If you are a herb or tobacco enthusiast, you might have heard of bongs or water pipes. These are devices that filter and cool the smoke from your material, providing a smoother and more enjoyable experience. Bongs come in different shapes, sizes, and materials, but one of the most popular and common types is the glass bong.
However, not all glass bongs are created equal. Some are made of high-quality borosilicate glass, while others are made of cheap glass that might break easily or leach toxins into your smoke. How can you tell the difference? And why does it matter? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and help you choose the best glass bong for your needs.
What is borosilicate glass?
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 it can withstand sudden changes in temperature without cracking or shattering. Borosilicate glass is also more durable, harder, and less porous than regular glass, making it less likely to scratch, chip, or absorb odors and flavors.
Borosilicate glass is widely used in scientific and laboratory equipment, such as test tubes, beakers, flasks, and measuring cups. It is also used in cookware, bakeware, and kitchenware, such as Pyrex and Corningware. And of course, it is used in bongs and water pipes for herb or tobacco consumption.
Why is borosilicate glass best for bongs?
There are numerous good reasons to make bongs from borosilicate glass rather than the “regular” glass or soft glass. Most importantly, borosilicate glass bongs are stronger and more long-lasting than ordinary glass bongs. If you are using your bong a lot, it’s good to know that your bong can easily last for a lot of years.
Another reason is that borosilicate glass bongs are safer and healthier than cheap glass bongs. Cheap glass bongs might contain impurities or additives that can leach into your smoke and harm your health. For example, some cheap glass bongs might contain lead or cadmium, which are toxic metals that can cause serious health problems. Borosilicate glass bongs do not contain any harmful substances and are inert and non-reactive.
A third reason is that borosilicate glass bongs offer a better smoking experience than cheap glass bongs. Borosilicate glass bongs do not alter the taste or aroma of your herb or tobacco, unlike cheap glass bongs that might impart unpleasant flavors or smells. Borosilicate glass bongs also retain heat better than cheap glass bongs, which means they keep your smoke cooler and smoother for longer.
How to tell if your glass bong is made of borosilicate glass?
Now that you know why borosilicate glass is the best material for bongs, you might wonder how to tell if your glass bong is made of borosilicate glass or not. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to tell by just looking at it. However, there are some clues that can help you identify a borosilicate glass bong from a cheap glass bong.
- Price: One of the most obvious clues is the price tag. Borosilicate glass bongs tend to be more expensive than cheap glass bongs because they require more skill and precision to make. If you see a very cheap glass bong that claims to be made of borosilicate glass, be wary. It might be a scam or a low-quality product.
- Brand: Another clue is the brand name. Some reputable brands that make high-quality borosilicate glass bongs include GRAV, ROOR, Illadelph, Grav Labs, Empire Glassworks, and EHLE. These brands have a reputation for making high-quality products and have a loyal customer base. If you buy a glass bong from one of these brands, you can be confident that it is made of borosilicate glass.
- Thickness: A third clue is the thickness of the glass. Borosilicate glass bongs tend to be thicker and heavier than cheap glass bongs because they need more material to withstand thermal shock and stress. A thin and light glass bong might be a sign of cheap glass that is prone to breaking or cracking.
- Sound: A fourth clue is the sound of the glass. Borosilicate glass bongs tend to make a higher-pitched and clearer sound when tapped or knocked than cheap glass bongs. Cheap glass bongs tend to make a lower-pitched and duller sound when tapped or knocked. This is because borosilicate glass has a higher density and elasticity than cheap glass.
Conclusion
Borosilicate glass is the best material for bongs because it is strong, durable, safe, and offers a great smoking experience. However, not all glass bongs are made of borosilicate glass, and some might be made of cheap glass that can break easily or leach toxins into your smoke. To tell if your glass bong is made of borosilicate glass or not, you can look at the price, the brand, the thickness, and the sound of the glass. If you are looking for a high-quality borosilicate glass bong, you can check out some of the best options at Smoke Cartel, where you can find a wide range of bongs for sale made from durable borosilicate glass and other high-quality, safe materials.
