Glass bongs are popular devices for smoking herb or tobacco, but not all of them are created equal. Some brands, such as RooR, are known for their high-quality and innovative designs, but they also attract many counterfeiters who try to sell fake bongs as the real thing. How can you tell if the glass bong you bought or want to buy is authentic or counterfeit? Here are some tips to help you spot the difference.
Check the authentication seal
In 2018, RooR started adding an authentication seal on each of its pipes to combat the counterfeit market. The seal is a unique, tamper-proof bubble tag with an alphanumeric ID and a QR code. To verify if your RooR is real, simply enter your tag’s 14-character ID on
RooR’s authentication page
. If the seal is missing, damaged or invalid, then it’s likely a fake.
Check the signature
Almost every RooR bong should have a signature on it, except for the RooR Tech water pipes. The signature is not a personal autograph of the blower or artist, but an indicator of the specs for each pipe that’s made during production. The signature should have two dots on it, one before and one after the text. The text should include the height of the pipe in centimeters, the diameter of the joint in millimeters, and the name of the model. For example, a signature that says “· 45/5 Little Sista ·” means that the pipe is 45 cm tall, has a 5 mm joint, and is a Little Sista model. The signature should be located on the side of the pipe, below the ice catcher and above the logo. It should not be hugging the joint or above the neck of the bong.
Check the logo
The logo is another important feature to look at when identifying a real RooR bong. The logo should have a registered trademark (®) symbol on it, and it should be facing the right way. The bottom of the R’s should be facing towards the left, not towards the right or flipped. The color of the logo doesn’t matter, as RooR uses different colors and designs for different models and collaborations. However, the logo should not have any extra words or elements added to it, such as “USA” or “Germany”. The logo should also not go past the ice catcher or cover up a perc.
Check the ice catcher
The ice catcher is another distinctive feature of RooR bongs. It is a set of three pinches (notches) on the neck of the pipe that allows you to put ice cubes in it for a cooler smoke. The ice catcher should be located near the top of the beaker, not in the middle of the neck. It should also have only three pinches, not more or less.
Check the joint
RooR is credited for inventing glass-on-glass joints in 1995, which are joints that are made of glass and fit together without any rubber grommets or seals. A real RooR bong will never use a rubber grommet joint, as that would compromise its quality and durability. The joint should also match the size and shape of the downstem and bowl that come with it.
Check the percs
Percs are additional chambers or devices inside a bong that filter and cool down the smoke. RooR offers some models with percs, such as diffusers, tree percs or honeycomb percs. However, these models are usually part of the RooR Tech line, which has a different logo and signature than regular RooR bongs. If you see a bong with percs that has a regular RooR logo and signature, then it’s probably a fake. Also, if you see a bong with percs that doesn’t have a splash guard (a dome-shaped device that prevents water from splashing into your mouth), then it’s also likely a fake.
Other tips
- Compare prices: A real RooR bong can cost anywhere from $200 to $1000 or more, depending on its size, model and features. If you see a bong that claims to be a RooR but sells for much less, then it’s probably too good to be true. Be wary of online sellers or local shops that offer huge discounts or deals on RooR bongs, as they may be selling counterfeits.
- Compare quality: A real RooR bong is made of high-quality borosilicate glass that is thick, strong and clear. It should feel heavy and sturdy in your hands, not light and flimsy. It should also have smooth and even joints, percs and ice catchers, not rough or crooked ones. The logo, signature and seal should be clear and well-printed, not blurry or faded.
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Compare sources: A real RooR bong can only be bought from authorized dealers or directly from RooR’s website. You can find a list of authorized dealers on
RooR’s authorized dealers page
. If you buy a bong from an unknown or untrusted source, such as a street vendor, a flea market, or a sketchy website, then you are taking a risk of getting a fake.
Conclusion
Glass bongs are great devices for smoking herb or tobacco, but you need to be careful when buying one. Some brands, such as RooR, are known for their high-quality and innovative designs, but they also attract many counterfeiters who try to sell fake bongs as the real thing. To avoid getting ripped off or disappointed, you need to check the features and markings of the bong you want to buy, such as the authentication seal, the signature, the logo, the ice catcher, the joint and the percs. You also need to compare prices, quality and sources of the bong. By following these tips, you can find out if a glass bong is authentic or counterfeit and enjoy your smoking experience with confidence.
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