Glass bongs are one of the most popular and effective ways of smoking herb or tobacco. They offer a smooth, pure, and flavorful experience that preserves the natural aromas and effects of your chosen material. However, not all glass bongs are created equal. Some are made with cheap, low-quality glass that can break easily, leach chemicals into your smoke, or deliver harsh and unpleasant hits. Others are made with high-grade, durable, and heat-resistant glass that can last for years and provide optimal performance every time.
So how can you tell the difference between a high-quality and a low-quality glass bong by just looking at it? Here are some tips and tricks to help you spot the signs of quality and avoid wasting your money on a subpar piece.
Check the Glass Material
The first thing you should look at when buying a glass bong is the type of glass it is made of. The best glass bongs are usually made with borosilicate glass, also known as Pyrex or scientific glass. This is a special kind of glass that has high thermal expansion properties, meaning it can withstand high temperatures without cracking or breaking. Borosilicate glass is also very clear, strong, and resistant to scratches and stains.
On the other hand, low-quality glass bongs are often made with soft glass or acrylic glass. These types of glass are cheaper and easier to mold, but they also have low thermal expansion properties, meaning they can crack or shatter when exposed to heat or cold. Soft glass and acrylic glass are also more prone to discoloration, scratches, and chemical leaching.
To tell if a glass bong is made with borosilicate glass or not, you can look for some clues:
- Borosilicate glass bongs usually have a thicker and heavier feel than soft or acrylic glass bongs.
- Borosilicate glass bongs usually have a smooth and even surface, while soft or acrylic glass bongs may have bumps, bubbles, or seams.
- Borosilicate glass bongs usually have a clear and transparent appearance, while soft or acrylic glass bongs may have a cloudy or opaque look.
- Borosilicate glass bongs usually have a higher price tag than soft or acrylic glass bongs.
Check the Glass Quality
Even if a glass bong is made with borosilicate glass, it doesn’t mean it is automatically high-quality. There are still variations in the quality of borosilicate glass depending on the manufacturing process and the craftsmanship of the glassblower. Some borosilicate glass bongs are made with cheap or recycled materials that can compromise their durability and performance. Others are made with premium materials that ensure their longevity and functionality.
To tell if a borosilicate glass bong is high-quality or low-quality, you can look for some clues:
- High-quality borosilicate glass bongs usually have thick walls and bases that can withstand impacts and pressure. Low-quality borosilicate glass bongs usually have thin walls and bases that can crack or break easily.
- High-quality borosilicate glass bongs usually have smooth and precise joints and welds that ensure airtight seals and proper airflow. Low-quality borosilicate glass bongs usually have rough and sloppy joints and welds that can leak air or water.
- High-quality borosilicate glass bongs usually have intricate and detailed designs that showcase the skill and creativity of the glassblower. Low-quality borosilicate glass bongs usually have simple and generic designs that lack originality and flair.
- High-quality borosilicate glass bongs usually have reputable brand names or logos that indicate their authenticity and reliability. Low-quality borosilicate glass bongs usually have no brand names or logos or fake ones that try to imitate well-known brands.
Check the Glass Features
The last thing you should look at when buying a glass bong is the type of features it has. The features of a glass bong can affect its performance, functionality, and ease of use. Some features are essential for any good glass bong, while others are optional but can enhance your smoking experience even further.
Some of the features you should look for in a high-quality glass bong are:
- A bowl and a downstem that fit securely and allow you to pack and light your herb or tobacco easily.
- A carb hole or a slide that lets you control the airflow and clear the smoke from the chamber quickly.
- A water chamber that holds enough water to filter and cool the smoke without splashing or overflowing.
- A mouthpiece that is comfortable and ergonomic to use and matches the size of your lungs.
- A percolator or a diffuser that adds extra filtration and cooling to the smoke by creating bubbles or slits.
- A recycler or an ice catcher that recycles the smoke or adds ice cubes to the chamber for extra smoothness and flavor.
Some of the features you should avoid in a low-quality glass bong are:
- A bowl and a downstem that are loose or wobbly and can fall off or break easily.
- A carb hole or a slide that is too small or too big and can restrict or waste the airflow and smoke.
- A water chamber that is too small or too big and can make the smoke too harsh or too diluted.
- A mouthpiece that is uncomfortable or awkward to use and doesn’t match the size of your lungs.
- A percolator or a diffuser that is poorly designed or clogged and can reduce the airflow or create drag.
- A recycler or an ice catcher that is unnecessary or ineffective and can make the bong too bulky or complicated.
Conclusion
Glass bongs are a great way to enjoy your herb or tobacco, but not all glass bongs are worth your money. By looking at the glass material, quality, and features of a glass bong, you can tell if it is high-quality or low-quality and make an informed decision. A high-quality glass bong will provide you with a smooth, pure, and satisfying smoking experience for years to come, while a low-quality glass bong will only disappoint you and waste your time and money.
If you are looking for some of the best glass bongs on the market, you can check out some of these reputable online stores:
- Smoke Cartel: A leading online headshop with a wide selection of glass bongs, water pipes, dab rigs, bubblers, and accessories from top brands like Diamond Glass, Maverick Glass, Bougie Glass, Empire Glassworks, and more.
- Badass Glass: A trusted online retailer of glass bongs, dab rigs, hand pipes, vaporizers, and accessories from some of the best bong brands of 2023 like Diamond Glass, Maverick Glass, Bougie Glass, Empire Glassworks, and more.
- American Marijuana: A reliable online source of information and reviews on glass bongs, dab rigs, vaporizers, CBD products, and more from some of the best brands in the industry like Diamond Glass, Maverick Glass, Bougie Glass, Empire Glassworks, and more.
- Headshop.com: A premier online destination for glass bongs, water pipes, dab rigs, hand pipes, grinders, rolling papers, and accessories from some of the most popular brands in the market like Diamond Glass, Maverick Glass, Bougie Glass, Empire Glassworks, and more.
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