If you are a fan of smoking herbs or tobacco with a bong, you might have wondered what kind of glass is used to make your favorite water pipe. Not all glass bongs are created equal, and some might be more durable, safe, and easy to clean 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 in addition to the usual ingredients of silica and soda. This makes the glass more resistant to thermal shock, meaning it can withstand sudden changes in temperature without cracking or shattering. Borosilicate glass is also more resistant to chemical corrosion, meaning it does not react with acidic or alkaline substances and does not leach harmful substances into the water or smoke.
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. If you are using your bong a lot, it’s good to know that your bong can easily last for a lot of years. Borosilicate glass bongs are also less likely to break from accidental drops or bumps, as they can withstand more impact and pressure than soft glass bongs.
Another advantage of borosilicate glass is that it has a high resistance to thermal shock; which makes sure that your bong remains crystal and clear, 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, which could affect the performance and appearance of your bong. Moreover, borosilicate glass does not absorb odors or flavors from the smoke, so you can enjoy the pure taste of your herbs or tobacco every time.
One more advantage of borosilicate glass is that it has a high resistance to corrosion; which makes sure that your bong does not leach any toxins into the water or smoke. Some cheap glass bongs might contain lead, cadmium, or other harmful metals that could contaminate your smoking experience and pose health risks. Borosilicate glass is free of these impurities and does not react with acidic or alkaline substances that might be present in the water or smoke.
How to tell if your glass bong is made of borosilicate glass?
Unfortunately, not all bong sellers are honest about the quality and material of their products. Some might claim that their bongs are made of borosilicate glass when they are actually made of soft glass or even plastic. How can you tell the difference? Here are some tips:
- Check the price. Borosilicate glass bongs are usually more expensive than soft glass bongs because they require more skill and precision to make. If a bong is suspiciously cheap, it might be too good to be true.
- Check the weight. Borosilicate glass bongs are usually lighter than soft glass bongs because they have thinner walls and less density. If a bong feels too heavy or bulky for its size, it might be made of soft glass.
- Check the color. Borosilicate glass bongs are usually clear or transparent, with minimal coloration or decoration. Soft glass bongs can have more vibrant colors and patterns because they are easier to mold and dye. However, some borosilicate glass bongs can also have colors or designs added by skilled artists, so this is not a definitive criterion.
- Check the joints. Borosilicate glass bongs usually have ground joints that fit snugly and smoothly with each other. Soft glass bongs might have glued joints that look sloppy and uneven.
- Check the percolators. Borosilicate glass bongs can have more complex and intricate percolators that enhance the filtration and cooling of the smoke. Soft glass bongs might have simpler or fewer percolators that do not work as well.
- Check the brand. Some reputable brands that make high-quality borosilicate glass bongs are GRAV, Smoke Cartel, and ROOR. You can trust these brands to deliver what they promise and stand behind their products.
Conclusion
Borosilicate glass is the best material for bongs because it is strong, durable, easy to clean, and safe to use. Borosilicate glass bongs can provide you with a smooth, cool, and pure smoking experience that you will enjoy for years to come. However, not all glass bongs are made of borosilicate glass, so you need to be careful and check the quality and features of your bong before buying it. We hope this blog post has helped you learn more about borosilicate glass bongs and how to tell if your glass bong is made of it or not.
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