How I Learned To Love the Bomb… The Budbomb that is.
I am not a huge fan of pipes.
Not saying that they do not have their time and place, but for me it is generally the bong or joint when it comes to enjoying the pleasures of burning plant matter. The direct hit of the smoke from a pipe usually results in a coughing fit, which at the best of times is unwelcome and most certainly not the most chilling result of any toke. That tickle in the throat really ruins the pleasure and just makes me want to say “no” when a pipe is being socially handed around. Not that I actually have said “no” that often, as the nature of some situations one finds themselves in demands a certain lapse in standards…
i.e. they have smoke you don’t…Don’t complain…Take the coughing like a man!
Suffice it to say that in general terms the pipe is not my weapon of choice, and not by a long shot.
That said, I have discovered that there is an alternative to the traditional pipe that is as stylish as it is functional…
And pretty much free of the choking and spluttering associated with the average old pipe or chillum (cue dramatic music!).
The Budbomb!
This easy to use device adds the buzz to the business.
On first inspection the Budbomb looks a well made and compact piece of kit, but nothing really extraordinary to remark about. Looks like a cigar-shaped “bomb” a little bigger than a regular Clipper lighter. So right there it is pretty apparent that it is a handy size that is easily stashed in your bag or pocket. If you are a regular patron of the herbal experience it will also be pretty obvious on initial inspection that this is a tool for smoking something with…That is a no-brainer. For all intents and purposes it looks like a groovy little pipe and that is as far as it goes.
Oh how looks can be deceiving!
It is when you pull apart the Budbomb that you begin to realise that this is not just your average ordinary old pipe. The bomb unscrews into four pieces. The mouthpiece, main housing, bowl and most significantly the “helix”. Now it is this helix that stands out and is the where all the magic takes place. Wrapped around and around, the helix increases the surface area that any smoke has travel from the bowl to the mouthpiece. Unlike your standard pipe, where the smoke has a far more direct and short journey from flame to mouth, the helix gives the combusted materials a right run for their money before they land anywhere near your throat. What is significant about this is that along the way, the smoke cools significantly and is therefore a whole lot less abrasive on the throat. So less tickles and more giggles for your buck!
The bowl packs up to about three or four hits and is easy to unscrew and load, so it is perfect as a handy on-the-go pipe. It’s metal chassis (available in four different colours) is extremely solid and makes the bomb pretty much safe to take anywhere. The well crafted nature of the device does mean it is slightly heavier than your average pipe, but the results are worth the extra load. For me, with the weight comes a reassured certainty. It feels solid. In short, if you drop this baby it is just going to take the licking and keep on ticking. As mentioned, the standard issue bomb is perfect to slip away into your pocket, but if size is of no concern then there is the Budbomb XL which is twice the size and carries a pretty intimidating payload. But for my humble purposes the regular bomb fits the bill perfectly. As far as cleaning and maintaining you’re the bomb is concerned, because of its slightly more complex internal structure, a scrub is required on a fairly regular basis. Having said that, because it breaks into four components the upkeep is pretty easy and not too much of a hassle. If you add a gauze to the bowl this also cuts down the need to scrub significantly. As the saying goes, a clean pipe is a happy pipe.
The standard Budbomb is a little more expensive than your average pipe, but if you are after an above average smoke then the extra few pounds is a well worth investment. As I mentioned earlier, pipes are not really my thing, purely down to the lung explosions that typically result. The Budbomb is the exception to the rule. It is a pleasure to light up and draw on. Just pack it up, hold like a cigar, light up the end (with a butane lighter for best results!) and toke away. Could not be easier or cleaner.
And if you want to take that extra step further…
Try leaving your bomb in the freezer a minute or two before use.
Oh boy; talk about a crisp, smooth and tasty pull.
So in a word, the Budbomb is…well… The bomb.
Bombs away!
