Don’t hate me, but I used to believe that all silicone bong wholesale bongs were made from the same mold. I reasoned that there couldn’t possible be any intricate engineering involved as long as the object didn’t shatter when dropped. However, a few relatively basic techniques for identifying quality really make the difference between a seamless, pleasurable session and a mouthful of foul, cheap plastic odors.

Are you curious about the purity of your piece? Squeeze or fold the tube wall firmly to perform a “pinch test” that provides the answer in an instant. Cheap plastic fillers have been added if a noticeable white mark shows up at the crease. No matter how much you twist or distort it, the color of real, pure silicone stays exactly the same.

Additionally, don’t be fooled by “FDA certified” labels on packaging; you are aware that this is merely a minimum requirement. Look for the far more stringent European LFGB certification if you’re a safety and detail-oriented person. But in the end, your nose is the greatest judge, so simply click the return button if you open the package and smell something like acidic rubber or strong, inferior rubber. High-quality, pure silicone is nearly odorless right out of the box, so don’t fall for the “just air it out and the smell will go away” line.

In terms of structural, you’ve undoubtedly had the uncomfortable sensation of a cheap plastic straw collapsing due to excessive milkshake sucking. You will experience the same “instant collapse” catastrophe after a forceful pull if you get a with walls that are too soft or thin. You may even end up squeezing filthy water directly into your mouth. Therefore, be careful to select a material that feels substantial and thick. Additionally, make sure to inspect the mold seams; if the workmanship is rough and has jagged edges, there’s a good chance that the material may rip when you insert or remove glass accessories. Although such tie-dye or glow-in-the-dark designs look great, I always suggest doing the “flashlight test” by pressing the flashlight on your phone up against the tube wall. Light can travel through high-quality silicone evenly and cleanly; the use of subpar pigments is indicated if the light displays black spots or hazy, streaky impurities.

Lastly, steer clear of typical traps when it comes to routine maintenance. Glass components can be firmly bonded to the silicone joint over time by resin residue acting as superglue. Out of laziness, I used to try to push them apart, almost breaking the glass and cutting my palm in the process. In actuality, a drop of dish soap and a small amount of warm water are sufficient to lubricate the parts so that they can be gently twisted out.