The Billy Mate Blog
Guides, how-tos and news - straight from Billy Mate.
14mm vs 19mm Bong Joints: Complete Size Guide
Confused about 14mm and 19mm bong joints? Learn how bong joint sizes work, how to measure your fitting and how to choose the correct stem, cone piece or accessory.
Billy Mate · 20 Aug 2026
Don't Get Stung: How Billy Mate Is Fighting Counterfeit Products
As Billy Mate grows, more products imitate the real thing. Here is how we help you verify, register and prove your Billy Mate is genuine.
Billy Mate · 1 July 2026
How to Clean a Glass Bong the Right Way
Cloudy glass and harsh hits? Here's how to get your bong crystal clear in under 10 minutes, the Billy Mate way.
Billy Mate · 27 May 2026
Decarb vs Infusion: What a Butter Machine Actually Does
Confused about decarboxylation and infusion? Here's the plain-English version and how an all-in-one machine handles both for you.
Billy Mate · 7 May 2026
Glass vs Brass Cone Pieces: What's the Difference?
Compare glass and brass cone pieces, including 14mm glass fittings and Billy Mate universal brass cones designed for compatible glass and metal stems.
Billy Mate · 3 Sept 2026
Dry Ash Catcher vs Wet Ash Catcher: What's the Difference?
Compare dry and wet ash catchers and learn the differences in weight, cleaning, airflow, maintenance and compatibility before choosing one for your bong.
Billy Mate · 3 Sept 2026
What Is an Ash Catcher and Do You Need One?
Learn what a bong ash catcher is, how dry and wet ash catchers work, what 14mm and 19mm fittings mean, and how to choose the right one for your bong.
Billy Mate · 3 Sept 2026
What Is a Shotty on a Bong? Australian Bong Terminology Explained
What is a shotty on a bong? Learn what the shotty hole does, how it differs from removing the cone piece, and why many Billy Mate bongs include a removable shotty plug.
Billy Mate · 3 Sept 2026
What Is a Percolator Bong? Perc Types Explained
Learn what a percolator bong is, how bong percs work and the differences between tree, showerhead, honeycomb, inline and other popular percolator designs.
Billy Mate · 3 Sept 2026
What Is an Ice Catcher in a Bong and What Does It Do?
Learn what a bong ice catcher is, how ice notches work, where to place the ice and what to check when choosing or cleaning a bong with an ice catcher.
Billy Mate · 3 Sept 2026
What Is a Diffused Downstem and How Does It Work?
Learn what a diffused downstem is, how diffuser slits work, how it differs from a standard bong stem and what to check before buying a replacement.
Billy Mate · 3 Sept 2026
Beaker Bong vs Straight Bong: What's the Difference?
Beaker bong or straight bong? Compare shape, stability, water capacity, cleaning, portability and everyday use to find which bong style suits you best.
Billy Mate · 3 Sept 2026
Bong Parts Explained: Complete Diagram & Guide
Confused by bong parts? Learn what the mouthpiece, neck, ice catcher, chamber, downstem, cone piece, shotty, joint and percolator do in this complete Billy Mate guide.
Billy Mate · 3 Sept 2026
How to Measure a Bong Downstem Correctly
Need a replacement bong stem? Learn how to measure bong downstem length, joint size and fit correctly so you can choose the right replacement the first time.
Billy Mate · 3 Sept 2026
Bong Sizes Explained: 20cm vs 25cm vs 30cm vs 35cm
Not sure which bong size to choose? Compare 20cm, 25cm, 30cm and 35cm bongs, and see how height affects portability, stability, cooling and everyday use.
Billy Mate · 2 Sept 2026