If you are a fan of smoking herbs or tobacco with a glass bong, you might have wondered what kind of glass is used to make your bong. Not all glass bongs are created equal, and some are made of better quality glass than others. In this blog post, we will explain what borosilicate glass is, why it is the best material for bongs, and how to tell if your glass bong is made of high-quality borosilicate glass or cheap glass.
What is borosilicate glass?
Borosilicate glass is a type of glass that contains boron trioxide, which makes it more resistant to thermal shock, high temperatures, and chemical corrosion than regular glass. Borosilicate glass is also stronger and more durable than soft glass, which is another type of glass that is often used to make bongs.
Borosilicate glass has many applications in scientific and medical settings, such as laboratory equipment, nuclear waste storage, and medical implants. It is also the preferred material for high-end cookware, such as Pyrex and Corningware. And of course, it is the ideal material for making glass bongs.
Why is borosilicate glass best for bongs?
There are many reasons why borosilicate glass bongs are superior to soft glass bongs or other types of water pipes. Here are some of the main advantages of borosilicate glass bongs:
- They can handle high temperatures without cracking. Borosilicate glass has a higher melting point than regular glass, which means it can withstand the heat from your lighter or torch without breaking. This also makes it safer to use, as you don’t have to worry about hot shards of glass flying around.
- They are more resistant to thermal shock. Thermal shock is the phenomenon that occurs when a material is exposed to sudden changes in temperature, which can cause it to crack or shatter. Borosilicate glass has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, which means it does not expand or contract much when heated or cooled. This makes it more stable and less prone to cracking when you rinse it with hot water or add ice to cool the smoke.
- They are more resistant to corrosion. Borosilicate glass has a smooth and non-porous surface, which makes it less likely to react with chemicals or water. This means that your bong will remain clear and shiny for a long time, and will not develop stains or odors. Borosilicate glass is also easier to clean than soft glass, as dirt and resin do not stick to it as much.
- They are less likely to chip. Borosilicate glass is stronger and more durable than soft glass, which means it can withstand more impact and pressure without breaking. This also means that your bong will not chip or scratch easily, which can affect its appearance and functionality.
How to tell if your glass bong is made of high-quality borosilicate glass or cheap glass?
Now that you know why borosilicate glass is the best material for bongs, you might be wondering how to tell if your glass bong is made of high-quality borosilicate glass or cheap glass. Unfortunately, there is no definitive way to tell by just looking at it, as some cheap glass bongs can look very similar to borosilicate glass bongs. However, there are some clues that can help you identify the quality of your glass bong:
- The price. One of the easiest ways to tell if your glass bong is made of high-quality borosilicate glass or cheap glass is by looking at the price tag. Generally speaking, borosilicate glass bongs are more expensive than soft glass bongs or other types of water pipes. This is because borosilicate glass requires more skill and precision to produce, and also because it offers more benefits and features than regular glass. Of course, this does not mean that all expensive bongs are made of borosilicate glass, or that all cheap bongs are made of soft glass. You should always do your research and compare different brands and models before buying a bong.
- The weight. Another way to tell if your glass bong is made of high-quality borosilicate glass or cheap glass is by feeling its weight. Borosilicate glass tends to be heavier than soft glass, as it is denser and thicker. This also makes it more stable and balanced when placed on a flat surface. However, this does not mean that all heavy bongs are made of borosilicate glass, or that all light bongs are made of soft glass. You should also consider the size and shape of the bong, as well as the presence of any percolators or accessories that can affect its weight.
- The sound. A third way to tell if your glass bong is made of high-quality borosilicate glass or cheap glass is by listening to its sound. Borosilicate glass tends to produce a higher-pitched and clearer sound than soft glass, as it is more rigid and less flexible. You can test this by tapping your bong gently with your finger or a metal object, and listening to the tone and resonance it produces. However, this does not mean that all high-pitched bongs are made of borosilicate glass, or that all low-pitched bongs are made of soft glass. You should also consider the thickness and shape of the glass, as well as the presence of any air bubbles or cracks that can affect its sound.
Conclusion
In conclusion, borosilicate glass is the best material for bongs, as it offers many advantages over regular glass or soft glass. Borosilicate glass bongs are more resistant to high temperatures, thermal shock, corrosion, and chipping, and they are also stronger and more durable than other types of water pipes. However, it can be hard to tell if your glass bong is made of high-quality borosilicate glass or cheap glass by just looking at it, so you should always check the price, weight, and sound of your bong before buying it.
If you are looking for a reliable source of high-quality borosilicate glass bongs, you should check out some of the brands and models that we recommend on our website. We have a wide selection of borosilicate glass bongs of different sizes, shapes, colors, and perc options, and we guarantee that they are all made of the finest borosilicate glass on the market. Whether you are looking for a simple beaker bong, a complex inline diffused straight tube bong, or anything in between, we have the perfect borosilicate glass bong for you.
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