This doesnt really have anyting to do with what your asking, but i bought mine from a headshop. Basically i went inside with my friend who was 18 and gave him the money before hand. we went in and he told the guy HE was looking for a new one so it wasnt obvious it was for me. looked in the showcases both of us pointing out cool ones. i found this sick hammer pipe that was basically clear when i bought it. now its blue green purple, with red tag and drag.

so point of my story is your allowed to go inside with your buddy if hes 18 and has an ID, wont be putting your faith in him to pick out a cool one, you can pick it out and say hey man i think this one is sick * wink wink * and he buys it for ya.