Choosing a Big Maks base
Big Maks makes glass hookah bases in Russia. Most share the same standard neck, so the real choice is shape and colour.
The shapes
- Elegant: crystal glass, about 26cm tall and 19cm across at its widest point, with a neck 7cm across on the outside. It comes in finishes such as White Blue, White Sea Blue and Smoked.
- Glob: a rounded drop shape in coloured glass 7 to 8mm thick, 25cm tall and 1.7kg. Colours run from clear to blues, and there is also a Crystal Rainbow Glob.
- Drop: the same 7 to 8mm glass, 250mm height and 1.7kg weight, in finishes such as Matt Black.
- Other shapes, for example the Neolux and UFO, sit alongside these. There is also a Russian Style Base in purple, 25cm tall and about 22cm wide.
Will it fit your shisha?
Elegant, Glob and Drop bases have a standard neck with a 45mm inside diameter, so they fit most shishas with a standard neck. The Crystal Rainbow Glob is described as fitting most Russian-style hookahs. If your stem seals into the neck with a grommet, a fresh one from grommets and seals helps it sit tight.
Weight and stability
Thick 7 to 8mm glass gives the Glob and Drop a solid, steady feel, which helps under a tall stem. Fill the base until the end of the downstem sits a couple of centimetres under the water, and empty and rinse it after each session.
Questions
What does a 45mm neck fit?
Big Maks call it a standard neck, and it fits most shishas made for one. Check the base size on your stem's own listing if you are unsure.
How do I clean a coloured glass base?
Rinse it with warm water after each use and use a soft brush for the inside. Avoid sudden temperature changes on the glass.