Borosilicate Glass 101: Why Thickness Matters

mrb0ng skeptical of thin glass

Almost every quality bong is made of borosilicate. Here's why, and what to look for.

What is borosilicate?

It's lab-grade glass made with boron, which helps it handle rapid temperature changes without cracking. That's exactly what you want for something that gets lit, filled with water and, with glycerin pieces, frozen.

Thickness: 3mm vs. 5mm vs. 9mm

  • 3mm: light and cheap, but fragile.
  • 5mm: the sweet spot for daily use. It's sturdy without being heavy. The Bong Pro uses 5mm.
  • 9mm: extra-heavy and very durable. See the Klein Recycler and AFM's 9mm beakers.

How to spot quality

  • Even wall thickness with no thin spots near joints
  • Clean, reinforced joints
  • A wide, flat base
  • A brand that stands behind breakage

Every order from us ships with breakage protection. Here's how it works.