A glass bong is a popular device for smoking herb or tobacco, but not all glass bongs are created equal. Some glass bongs are made with high-quality borosilicate glass, while others are made with low-quality Chinese glass. Some glass bongs have thick walls and sturdy bases, while others have thin walls and wobbly bases. Some glass bongs have smooth joints and percolators, while others have rough joints and no percolators. How can you tell the difference between a high-quality and a low-quality glass bong by looking at it? Here are some tips to help you out.
Look at the material of the glass
The material of the glass is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a glass bong. The higher quality of glass, the stronger and more heat-resistant the glass will be. The best material for glass bongs is borosilicate glass, also known as German schott or schott duran. This is the same material used to make lab equipment, so you can trust its durability and clarity. Borosilicate glass can withstand high temperatures and thermal shocks without cracking or breaking. It also has a low coefficient of expansion, which means it won’t deform or warp over time.
On the other hand, low-quality glass bongs are usually made with Chinese glass, which is cheaper and weaker than borosilicate glass. Chinese glass has a high coefficient of expansion, which means it can easily crack or shatter when exposed to heat or cold. It also has a lower melting point, which means it can deform or warp over time. Chinese glass also tends to have impurities and bubbles in it, which can affect its clarity and strength.
How can you tell if a glass bong is made with borosilicate glass or Chinese glass? One way is to look at the price tag. Borosilicate glass bongs are more expensive than Chinese glass bongs, because they require more skill and precision to make. Another way is to look at the brand name. Most brand name pieces, and those made in the USA, will be made of high-quality borosilicate glass, while certain tubes at your local head shop are most likely made of low-quality Chinese glass. You can also look for the “Diamond” logo on some pieces, which indicates that they are made by Diamond Glass, one of the best bong brands in the world.
Look at the thickness of the glass
The thickness of the glass affects the weight and durability of a piece. Glass thickness is measured in millimeters, usually ranging from 3mm to 9mm, with 9mm being the thickest. Thicker glass means a more durable, heavier piece. The heaviness of the glass is more of a personal preference, but heavier pieces do have a sense of quality to them.
Thinner glass means a less durable, lighter piece. Thinner pieces are more prone to breaking or shattering, especially if they are dropped or knocked over. Thinner pieces also tend to have less stability and balance on their bases.
How can you tell if a glass bong has thick or thin walls? One way is to hold it in your hands and feel its weight. Another way is to tap it gently with your finger and listen to its sound. Thicker pieces will sound more solid and resonant, while thinner pieces will sound more hollow and tinny.
Look at the joints and percolators
The joints and percolators are the parts of the glass bong that connect the different sections and filter the smoke. The joints are where the bowl, downstem, body, and mouthpiece attach to each other. The percolators are the chambers inside the body that diffuse the smoke through water or air.
High-quality joints and percolators are smooth, clean, and well-welded. They fit snugly and securely without any gaps or leaks. They also have precise angles and sizes that match the rest of the piece.
Low-quality joints and percolators are rough, dirty, and poorly-welded. They fit loosely or tightly with gaps or leaks. They also have inconsistent angles and sizes that don’t match the rest of the piece.
How can you tell if a glass bong has high-quality or low-quality joints and percolators? One way is to look at them closely and inspect their details. Another way is to test them by filling the piece with water and blowing through it. High-quality joints and percolators will produce smooth, even, and bubbly airflow, while low-quality joints and percolators will produce choppy, uneven, and noisy airflow.
Conclusion
A glass bong is a great way to enjoy your herb or tobacco, but you need to make sure you buy a high-quality piece that will last you a long time and give you a satisfying smoking experience. By looking at the material, thickness, joints, and percolators of a glass bong, you can tell if it is high-quality or low-quality by looking at it. Here are some of the best bong brands that you can trust for high-quality glass bongs:
Happy smoking!
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