Glass one hitter: eight centimetres for a single load
A one hitter is the smallest pipe there is: a straight tube with a shallow bowl at the end that takes just enough for two or three draws. This one is made of glass and measures around 8 cm. Nothing more than a small portion will fit, and that is exactly the point. You pack only what you want to use right then, and nothing is left sitting in the bowl to taste stale next time.
Glass has a clear advantage over metal or wood here. It neither absorbs flavour nor adds any, so you taste only what you put in. It is also transparent, which means one glance tells you whether the channel is still clear or whether residue has started to build up. The size makes it an obvious pipe to carry: it disappears into a pouch, a coat pocket or a tobacco tin next to your papers, and it weighs next to nothing.
Using it
Pack the bowl loosely. Pressing material down firmly blocks the airway and leaves you pulling far harder than you should. Hold the flame at the edge of the bowl rather than straight into the middle, which burns the contents more evenly. Heat the glass gently and let it cool before putting it away. Rapid temperature swings are the main reason thin glass cracks, so never rinse a warm pipe under cold water.
Cleaning
Tap out the ash, leave the pipe in isopropyl alcohol for half an hour with a pinch of coarse salt, then shake it through. Rinse with warm water and let it dry completely. Because the glass is see-through, you will notice straight away when the next clean is due. The Avalon Magic Plants headshop also carries glass base pipes, bamboo pipes, corn cob pipes, grinders and cleaning brushes. Every order is shipped discreetly packed.
