A downstem is long, thin glass cylinder tube that fits into the joint of a bong. It typically extends into the main water chamber of the bong and serves as a tool for smoke to travel through before it’s inhaled. Downstem come in a variety of lengths and diameters depending on the size of the bong and can affect the smoothness and quality of the smoke. They’re often removable making them simple to clean and can be replaced or upgraded to better suit the smoker’s preferences with ease.

A downstem is an integral component of a bong that assists the filtration of smoke to create a smoother hit. When using a bong, the downstem is inserted into the joint and extends into the water chamber below. As the smoker inhales, the smoke is drawn down the stem and into the water where it is filtered and cooled. The water also helps to remove some of the harmful substances from the smoke, making it less harsh on the lungs and throat. The smoke then travels up through the stem and into the bong's chamber, where it can be inhaled.

Using a downstem when smoking from a bong provides several benefits. Firstly, it helps to cool down the smoke, making it smoother and less harsh on the throat and lungs. This is because the downstem extends into the water chamber, where the smoke is filtered through the water before being inhaled. Secondly, the downstem helps to create a vacuum that facilitates the flow of smoke into the bong's chamber, ensuring a more efficient hit. Finally, using a downstem can help to prevent the bong water from being sucked up into the smoker's mouth, which can be an unpleasant experience. Overall, using a downstem can enhance the smoking experience and make it more enjoyable.

Before you purchase a downstem, there are three things you need to confirm in order to choose the correct downstem for your bong. Firstly, confirm your bong's joint size (10mm, 14mm or 18mm). This is the joint where your downstem is inserted into the bong. Measure the width of your bong's joint which should match the widest part of your downstem (the top of the frosted glass that fits flush in your bong's joint). Secondly, confirm the downstem length by measuring from the top of the downstem (the top is where your cone piece is inserted) to the bottom (where it sits in the water chamber). Lastly, ensure the downstem's joint will fit your cone piece that you're inserting into it (10mm, 14mm or 18mm).

A diffuser downstem is a type of downstem that is designed to enhance the filtering and cooling of smoke in a bong. Unlike a regular downstem with a single opening, a diffuser downstem has multiple small openings or slits at the bottom that create more bubbles when the smoke is drawn through the water. These bubbles increase the surface area of the smoke that comes into contact with the water, resulting in more effective filtration and cooling. This makes the hit smoother and less harsh on the throat and lungs. Additionally, the increased bubbling action can create a pleasing visual effect as the smoke moves through the water. Diffuser downstems are available in various lengths and sizes to fit different bongs, and they can be a great upgrade for smokers who want to enhance their smoking experience.