If you are a fan of smoking herbs or tobacco with a bong, you might have wondered about the quality and safety of the glass material that your bong is made of. Not all glass bongs are created equal, and some might be more prone to cracking, breaking, or releasing harmful chemicals into your smoke. In this blog post, we will explain how to tell if your glass bong is made of high-quality borosilicate glass or cheap glass that might compromise your smoking experience and health.
What is borosilicate glass and why is it best for bongs?
Borosilicate glass is a type of glass that contains boron trioxide in addition to the usual ingredients of silica and soda. Boron trioxide makes the glass more resistant to thermal shock, meaning that it can withstand sudden changes in temperature without cracking or shattering. Borosilicate glass also has a higher melting point than regular glass, making it more durable and heat-resistant. Borosilicate glass is used for laboratory and medical equipment, nuclear waste storage, and cookware because of its strength and safety.
These properties make borosilicate glass the best choice for bongs, as they are exposed to high temperatures from the flame and cold temperatures from the water and ice. Borosilicate glass bongs are less likely to break or crack from heat stress or accidental drops, and they do not leach any toxins or chemicals into your smoke. Borosilicate glass bongs also offer a smoother and cooler smoke, as they filter out fine particles and ash from the combustion.
How to tell if your glass bong is made of borosilicate glass or cheap glass?
Unfortunately, not all glass bongs are labeled with the type of glass they are made of, so you might have to do some detective work to find out if your bong is made of borosilicate glass or cheap glass. Here are some tips to help you identify the quality of your glass bong:
- Look at the price. Borosilicate glass bongs tend to be more expensive than cheap glass bongs, as they require more skill and precision to make. If you see a very cheap glass bong, chances are it is not made of borosilicate glass.
- Look at the thickness. Borosilicate glass bongs tend to be thicker than cheap glass bongs, as they need more material to withstand high temperatures and pressures. If you see a very thin glass bong, chances are it is not made of borosilicate glass.
- Look at the color. Borosilicate glass bongs tend to be clear or transparent, as they do not contain any impurities or additives that might affect the color. Cheap glass bongs might have a greenish or bluish tint, as they contain iron or copper oxides that give them a lower quality appearance.
- Look at the joints. Borosilicate glass bongs tend to have smooth and seamless joints, as they are fused together with high heat and precision. Cheap glass bongs might have rough or uneven joints, as they are glued together with low-quality adhesives that might come off or leak.
- Look at the percolators. Borosilicate glass bongs tend to have more elaborate and intricate percolators, such as recyclers, propellers, honeycombs, etc., that enhance the filtration and diffusion of the smoke. Cheap glass bongs might have simple or no percolators, as they are harder to make and require more skill and craftsmanship.
Where to buy high-quality borosilicate glass bongs?
If you are looking for a reliable and reputable source of high-quality borosilicate glass bongs, you can check out some of these online stores that offer a wide selection of styles, sizes, colors, and perc options:
- Smoke Cartel: Smoke Cartel offers a curated selection of bongs for sale made from durable borosilicate glass and other high-quality safe materials (like silicone). They also offer the GlassGuard Guarantee that protects your piece from accidental damage.
- Zob Glass Pipes: Zob Glass Pipes offers a variety of glass bongs of different sizes, shapes, colors, and perc options. They use only the finest borosilicate glass that is the highest quality and strongest glass on the market. They also offer free shipping on orders over $100.
- Zamnesia: Zamnesia offers a range of glass bongs from classic beakers and straight tubes to more advanced recyclers and bubblers. They use only borosilicate glass that is the smart choice for glass bongs, as it is more durable, heat-resistant, and toxin-free.
Conclusion
Borosilicate glass is the best material for bongs, as it offers strength, safety, and smoothness that cheap glass cannot match. If you want to enjoy your herbs or tobacco with a bong, make sure you invest in a high-quality borosilicate glass bong that will last you for years and give you the best smoking experience possible. You can find some of the best borosilicate glass bongs online at Smoke Cartel, Zob Glass Pipes, or Zamnesia.
