Shisha Bases Hand-blown glass and cut crystal

What to look for in a base

The base holds the water and keeps the whole pipe upright, so fit matters more than looks. Start with the neck, then think about height, weight and style.

Match the neck to your stem

• Russian-style bases (for example Vessel Glass, Big Maks, Wazon or the Russian Drop Shape): many have a 45mm neck opening and suit most Russian-style hookahs. Vessel Glass bases come with a Russian grommet.
• Starbuzz bases such as the Premium, Tsunami and Diamond Cut: made to match Starbuzz USA stems and most traditionally made stems. The Premium has a 48mm opening.
• Wookah vases: use Wookah's quick lock system with a stainless steel thread, so they suit Wookah bodies that have that system.
• Model-specific bases, such as the Savacco Nano, Savacco Vello or Japona Vase 26cm: made as replacements for one hookah, so check the name matches yours.

Weight and height

Thick glass adds weight, which helps a tall pipe stand steady. The Starbuzz Tsunami and Diamond Cut and the Ros Kalyan Cosmo are good examples of heavy, thick-walled bases. Many glass bases stand somewhere between 26cm and 30cm, so check the height against your stem before you choose.

Glass and crystal

Pick clear glass if you like to watch the water, or painted, marble, frosted and cut designs for more colour. Bohemian crystal from Caesar and Egermann is made in the Czech Republic, and the Wookah Mastercut vases are lead-free crystal with hand-cut patterns.

Browse by fit with Russian bases or Wookah bases, and pick up spare grommets to get a tight seal.

Questions

How do I know a base will fit my hookah?

Compare the neck opening with your stem's grommet. Most Russian-style stems suit a 45mm neck, while Wookah vases need a Wookah body with the quick lock system.

Do I need a grommet?

Bases that seal with a grommet need one that fits both the neck and your stem. Vessel Glass bases include a Russian grommet in the box.

How should I clean a glass base?

Rinse it with warm water after each session and use a base brush for marks. Avoid pouring very hot water into cold glass.