If you are a fan of smoking herb or tobacco, you might be interested in buying a glass bong to enhance your experience. However, not all glass bongs are created equal, and some might be better suited for your needs than others. How can you tell if a glass bong is high-quality or low-quality by looking at it? Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision.
Glass Quality
The first thing to look at is the quality of the glass itself. Glass quality is important in terms of clarity and strength. The higher quality of glass, the stronger and more pristine the glass will be. Glass quality is determined by the material of glass, and the skill level of the glass blower.
Most brand name pieces, and those made in the USA, will be made of high quality borosilicate glass (the material to make lab equipment, also called “German schott” or “schott duran); while certain tubes at your local head shop are most likely made of low quality Chinese- glass. The higher quality glass will be much more durable than the lower. The skill level of the blower can be determined by simply looking at the piece-clean joint welds are signs of talented glass blowers.
You can also check the clarity of the glass by holding it up to the light. If you see any bubbles, cracks, or scratches, that means the glass is low-quality and might break easily. High-quality glass should be smooth, clear, and flawless.
Glass Thickness
The second thing to look at is the thickness of the glass. Glass thickness affects the weight and durability of a piece. Glass thickness is counted in millimeters, usually ranging from 3mm to 9mm, with 9mm being the thicker of the two. Thicker glass means a more durable, heavier piece. The heaviness of the glass is more of a personal preference, but heavier pieces do have a sense of quality to them.
You can measure the thickness of the glass by using a ruler or a caliper. Alternatively, you can compare different pieces by holding them in your hands and feeling their weight and balance. Thicker glass will also produce a deeper sound when tapped gently.
However, thickness is not everything. If it comes down to it, it’s better to have higher quality glass than thicker glass. A piece could be 9mm thick, but if the glass is poor quality, it’s more likely to break than a 4mm thick piece with higher quality glass.
Other Factors
Besides the quality and thickness of the glass, there are other factors that can affect the performance and appearance of a glass bong. Some of these factors are:
- The shape and size of the bong: Depending on your preference and lung capacity, you might want a bong that is tall or short, wide or narrow, straight or curved. Different shapes and sizes can also affect the amount of smoke and water filtration.
- The type and number of percolators: Percolators are devices that create bubbles and diffuse smoke inside the bong, making it smoother and cooler. There are many types of percolators, such as showerhead, honeycomb, tree, turbine, etc. Some bongs have multiple percolators for extra filtration and diffusion.
- The design and color of the bong: Some people like simple and elegant bongs, while others like colorful and creative bongs. There are many designs and colors to choose from, such as clear, frosted, tinted, painted, fumed, etc. Some bongs also have artistic features such as sculptures, logos, decals, etc.
Ultimately, the best way to tell if a glass bong is high-quality or low-quality is to try it out yourself. However, by looking at the factors mentioned above, you can get a good idea of what to expect from a piece before buying it.
If you are looking for some examples of high-quality glass bongs from reputable brands, you can check out some of these links:
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The 20 Best Bong Brands for 2023 – Badass Glass
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Bongs for Sale | Find Your Perfect Bong / Water Pipe – Smoke Cartel
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Glass Bongs For Sale – Cheap Glass Bongs | Grasscity.com
We hope this blog post has been helpful and informative. Happy smoking!
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