Anystem Adjustable Downstem
Water pipes & bongs
by Hemper
Anystem Adjustable Downstem
The Anystem Adjustable Downstem is a silicone-and-glass replacement downstem that telescopes from 3.8 to 6 inches, fitting practically any water pipe you own. Made by Hemper, it pairs a borosilicate glass percolator with a flexible silicone body — so you get proper diffusion without the constant fear of snapping your downstem while cleaning or travelling. One piece, two joint sizes (14mm and 18mm), and enough adjustability to dial in the water level on just about any bong in your collection.
Joint Size Compatibility
The Anystem fits both 14mm and 18mm ground glass joints — the two most common sizes on standard water pipes. Not sure which you've got? Measure the inner diameter of your joint opening. 14mm joints are roughly the width of a pencil; 18mm joints are closer to a 1-cent coin. If you're still unsure, the silicone sleeve on this downstem grips both sizes snugly, so you're covered either way.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Hemper |
| SKU | HS2453 |
| Adjustable length | 3.8–6 inches (approx. 9.7–15.2 cm) |
| Joint compatibility | 14mm and 18mm |
| Percolator | Built-in borosilicate glass percolator |
| Body material | Heat-resistant silicone |
| Percolator material | Borosilicate glass |
| Use case | Replacement downstem / travel spare |
Complete your setup with a fresh bowl piece — a 14mm or 18mm glass bowl from our water pipe accessories range pairs directly with the Anystem. If your bong is looking tired overall, browse our full water pipes and bongs selection for an upgrade that matches your new downstem.
Why a Silicone Adjustable Downstem Belongs in Your Kit
We've lost count of how many customers have walked into a shop holding two pieces of what used to be a perfectly good glass downstem. It's the single most breakable part of any water pipe — thin, rigid, and constantly being pulled in and out for cleaning. One slip on a tile floor, one slightly too-vigorous scrub with a pipe cleaner, and you're shopping for a replacement.
The Hemper Anystem solves this in two ways. First, the silicone body absorbs the kind of knocks and drops that would shatter a standard glass stem. You can genuinely bend this thing without damaging it — it feels rubbery and substantial in the hand, not flimsy. Second, the telescoping design means you're not stuck hunting for a downstem that's exactly 4.5 inches or exactly 5.25 inches. Slide it out to 6 inches for a tall beaker, push it down to 3.8 for a compact piece. That 2.2-inch range of adjustment covers the vast majority of bongs on the market.
The one thing to watch: the glass percolator section at the bottom is still glass. Borosilicate, so it handles heat brilliantly and is tougher than regular soda-lime glass, but it's not indestructible. Treat that end with a bit of care and you'll be fine. Compared to something like the Invincipole Infinity Shatterproof Downstem (which goes fully shatterproof at a higher price), the Anystem strikes a good balance between diffusion quality and durability for the money.
How to Use the Hemper Anystem Adjustable Downstem
- Remove your existing downstem from your water pipe. If it's stuck, gently twist and pull — don't force it.
- Slide the Anystem's silicone sleeve to match your joint size. The sleeve grips both 14mm and 18mm joints, so adjust it until it sits snug in your pipe's joint opening.
- Telescope the downstem to the right length. You want the percolator end submerged roughly 1–2 cm below the water line. Too deep and you'll get excessive drag; too shallow and you lose diffusion.
- Insert the Anystem into your water pipe's joint. It should sit firmly without wobbling. The silicone creates a natural seal — no need for additional O-rings or tape.
- Place your 14mm or 18mm bowl on top of the downstem.
- Fill your water pipe so the water level covers the glass percolator slits. Take a test draw without lighting anything — you should see bubbles breaking evenly through the percolator.
- To clean, pull the downstem out, separate the silicone from the glass section if possible, and soak the glass in isopropyl alcohol. The silicone wipes clean with warm soapy water. Avoid soaking silicone in iso for extended periods — it won't melt, but it can degrade the material over time.
