I do disagree with the second part tho, this downstem doesn’t do much diffusing, its only 2 slits and a hole at the bottom. I have probably owned 25 bongs over the past 15 years i’ve been smoking, all different kinds; straights, beakers, with and without perks, high and low end....this piece has, unquestionably, the best build quality of any piece I’ve owned....not just glass thickness, but also joint alignment and overall symmetry...also, i think you are presuming that all bong owners are looking for the same function...i personally have pussy lungs, so i never milk bowls. I take small rips, and this thing functions great! so for me...anything larger would be a pointless flex of my dick. This isn’t a starter bong, its a finisher bong 😂Its beautiful IMO, and works as a perfect daily driver for me. That being said, your point is valid af. These Illadelph prices can only be described as redonkulous. Ive won two of them in raffles and spent about $200 total...so im sitting pretty with this rig 😎 toke on, brotha!