If you're shopping for your first glass bong, you'll see the word downstem come up a lot. And while it might look like just another glass tube, it's actually one of the most important parts of how your bong hits.
So what does a downstem do? How do you choose the right one? And why do cut diffused stems matter more than you think?
Let’s break it down.
What Is a Downstem?
The downstem is the removable tube that connects your glass bowl slide to the water chamber in a bong. It’s the part that pulls the smoke into the water, where it cools and filters before you inhale.
Without it, you’d just be pulling smoke straight through dry glass — no bubbles, no cool down, and definitely no smooth hit.
Open vs. Cut Diffused Downstems
At The Encore Collection, most of our bongs come with one of two downstem types:
Open-End Downstem
A simple open tube at the bottom. This gives you a direct, no-diffusion pull — ideal for smokers who want a raw, chuggier hit. You’ll find this style in some classic beaker builds.
Cut Filter Downstem
This one’s got 3 cuts on each side near the bottom. These slits create microbubbles, which cool and smooth the smoke before it reaches your lungs.
Why it matters:
- More airflow control
- Smoother hits without drag
- Cleaner-tasting flower
- Easier pulls (great for beginners)
🛒 Explore Bongs with Cut Downstems
Downstem Sizes: What Fits Your Bong?
There are two key numbers to know:
Joint Size (Most Common: 14mm Female)
This tells you what size bowl fits into the stem. Most Encore Collection bongs are made with 14mm female joints, which fit all of our 14mm male bowl slides and ash catchers.
Downstem Length (Measured in Inches or mm)
This is how long the stem needs to be to reach into the water properly. If you're replacing one, measure from the bottom of the joint to the end of the stem tip.
Need help picking the right stem size? We’ve got you — just reach out and we’ll match your piece.
Final Hit
Your downstem might be small, but it’s doing all the heavy lifting.
The right stem helps control:
- How smooth the hit feels
- How much drag you get
- How easy it is to pull
- And how much water filters the smoke
Whether you’re hitting a glass beaker bong, a straight tube, or one of our heavy pounders beaker bottoms, make sure your setup includes a proper downstem built for real function, not just looks.
Because when your stem pulls right — your whole session hits better.