Why Borosilicate Glass Is The Smart Choice For Glass Bongs

As we know, bongs come in all shapes and sizes and are made of different materials, from ceramic to silicone. However, there is one type you’ll commonly see when shopping for your next bong—borosilicate glass. A reliable and sturdy material that has become well-known for some excellent reasons, let’s take a look into why borosilicate glass is best for glass bongs.

What Is Borosilicate Glass?

Originally designed for use in high-temperature settings such as laboratories and the kitchen, borosilicate glass is predominantly made up of boron trioxide and silica. The result is a highly durable, strong, and superior type of glass that is resistant to high temperatures and thermal shock. This, of course, makes borosilicate glass ideal not only in the aforementioned settings, but as a material for bongs as well.

The History of Borosilicate Glass

Created in the late 19th century by German glassmaker Otto Schott, borosilicate glass, also known as "scientific glass", originally made a name for itself thanks in part to adoption and use by the brand Pyrex. Utilised as a material for cookware, beakers, and other laboratory equipment, over time, borosilicate has become much more common as a material and is found in many everyday items. But how can you tell quality borosilicate from ordinary glass?

How to Identify Borosilicate Glass

All that glitters isn't gold, and all glass is not borosilicate. However, there are a few tests you can do to make sure you've got the real deal. The preferred test involves submerging a sample of borosilicate glass in mineral oil, which will cause it to disappear. The other option is to put your bong in the refrigerator for an hour, then pour boiling water into it. If it breaks, it's not borosilicate. Maybe not a test to carry out with brand new glass bongs. But those curious about the difference between regular and borosilicate glass will be pleased to know there are ways to verify it.

How Tough Is Borosilicate Glass?

While we don't recommend throwing your borosilicate glass bong around, you'd be surprised at just how durable it is compared to regular glass. It's favoured as a material for this very reason. Borosilicate glass can withstand many knocks that would shatter or crack regular glass easily. Whether you accidentally drop or knock it over, borosilicate glass is hard to crack, rarely shatters, and can be used time and time again.

Benefits of Borosilicate Glass for Glass Bongs

Given what we’ve said about borosilicate glass up until this point, it should come as no surprise that it is now the preferred material for glass bongs, and also a popular material for accessories such as mouthpieces and bangers. Although, quartz glass, which is even more resistant to thermal shock (major temperature changes) than borosilicate, is a more reliable material for these accessories.

So, what else has made borosilicate glass so popular?

Easy to Clean

A major positive of borosilicate glass is how much easier to clean and maintain it is compared to the regular type of glass you might come across. This is down to the smoothness and durability of the glass, allowing for a thorough clean without much effort or worry. You can take care of stains and discolouration without chipping away at your piece.

Extreme Temperature and Thermal Shock Resistance

Using a torch with borosilicate glass bongs will be no problem as the glass is designed with extreme temperature resistance in mind. This goes for when you clean it as well—washing the bong in hot water won't damage or break it. Thermal expansion (when materials change their shape in response to heat) is no threat here, whereas it may be an issue with other types of glass.

Durable and Resistant to Corrosion

A simple clean will keep your bong looking brand new for many years to come. Not only that, but borosilicate glass is highly resistant to corrosion compared to other materials, and any light signs of corrosion can be combated with some rubbing alcohol and pipe cleaners.

Borosilicate Glass Bongs Compared to Other Bongs

Like most things cannabis-related, everyone will have their own preferences when it comes to bongs, water pipes, dab rigs, and the like. Comparing borosilicate side by side with other materials will give you the best overview of which one might be best for you.

Borosilicate Glass Bongs vs Acrylic Bongs

Lightweight and sturdy, acrylic bongs are often a popular choice due to their low price point. While it may make sense to those strapped for cash to pick up an acrylic bong, they can sometimes give off strong odours that can impact the taste. With borosilicate bongs, this is certainly not the case.

Borosilicate Glass Bongs vs Ceramic Bongs

Available in a wide variety of cool and crazy shapes and sizes, ceramic bongs are sure to be a big conversation starter amongst friends. They are a little more robust than regular glass bongs, but not by much. If you're unfortunate enough to drop a ceramic bong, it will more than likely break on you.

Borosilicate Glass Bongs vs Silicone Bongs

A major selling point of silicone bongs is the fact that they are essentially unbreakable. The silicone material is often pliable and soft, meaning dropping or even accidentally kicking your bong will not cause any damage. They are also relatively cheap to buy, and showcase an aesthetic that some find playful and no-nonsense.

Top 3 Borosilicate Glass Bongs at Zamnesia

Now that you know the difference between the various types of bongs, we've put together a shortlist of our top 3 borosilicate bongs available to purchase right now.

Ehle Mary Jane Intoxicator

Standing at only 22cm, the Mary Jane Intoxicator is certainly not lacking in stealth or durability. This bong showcases a classic build, made from just two pieces of borosilicate glass and complete with the red Ehle logo. It's easy to use and requires no messing around with fiddly, small parts. This one is basically good to go as soon as you get it.

EHLE Glass Bong Mary Jane Intoxicator

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Session Goods Glass Bong

For a premium borosilicate glass bong, look no further than Session Goods. They have created a minimal, streamlined, and undeniably stylish piece that will definitely catch the eyes of your stoner friends. But, as we know, looks aren't everything; luckily, this bong has all of the features you've come to expect, and more, all crafted in borosilicate glass to ensure maximum functionality and durability.

Session Goods Glass Bong

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Glass Bong ROOR Red 3.2MM

From the team at ROOR comes a straight tubular borosilicate glass bong that stands at 35cm with a thickness of 3.2mm. While it doesn't have many extra features, such as a carb hole or ice notches, make no mistake that this piece is the epitome of German quality. Perfect pulls from a bong that is strong and durable.

Glass Bong ROOR Red 3.2mm

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Adam Parsons

Professional cannabis journalist, copywriter, and author Adam Parsons is a long-time staff member of Zamnesia. Tasked with covering a wide range of topics from CBD to psychedelics and everything in between, Adam creates blog posts, guides, and explores an ever-growing range of products.

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