The nature of the bong accessory is to improve the smoking experience. It’s that simple. Some do a commendable job, others seem sorta superfluous and usually wind up collecting dust on a shelf somewhere. The ash catcher is one of those that has caught on with bong aficionados everywhere, but is that just a case of keeping up with the Jones’ or are there real merits to having one? In this post, the staff at our Denver headshop address the issue.
What is an Ash Catcher?
An ash catcher is a type of adapter, usually made from glass or silicone, that attaches to your bong and prevents ash and resin from entering the main chamber of your water pipe.
If you’ve ever cleaned a bong you know that most of the gunk clinging to the inside or floating in the water is just that: ash and resin. By preventing those waste materials from entering the main chamber of the bong you also prevent some of them from reaching your lungs.
Some ash catchers go the extra mile by including percolators that provide a further level of filtration. The end result is a cool, clean hit that tastes better and doesn’t send you into a coughing fit (at least in theory).
How it Works
Ash catchers don’t rely on rocket science. They are simple devices with a simple task: provide the cleanest possible hit. The typical ash catcher that you’ll find in our online head shop or at our Northglenn pipe shop can fit more or less into the palm of your hand and is designed to attach to your bong between the bowl and the main chamber.
When you spark up the bowl, smoke travels through the attachment where tiny ash particles from the burn process are filtered out. The ash catcher also removes resin that would either end up stuck to the wall of your bong’s main chamber or perhaps even wind up in your lungs.
Why Use an Ash Catcher?
There are two primary reasons why people purchase ash catchers from our online smoke shop.
The idea of inhaling loose bits of ash and droplets of resin does not appeal to them. And why should it? While cannabis resin is not on par with the toxic stew found in cigarette smoke it still doesn’t belong in your lungs. Neither does ash. In addition, ash particles and resin droplets negatively affect the flavor of your favorite, and often very expensive, weed.
Additionally, the process of cleaning a bong is a pain and anything that can make that process simpler and quicker is a good thing. The ash catcher will prevent most of the pollutants resulting from cannabis combustion from ever reaching the main water chamber. You won’t have to clean as often, and when you do, the process will be a relative breeze.
Do Ash Catchers Have a Downside?
Everything has a downside, and ash catchers are no exception. The major drawback to using this type of device is that it’s going to make you work harder for your hit. Why? Because every filter you install between the bowl and your mouth creates additional drag, and the only way to compensate for that drag is to inhale harder. Another potential downside is that a heavy ash catcher might put too much stress on the joint of the bong. The ash catcher will also raise the center of gravity of your bong and make it easier to tip over.
How to Choose the Right Ash Catcher
Choosing the right ash catcher is essential to enhance your smoking experience and ensure compatibility with your bong. To find the perfect ash catcher for your setup, take the following four steps:
- Check Compatibility: Ensure the ash catcher design will work with your bong. Make sure it won’t interfere with the main chamber or uptake tube.
- Measure the Joint Size: Verify that the ash catcher’s joint size matches your bong’s joint. Common sizes include 14mm and 18mm, so measure carefully to avoid leaks or improper fits. For more detailed instructions, review our previous guide on identifying joint sizes and genders.
- Determine the Joint Angle: Decide between a 45-degree or 90-degree joint angle. These are the most common options, and most bongs will only accommodate one type.
- Consider a Percolator: If smoother hits are your priority, choose an ash catcher with a built-in percolator for added filtration and cooling.
By following these steps, you can select an ash catcher that perfectly complements your bong and meets your personal preferences for a cleaner, more enjoyable smoking experience.
Need a New Ash Catcher?
For the best variety of ash catchers & other smoking accessories, browse our online head shop’s selection at the link below.
Comparison Table: Types of Ash Catchers
| Type | Material | Percolator Included | Joint Angle | Standard Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Ash Catcher | Borosilicate Glass | No | 45° or 90° | Low to Medium |
| Percolator Ash Catcher | Borosilicate Glass | Yes (Single or Multi-Stage) | 45° or 90° | Medium |
| Silicone Ash Catcher | Silicone | No | 45° or 90° | Lowest |
| Recycler Ash Catcher | Borosilicate Glass | Yes (Recycler System) | 45° | Medium to High |
Ash Catcher FAQs
Curious about ash catchers? Below are some frequently asked questions to help you decide if an ash catcher is right for your setup.
An ash catcher prevents ash, resin, and debris from entering your bong’s main chamber, making for a cleaner smoking experience and easier bong maintenance.
Yes, most ash catchers are designed to be simple to clean. Detachable pieces and smooth glass surfaces make them easy to rinse or soak in cleaning solutions.
No, you need to match the joint size and angle of the ash catcher to your bong. Common joint sizes include 14mm and 18mm, with angles of 45° or 90°.
Yes, many ash catchers come with built-in percolators to provide additional filtration, further cooling your smoke for smoother hits.
Yes, adding an ash catcher introduces additional drag, so you may need to inhale harder to pull the smoke through.
Most ash catchers are made from glass, but silicone options are also available for durability and flexibility.
Yes, ash catchers are compatible with both, as long as your bong is set up to handle the specific substance.
Understanding these basics will help you make the most of your ash catcher. Don’t hesitate to ask our team if you have further questions!
Explore Our Ash Catchers
If you’re interested in buying a durable new ash catcher without breaking the bank, visit 710 Pipes in Northglenn and Denver – or explore our online smoke shop’s selection of smoking products & accessories available to order online.