If you are a fan of smoking herb or tobacco, you might be interested in investing in a glass bong. Glass bongs are one of the most popular and efficient ways of consuming your favorite plant material, as they offer a smooth, pure, and flavorful experience. However, not all glass bongs are created equal. Some are made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, while others are cheap and low-quality. How can you tell the difference by just looking at them? Here are some tips to help you find the best glass bong for your needs.
Check the Material
The first thing you should look at when buying a glass bong is the material it is made of. Glass bongs are usually made with borosilicate glass, which is a type of scientific-grade glass that is resistant to heat and thermal shock. Borosilicate glass is also clear and does not affect the taste or quality of the smoke. However, some glass bongs are made with regular glass, which is cheaper but more prone to breaking, cracking, or chipping. Regular glass can also leach chemicals or impurities into the smoke, affecting its flavor and safety.
How can you tell if a glass bong is made with borosilicate glass or regular glass? One way is to look at the price. Borosilicate glass bongs tend to be more expensive than regular glass bongs, as they require more skill and precision to make. Another way is to look at the thickness and weight of the glass. Borosilicate glass bongs tend to be thicker and heavier than regular glass bongs, as they need more material to withstand high temperatures and pressures. A thin and light glass bong might be a sign of low-quality glass that will break easily.
Check the Design
The next thing you should look at when buying a glass bong is the design. Glass bongs come in various shapes and sizes, from simple straight tubes to complex percolator or recycler pipes. The design of a glass bong affects its functionality, performance, and aesthetics. Some designs are better suited for certain purposes than others.
For example, if you want a glass bong that delivers smooth and cool hits, you might want to look for one that has a percolator or a diffuser. These are devices that create bubbles or turbulence in the water chamber, filtering and cooling the smoke before it reaches your mouth. Percolators and diffusers come in different styles, such as showerhead, honeycomb, tree, inline, matrix, etc. The more percolators or diffusers a glass bong has, the smoother and cooler the hits will be.
However, if you want a glass bong that delivers strong and potent hits, you might want to look for one that has a simple design with minimal filtration. Too much filtration can reduce the potency and flavor of the smoke, as some of the active compounds or terpenes might get trapped in the water or the percolators. A simple straight tube or beaker bong with a single downstem might be ideal for this purpose.
Another aspect of design that you should look at is the shape and size of the bowl and stem. These are the parts that hold and deliver the smoke from the herb or tobacco to the water chamber. The shape and size of these parts affect the airflow and draw resistance of the glass bong. Ideally, you want a bowl and stem that are large enough to hold enough herb or tobacco for your desired dose, but not too large that they create too much drag or waste your material. You also want a bowl and stem that are easy to clean and maintain.
Check the Craftsmanship
The last thing you should look at when buying a glass bong is the craftsmanship. This refers to how well the glass bong is made and how durable it is. A high-quality glass bong should have no visible flaws, such as cracks, bubbles, scratches, or uneven joints. The joints are where different parts of the glass bong are connected together, such as the bowl and stem to the body or the percolators to the water chamber. The joints should be smooth and seamless, with no gaps or leaks.
A low-quality glass bong might have visible flaws that compromise its integrity and performance. For example, cracks or bubbles in the glass can weaken its structure and make it more likely to break or shatter. Scratches or uneven joints can affect its appearance and functionality. Gaps or leaks in the joints can cause water or smoke to escape, reducing the efficiency and quality of the glass bong.
How can you tell if a glass bong has good craftsmanship or not? One way is to look at the brand or the manufacturer. Some brands are known for producing high-quality glass bongs with impeccable craftsmanship, such as Diamond Glass, Maverick Glass, Bougie Glass, or Empire Glassworks. These brands use American-made glass and glassblowers to create exquisite and innovative glass bongs that are both beautiful and functional. Another way is to look at the reviews or feedback from other customers. You can read online reviews or ask for recommendations from your friends or fellow smokers who have tried different glass bongs.
Conclusion
Glass bongs are one of the best ways to enjoy your herb or tobacco, as they offer a smooth, pure, and flavorful experience. However, not all glass bongs are the same. Some are made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, while others are cheap and low-quality. To find the best glass bong for your needs, you should look at the material, design, and craftsmanship of the glass bong. By following these tips, you can tell if a glass bong is high-quality or low-quality by looking at it.
