What is the Pulsar 5-Arm Tree Perc Ash Catcher?

The Pulsar 5-Arm Tree Perc Ash Catcher is a dual-function accessory designed to both filter smoke and trap debris before it enters your water pipe. Made by Pulsar, a brand known for reliable and functional glass, this piece is an upgrade for just about any compatible bong.

Think of it as a pre-filter and a mini-bong all in one, designed to address two common user concerns: the filtration of smoke and the chore of cleaning your primary piece. Our team was eager to see if this add-on could truly elevate a standard session.

What are the Key Features and Specifications of the Pulsar 5-Arm Tree Perc?

The Pulsar 5-Arm Tree Perc features sturdy borosilicate glass construction, a multi-slit tree percolator, and a reinforced Dewar's joint for added durability. When we got it in our hands, the quality of the build was immediately apparent. It feels less like a fragile accessory and more like a serious piece of hardware.

Here’s a quick rundown of what we found to be the most important specs:

• Material: It's made from thick, scientific-grade borosilicate glass. For us, this means two things: it’s built to withstand the thermal stress of regular use, and it provides a clean, untainted flavor path for your smoke.

• Joint Type & Size: The ash catcher features a 14mm male joint to connect to your water pipe. It’s available in both 45-degree and 90-degree angles, which gave us the flexibility to find the perfect fit for our different in-house bongs. The bowl side fits a standard 14.5mm female joint.

• Percolator Type: The main event here is the 5-arm tree percolator. Each of the five arms has multiple slits for diffusion. This design is specifically meant to break up the smoke into finer bubbles, maximizing its contact with the water.

• Reinforcement: We were particularly impressed by the Dewar's joint. This is essentially a glass bridge that reinforces the connection between the main chamber and the joint, which is the most common weak point on accessories like this. It gave us a lot more confidence when handling it.

• Glass Connection: The ground glass connection makes sure an airtight seal with your water pipe, so there's no loss of suction or airflow.

How Does the Pulsar 5-Arm Perform? (Our User Experience)

This is where this little add-on truly proved its worth to our team. An accessory can have all the features in the world, but it means nothing if it doesn't improve the experience.

What is Fit and Installation Like?

Attaching it was incredibly straightforward. We tested both the 45-degree and 90-degree versions, and they fit snugly into our mid-sized water pipes with corresponding joints. The ground glass slid in smoothly, creating that perfect seal you want. It adds a bit of weight, but the sturdy build and reinforced joint meant it felt secure, not precarious.

Does It Actually Keep Your Bong Cleaner?

Yes, and the difference was immediately noticeable after just a few sessions. We're all familiar with that murky, ash-flecked water that signals the start of a cleaning chore. This ash catcher wages a surprisingly effective war on dirty bong water.

It traps the vast majority of ash and burnt material in its own chamber, leaving the water in our main piece dramatically cleaner for much longer. It doesn't eliminate cleaning, but it certainly postpones it.

How Did It Hit? The Filtration and Smoothness

This is the second half of its double-duty promise, and it performs as designed. The 5-arm tree percolator activates instantly, filling the chamber with bubbles and increasing the interaction between the smoke and the water.

This additional stage of water diffusion is noticeable. We found the draw resistance to be minimal, so it did not feel like it added unnecessary complexity to the process.

What are the Benefits of Using the Pulsar 5-Arm? (Pros)

There are 3 main benefits we identified during our review that make this a standout accessory.

• Dramatically Cleaner Water Pipe: This is its primary job, and it excels. By catching ash and resin, it significantly extends the time between deep cleans of your main bong, which is a huge quality-of-life improvement for any regular user.

• Improved Smoke Filtration: The 5-arm tree perc provides a second stage of diffusion, increasing the smoke's contact with water. It's an easy way to add premium percolation to a bong that might not have it built-in.

• Durable and Smart Construction: The use of thick borosilicate glass and, most importantly, the reinforced Dewar's joint, means this piece is built to last longer than many of its competitors. It feels sturdy and reliable, not like an afterthought.

What are the Drawbacks of the Pulsar 5-Arm? (Cons)

No product is perfect, and our team noted 2 potential drawbacks to consider.

• It's Another Piece to Handle and Clean: While it keeps your bong cleaner, the ash catcher itself now needs to be cleaned regularly. For some, adding another piece of glass to the equation might feel like a chore, even if it simplifies the bigger cleaning job.

• Requires Careful Handling: As with any glass accessory, it adds a component to the outside of your bong that can be bumped. While the Dewar's joint adds strength, we've all had those clumsy moments. The user reviews we've seen confirm that, like all glass, it will break if met with enough force.

Who Should Buy the Pulsar 5-Arm Tree Perc Ash Catcher?

The Pulsar 5-Arm Ash Catcher is best suited for the daily user who values both improved water filtration and a cleaner piece without wanting to invest in a whole new, complex bong.

This is the perfect upgrade for you if:

• You're tired of cleaning your water pipe every other day.

• You wish your current bong had a percolator for additional water filtration.

• You want a cost-effective upgrade that makes a noticeable, immediate impact on your sessions.

How Do You Clean and Maintain the Pulsar 5-Arm?

Cleaning the Pulsar ash catcher involves 2 simple steps: emptying the dirty water and then using a cleaning solution. We found the best method is to rinse it out with hot water after every couple of sessions to prevent major buildup.

For a deep clean, a soak with 91% isopropyl alcohol and some coarse salt, followed by a good shake and a thorough rinse, makes it look brand new. Regular maintenance is key to its longevity and performance.

Is the Pulsar 5-Arm Tree Perc Ash Catcher Worth the Investment?

Yes, the Pulsar 5-Arm Tree Perc Ash Catcher is absolutely worth the investment for anyone looking to significantly upgrade their existing bong setup. It's a two-for-one deal: you get the functionality of a high-end percolator and the convenience of a cleaner piece, all in one durable and well-designed package.

It's one of those small additions that makes such a big difference, you'll wonder why you didn't get one sooner. It punches well above its weight, turning a good bong into a great one.

Where Can You Buy the Pulsar 5-Arm Tree Perc Ash Catcher?

Our team put this accessory to the test, and we're confident in its performance and quality. You can find all the specs and get your own right here on our website.

Check out the Pulsar 5-Arm Tree Perc Ash Catcher on smokecartel.com!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Pulsar 5-Arm Ash Catcher

What is the difference between a 45-degree and 90-degree ash catcher? 

The difference is the angle of the joint that connects to your water pipe. A 90-degree joint is perfectly vertical, ideal for bongs with a stem that comes straight up. A 45-degree joint is angled, designed for the more common beaker or straight tube bongs with a slanted downstem.

How does a percolating ash catcher affect the smoke?

An ash catcher with a percolator, like this Pulsar model, adds an additional stage of water diffusion. The 5-arm tree perc diffuses the smoke through water, a process which alters its journey before it reaches you.

How much water should I put in my Pulsar ash catcher? 

You should add just enough water to submerge the slits on the bottom of the 5-arm percolator. A good rule of thumb is to fill it about a quarter to a third of the way up. This provides optimal filtration without causing splashback into your main piece.

What is borosilicate glass and is it strong? 

Borosilicate glass is a type of glass that includes boron trioxide, which makes it highly resistant to thermal shock and more durable than standard glass. It is the material of choice for scientific lab equipment and high-quality smoking accessories, making it very strong for its intended purpose.

How do you clean the Pulsar 5-Arm Tree Perc Ash Catcher? 

The best way to clean it is by soaking it in a mixture of isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) and coarse salt. After letting it soak, shake it carefully to dislodge any resin, and then rinse thoroughly with warm water until it is completely clean.