Understand Glass Pipe Thickness and Quality
When embarking on the journey to purchase a new glass piece, several crucial factors demand your attention, with glass thickness and quality often topping the list. Yet, these essential aspects frequently go unnoticed. Let's delve deeper, starting with the quality of the glass.
Glass Quality
The quality of glass plays a pivotal role in determining both the piece's aesthetic clarity and its structural strength. High-quality glass not only exhibits superior durability but also maintains a pristine appearance. The quality is influenced by the type of glass used and the craftsmanship of the glassblower.
Good Example: Brand-name pieces or those crafted in the USA are typically made from high-grade borosilicate glass (akin to the material used in laboratory equipment), known as "German Schott" or "Schott Duran."
Bad Example: Conversely, glassware found in some local head shops may be fashioned from lower-grade Chinese glass, compromising both clarity and strength.
A telltale sign of a skilled glassblower is the cleanliness of the piece's joint welds, indicative of high craftsmanship.
Glass Thickness
The thickness of the glass directly impacts the piece's weight and overall durability. Measured in millimeters, thickness can range from a delicate 3mm to a robust 9mm. Thicker glass not only feels more substantial but also promises enhanced durability and a perceived higher quality.
Good Example: A 5mm glass thickness is considered the industry standard for a thick, durable bong or pipe, offering a balance between heft and resilience.
Bad Example: Glass pieces with a thickness under 2mm are much more prone to breaking or shattering, reflecting their delicate nature.
| Under 2mm | Prone to breaking or shatter, delicate |
| 2mm | Common for accessories such as quartz bangers & carb caps |
| 3mm | This is a pretty standard glass thickness for borosilicate bongs and more. Works for most people. |
| 4mm | Considered on the thicker side, and seen more on medium to large sized pieces. |
| 5mm | An industry standard for a thick glass bong or pipe. |
| Over 5mm | Above and beyond in thickness, sometimes more common on larger pieces. |
Comparing Glass Thickness and Quality
When faced with a choice, prioritizing higher quality glass over mere thickness is advisable. A 9mm thick piece crafted from poor-quality glass is more susceptible to damage than a 4mm piece made from high-grade material.
Good Example of High Quality: A 4mm thick, high-quality borosilicate glass piece, showcasing durability and craftsmanship.
Bad Example of Poor Quality: A 9mm thick piece made from low-quality glass, vulnerable to breakage despite its thickness.
Our Recommendation
At our store, we offer a wide selection of high-quality, thick glass bongs at competitive prices, eliminating the need to compromise between quality and thickness. For those concerned about durability, we also feature an array of indestructible pieces made from materials like silicone. These foldable, shatter-proof options provide peace of mind for the more adventurous or clumsy among us.
Explore our collection of thick glass and discover the perfect blend of durability and craftsmanship for your next glass piece. Whether you're in the market for a traditional glass bong or a virtually indestructible silicone rig, we've got you covered.