If you are a fan of smoking herbs or tobacco with a glass bong, you might have wondered what kind of glass is used to make your favorite device. Not all glass bongs are created equal, and some are made of better quality glass than others. In this blog post, we will explain why borosilicate glass is the best material for bongs, and how to tell if your glass bong is made of it or not.
What is borosilicate glass?
Borosilicate glass is a type of glass that contains boron trioxide, which makes it more resistant to thermal shock, chemical corrosion and mechanical stress than ordinary glass. Borosilicate glass has a very low coefficient of thermal expansion, which means it does not expand or contract much when exposed to changes in temperature. This makes it ideal for applications that involve high heat, such as laboratory equipment, cookware, and of course, bongs.
Why is borosilicate glass best for bongs?
There are numerous good reasons to make bongs from borosilicate glass rather than the “regular” glass or soft glass. Most importantly, borosilicate glass bongs are stronger and more long-lasting than ordinary glass bongs. They can handle high temperatures without cracking, which is essential for smoking herbs or tobacco. They also have a high resistance to corrosion, which makes sure that your bong remains crystal clear and shining like new. Borosilicate glass is easier to clean than soft glass bongs thanks to their smoother, unpenetrable surface. This also makes it very unlikely for the glass to chip or scratch.
How to tell if your glass bong is made of borosilicate glass or cheap glass?
Unfortunately, not all bong makers or sellers are honest about the type of glass they use. Some may claim that their bongs are made of borosilicate glass when they are actually made of cheap soft glass that can break easily and ruin your smoking experience. So how can you tell the difference? Here are some tips:
- Look for a reputable brand or seller. If you buy your bong from a well-known and trusted brand or seller, you can be more confident that they use high-quality borosilicate glass. Some examples of brands that use borosilicate glass are Zob Glass Pipes, MAV, Grav Labs and AMG Glass. You can also check the reviews and ratings of the bong you want to buy online and see what other customers say about the quality and durability of the glass.
- Check the price. Borosilicate glass is more expensive than soft glass because it requires more skill and precision to make. Therefore, if you see a bong that is very cheap, chances are it is not made of borosilicate glass. Of course, price is not the only factor to consider, but it can give you an idea of the quality of the glass.
- Test the weight and thickness. Borosilicate glass is heavier and thicker than soft glass because it has more density and strength. You can try to hold the bong in your hand and feel its weight and thickness. If it feels too light or thin, it might be made of soft glass.
- Test the sound. Borosilicate glass produces a clear and crisp sound when tapped lightly with a metal object, such as a spoon or a coin. Soft glass produces a duller and lower-pitched sound when tapped. You can try to tap the bottom or the side of the bong gently and listen to the sound it makes.
- Test the heat resistance. This is a more risky test that should be done with caution and only if you are sure that the bong is not made of soft glass. You can try to heat up the bowl or the stem of the bong with a lighter or a torch for a few seconds and then touch it with your finger (be careful not to burn yourself). If the glass feels hot, it is probably soft glass. If it feels cool or slightly warm, it is probably borosilicate glass.
Conclusion
Borosilicate glass is the best material for bongs because it is strong, durable, heat-resistant, corrosion-resistant and easy to clean. It will provide you with a smooth and satisfying smoking experience for years to come. However, not all bongs are made of borosilicate glass, so you need to be careful and check the quality of the glass before you buy a bong. You can use the tips we provided above to tell if your glass bong is made of high-quality borosilicate glass or cheap glass. We hope this blog post was helpful and informative. Happy smoking!
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