If you are a fan of smoking herbs or tobacco, you might have considered buying a glass bong to enhance your experience. Glass bongs are popular because they offer a smooth and cool smoke, a variety of designs and styles, and a sense of quality and durability. However, not all glass bongs are created equal. Some are made with high-quality borosilicate glass, while others are made with low-quality Chinese glass. Some are crafted by skilled glass blowers, while others are mass-produced by machines. Some are thick and sturdy, while others are thin and fragile. 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.
Check the glass quality
Glass quality is important in terms of clarity and strength. The higher quality of glass, the stronger and more pristine the glass will be. Glass quality is determined by the material of glass, and the skill level of the glass blower. Most brand name pieces, and those made in the USA, will be made of high quality borosilicate glass (the material to make lab equipment, also called “German schott” or “schott duran); while certain tubes at your local head shop are most likely made of low quality Chinese- glass. The higher quality glass will be much more durable than the lower. The skill level of the blower can be determined by simply looking at the piece-clean joint welds are signs of talented glass blowers.
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How can you tell the glass quality by looking at it? Here are some clues:
- Look for bubbles or cracks in the glass. These are signs of poor quality glass that can weaken the structure and break easily.
- Look for scratches or stains on the surface. These are signs of poor quality glass that can affect the appearance and cleanliness of the bong.
- Look for color fading or chipping. These are signs of poor quality glass that can lose its appeal and value over time.
- Look for clear and smooth edges and joints. These are signs of high quality glass that can ensure a tight seal and a smooth airflow.
- Look for logos or signatures on the glass. These are signs of high quality glass that can indicate the brand name or the artist behind the piece.
Check the glass thickness
Glass thickness affects the weight and durability of a piece. Glass thickness is counted in millimeters, usually ranging from 3mm to 9mm, with 9mm being the thicker of the two. 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.
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How can you tell the glass thickness by looking at it? Here are some clues:
- Look for measurements or labels on the bong. Some bongs will have their thickness indicated on their packaging or on their base.
- Look for reinforcements or supports on the bong. Some bongs will have extra layers of glass or metal rings to strengthen their structure.
- Look for variations or inconsistencies in the thickness. Some bongs will have thinner or thicker parts depending on their shape or design.
- Look for light transmission or reflection on the glass. Thicker glass will transmit less light and reflect more light than thinner glass.
- Feel the weight and balance of the bong. Thicker glass will feel heavier and more stable than thinner glass.
Check the bong design
Bong design affects the aesthetics and functionality of a piece. Bong design includes the shape, size, style, color, and features of a bong. Bong design is largely a matter of personal preference, but some designs can offer more advantages than others.
How can you tell if a bong design is high-quality or low-quality by looking at it? Here are some clues:
- Look for complexity or simplicity in the design. Complex designs can offer more filtration, cooling, diffusion, and customization options, but they can also be more expensive, fragile, and hard to clean. Simple designs can offer more affordability, durability, and ease of use, but they can also be more boring, harsh, and limited in performance.
- Look for creativity or originality in the design. Creative designs can offer more visual appeal, uniqueness, and personality to your bong, but they can also be more rare, expensive, and hard to find. Original designs can also indicate the skill and reputation of the glass blower or the brand. Generic designs can offer more availability, affordability, and compatibility to your bong, but they can also be more common, dull, and impersonal.
- Look for features or accessories in the design. Features and accessories can include percolators, ice catchers, splash guards, ash catchers, carb holes, bowls, stems, and more. These can enhance the performance, convenience, and versatility of your bong, but they can also add to the cost, complexity, and maintenance of your bong.
Conclusion
Glass bongs are great for smoking herbs or tobacco, but not all glass bongs are equal in quality. By looking at the glass quality, glass thickness, and bong design, you can tell if a glass bong is high-quality or low-quality. A high-quality glass bong will be made of borosilicate glass, thick and sturdy, clear and smooth, complex and creative, and feature-rich and functional. A low-quality glass bong will be made of Chinese glass, thin and fragile, bubbly and scratched, simple and generic, and feature-poor and basic. Of course, these are not absolute rules, and there are exceptions and variations in every case. Ultimately, the best way to tell if a glass bong is high-quality or low-quality is to try it out yourself and see how it works for you.
References
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Glass Thickness And Quality | Smoke Cartel
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The 20 Best Bong Brands for 2023 – Badass Glass
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Best Glass Bongs | 2023 Guide | American Marijuana
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Glass Bongs – Headshop.com
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