The downstem is a long, thin piece of metal that connects the bowl of a hookah to the main chamber. This hookah component is essential to the smoking process, as it helps to provide suction and pull smoke or vapor into the water before it gets inhaled. Downstems can be fixed or removable, and they often have a diffuser at the chamber end, which helps to cool smoke. When shopping for a hookah, pay close attention to the quality of the downstem - after all, this piece plays a major role in determining the smoothness of your smoking experience!