Carts are becoming more popular everyday, however in the recent news there have been people hospitalized from smoking bad carts. Regardless of which side of the debate you’re on, I believe that bowls are better than carts. There is no denying that smoking has become much less of a taboo topic than it was even just a few years ago.
When it comes to smoking, every smoker has a personal preference. Some prefer bowls because of the countless benefits they offer while some prefer carts because they are convenient to use. But convenience alone is not enough to persuade me to smoke carts over a pipe. I believe that smoking bowls has been popular for a long time because of how great it is and the bowl will out last smoking carts in the years to come.
Let’s get started…
What is the bowl?
If you are old school, you must have heard about hand pipes. A hand pipe is an ancient tool used for smoking. It has an attached bowl, a reservoir and doesn’t require water. Compared to carts and bongs, the hand pipe provides a different smoking experience to the stoner. These are easy to use, and one of the most portable smoking tools available. You can find different types of hand pipes online, such as dry hand pipes, and water hand pipes. The features like discreet, portable, and easy to clean can make it appealing to any stoner.
What is a cart?
Carts or vape carts, also known as cartridges, are small attachments for a vape pen or an e-cigarette. It’s a smoking device that is growing in popularity among the younger crowd for their discreet nature. They often feature a 510 thread connection, which has become the universal standard for most vape batteries in the industry.
You can buy them empty or pre-filled with specific concentrations, depending on your needs. There is no smoke involved as the rapidly heated oil gets vaporized by an internal component in the cart called an atomizer.
Vaping cartridges is a very convenient method for quick consumption, however there is no way to tell what exactly is in the carts or what you are vaping. Below is an image of a cart vape pen, there are lots of different styles of these devices however they are made in a factory unlike bowls which are handcrafted by artists. But how do these various vape batteries compare to each other?
TYPES OF CART SMOKING DEVICES
A cartridge by itself isn’t going to do much, you’ll need a compatible vape battery for it to function. Vaporizer battery tech is rapidly improving and updated models are released on a regular basis.
Earlier batteries were on the bigger side, required a button for operation and didn’t have the greatest lifespan. Fast forward about seven years and you’ve got a lot of options to choose from. Let’s take a look at the most popular.
SLIM VAPE BATTERIES
This style was one of the earlier varieties to rise to popularity as these batteries often feature an auto-draw or breath activated power source. Simply inhale from your cart and vapor is created.
VARIABLE VOLTAGE BATTERIES
As technology has progressed so has the functionality and variable voltage batteries provide multiple voltage settings to adjust the temperature you’re vaping at. This allows you to vape virtually any style of oil, thick or thin, as the battery power output can change based on your needs.
CONCEAL VAPE BATTERIES
Portability and discretion are what conceal batteries are all about, as they sheath or hide the cartridge within the battery so only the mouthpiece tip is exposed. This protects the cartridge when not in use and conceals it from prying eyes when you’re taking a draw.
CART SMOKING DEVICE – BEST BATTERY FOR CARTRIDGES
In my opinion, conceal batteries are the way to go. However, there is an issue that I (and others) seem to have, which is the cart fitting into the battery. Unfortunately, vape cartridges don’t have a universal standard for size, so the diameter can vary quite a bit.
If I have to pick one, I’d say the best battery for carts is the Wulf Mods UNI Adjustable Cartridge Vaporizer which solves the compatibility problem.
How? This vape battery is actually capable of adjusting to accommodate the height and diameter of virtually any cartridge.
Why Smoking A Bowl Is Better Than Carts?
There are lots of reasons why I personally feel that smoking bowls is better than vaping carts. Here are just a few.
- The Effect
One of the most common critiques of vape cartridges is the effect they provide compared to that of smoking a bowl. Your experience can really depend on the cart being used, the oil in said cartridge and the battery that is powering everything.
- It’s “Healthy”
People have been smoking bowls for decades. Smoking bowls is time tested and does not directly relate to apparent any health problems. On the other hand, as per a report by doctors in California, carts have sent people to the hospital. The side effects of smoking carts has not been found out as the technology is so new. Is it worth being the guinea pig for a brand new technology. In my opinion this alone is enough to make me never want to smoke a cart again.
- Durability
While you might think breaking a bowl is easier than breaking a cart vape pen, you would be wrong. Bowls function without batteries and simply work by applying a flame. Cart vape pens can crap out at any time and there is nothing you can do. If your vape battery dies and you are in the middle of a smoke break you are screwed. As long as you do not smash your bowl it will work forever.
- Flavor
Some people like the artificial taste of carts however not me. I prefer the natural flavor of the herb. While smoking carts I think about the chemicals in the carts. People have smoked natural herb for thousands of years and it seemed to work for them. I think the artificial flavors of these carts will become unpopular once people find out more information.
- Bowls Look Better
There are millions of different styles, distinct shades, colors, and designs for bowls. Not only are there different styles but there are also bowls that function very differently, there are chillums, spoon pipes, sherlocks, bubblers, and steamrollers plus way more. If you are looking for high-quality spoon pipes, you can explore our wide selection of glass on All in One Smoke Shop online, where you’ll find unique styles of hand pipe. However, when it comes to carts, they are basically the same.
How to smoke from a Hand Pipe?
Smoking from a hand pipe is not rocket science. Just a few simple steps and you can take a hit.
The first step is to grind the herb. You do not want the herb to be too finely ground so it does not get pulled through the bowl during combustion. After grinding the herb you need to pack it in the bowl, you do not want to pack the bowl too tight or the herb will not be able to light properly.
- Make sure your material has been broken down. I recommend getting an herb grinder to make things easier.
- Pack the bowl, but don’t overstuff it with material or air may not flow through properly.
- Light herb and inhale. As you breathe, the flame is pulled over the herb causing it to catch on fire.
Even if you are a newbie, inhaling from hand pipe seems like a piece of cake.
Final Verdict: Who is the winner?
From the above information, it really depends on your preference and situation.
Smoking carts for vaporizers are great for those who require little odor while taking discreet hits. Almost like a new and improved generation of the “sneak a toke” style pipe.
Smoking bowls are ideal for those who want to get the full effect from their dry herb with all of the flavor.
Whether you prefer smoking or vaping, check out Wethrift for the latest All in One Smoke Shop Coupon to save on your order.
And I’m always curious, what’s your favorite way to consume? Let me know in the comments!
