Glass bongs are popular devices for smoking herb or tobacco, but not all of them are created equal. Some unscrupulous sellers may try to pass off fake or counterfeit bongs as authentic ones, hoping to fool unsuspecting buyers and make a quick profit. Fake bongs can be dangerous, as they may contain harmful chemicals, break easily, or malfunction during use. They can also damage the reputation of the original brands and artists who create high-quality glass bongs.
So how can you tell if a glass bong is authentic or counterfeit? Here are some tips and tricks to help you spot the difference and avoid getting ripped off.
Check the quality of the glass
Authentic glass bongs are made with high-quality borosilicate glass that is thick, durable, and heat-resistant. Counterfeit glass bongs are often made with low-quality glass that is thin, brittle, and prone to cracking or breaking. You can test the quality of the glass by tapping it lightly with your finger or a metal object. It should produce a clear and resonant sound, not a dull or hollow one. You can also look for bubbles, scratches, or unevenness in the glass, which are signs of poor craftsmanship.
Check the logo and signature
Most authentic glass bongs have a logo and signature of the brand or artist who made them. These are usually printed or engraved on the glass, and they should be clear and consistent. Counterfeit glass bongs may have no logo or signature at all, or they may have a distorted, faded, or misspelled one. For example, one of the most famous brands of glass bongs is RooR®, which has a stylized logo with the last R facing backwards and a registered trademark symbol (®). Fake RooR bongs may have both R’s flipped, no trademark symbol, or extra words added to the logo.
Some brands also use authentication seals or codes to verify their products. For example, since 2018, RooR® has been adding a unique bubble tag with an alphanumeric ID and QR code on each of its pipes. You can enter the ID on RooR’s website to check if your bong is real or not. Other brands may have similar systems to protect their customers from counterfeits.
Check the features and markings
Authentic glass bongs have certain features and markings that distinguish them from counterfeit ones. These may vary depending on the brand, model, and style of the bong, but some common ones are:
- The joint: This is where the bowl or stem connects to the body of the bong. Authentic glass bongs have glass-on-glass joints that fit snugly and smoothly. Counterfeit glass bongs may have rubber grommet joints that are loose and leaky.
- The ice catcher: This is a feature that allows you to put ice cubes in the neck of the bong to cool down the smoke. Authentic glass bongs have ice catchers that are located near the top of the neck and have three pinches (notches) to hold the ice. Counterfeit glass bongs may have ice catchers that are in the middle of the neck or have more or less than three pinches.
- The percolator: This is a feature that filters and diffuses the smoke through water to make it smoother and cleaner. Authentic glass bongs may have different types of percolators, such as tree, honeycomb, showerhead, etc., but they should be well-made and functional. Counterfeit glass bongs may have poorly designed or non-working percolators that do nothing but add drag and noise.
Check the price and source
Authentic glass bongs are not cheap. They are made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, and they reflect the reputation and creativity of their makers. Depending on the size, design, and complexity of the bong, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $1000 or more for an authentic one. Counterfeit glass bongs are much cheaper, but they also come with lower quality and higher risks.
If you see a glass bong that is priced too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of online sellers who offer huge discounts or free shipping on expensive bongs without any proof of authenticity. Also be careful of local smoke shops or convenience stores that sell counterfeit bongs in violation of trademark laws. Always do your research and compare prices and reviews before buying a glass bong online or offline.
Conclusion
Glass bongs are great devices for smoking herb or tobacco, but they can also be targets for counterfeiters who want to make a quick buck. To avoid getting scammed or harmed by fake bongs, you need to know how to find out if a glass bong is authentic or counterfeit by checking its features and markings. By following the tips and tricks in this blog post, you can spot the difference and enjoy your smoking experience with confidence.
For more information on glass bongs and other smoking accessories, visit One Sixty Glass, your online source for high-quality glass products.
