If you are a fan of glass bongs, you may have heard of RooR, a German brand of high-quality water pipes and hookahs that has gained a loyal following around the world. RooR is known for its innovative designs, impeccable craftsmanship and smooth smoking experience. However, with the popularity of RooR comes the problem of counterfeits. Many knockoff RooRs are sold online or in local smoke shops for a fraction of the cost of the real ones, but they are made of inferior materials, have poor functionality and may even pose health risks.
So how can you tell if the glass bong you own or want to buy is a genuine RooR or a fake one? Here are some tips to help you spot the difference and avoid getting ripped off.
Check the authentication seal
In early 2018, RooR started adding an authentication seal on each of its pipes to combat the counterfeit market. The seal is a unique, tamper-proof bubble tag with an alphanumeric ID and a QR code. To verify if your RooR is real, simply enter your tag’s 14-character ID on
RooR’s authentication page
. If your pipe does not have a seal, it may be an older model or a fake one.
Tip: How to determine if your RooR was made in Germany or USA? This only works if you have an authentication tag. Check the front of your tag where the logo is displayed. Next, locate where it says “.com or .de”. USA-made pieces will have a “ROOR.com” domain suffix, whereas German-made bongs will say “ROOR.de”.
Check the signature
Almost every RooR bong should have a signature on it. If it doesn’t, that should be your first clue that it is not real. The signature is not actually signed by the blower or artist, but it is an indicator of the specs for each pipe that is made during production. The side on which the signature is displayed doesn’t matter, but the location does. The signature should not be hugging the joint or located above the neck of the bong. Also, pay attention to the dots. There should only be two dots on the signature. If there are more or less than that, then it is probably a fake.
Check the logo
The logo is another important feature to look at. Make sure to spot the registered trademark (®) symbol on the logo. Also, just because the logo is a certain color or design doesn’t make it fake. However, be sure that the decal is not reversed, doesn’t have both R’s flipped or has any funky added words to the logo. The position of the logo also matters. It should not go past the ice catchers or cover up a perc. If any of these rules are broken, it’s a fake RooR.
Check the ice catcher
The ice catcher is the part of the bong that has three pinches (notches) to hold ice cubes for cooling down the smoke. Real RooRs have only three ice pinches. If you see a bong that has more or less than three ice pinches, run away and never look back! Also, the ice catcher should not be in the middle of the pipe’s neck. It should be closer to the mouthpiece than to the base.
Check the joint
The joint is where you insert your bowl or downstem into your bong. Real RooRs use glass-on-glass joints, which means they are made of glass and fit snugly together without any rubber grommets or O-rings. Rubber grommets are used in cheap bongs to seal the joint and prevent leakage, but they also affect the taste and quality of your smoke. If you see a bong with a rubber grommet joint, it’s definitely not a real RooR.
Check for percs
Percs are short for percolators, which are devices inside your bong that filter and diffuse your smoke for smoother hits. Real RooRs have different types of percs, such as tree percs, honeycomb percs or showerhead percs. However, if you see a bong with percs that does not have a splash guard (a dome-shaped piece above the perc to prevent water from splashing into your mouth), then it is a fake. Also, be wary of bongs with multiple percs that look too good to be true. They may be poorly made and prone to breaking or clogging.
Check the price
Finally, one of the easiest ways to tell if a glass bong is authentic or counterfeit is to check the price. Real RooRs are not cheap. They are high-end products that reflect the quality and reputation of the brand. Depending on the size, model and features, a real RooR can cost anywhere from $200 to $1000 or more. If you see a bong that looks like a RooR but is sold for much less, chances are it’s a fake. Don’t be fooled by low prices that seem too good to be true. You get what you pay for.
Conclusion
RooR is one of the most respected and trusted brands of glass bongs in the world, but it also attracts many imitators and counterfeiters who want to cash in on its popularity. To avoid buying a fake RooR, you need to check its features and markings carefully and compare them with the official standards of the company. You can also buy from authorized dealers or directly from RooR’s website to ensure you get an authentic product. By following these tips, you can enjoy your herb or tobacco with a genuine RooR bong that will last you for years and give you the best smoking experience possible.
