Silicone vs Glass pipes: The Ultimate Comparison
If you are looking for a new pipe, it would be wise to understand the differences between silicone vs glass pipes. These are two of the most common materials used by weed smokers, and while both are great options, they both offer different perks. Because silicone and glass pipes have different pros and cons, the right one for you depends on what you are looking for in a pipe.
What are the Differences Between Silicone and Glass Bongs?
Silicone Bongs are Indestructible
When comparing a silicone smoking pipe vs glass, one major advantage silicone has is its durability. Glass pipes are notorious for breaking easily, this is especially true if you buy cheaper glass pipes. And since glass is more expensive than silicone, that means you will have to pay a pretty penny for a glass pipe that has a similar level of durability as a silicone pipe (and they will still be less durable than silicone). If you are a clumsy person or if you bring your pipe with you everywhere, you should really consider the added durability silicone pipes offer.
Glass Bongs Offer Tastier Puffs
Now this one is not a totally objective claim, but when comparing glass and silicone pipes it is commonly held that glass pipes offer a much better taste. Glass pipes offer the purest way to smoke your herb because they don't taint it like silicone and other materials do. If you want to taste nothing but your cannabis, then glass is the way to go. Glass pipes are the industry standard for tasty smooth hits, so it's no wonder they have the edge in this department over silicone.
Portability
If portability is the main concern when comparing silicone pipes vs glass pipes, silicone might be the better answer. Aside from the obvious quality of small size, durability and ease of cleaning come to mind in what makes a pipe portable. Silicone smoking pipes vs glass is no comparison in this regard as silicone takes the edge in both qualities. As mentioned before, silicone is much more durable, and this should make you much more comfortable bringing it wherever life takes you. On top of this, silicone is way easier to clean compared to glass which will make your life so much easier on the go. Anyone who is constantly traveling should give strong consideration to silicone pipes.
Glass Art vs Silicone Utility
The differences between glass and silicone pipes can in some way be summarized by noting that glass offers great art and purity while silicone offers more utility. Glass pipes grant the user many more options when it comes to looks- whether you want a classy vibe, a fun design, or a trippy look, glass pipes have your back. Glass pipes can feel much more personal and even homier sometimes due to them being more specific to the user's taste. On the other hand, while silicone doesn't offer the same amount of beauty perhaps, it does offer more utility. The unbreakable nature of the pipes along with their cheaper prices and being easier to clean make silicone the more practical option.
Silicone Bongs Can Be Disassembled
More than once now it has been mentioned that when it comes to cleaning, silicone pipes vs glass pipes are no comparison. This is because silicone pipes can be disassembled, making it easy to get into the nooks and crannies of your pipe, which is not easily done with glass pipes. Another added benefit of this feature is that it can make traveling easier. Breaking your silicone bong into smaller parts offers greater flexibility when packing luggage; silicone is therefore easier to pack and better at squeezing into tight spots. While it might not seem like a big deal at first, the fact that silicone bongs can be disassembled offers some major advantages.
Similarities Between Silicone and Glass Bongs
Acceptable Smoking Pipes
Whether opting for glass or silicone pipes, there's no wrong answer, both are great smoking materials. It all comes down to preferences in the battle of silicone vs glass, it is not as if one is a great deal better than the other. Both materials will allow you to have a great smoke and enjoy your herb.
Meant to be Used with Water
Both silicone and glass pipes use water as their filtration method. Water is a great filtration method and eliminates toxins when the smoke is forced to run through it. The water also acts to cool your hits and give you a polished puff.
Filter Smoke for Better Puffs
Filtration is present in both glass and silicone pipes; both use water filtration as mentioned above. Filtered pipes provide a cleaner inhale as well as a more desirable taste, and luckily the material of glass or silicone does not affect the filtration whatsoever.
Require Bong Bowls
Both materials should be equipped with bong bowls. Their anatomy, in general, should be similar but it is specifically important to make sure that no matter what material you opt for it has a bong bowl. The bong bowl is where the marijuana you're smoking resides. As you take a puff it will move through the stem and water filtration where it will be on its way to meet your lips for a nice hit. No matter silicone vs glass, both materials require a bong bowl.
Which one is better? Silicone or Glass Bongs?
There is no clear-cut answer to which material is better, both silicone and glass can make for great options. Which one is better is up to the user, if beautiful glass and a pure flavor are what you desire, then a glass pipe makes the most sense. If durability and portability are your main concerns, then a silicone pipe is the better option. Declaring a winner in the battle of silicone versus glass water pipes would be unfair, they are both great and the winner comes down to personal preference.
Should I Buy a Silicone Pipe?
If you are still unsure at this point about which material is best for you, it might be a good idea to opt for silicone. Silicone pipes will never let you down and can be thought of as old reliable. Glass is a riskier option because it is less portable and easily breakable, so when in doubt, defer to silicone. The advantages that silicone offers (portability, durability, ease of cleaning, cheaper) far outweigh the bleaker designs, and who knows, maybe you will completely dig the look of the silicone. So, are silicone pipes better than glass? No, this is not to say that silicone is clear cut better option, but if you are unsure about which to choose, silicone is the safer option.
Conclusion
You can't go wrong when choosing between glass vs silicone pipes. These are two of the best and most used materials in smoking devices so you can rest assured that both will get the job done. While the differences can be important, and you should figure out which one is best for you, you're going to have a great smoke regardless of what material you pick.
