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 gives borosilicate glass some unique properties that make it ideal for bongs and other smoking devices. These properties include:
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High thermal resistance:
Borosilicate glass can withstand high temperatures and rapid changes in temperature without cracking or shattering. This is important for bongs because they are exposed to heat from the lighter and cold from the water or ice. Borosilicate glass can also handle repeated heating and cooling cycles without losing its strength or shape. -
High chemical resistance:
Borosilicate glass is resistant to corrosion and does not react with water, acids, bases, or organic solvents. This means that it does not leach any toxins or impurities into your smoke, unlike some cheap glass that might contain lead, cadmium, or other harmful metals. Borosilicate glass also does not absorb odors or flavors from your herbs or tobacco, so you can enjoy a pure and clean smoke every time. -
High durability:
Borosilicate glass is stronger and more long-lasting than ordinary glass or soft glass. It can withstand impacts, scratches, and drops better than other types of glass. It is also easier to clean and maintain, as it does not stain or accumulate residue as easily as other materials.
Because of these advantages, borosilicate glass is widely used for scientific and medical equipment, such as test tubes, beakers, flasks, and syringes. It is also used for nuclear waste storage, as it can contain radioactive materials safely. And of course, it is the preferred material for high-quality glass bongs and other smoking accessories.
How to tell if your glass bong is made of borosilicate glass?
Unfortunately, not all glass bongs are labeled with the type of glass they are made of. Some sellers might claim that their bongs are made of borosilicate glass when they are actually made of cheaper and inferior materials. So how can you tell if your glass bong is really made of borosilicate glass? Here are some tips:
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Look at the price:
Borosilicate glass is more expensive than regular glass or soft glass, because it requires more skill and precision to produce. Therefore, if you see a very cheap glass bong that claims to be made of borosilicate glass, you should be suspicious. A high-quality borosilicate glass bong will usually cost more than $100, depending on the size, shape, color, and perc options. -
Look at the thickness:
Borosilicate glass is thicker and heavier than regular glass or soft glass, because it has a higher density and a lower coefficient of expansion. This means that it does not expand or contract as much as other types of glass when exposed to heat or cold. A thin and light glass bong might be more likely to crack or break under stress. A thick and heavy glass bong will be more stable and durable. -
Look at the clarity:
Borosilicate glass is clearer and more transparent than regular glass or soft glass, because it has a lower refractive index and a higher transmittance. This means that it bends light less and allows more light to pass through. A clear and transparent glass bong will let you see the smoke and water inside better than a cloudy or opaque one. -
Look at the joints:
Borosilicate glass has a higher melting point than regular glass or soft glass, which means that it requires more heat and skill to join pieces together. Therefore, a borosilicate glass bong will have smoother and cleaner joints than a cheap glass bong that might have rough or uneven joints. A smooth and clean joint will also ensure a better seal and airflow for your bong. -
Look at the brand:
Finally, one of the best ways to tell if your glass bong is made of borosilicate glass is to look at the brand name and reputation of the manufacturer. There are many reputable and trustworthy brands that specialize in making high-quality borosilicate glass bongs, such as Zob Glass Pipes, Smoke Cartel, and Zamnesia. These brands have been in the industry for a long time and have earned the trust and loyalty of many customers. They also offer warranties, guarantees, and customer service for their products. You can check out their websites or online reviews to learn more about their products and services.
Conclusion
Borosilicate glass is the best material for glass bongs, because it offers high thermal resistance, high chemical resistance, and high durability. It also provides a clear and smooth smoking experience that is unmatched by other materials. 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, you should look at the price, thickness, clarity, joints, and brand of the bong. By following these tips, you can ensure that you are buying a high-quality borosilicate glass bong that will last for years and give you the best smoking experience possible.
