The hand pipe (also referred to as a “pipe” or “bowl”) is perhaps the easiest and quickest way to smoke dry herb. Most hand pipes are pocket-sized, so you can smoke at home or on the go. Highlife Goods carries an expansive hand pipe collection, available in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes.

Parts of a hand pipe

The hand pipe consists of only a few components, making it a very easy to use smoking device. These components include:

Bowl

The bowl is the part of a hand pipe that holds dry herb. The term “bowl” can also refer to the entire hand pipe.

Carb

The carb is the hole found on the side of the bowl. The carb should be covered when the flower is ignited.

Stem

The stem is the part of the hand pipe through where smoke travels as the user inhales.

Hand pipe styles

There are several hand pipe styles in the Highlife Goods collection, ranging from the classic spoon pipe to the iconic sherlock pipe. Each style offers a unique construction and function, so if you’re looking for an elaborate novelty piece or a simple and efficient one-hitter, Highlife Goods has the hand pipe for your smoking needs.

Spoon

The spoon pipe is the most common and popular hand pipe. Spoon pipes are ergonomically constructed to sit in the palm of your hand. The spoon pipe consists of a bowl, stem, and carb. Most spoon pipes are made out of glass, though metal and wood spoon pipes are also available on Highlife Goods. 

Chillum

Also known as a one-hitter, a chillum pipe is a small (usually 2 to 4 inches in length) tube-shaped pipe, outfitted with a mouthpiece on one end and a small opening for dry herb on the other. Chillums hold enough cannabis flower for one hit, hence the aforementioned “one-hitter” name.

Steamroller

The steamroller pipe borrows the chillum’s simple cylindrical shape and the spoon’s bowl size and carb. The steamroller’s front-facing carb allows for greater airflow and larger hits.

Glass blunt

The glass blunt is an innovation of the chillum pipe. It boasts an expandable herb chamber where you can pack as much or as little as you want.

Sherlock

Named after Sherlock Holmes, the sherlock pipe is a modern interpretation of the iconic smoking pipe used by the famous detective. The sherlock pipe can be recognized by its long, curved shape.

Bubbler

The bubbler pipe is essentially a handheld waterpipe. It has the convenience and portability of a classic spoon pipe and the function of a glass bong.

Novelty

Novelty hand pipes raise the bar in combining unique and eccentric form with the function of a glass pipe. Highlife Goods offer novelty hand pipes in various themes such as food and animals. These pipes are an excellent conversation piece, and they are a great way to express your personality.

Hand pipe materials

Highlife Goods’ selection of hand pipes are available in glass, metal, silicone, and wood materials. Each material comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the best material for your hand pipe depends on your smoking preferences.

Glass

Glass hand pipes are the most popular type in the Highlife Goods collection. There are a ton of upsides to using a glass hand pipe. The taste of herbs isn’t altered when you smoke from a glass hand pipe. Glass hand pipes are also easy to clean. Last but not least, glass pipes are most customizable pipe material. Plenty novelty hand pipes are made with high quality borosilicate glass. Remember to handle you glass pieces with care considering glass is a notoriously fragile material.

Metal

Metal hand pipes are known for its durability and affordability. However, a significant drawback for metal hand pipes is that some pipes may have an impact on the flavor of your smoke – a hit from a metal pipe could have a slight metallic taste. If you want a convenient smoke from a sleek and sturdy piece, then a metal hand pipe is for you.

Silicone

Like metal hand pipes, silicone hand pipes are also incredibly durable and very affordable while sacrificing the pure taste from a glass pipe. Silicone hand pipes are also cool to the touch when compared to metal hand pipes.

Wood

If you’re looking for a more old-fashioned style, then you should consider a wood hand pipe. Wood pipes tend to alter the flavor of your smoke, often adding an earthy tinge to the overall flavor. Wood pipes are very difficult to clean, so the wear and tear will certainly show after each smoking session.

Hand pipe accessories

Although these hand pipe accessories aren’t always necessary for your hand pipe, Highlife Goods believes that you should get the most out of your hand pipe. These pieces will elevate a standard smoke session into a more satisfying smoking experience!

Hemp wick

Hemp wick is a natural alternative to lighters and matches. Coated in beeswax, hemp wick basically functions as a slow-burning candlewick – just light it up, use it to spark your bowl, then blow it out when you’re done. The benefits of hemp wick include (1) the fact that hemp wick is a low waste product and (2) it burns a healthier flame than a flame from a lighter or match.

Pipe screen

A pipe screen is a screen that prevents pull-through and keeps resin buildup from going through the pipe. It is usually made out of a stainless steel mesh. A pipe screen is a useful tool for keeping your hand pipe clean and ensuring your smoking experience is a pleasant one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you use a hand pipe?

The hand pipe is probably one of the most straightforward ways to smoke cannabis. Simple and uncomplicated, all you really need is the hand pipe, your preferred dry herb, and something to ignite the flower.

1. Prepare your flower. Break it up with a grinder or your hands, whatever gets the job done.
2. Pack the flower into the bowl. Try not to overpack or pack too tightly. You’re going to need air flowing through the hand pipe, so you’ll have an easier time to smoke.
3. Hold the hand pipe and cover the carb. Hold your finger or thumb over the carb, which should be on either side of the bowl. If you’re using a chillum, then you can skip this step.
4. Light it up. Keep the carb covered as the flower is ignited.
5. Uncover the carb and inhale. When your flower starts to combust, lift the flame away. Release the carb when you inhale.
6. Exhale and repeat. Hold it in for a few seconds then exhale. Simple as that!

How do you clean a glass hand pipe?

Cleaning your hand pipe is also quite a straightforward process. Users should clean their pipes regularly to prevent clogging and to maintain a pleasant smoking experience.

To clean a hand pipe in the comfort of your own home, all you need rubbing alcohol, salt, and a container that can fit your hand pipe. Put the hand pipe in the container and fill the container with enough rubbing alcohol to submerge the pipe. Afterwards, add a teaspoon of salt. Let the hand pipe soak in the alcohol/salt solution for up to 12 hours to break down the resin. Remove the hand pipe from the bag and wash thoroughly with dish soap and warm water to remove resin in any hard to reach areas of the pipe. Let it dry, and your hand pipe should look and work as good as new.

How much does a hand pipe cost?

Highlife Goods features a collection of wood, metal, and glass hand pipes under $25. As long as you take care of it, these hand pipes will certainly last a while. Glass pipes are typically the most expensive hand pipe material, as glass pieces are usually hand-blown. Certain hand pipe prices can reach into the hundreds, depending on the materials used, the production process, the size of the hand pipe, and the intricate details and unique features of the hand pipe.

Are glass pipes better than metal?

Deciding whether glass pipes are better than metal is ultimately up to what you look for in a hand pipe. Many hand pipe users prefer glass because it is easy to clean and maintain, delivers a pure taste, and comes in a variety of unique designs. Metal pipes have the edge over their glass counterparts in affordability and durability. So, what is better – glass or metal? The choice is yours.

Does a glass pipe need a screen?

Many well-built hand pipes do not need a pipe screen. For instance, the Journey Pipe will provide you a clean smoking experience with its screenless technology. However, if the hole in the bowl piece is rather large, then we strongly suggest getting a pipe screen. Otherwise, there is a good chance some flower could get sucked through the stem.