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 makes the glass more resistant to thermal shock, meaning that it can withstand sudden changes in temperature without cracking or shattering. Borosilicate glass also has a higher melting point than regular glass, making it more durable and heat-resistant. Borosilicate glass is used for laboratory and medical equipment, nuclear waste storage, and cookware because of its strength and safety.
These properties make borosilicate glass the best choice for bongs, as they are exposed to high temperatures from the flame and cold temperatures from the water and ice. Borosilicate glass bongs are less likely to break from accidental drops or bumps, and they can last for years with proper care. Borosilicate glass bongs also do not leach any toxins or chemicals into your smoke, unlike some cheap glass bongs that might contain lead, cadmium, or other harmful substances.
How to tell if your glass bong is made of borosilicate glass or cheap glass?
Unfortunately, not all bong sellers are honest about the quality of their products, and some might claim that their bongs are made of borosilicate glass when they are actually made of cheap glass. Here are some tips on how to tell the difference between borosilicate glass bongs and cheap glass bongs:
- Price: Borosilicate glass bongs are usually more expensive than cheap glass bongs, as they require more skill and materials to produce. If you see a bong that is very cheap, it is probably not made of borosilicate glass.
- Weight: Borosilicate glass bongs are usually heavier than cheap glass bongs, as they have thicker walls and bases to withstand heat and pressure. If you feel a bong that is very light, it is probably not made of borosilicate glass.
- Sound: Borosilicate glass bongs produce a clear and crisp sound when tapped or clinked, while cheap glass bongs produce a dull and muffled sound. If you hear a bong that sounds low-quality, it is probably not made of borosilicate glass.
- Transparency: Borosilicate glass bongs are usually more transparent than cheap glass bongs, as they have fewer impurities and bubbles in the material. If you see a bong that is cloudy or murky, it is probably not made of borosilicate glass.
- Brand: Borosilicate glass bongs are usually made by reputable and well-known brands that have a history and reputation for quality and safety. Some examples of these brands are Zob Glass Pipes https://zobglasspipes.com/collections/bongs and Smoke Cartel https://www.smokecartel.com/collections/bongs-and-water-pipes. If you see a bong that has no brand name or logo, or a brand name that you have never heard of, it is probably not made of borosilicate glass.
Conclusion
Borosilicate glass is the best material for bongs, as it offers durability, heat-resistance, safety, and purity for your smoking experience. 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 into your smoke. To avoid buying a low-quality or dangerous bong, you should look for the signs of borosilicate glass such as price, weight, sound, transparency, and brand name. By doing so, you can ensure that you get a high-quality borosilicate glass bong that will last for a long time and give you the best possible smoking experience.
