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 substances 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. This 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 commonly used for laboratory and medical equipment, nuclear waste storage, and cookware.
These properties make borosilicate glass the best choice for bongs, as they are exposed to high temperatures from the flame and cold water in the chamber. Borosilicate glass bongs are less likely to break or crack from accidental drops or bumps, and they can last for years with proper care and cleaning. Borosilicate glass bongs also offer a smoother and cooler smoke, as they filter out fine particles and toxins from the combustion. Moreover, borosilicate glass bongs are easy to clean, as they do not absorb odors or stains from the smoke.
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, and some sellers might try to pass off cheap glass as borosilicate glass to charge higher prices. However, there are some ways to tell if your glass bong is made of borosilicate glass or cheap glass by looking at some features and performing some tests.
- Thickness: Borosilicate glass bongs tend to be thicker and heavier than cheap glass bongs, as they require more material to withstand high temperatures and pressures. Cheap glass bongs might be thinner and lighter, but also more fragile and prone to breaking.
- Clarity: Borosilicate glass bongs tend to be clearer and more transparent than cheap glass bongs, as they have fewer impurities and bubbles in the material. Cheap glass bongs might have a cloudy or tinted appearance, or show signs of scratches or cracks.
- Sound: Borosilicate glass bongs tend to produce a higher-pitched and sharper sound when tapped or knocked than cheap glass bongs, as they have a higher density and hardness. Cheap glass bongs might produce a lower-pitched and duller sound when tapped or knocked, as they have a lower density and hardness.
- Heat test: Borosilicate glass bongs can withstand high temperatures without cracking or shattering, while cheap glass bongs might crack or shatter when exposed to high temperatures. To perform this test, you will need a torch lighter and a bowl of cold water. First, heat up the bowl of your bong with the torch lighter for about 10 seconds, then quickly submerge it in the cold water. If your bong is made of borosilicate glass, it should not show any signs of damage. If your bong is made of cheap glass, it might crack or shatter from the thermal shock.
Where to buy high-quality borosilicate glass bongs?
If you are looking for high-quality borosilicate glass bongs, you should buy from reputable and trustworthy sellers who can guarantee the authenticity and durability of their products. You should also look for brands that use only the finest borosilicate glass for their bongs, such as Zob Glass Pipes https://zobglasspipes.com/collections/bongs or Smoke Cartel https://www.smokecartel.com/collections/bongs-and-water-pipes. These brands offer a variety of styles, sizes, colors, and percolator options for their borosilicate glass bongs, as well as accessories and attachments to enhance your smoking experience. You can also find customer reviews and ratings to help you choose the best bong for your needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Borosilicate glass is the best material for bongs, as it offers strength, durability, heat-resistance, and smoothness. Borosilicate glass bongs can last for a long time and provide a safe and enjoyable smoking experience. However, not all glass bongs are made of borosilicate glass, and some might be made of cheap glass that might break easily or leach toxins. To tell if your glass bong is made of borosilicate glass or cheap glass, you can look at the thickness, clarity, sound, and heat test of your bong. You can also buy from reputable and trustworthy sellers who can guarantee the quality and authenticity of their borosilicate glass bongs.
