The Grav Empress is a compact 8-inch glass water pipe from the experts at GRAV, built for powerful filtration and smooth hits. Its high-quality build and advanced percolator make it a top choice for daily use.
The Empress is a powerful water pipe designed for great performance and a premium feel. Standing 8 inches tall and crafted from thick 65mm borosilicate glass, it has a solid weight that shows its quality without being clumsy. Its design centers around a fixed fission downstem that pushes smoke through water for maximum cooling and filtration. This blend of size, sturdy construction, and advanced diffusion makes the Empress a standout choice for anyone who wants smooth, flavorful hits from a reliable piece.
Every detail of the Grav Empress is engineered for a better smoking experience. From the scientific glass to the advanced percolator, each component works together to deliver performance you can feel. Here is a breakdown of how its key specs translate into real-world benefits.
| Specification | Value (What it does) | Benefit (Why it matters) |
|---|---|---|
| 8" Compact Height | Provides a shorter vapor path and an easy-to-handle frame. | Enjoy full-sized filtration in a manageable size that's perfect for desktops and passing. |
| Fixed Fission Downstem | Diffuses smoke through multiple slits, creating fine bubbles. | Delivers exceptionally cool, clean, and flavorful hits by maximizing water interaction. |
| 14mm Female Joint | Offers compatibility with the most common accessory size. | Easily customize your setup with different 14mm bowls, bangers, or ash catchers. |
| Geometric Ice Catcher | Holds ice cubes in the neck above the water chamber. | Provides an extra layer of cooling for the smoothest possible inhalation, without splashback. |
The smooth draw of the Grav Empress is no accident; it's the result of two key features working together: the fission downstem and the ice catcher. These parts are designed to cool and filter smoke for a comfortable experience every time.
Unlike a simple open-ended downstem, the fission percolator forces smoke through several small slits at its base. This action splits one large smoke stream into hundreds of smaller bubbles. By increasing the smoke's surface area that touches the water, it dramatically improves cooling and filtration, removing harshness before the smoke reaches you.
Yes, absolutely. The Empress features a geometric pinch in its neck that is specifically designed to work as an ice catcher. You can drop one or two small ice cubes down the mouthpiece, and they will rest on this pinch. As smoke passes over the ice, it is cooled a final time, resulting in an incredibly smooth and crisp hit.
Choosing the right GRAV piece depends on your needs. The Empress is excellent at providing powerful filtration in a compact form, but other models offer different experiences. Here’s a quick look at how it stacks up against the classic Beaker and the complex Upline.
| Model | Percolator | Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grav Empress | Fixed Fission Downstem | 8" Compact | Smooth hits in an easy-to-handle size. |
| GRAV Small Beaker | Fixed Downstem | 8.5" Classic | Classic feel, great stability, and easy cleaning. |
| GRAV Medium Upline | Stacked Spine Perc | 12" Tall | Maximum filtration and visual appeal. |
Getting the most out of your Grav Empress starts with the right setup. The correct water level and a simple process will ensure you get a perfect hit every time. It’s designed to be simple and deliver consistent results.
For the best function, fill the Empress with about 2 inches of water. The goal is to make sure the slits of the fission downstem are fully underwater without overfilling. A good starting point is to fill it until the water is about half an inch above the percolator slits. You can adjust slightly from there to find the draw resistance you prefer.
Keeping your Empress bong clean is the best way to ensure it provides pure, flavorful hits. With its fixed downstem, cleaning is simple. For a deep clean, pour out the water, add a mix of coarse salt and 91%+ isopropyl alcohol, plug the openings, and shake gently for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, and your bong will perform like new.
The Grav Empress is a fantastic centerpiece for any collection. If you're looking for other styles or brands, check out our curated selection of high-quality glass.
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