Downstems

You need two measurements: the joint size and the length. Joint size is usually 14mm or 18mm. For length, measure your current downstem from the top of the joint to the tip, or check the length listed on your bong's product page. Ours come from 3.5 to 6 inches.

An 18mm joint opening is about the width of a nickel, and a 14mm opening is closer to a dime. Most full-size bongs use 18mm and most dab rigs use 14mm. Every Milkyway product page lists the joint size.

Downstems come in standard joint sizes, so one with the right joint size will fit most bongs. Length varies by bong, so check that too. A downstem that's too short won't reach the water, and one that's too long will hit the bottom.

Most of our downstems are 18mm male to 14mm female: they fit an 18mm bong joint and take a 14mm bowl or ash catcher. A few fit a 14mm joint. Each product page lists the size.

A diffused downstem has slits or a perc at the tip that splits smoke into smaller bubbles for smoother hits than a regular open-ended downstem. Our Pirelli downstem is one example.

Soak it in a sealed bag with 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol or a resin cleaner for about 30 minutes, then scrub the inside with a pipe cleaner and rinse with warm water. Never use a metal poker, which can scratch or crack the glass. Let it dry fully before putting it back in. Our guide on how to clean a bong has the full steps.

Yes. Our downstems come in the same collections as our beakers, such as Space Odyssey, Universe and Edo Tokyo, so you can match or mix designs. Some are limited-edition collaborations.