bubbler will significantly improve your smoking session.
Types of Ash Catchers
There are various types of ash catchers to suit your preference and setup. The most common types are in one of two categories: water and waterless ash catchers. We’ll explain each of those next.
WATER ASH CATCHERS
Water ash catchers, true to their name, use water for filtration. These devices feature a chamber filled with water, allowing smoke to pass through before reaching the bong. The water cools down the smoke and removes impurities, resulting in smoother hits.
These types offer better filtration, cooled smoke, and the ability to add different percolators for smoother hits. To keep them working well, you'll need to clean them often. Also, change the water regularly to avoid residue buildup and ensure they filter correctly.
Examples that use water for filtration include:
- Bulb Ash Catchers: An ash catcher designed with a rounded or bulb-shaped chamber that holds the water.
- Tree Perc Ash Catchers: These feature percs with multiple arms resembling tree branches and are designed with slits or holes for diffusion. Smoke passes through these arms, filtering through multiple points, cooling for smoother hits. This design is aesthetically pleasing and mesmerizing to watch,the smoke gracefully move through the arms.
- Showerhead Perc Ash Catchers: These utilize showerhead percs, with a single vertical tube adorned with lots of slits or holes at the bottom. This design creates numerous, refined diffusion points, generating smaller bubbles. You'll enjoy smoother hits and an engaging visual experience.
These are just a few examples of ways to use water to enhance your smoking session. A water ready ash catcher provides better filtration, cooler smoke, and can look pretty cool, but it needs water and regular cleaning to keep it in top shape.
WATERLESS ASH CATCHERS
Waterless ash catchers, commonly known as dry ash catchers, operate without water. They often do not have downstems with specialty percolators to diffuse and filter smoke. Instead, they use the extra chamber to help catch ash before it enters your bong.
The primary benefit of waterless, dry ash catchers lies in their simplicity and compact size. They’re easier to clean and maintain than water-filled ones, though they do not provide filtration.
Examples of waterless, dry ash catchers include:
- 45° Waterless Dry Ash Catcher: This type is designed to fit bongs with a 45-degree joint. Instead of water, it uses the extra chamber to trap ash before entering the bong’s main chamber. This design offers convenience in cleaning and maintenance.
- Inline Perc Ash Catchers: Inline percss have a horizontal tube with many slits or holes along its length. Requiring low water levels,they ensure optimal filtration and diffusion as smoke travels through. Inline percs’ deliver remarkably smooth hits by breaking the smoke into smaller bubbles. They're known for their exceptional filtration capabilities.
- Honeycomb Perc Ash Catcher: This type features a honeycomb perc, a disc-shaped percolator with a multitude of small holes arranged in a honeycomb pattern. It offers maximum diffusion for water-filled setups.
A dry ash catcher is simple and easy to maintain but less effective than ash catchers that use water. It reduces ash in your bong and does not add any unwanted resistance. You're bound to discover a type that fits your needs perfectly.
Consider whether you lean towards the simplicity of a dry ash catcher or the upgraded filtration of a water ready ash catcher. Picking the perfect type of ash catcher for your bong depends on what you like and the smoking vibe you're after.
Importance of Using an Ash Catcher
This vital accessory will benefit any discerning smoker. Let's explore why incorporating one into your setup is a game-changer.
Keeps Your Bong Clean
Few people enjoy cleaning glass bongs. A dirty bong looks and smells bad and can negatively impact your health. Resin and gunk buildup also leads to hits with more drag and altered flavor. Inhaling this buildup along with your smoke isn't pleasant.
You could clean your bong after every use, but that can get tedious. Instead, you can use an ash catcher to extend the time between cleanings. It intercepts ash and debris in the ash catcher’s water chamber instead of accumulating in your water pipe. While it won't eliminate the need for cleaning altogether, it will keep your bong cleaner for longer.
Prevents Resin Buildup
Regular use of a water pipe can lead to the buildup of resin. This buildup affects the taste of your smoke and negatively affects airflow. The ash catcher traps ash and resin and prevents this buildup, ensuring a cleaner, more efficient hit.
Filters and Cools the Smoke
Ash catchers equipped with water and a percolator, filter and cool the smoke before reaching your bong. This results in smoother, more enjoyable hits, free from harshness or irritation.
Improves Airflow
These accessories refine the airflow in your water pipe by removing ash and debris. You'll notice a cleaner draw and be more satisfied with your smoke.
Cost-Effective
Buy an ash catcher instead of spending money on cleaning supplies or replacing your glass bongs because of buildup. It's a more budget-friendly solution. You’ll prolong your bong’s lifespan and reduce the number of deep cleaning sessions with an ash catcher.
Increase Hygiene Levels
Maintaining hygiene levels is crucial. Ash catchers contribute to better hygiene. By preventing the accumulation of bacteria and other contaminants, they help you have a cleaner, healthier smoking session.
Reviewing the benefits highlights the many advantages of why investing in an ash catcher outweighs any cost concerns. Help your glass bubblers, bongs, or pipes last longer and have a more beneficial session.
How to Choose the Right Ash Catcher
The importance of an ash catcher cannot be overstated. These accessories trap ash and debris before it reaches your bong’s water chamber, ensuring a cleaner and smoother hit. What should you consider when finding the right one? Here are the most common things to consider when choosing one.
Diffused or Non-Diffused
One of the primary considerations is opting for diffused or non-diffused models.
"Diffused" is a design aspect adding more percolators, such as slits or holes, to fragment smoke into smaller bubbles. This process heightens the surface area of contact between smoke and water.
“Non-diffused" designs don’t have extra percolators or diffusion mechanisms and are used dry without water. The smoke passes through the ash catcher chamber without further filtration, offering a different smoking experience compared to their diffused counterparts.
However, both types will filter ash better than using nothing at all. Now that you know the difference, you can decide what will work best for you.
Joint Gender
The joint gender, meaning whether your bong features male or female joints must align to ensure a secure fit. Selecting a compatible ash catcher is essential for seamless integration and optimal performance.
Joint Size
You'll need to match the joint size of your ash catcher to your device. You want a snug fit that doesn't block airflow. Joint diameters typically range from 10mm to 18mm, with 14mm being the most common.
Joint Angle
Another vital consideration is the angle at which the joint of your ash catcher connects with your pipe. When choosing the angle, consider comfort as well. You want the bowl to be at the correct angle—not too steep to risk burning yourself and not too low to risk your weed falling out.
Finding the perfect balance ensures a smooth hit without any discomfort or wasted herb. The most common options are 45° or 90° angles. You'll need a proper match to prevent leaks and spills during use. So, what angle do you need?
You'll need to match your bong or bubbler’s joint angle. If your bowl faces away from you while you smoke, it’s likely a 45° joint that helps keep the bowl level as you light up and hold the bong. On the other hand, if your bowl points toward straight up while using your bong, it’s likely a 90° joint, so a 90°ash catcher will be the right choice. Straight tubes and bubblers often use 90° options, while beaker or bubble bongs use 45° angled joints.
Weight
Weight can impact its stability when attached to your bong. Opting for a well-balanced design with a stable base ensures that your setup remains secure.The last thing you want is to spill or damage your devices.
Compatibility
When considering compatibility, it's essential to think beyond just joint size and fitting style. Ensure it aligns with your bong's design. If versatility is key, a custom bong might be the perfect solution.
Why stop at the ash catcher? Elevate your toke with a customized setup that matches your preferences and personality. With a custom bong, you can adjust the mouthpiece angle, select the perfect number of percolators, and create a unique device.
Whether enhancing aesthetics or improving functionality, customizing your bong allows you to maximize personalized performance and visual appeal.
Material
The composition can influence its durability and performance. Choosing a high-quality material ensures longevity, whether you prefer glass, silicone, or acrylic. However, the best durable material would be clear, thick, heavy-walled borosilicate glass.
By choosing wisely, you can improve your smoking setup’s functionality, stability, and aesthetics. You can look forward to an improved hit and new heights of enjoyment.
Are Ash Catchers Worth It?
Yes, ash catchers are definitely worth it. They catch ash and resin before it gets into your bong, so you don't have to clean it as often. Also, being able to filter out harsh toxins like tars makes smoking smoother. Remember, they also make hits cooler by adding an extra layer of filtering. Adding one to your bong setup is a smart move for any smoker.
When considering a good-quality ash catcher, focus on its compatibility with your existing setup. Choosing a glass option adds aesthetic appeal and allows you to monitor the filtration process.
Investing in a high-quality glass ash catcher enhances the functionality of your device and adds a touch of style. With proper maintenance, it can be a reliable companion for countless smoking sessions.
Conclusion
Imagine enjoying your favorite herbs and concentrates without any concerns. Now, picture avoiding the hassle of dealing with ash buildup altogether. Enter the ash catcher, your ultimate solution!
Making the right purchase decision for your ash catcher is crucial. Consider all the above factors; don't just buy one because you like how it looks. This article offers valuable insights into choosing the perfect ash catcher for your bong. With these tips in mind, you'll make a wise investment.
