Contents
–Introduction
–Daily Drivers vs Advanced Tubes
-Airy Vs Chuggy (Function)
-Smoke Density
-Water Levels
-Slide Importance
-Cleaning Frequency & How to Clean
Introduction
Since 2018 it has been a joy making and researching tubes to find the best possible functioning ones. Each design seen in the custom catalog has made it past years of rigorous testing, experimenting, and feedback- constantly receiving improvements to make them better. Every tube produces a unique function, and finding your favorite one is the best part of the journey. Thank you all for the support over the years, and to many more. – Brandon
Here are the function tests of every major tube / custom options :
On Youtube : ALL TUBES youtube function video (20 mins)
Daily Drivers vs Advanced Tubes
If you have never tried a CH tube or similar, and do not know where to start, I suggest getting a Beacon 2 Hole, Compass 2 Hole, or a Crows Nest. These are all highly recommended daily drivers: reliable and great functioning tubes you can count on to give a fantastic experience every time. Using them allows you to get a foot in the door to understand where the function is in the lineup, how the tubes can function differently, as well as why the kind of function matters.
For advanced users who already have tubes, they can select their next tube based upon what other qualities they wish to see in the function of the tubes.
The two main attributes tubes they can choose from are Airy & Chuggy to select the perfect one for your preferences. (Explained Below)
Airy vs Chuggy (Function), Why does it matter?
Airy and Chuggy are terms created to describe the feeling of the water going through the glass during use. This is a matter of personal preference, both are good, but everyone has an ideal preference of one or the other, or a mix of both. Once you have tried the function of a tube, you may dream about it having a heavier (Chuggy) function/resistance to the pull, or maybe having it be easier to pull, a lighter (Airy) pull. You can also try to see the difference between the two in any tube, by comparing low water levels (Airy), and high water levels (Chuggy), to get a feeling for what your personal preferences are.
An airy one (Ex. Net 2 Hole, Net to Buoy, Etc.) would have generally a lighter, smoother draw with both smaller forming bubbles and effortless smoke. These do tend to be extremely smooth, but have less flavor as the smoke is more dense.
As where a chuggy one (Ex. Natty Buoy, Natty Beacon, Hollowfoot, Etc.) will generally have a deeper chug/chop/glug to it. These can generally take anything you can throw at them and have the smoke remain flavorful and not get stale or dense.
For me, between Airy & Chuggy its a make or break for a tube, I personally enjoy the pieces with more chug. However about half of my customers are quite the opposite and prefer airy pieces, its truly up to individual preferences. They are all fun to use but you’d have to try them both to see which you would enjoy the most. As for my favorite tube in the lineup, its got to be the Crows Nest Beacon 2 Hole.
Smoke Density
There are some tubes that are effortless to smoke, and yet may not be a good choice for a daily driver piece. Some have too much function / restriction to the smoke, so although they are “effortless” you may lose both the flavor and effect by creating dense harsh smoke. Tasting the terps is the best part about smoking, and some more complex / multi-perk tubes can take that away. All of my tubes have been created to be below a certain threshold of restriction as to not create dense smoke. However, you can still customize with different perks to tune it to your tastes and preferences.
– Compass 2 Hole and Beacon 2 Hole are perfectly balanced between smoothness and chug, with high flexibility of function based on the amount of water in the tube. Not only are these great budget tubes but they are some of the best functioning without sacrificing any flavor.
– Single Perks are generally extremely flavorful and easy to clean. Least smoke density, usually chuggy, but generally not as smooth than the others.
– Double Perks fit right in the sweet spot for smoke density, where they are nearly effortless/smooth and yet still retains flavor. These have the most smoke density in the catalog aside from the triples.
–Drain Tubes are the most efficient and often the most fun to use. The water is continuously recycled through the drain, and keeps the pull of the tube more consistent throughout use. It takes the function up another notch and is available as an upgrade to any of the standard tubes in the catalog. The best functioning drain tubes are crows nests, these do have effortless smoke with the drain working overtime to recycle the water back down.
Water Levels
-Water Levels are up to personal preference, but they greatly affect the function of the tube. I suggest trying every water level until you find your favorite, some people prefer it to be a high water level, some medium, and some low.
-In general, as a rule the more water added the more chuggy it will be with any tube, and vice versa. the less water in it, makes the tube function be more airy.
-If the tube is filled to the top with water, this will make the smoke denser and taste stale, with more chance of splash near the mouthpiece.
-If the tube is filled too low with water, this will make the function not preform at its best and be harsh.
Slide Importance
-All my tubes come standard with 18mm slides, unless clearly marked as such.
-The standard way to use the slides is to take small individual pulls all at once, empty the ash, and refill the slide every use to your desired level.
-There are 3 different factors to getting you a consistent use everytime.
1. Slide Size, generally smaller is better for a smooth tasty experience. If you load up a big slide a lot it will be significantly more stale, and harsh while losing taste.
2. Refill Density, When refilling the slide, make sure not to pack it down too tightly or you will have a harsher experience. It generally takes longer and hotter to burn, and that destroys all of the flavors you otherwise might get. Packing too lightly and the material will just fall through into the tube. Everyone has an ideal refill density and you need to try it out to find out your favorite.
3. Holes in the Slide, The slides have holes or pinches and they can help restrict the airflow or allow more air to pass through. This has a big effect on the tubes function, 3 holes being the most restrictive, followed by the 3 pinch, and finally the least restrictive the 4 hole slide. When the right slide for you is paired with the correct refill density and clean water at the perfect level you can get great consistent uses out of the tubes.
Cleaning Frequency & How to Clean
-It is Highly recommended for daily cleaning after use.
-Use a mix of Salt (NO Iodine salt) and isopropyl alcohol (Ideal 90% or higher) in a consistency of a slushee smoothie slurry mix. This should be MORE salt, than ISO, in a ratio of 80 Salt to 20 ISO approx. Rinse very well several times to get the salt out.
-If used water is kept inside the tube for over 12-24 hours, mold grows, so it is recommended every day at the least to change the water out, however daily cleaning with ISO every 12-24 hours is highly recommended.