The Pulsar 5-Arm Tree Perc is a dual-function borosilicate glass ash catcher designed by Pulsar to keep your water pipe clean while adding a layer of smooth, tree percolator filtration.
It’s a scientific glass accessory that serves as an instant and effective upgrade for mid-sized water pipes, aimed squarely at smokers who value both cleanliness and cooled-down hits. Think of it as your bong's best friend and personal bodyguard, all in one.
Quick Verdict & Our Recommendation
|
Overall Rating |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5) |
|
Best For |
Daily smokers, students who hate cleaning, anyone seeking smoother hits. |
|
Key Pros |
Keeps the main piece dramatically cleaner, adds significant percolation, and a sturdy feel. |
|
Key Cons |
An extra component to clean, can make your setup taller. |
|
Price |
What are the Key Features and Specifications of the Pulsar 5-Arm?
The Pulsar 5-Arm Tree Perc Ash Catcher features thick borosilicate glass construction, a 5-arm tree percolator, and a reinforced joint for added durability. We got our hands on this piece and were immediately impressed by the simple, effective design. It’s all about function over unnecessary frills.
Here are the essential specs we noted:
-
Material: Borosilicate Glass: This is the gold standard for quality glass. We found it felt solid and capable of handling regular heat and use without imparting any unwanted taste.
-
Glass Thickness: Thick Glass: While no specific millimeter is listed, the piece has a reassuring heft. It doesn't feel fragile or flimsy in your hands, a big plus for our team.
-
Joint Size & Angle: 14.5mm Male Joint: This is a common size that fits many mid-sized water pipes. It comes in two crucial options: a 45-degree angle, which we found perfect for pipes with an angled joint, and a 90-degree angle for those with a vertical joint.
-
Percolator Type: 5-Arm Tree Perc: This is the heart of the filtration system. Each of the five arms works to diffuse the smoke, creating a flurry of bubbles for a much cooler and smoother draw.
-
Connection: Ground Glass Joint: We appreciated the ground joint, which ensured a secure, airtight seal with our water pipe. There was no wobble, just a snug and stable fit.
-
Special Feature: Dewar's Joint Reinforced: We observed that the joint is reinforced, a feature known as a Dewar's joint. This small detail adds significant structural integrity where it's needed most, giving us extra confidence during handling.
How Does the Pulsar 5-Arm Perform? Our User Experience
So, how did it actually handle during a session? The Pulsar 5-Arm Tree Perc performs exceptionally well, immediately improving hit quality and drastically reducing the amount of ash entering our water pipe. It’s one of those upgrades that makes you wonder how you went without it.
What is Filtration and Smoothness Like?
The filtration is noticeably effective from the very first pull. Watching the 5-arm tree percolator spring into action was satisfying. It produced a dense stack of bubbles, which did a fantastic job of cooling the smoke.
The result was a hit that was noticeably cooler, creating a smoother overall experience compared to using the bong alone. For our smoke cartel community members who sometimes find larger hits to be a bit rough, an accessory like this makes a world of difference.
What is the Ease of Use and Setup?
Setup is incredibly straightforward. We simply added a small amount of water to the ash catcher (just enough to submerge the perc arms), attached it to our bong’s 14.5mm female joint, and then placed our bowl into the ash catcher. That's it. It added a few inches to the overall height, so we were just a bit more mindful when handling it, which is standard for any attachment.
How Durable and Well-Built is the Pulsar 5-Arm?
The build quality is solid for its price point. The use of thick borosilicate glass and the reinforced joint are clear indicators that this piece is built for regular use. While it’s still glass and requires care—we wouldn’t recommend fumbling it—it certainly doesn't feel overly delicate. It survived a few accidental (and gentle) table bumps in our testing space without any issue.
What are the Benefits of Using the Pulsar 5-Arm? (Pros)
There are 3 main benefits to using the Pulsar 5-Arm Ash Catcher, including superior cleanliness, enhanced smoothness, and a sturdy build.
-
Keeps Your Main Piece Dramatically Cleaner: This is, without a doubt, the biggest win. We watched with satisfaction as all the ash and debris were trapped in the ash catcher, leaving the water in our main bong pristine. It turns a daily cleaning chore into a weekly one.
-
Adds Significant Percolation: The 5-arm tree perc isn't just for show. It provides a level of diffusion that genuinely cools and filters the smoke, resulting in noticeably smoother and more enjoyable hits.
-
Portable and Versatile Design: Its straightforward, no-fuss design makes it a portable and easy-to-use accessory. The option of a 45 or 90-degree joint means it's compatible with a wide range of popular water pipes.
What are the Drawbacks of the Pulsar 5-Arm? (Cons)
The Pulsar 5-Arm Ash Catcher has 2 potential drawbacks, namely that it’s another piece to clean and it can be a bit tricky to get spotless.
-
It’s Another Component to Clean: While it keeps your bong clean, the ash catcher itself obviously gets dirty. The trade-off is cleaning a small, simple accessory frequently versus deep-scrubbing your entire, more complex water pipe. We think it’s a worthy trade.
-
The Tree Perc Can Be Tricky: Those five arms, while great for diffusion, can be a little challenging to clean perfectly. It requires a good shake with some cleaning solution to ensure no residue is left behind inside the arms.
Who Should Buy the Pulsar 5-Arm Tree Perc Ash Catcher?
The Pulsar 5-Arm Tree Perc Ash Catcher is best suited for the daily water pipe user who values clean glass and smooth hits but dislikes the constant chore of cleaning their main piece. It’s an ideal, budget-friendly upgrade for college students or anyone looking to get more out of their current setup without buying a whole new bong. If you prioritize function and a tangible improvement in your smoking experience, this is a fantastic investment.
How Do You Clean and Maintain the Pulsar 5-Arm?
Cleaning the Pulsar 5-Arm involves 3 primary steps: empty the old water, add your cleaning solution, and shake vigorously. We found that keeping it clean was easy with a consistent routine.
-
Empty and Rinse: First, carefully detach the ash catcher and pour out the dirty water. Give it a quick rinse with warm water to remove any loose debris.
-
Add Solution: Pour in a mixture of at least 90% isopropyl alcohol and some coarse salt. These two ingredients work together to break down resin and scrub the inside.
-
Shake and Soak: Cover the openings and shake it well for a minute or two. For tougher buildup, you can let it soak for an hour. The tree perc arms might require some extra shaking to get clean.
-
Rinse Thoroughly: Once it's sparkling, rinse it thoroughly with warm water until all the alcohol and salt are gone. Let it dry, and it's ready for the next session.
Is the Pulsar 5-Arm Tree Perc Ash Catcher Worth the Investment?
Yes, the Pulsar 5-Arm is absolutely worth the investment for anyone looking to simplify their cleaning routine and upgrade their output quality at the same time. It delivers on both of its promises, acting as a highly effective barrier against ash while providing the kind of refined, percolated output you'd expect from a more expensive piece. It’s a simple, effective, and affordable accessory that provides a major enhancement to daily use for any regular bong user.
Ready to spend less time cleaning and more time chilling? You can check out all the specs and grab your own Pulsar 5-Arm Tree Perc Ash Catcher right here on smokecartel.com!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Pulsar 5-Arm
What is the joint size of the Pulsar 5-Arm Tree Perc Ash Catcher?
The Pulsar 5-Arm Ash Catcher features a 14.5mm male joint, designed to fit into a 14.5mm female joint on your water pipe.
What is the difference between the Pulsar ash catcher 45 vs 90 degree?
The 45-degree version is designed for bongs with an angled downstem joint, while the 90-degree version is for bongs with a straight, vertical joint. Choosing the correct angle ensures the ash catcher sits upright.
What is the purpose of an ash catcher for a bong?
The primary purpose of an ash catcher is to trap ash and debris before it enters your bong's main chamber, keeping the water cleaner for longer and reducing how often you need to clean the bong itself.
How do I know what size ash catcher to buy?
You need to match the joint size and gender of your bong. For this Pulsar ash catcher, you need a water pipe with a 14.5mm female joint.

What's the Difference Between Dry Herb and Concentrate Bongs?
What are the Best Portable Bongs and Pipes for Outdoor Adventures?