
The Black Leaf ELITE Cylinder is a no-nonsense straight tube ice bong designed for smokers who prioritize filtration and durability over unnecessary frills. Crafted by the well-known brand Black Leaf, this piece is a workhorse. It’s built to deliver a smooth, cool, and bubbly experience session after session, making it a formidable contender in the world of scientific glass bongs. When our team got our hands on it, the first impression was one of classic design meets modern function—a tall, stately piece that promised a clean and powerful performance.
Our Quick Verdict
Review Metric | Our Rating |
Overall Rating | ★★★★☆ (4.7/5) |
Best For | Daily users, users who love filtered hits, and fans of classic straight tube bongs. |
Key Pros | Exceptional filtration from the tree perc, sturdy 5mm borosilicate glass, ice catcher for extra cooling. |
Key Cons | The percolator requires more cleaning effort than a basic bong; its height isn't ideal for travel. |
Price | Check current price here |
What Are the Key Features and Specifications of the Black Leaf ELITE?
The Black Leaf ELITE Cylinder features a 6-arm tree percolator, 5mm thick borosilicate glass, and integrated ice notches. Our team took a close look at the specs, and here’s what we found makes this piece tick:
- Material Construction: The bong is crafted from high-quality borosilicate glass. We immediately noticed the reassuring feel of the 5mm thick glass. This isn't some delicate, paper-thin piece; it has a substantial presence that suggests it can withstand the rigors of daily use and the occasional clumsy moment.
- Overall Height: It stands at a significant 39 cm / 15.3 inches. This height provides ample volume for smoke to cool before it reaches you, contributing to a smoother experience. It's a great tabletop piece that feels substantial without being overwhelmingly large.
- Percolator Type: The star of the show is the 6-arm slitted tree percolator. This intricate piece of glasswork sits inside the main chamber, acting as a second stage of filtration. Each of the six arms features its own small slits designed to force the smoke through water, creating a massive flurry of bubbles for maximum filtration and cooling.
- Joints and Downstem: It comes equipped with an inside-cut 18.8mm > 14.5mm slitted diffuser downstem. The diffuser downstem provides the initial round of filtration before the smoke even hits the tree perc. The ideal downstem length for this model is a precise 10 cm (3.9 inches).
- Bowl: Included is a 14.5mm clear glass funnel bowl. We appreciated the addition of a small glass roll stopper, a simple but effective feature that prevents your packed bowl from making a break for it and rolling off the table.
- Carb Hole: This is a no carb hole bong. This means it’s designed for a "lift-off" style of smoking, where you clear the chamber by lifting the bowl. It's a feature many of our Grasscity community members prefer for a more direct and uninterrupted pull.
- Cooling Feature: Prominent ice notches (or an ice catcher) are located in the tube. This simple trio of glass pinches allows you to stack ice cubes in the neck for an exceptionally frosty and smooth hit.
How Does the Black Leaf ELITE Perform? Our User Experience
Unboxing and setting up the Black Leaf ELITE was straightforward. Its classic, intuitive design meant we were ready for a session in minutes. Here’s how it handled when we put it to the test.
What is Filtration and Smoothness Like?
Honestly, the filtration is exceptionally effective and the main reason to get this bong. From the first pull, you can see the two-stage system go to work. The slitted diffuser downstem creates an initial rumble of bubbles, and then the smoke is forced through the 6-arm tree percolator, erupting into a dense, fizzy stack of smaller bubbles. We found this double diffusion does a fantastic job of cooling the smoke and filtering out harshness. The result is a surprisingly smooth, clean-tasting, and cool hit, even for a piece of this size.
How Does the Ice Catcher Change the Game?
Dropping a few ice cubes down the neck onto the ice notches noticeably improves the experience from smooth to downright frosty. The smoke passes over the ice just before reaching the mouthpiece, delivering a final blast of coolness. We found this especially useful for taking larger hits, as it significantly cools the smoke before inhalation. It's a simple feature, but one we wouldn't want to go without.
How Durable and Well-Built Is It?
The build quality feels solid and reliable. That 5mm thick borosilicate glass isn't just a number on a spec sheet; it gives the water pipe a reassuring heft. The wide, flat base provides excellent stability, which is crucial for a taller piece. We weren't worried about it tipping over easily. Every joint and weld felt clean and secure, reflecting the quality we expect from the Black Leaf ELITE line.
A Beginner's Guide: How Do You Use This Bong?
Our team found this straight tube bong to be incredibly user-friendly. If you're new to percolator bongs, here’s our quick start guide for the perfect session:
- Add Water: First, fill the bong with water. Pour enough so the bottom of the 6-arm tree percolator is fully submerged, along with the slits on the downstem. Don’t overfill, or you’ll get a splash.
- Ice It Up (Optional): Gently drop a few ice cubes down the neck so they rest on the ice notches.
- Prepare Your Herb: Grind your legal dry herb to a medium consistency.
- Pack the Bowl: Lightly pack the herb into the 14.5mm funnel bowl. Don't pack it too tightly, as you need good airflow.
- Light It Up: Place the bowl into the downstem. While inhaling gently from the mouthpiece, light the edge of the herb in the bowl.
- Inhale and Clear: As the chamber fills with smoke, continue to draw steadily. When you're ready to clear it, simply lift the bowl out of the downstem and inhale the remaining smoke. Easy as that.
What are the Benefits of Using the Black Leaf ELITE? (Pros)
There are 3 main benefits to using the Black Leaf ELITE Cylinder Bong: its powerful filtration, sturdy build, and user-friendly design.
- Exceptional Smoke Filtration: The combination of a diffuser downstem and a 6-arm tree percolator creates a one-two punch that delivers incredibly smooth, cool, and well-filtered hits.
- Rock-Solid Construction: Made from 5mm thick borosilicate glass, this bong is built for the long haul. It feels durable, stable, and resistant to thermal shock.
- Classic, Effective Design: With its ice notches, no-carb-hole functionality, and straightforward straight tube shape, it offers everything you need for a premium session without overcomplicating things.
What are the Drawbacks? (Cons)
The Black Leaf ELITE has 2 potential drawbacks to consider: its cleaning requirements and its size.
- More Involved Cleaning: That amazing 6-arm tree percolator, while great for performance, can be tricky to clean perfectly. It requires a bit more effort with a good cleaning solution compared to a simple, non-perc bong.
- Not Exactly Portable: At over 15 inches tall, this is primarily a home piece. While you could transport it, it's not designed for discretion or easy travel.
How Do You Clean and Maintain the Black Leaf ELITE?
Cleaning this bong involves a standard process, but paying special attention to the percolator is key. We’ve all been there—trying to get that last bit of gunk out of a perc. Here’s our team’s advice:
- Disassemble the bong, removing the bowl and downstem.
- Rinse all parts with hot water to remove loose debris.
- Pour a specialized bong cleaning solution or a mixture of isopropyl alcohol (91% or higher) and coarse salt into the main chamber.
- Plug the openings and shake vigorously for several minutes. The salt acts as an abrasive to scrub the inside, especially around the percolator arms.
- Let it soak for 15-30 minutes for tougher residue.
- Rinse thoroughly with hot water until all solution and residue are gone. Let it air dry completely before reassembling.
Is the Black Leaf ELITE Cylinder Bong Worth the Investment?
Yes, the Black Leaf ELITE Cylinder is absolutely worth the investment for anyone seeking a high-performance, durable, and classic straight tube bong. It masterfully balances advanced filtration with a simple, effective design. For any daily user who wants a reliable piece that delivers exceptionally smooth hits without breaking the bank, this bong is a fantastic choice. It’s an upgrade that you’ll feel with every single pull.
Where Can You Buy the Black Leaf ELITE Cylinder Bong?
Ready to experience this level of smoothness for yourself? You can explore all the features and get the best price on your own Black Leaf ELITE Cylinder 6-arm Perc Ice Bong right here at Grasscity.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Black Leaf ELITE
What exactly is a tree percolator?
A tree percolator is a type of bong filtration system with multiple "arms" that resemble tree limbs, each with small slits. It forces smoke through these many small openings, creating a large surface area of bubbles for highly effective cooling and filtering.
Is a bong with no carb hole better?
A bong without a carb hole is not inherently better, but offers a different experience preferred by many. It requires you to lift the bowl to clear the chamber, which provides a more direct, uninterrupted airflow and can feel more controlled to some users.
How do you use an ice catcher in a bong?
To use an ice catcher, you simply drop 2-3 ice cubes into the neck of the bong so they rest on the glass notches. As you inhale, the smoke passes over the ice, providing a final stage of cooling for an extra-smooth, frosty hit.