If you are a fan of smoking herbs or tobacco with a bong, you might have wondered what kind of glass your bong is made of. Is it high-quality borosilicate glass or cheap glass that can break easily? And why does it matter?
In this blog post, we will explain the difference between borosilicate glass and regular glass, and how to tell them apart. We will also give you some tips on how to choose the best glass bong for your needs and preferences.
What is borosilicate glass?
Borosilicate glass is a type of glass that contains boron trioxide, which makes it more resistant to thermal shock, chemical corrosion, and mechanical stress. Borosilicate glass has a higher melting point and lower coefficient of thermal expansion than regular glass, which means it can withstand rapid temperature changes without cracking or shattering.
Borosilicate glass is widely used in scientific and medical equipment, such as laboratory glassware, test tubes, beakers, flasks, and syringes. It is also used for nuclear waste storage, cookware, lighting, and optical devices. Borosilicate glass is considered the highest quality and strongest glass on the market.
What are the benefits of borosilicate glass bongs?
There are numerous good reasons to make bongs from borosilicate glass rather than the “regular” glass or soft glass. Most importantly, borosilicate glass bongs are stronger and more long-lasting than ordinary glass bongs. If you are using your bong a lot, it’s good to know that your bong can easily last for a lot of years.
Another benefit of borosilicate glass bongs is that they are easier to clean and maintain. Borosilicate glass is non-porous and resistant to stains, odors, and bacteria. You can simply rinse your bong with hot water or use some alcohol or vinegar to remove any residue. Borosilicate glass also does not affect the taste or quality of your smoke, unlike some other materials that can leach chemicals or flavors into your herbs or tobacco.
A third benefit of borosilicate glass bongs is that they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and perc options. You can find beaker bongs, straight tube bongs, bubbler bongs, recycler bongs, and more. You can also choose from different types of percolators, such as tree percs, showerhead percs, honeycomb percs, turbine percs, etc. Percolators are devices that filter and cool the smoke by creating bubbles and increasing the surface area. Some bongs also have ice catchers or glycerol coils that further cool down the smoke for smoother hits.
How to tell if your glass bong is made of borosilicate glass or cheap glass?
Unfortunately, not all sellers are honest about the quality of their glass bongs. Some may claim that their bongs are made of borosilicate glass when they are actually made of cheap glass that can break easily. So how can you tell the difference?
One way to tell if your glass bong is made of borosilicate glass or cheap glass is to look at the price. Borosilicate glass is more expensive than regular glass because it requires more skill and precision to make. If you see a very cheap bong that claims to be made of borosilicate glass, chances are it’s too good to be true.
Another way to tell if your glass bong is made of borosilicate glass or cheap glass is to look at the thickness and weight. Borosilicate glass is usually thicker and heavier than regular glass because it has more density and durability. You can feel the difference by holding the bong in your hand or tapping it gently with your finger. A thin and light bong is likely made of cheap glass that can break easily.
A third way to tell if your glass bong is made of borosilicate glass or cheap glass is to look at the joints and seams. Borosilicate glass is usually seamless and smooth because it is blown by hand or machine without any joints or welds. Cheap glass may have visible joints or seams where different pieces of glass are fused together. These joints or seams can create weak spots that can crack or leak over time.
How to choose the best borosilicate glass bong for your needs?
Now that you know the benefits of borosilicate glass bongs and how to tell them apart from cheap glass bongs, you might be wondering how to choose the best one for your needs. Here are some factors to consider:
- Size: The size of your bong affects the amount of smoke and water it can hold, as well as the portability and discretion. A larger bong can produce bigger and cooler hits, but it can also be more difficult to store and transport. A smaller bong can be more convenient and discreet, but it can also produce harsher and hotter hits. You should choose a size that suits your preferences and lifestyle.
- Shape: The shape of your bong affects the airflow and drag, as well as the stability and aesthetics. A beaker bong has a wide base that offers more stability and water capacity, but it can also create more drag and resistance when inhaling. A straight tube bong has a narrow base that offers less stability and water capacity, but it can also create less drag and resistance when inhaling. You should choose a shape that suits your comfort and style.
- Percolator: The percolator of your bong affects the filtration and diffusion, as well as the smoothness and flavor. A percolator is a device that creates bubbles and increases the surface area of the smoke, which cools it down and removes impurities. There are many types of percolators, such as tree percs, showerhead percs, honeycomb percs, turbine percs, etc. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as more or less drag, noise, splashback, etc. You should choose a percolator that suits your taste and experience.
- Color: The color of your bong affects the appearance and visibility, as well as the mood and personality. A clear bong allows you to see the smoke and water level, which can be helpful for cleaning and maintenance. A colored bong can hide the smoke and water level, which can be more discreet and attractive. You should choose a color that suits your mood and personality.
Conclusion
Borosilicate glass is the best material for glass bongs because it is stronger, more durable, easier to clean, and more versatile than regular glass. Borosilicate glass bongs can last for years if you take good care of them. However, not all glass bongs are made of borosilicate glass, so you should be careful when buying one online or in a store. You can tell if your glass bong is made of borosilicate glass or cheap glass by looking at the price, thickness, weight, joints, and seams. You can also choose the best borosilicate glass bong for your needs by considering the size, shape, percolator, and color.
We hope this blog post has helped you learn more about borosilicate glass bongs and how to tell them apart from cheap glass bongs. If you are looking for a high-quality borosilicate glass bong with a variety of options, check out our selection at Zob Glass Pipes. We offer free shipping on orders over $100 and a 30-day return policy. Happy smoking!
