The hand pipe is the go-to smoking implement for beginners who want to enjoy smoking marijuana. Yep, you guessed it. Hand pipes fit comfortably in your palm and are ideal for infrequent smokers who may only want to partake once a day or a week. These pipes are widely available in glass, but many other build materials are out there, too. What are build material options for your hand pipe? Read on for more information, plus the pros and cons of each.

Glass Hand Pipes

Overall, you would be hard-pressed to find a build material that offers more quality, creativity, customization possibilities, and a pleasurable experience than a hand pipe made from glass.

A word of caution: They hold up during normal use, but are more fragile compared to metal, wood, or stone. But as long as you treat them right, they will provide years of enjoyment. When choosing a pipe made from glass, look for the following characteristics: durability, price, performance, customization options.

PROS

• Pocket-sized and lightweight
• Most customization options
• Highest performing type of pipe
• Affordable pricing for entry-level models
• Lots of different varieties
• Something for everyone
• Easy to clean

CONS

• Not as durable as the other types of pipes
• Can get expensive
• Not good for large groups
• Needs to be protected with a carrying case when not in use
• Glass is best for someone who wants value for their dollar and wants to purchase a pipe that will last.

Silicone Hand Pipes

If you are interested in another alternative build material, consider silicone. Look for a product which is made from BPA-free silicone, is dishwasher safe, and comes at a good price.

PROS

• Most durable type of pipe
• Very affordable
• Decent performance
• Fairly wide variety of designs
• Easy to clean

CONS

• Mediocre performance
• Not a lot of customizable options
• Hard to improve performance
• Needs a carrying case when not being used

Silicone-based pipes are best for smokers on the go, are a little clumsy, and looking for decent performance in their smoking experience.

Ceramic Hand Pipes

Ceramic-based smoking implements have been around for a long time, mostly because they are dependable, put up with heavy use, and finish the job as expected. They offer a smooth hit every time.

PROS

• Solid overall performance
• Fairly inexpensive related to quality
• Aesthetically pleasing
• Easy to use

CONS

• Not a lot of bells and whistles

If you have no desire for bells or whistles, a ceramic-made hand pipe is your best choice.

Metal Hand Pipes

PROS

• Very affordable, with a basic chillum costing as little as $10
• Durable
• Low maintenance
• Good choice for a noob or experienced smoker

CONS

• They get very hot
• The surface can get easily scratched or scuffed if dropped or not taken care of
• May need to be polished from time to time to maintain like-new appearance

Wood Hand Pipes

Most wood hand pipes are made from 100 percent all-natural wood, which is a better all-around health option when smoking.

PROS

• Budget-friendly
• You can actually carve one yourself with a little effort
• A decorative, high-quality wooden hand pipe, like a Sherlock Holmes or Gandalf, are objects of desire even amongst the most jaded smokers. Plus, they are a great conversation starter.
• Great for beginning smokers
• They will not alter the flavor of your preferred weed

CONS

• They are durable but will not last forever
• Wood is porous and will accumulate its share of oils, dirt, and resin, eventually resulting in a bitter-tasting smoke experience

Stone Hand Pipes

Durable, compact, and each one distinctive, stone hand pipes have many benefits over glass or metal pipes but a few drawbacks, too.

PROS

• Likely the most durable of all hand pipes
• Retains heat
• Compact
• Economically priced
• Mostly handmade

CONS

• Heavy to carry
• Unique designs, but not always aesthetically pleasing
• Heats up slowly

Acrylic Hand Pipes

PROS

• Cheapest type of material available
• Multiple color options
• Simple to clean
• Durable

CONS

• Cannot be customized
• May leave a bad after-taste
• Poor diffusion
• You can find better value with a different material
• Some are not manufactured from safe plastics

What To Look For In Hand Pipes

Besides build options covered above, you also should Consider two other important criteria before buying: Pipe style, and brand.

• Pipe style. Different kinds of custom pipes are more suitable depending on your personal preferences and for some kinds of herb. Bowl type is a big factor, too, so educate yourself about what is out there. Choose your pipe based on what you smoke, the setting, and other personal preferences.
• Brand. Not all brands are as good as others, so ask someone you trust who also smokes for recommendations. Send an email to an online retailer. If you live near a local smoke emporium, stop in for a quick chat. The web is a wellspring of valuable information, so launch your browser before you make a final decision.

Before purchasing any kind of hand pipe, make sure you get as much information as you can about pipe durability, performance, price, and customization options.