If you are a fan of smoking herbs or tobacco with a glass bong, you might have wondered how to tell the difference between a high-quality borosilicate glass bong and a cheap glass bong. After all, not all glass bongs are created equal, and you don’t want to waste your money on a low-quality piece that will break easily or ruin your smoking experience. In this blog post, we will explain what borosilicate glass is, why it is the best material for bongs, and how to spot a borosilicate glass bong from a cheap glass bong.
What is borosilicate glass?
Borosilicate glass is a type of glass that contains boron trioxide, which makes it more resistant to thermal shock, high temperatures, and corrosion than regular glass. Borosilicate glass is also stronger and more durable than regular glass, which means it can withstand more pressure and impact without cracking or breaking. Borosilicate glass is commonly used in laboratory and medical equipment, such as test tubes, beakers, and syringes, because of its high quality and safety. It is also used for nuclear waste storage, because it can handle extreme heat and radiation.
Why is borosilicate glass the best material for bongs?
There are many reasons why borosilicate glass is the best material for bongs, but here are some of the most important ones:
- It can handle high temperatures without cracking. When you light up your herb or tobacco in a glass bong, you are exposing the glass to high heat. If the glass is not borosilicate, it might crack or shatter from the thermal shock. This can ruin your smoking session and even injure you with sharp shards of glass. Borosilicate glass, on the other hand, can withstand temperatures up to 515 degrees Fahrenheit without cracking or breaking.
- It is more durable and long-lasting than regular glass. Glass bongs are not cheap, so you want them to last for a long time. However, regular glass bongs are prone to breaking from accidental drops, bumps, or knocks. Borosilicate glass bongs are much stronger and more resistant to impact than regular glass bongs. They can survive minor accidents and mishaps without breaking or chipping. Borosilicate glass bongs can easily last for years if you take good care of them.
- It is easier to clean and maintain than regular glass. One of the drawbacks of smoking with a glass bong is that it can get dirty and clogged with resin and tar over time. This can affect the taste and quality of your smoke, as well as the appearance and hygiene of your bong. Regular glass bongs are harder to clean than borosilicate glass bongs because they have a rougher and more porous surface that traps dirt and residue. Borosilicate glass bongs have a smoother and more unpenetrable surface that makes cleaning easier and faster. You can simply rinse them with hot water or use some alcohol and salt to remove any stubborn stains.
- It preserves the flavor and purity of your smoke. Another benefit of smoking with a borosilicate glass bong is that it does not alter the flavor or quality of your smoke. Regular glass bongs might leach chemicals or impurities into your smoke, especially when exposed to high heat. This can affect the taste and potency of your herb or tobacco, as well as your health. Borosilicate glass bongs are inert and non-reactive, which means they do not release any harmful substances into your smoke. They also have a high resistance to corrosion, which ensures that your bong remains crystal clear and shiny like new.
How to spot a borosilicate glass bong from a cheap glass bong?
Now that you know why borosilicate glass is the best material for bongs, you might be wondering how to tell if a glass bong is made of borosilicate or not. Here are some tips to help you spot a borosilicate glass bong from a cheap glass bong:
- Check the price. One of the easiest ways to tell if a glass bong is made of borosilicate or not is to check the price tag. Borosilicate glass bongs are usually more expensive than regular glass bongs because they require more skill and craftsmanship to produce. They also use higher quality and more durable glass that can last longer and perform better. If a glass bong is too cheap to be true, it is probably not made of borosilicate glass.
- Check the weight. Another way to tell if a glass bong is made of borosilicate or not is to check the weight. Borosilicate glass bongs are usually heavier than regular glass bongs because they have a higher density and thickness. They also have more solid and sturdy bases and joints that add to their weight. If a glass bong feels too light or flimsy, it is probably not made of borosilicate glass.
- Check the clarity. A third way to tell if a glass bong is made of borosilicate or not is to check the clarity. Borosilicate glass bongs are usually clearer and more transparent than regular glass bongs because they have a higher purity and quality. They also have less bubbles, scratches, or imperfections that can affect their appearance and function. If a glass bong looks cloudy, dull, or dirty, it is probably not made of borosilicate glass.
- Check the brand. A final way to tell if a glass bong is made of borosilicate or not is to check the brand. There are many reputable and reliable brands that specialize in making high-quality borosilicate glass bongs, such as Zob Glass Pipes, Smoke Cartel, and Bern Gallery. These brands have a reputation for producing some of the best glass bongs on the market, and they usually have their logos or signatures on their products. If a glass bong has no brand name or logo, or if it has a suspicious or unknown brand name, it is probably not made of borosilicate glass.
Conclusion
Borosilicate glass is the best material for bongs because it can handle high temperatures without cracking, it is more durable and long-lasting than regular glass, it is easier to clean and maintain than regular glass, and it preserves the flavor and purity of your smoke. To spot a borosilicate glass bong from a cheap glass bong, you can check the price, the weight, the clarity, and the brand of the bong. By choosing a borosilicate glass bong, you can enjoy a smooth and satisfying smoking experience for years to come.
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