Knowledge Base

We have had many customers contact us with questions about specific terms/meaning. Therefore, we have decided to create a "Head Shop Dictionary". This page consists of some of the terminology most commonly used throughout our site as well as their definitions. If you are in need of some explanation please check it out and bookmark it for quick reference.

Retro Active Smoke Shop Dictionary

Most people think color changing glass and chameleon glass are the same thing. However, we are here to put that false assumption to rest.

The truth is not all color changing glass is Chameleon glass and not all Chameleon glass is color changing. Chameleon Glass is actually a brand name based out of Arizona that focuses on unique inexpensive American made glass hand pipes. Color changing glass (aka "fumed" glass) is a glass blowing technique that is used by hundreds if not thousands of artists across the globe.

In the early 1980’s glass artists began experimenting with silver and gold fuming processes in an effort to change the characteristics of glass handpipes. What was discovered was that a thin layer of pure gold and/or silver applied to the inside or the surface of the pipe created a unique phenomenon once tobacco was introduced to the product. The tobacco particulate, combined with the precious metals refracted the light much like a prism, causing the pipe to change colors. Additionally, different tobaccos produced different hues insuring completely unique handpipes based on individual usage.

To find our selection of pipes that have these color changing features just search for "fumed" or "color changing" in the search bar. All products listed as fumed will change colors, you will also see "Color Changing" on the list of features for each individual product.

To view our selection of Chameleon Glass click here.

When a pipe, waterpipe or bong is described as being glass on glass (aka "GoG" on "gong") it means the connections located at the downstem and bowl or slide use precision ground glass joints to make an airtight seal. This is different from standard waterpipes or bongs which typically use a rubber grommet and o-ring to create the seal. Ground glass joints used in glass on glass pipes were originally developed for laboratory use however, ROOR was the first company the brought the use of these ground glass joints to the pipe industry. In the following years of ROOR's innovation, nearly all glass blowers have embraced the glass joint as the preferred way to make an airtight seal between pipe connections.

Technically, yes, one millimeter. However, in the smoking world that is not the case. In this industry all 18mm bongs and parts are the exact same as 19mm bongs and parts. Most manufactures label their products as 18mm or 19mm for ease of conversation but really all of these products have a ground joint that measure 18.8mm. The number is rounded up or down to make things easier. The same goes for all 14mm products that actually have a measurement of 14.4mm.

What is a percolator?

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A percolator (aka "perc" or "perk") is an additional water chamber found in the tube of a waterpipe or bong. Tree percolators, disc percolators, and showerhead percolators are some of the most commonly used and some of the first to hit the market. However, several blowers use different and unique designs but they all involve more water being used to interact with the smoke making for a more filtered, smoother, cooler hit. The majority of percolators are also diffused which breaks the smoke up into smaller bubblers making for an even cooler smoke.

What is a diffuser?

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A diffuser is a type of downstem for a bong or waterpipe. Several downstems and percolators are diffused. What this means is that the downstem or percolator is pierced with many small holes or slits. These slits break up smoke into smaller bubblers than a downstem or percolator with one opening at the bottom. The smaller bubblers, the greater the surface area of smoke that contacts the water. Therefore, your smoke is cooled and filtered more efficiently and making the bong or waterpipe almost silent.