Glass vs Acrylic Bongs
Is it safe to smoke from acrylic?
The history of how we smoke is a fascinating story. In the rebellious decades of the 1960s and '70s, as cannabis culture emerged, the world of smoking pipes evolved with it. This era saw a fascinating showdown between two competing materials-
Glass & Acrylic.
While a lot has changed since then, the materials haven't. You’ll still see both glass and acrylics bongs in your local smoke shop, but just because something’s for sale, doesn’t mean you should buy it!
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the risks encountered when smoking from acrylic bongs, it's important to understand how we got here in the first place.
A history lesson on glass and acrylic bongs
Glass, championed by pioneering artists like Bob Snodgrass, became a medium for creativity and exploration. Glass pipes are both functional tools and beautiful works of art, like a classic car or a fine watch.
This fusion of art and function has become an inseparable part of the glass scene's DNA, which we still refer to every time we begin developing new Prism pieces.
Acrylic pipes, on the other hand, came into popularity for entirely different reasons. As demand for smoking accessories exploded, manufacturers looked for ways to produce them cheaply and quickly.
Made from mass-produced plastic, acrylic pipes were a purely commercial solution. While they were colorful and nearly unbreakable, they lacked the refined artistry and pure taste of glass. Acrylic pipe’s popularity was driven by its low cost and durability, making it the disposable alternative.
Time to upgrade from your Acrylic Bong?
The Dangers Smoking Acrylic Bongs
You're in the right place! Choose a winner with any of our best sellers above, or build your own on our 3D Builder.
While an acrylic pipe's price tag might seem like a bargain, its long-term cost can be higher than you think. After all, your body and health are priceless.
Are acrylic bongs safe to use?
At the end of the day, acrylic pipes are still a type of plastic, and while they may survive a fall, it often sacrifices the very thing you’re looking for: a clean, pure, and healthy smoking experience.
An example of Acrylic Decay
Reasons to reconsider your plastic smoking setup:
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A "Rubber" Taste: When exposed to heat, acrylic can release a subtle, but distinct chemical taste. This means you’re not just tasting the flavor of your herb; you’re tasting plastic, which can ruin even the finest of strains. This is a primary reason why you'll find the acrylic vs glass bong taste to be so different.
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Plastic Vaporization: The unfortunate reality is that acrylic pipes are not a health-safe material when heated. The intense heat from a flame can cause your acrylic pipe to off-gas, releasing harmful chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are definitely not meant for your lungs.
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Microplastic Risks: When you smoke from a plastic pipe, you risk inhaling tiny plastic particles, known as microplastics, which have been found in human lungs and can cause inflammation. Acrylic bongs are especially dangerous for microplastics, as cleaning them often involves abrasives and brushes, which wear away at the inner walls. If you must use an acrylic bong, be sure to never put anything inside besides water!
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A Nightmare to Clean: Unlike glass bongs, which can easily be soaked in isopropyl alcohol, acrylic plastic degrades when exposed to common cleaning solutions. This makes them a hassle to keep clean and a breeding ground for buildup that can quickly make your smoking experience unpleasant. Acrylic bongs are less durable than glass and more prone to scratches and clouding from harsh cleaning agents.
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Bacterial Build-Up: Unlike glass, acrylic bongs are porous. This means there are tons of microscopic holes for bacteria to make their homes in. That might be a good thing if you’re making yogurt, but not what you want to see when you’re smoking.
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Minimal Cooling: There are countless ways to consume your medicine, but not all are equally effective. When smoking from an acrylic bong, you’re likely to experience less filtration, cooling, and smoothness, as you might when using a glass bong. Outside of cooling, Acrylic bongs can be a drag too, literally, as many users report that acrylic bongs burn materials much less efficiently than their glass bong counterparts.
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Short Lifespan: You may wonder, “How long do acrylic bongs last?”. Sadly, not very long at all. While many are drawn to acrylic bongs due to their advertised durability, the reality is not so nice. Because acrylic bongs break down over time, especially during cleaning, you may find that your trusty plastic tube is starting to look a little old, only a few months into use. Common issues you’ll run into are discoloration, cloudiness, and warping. To avoid this, prioritize sustainability, and don’t cheap out on disposable options. That said, if you already have an acrylic bong at home, be sure to read up on how to clean it safely.
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How to safely clean an acrylic bong: To safely clean an acrylic bong, you cannot use abrasive materials or isopropyl alcohol, as it can break down the plastic. Instead, to safely clean your acrylic bong, you must use gentler cleaners like warm, soapy water or a vinegar and baking soda solution. While with enough effort you can get them clean, it’s never the “day 1 fresh” you’re chasing.
Why Glass is Still the Gold Standard
Let's be real: you probably already know glass bongs are the gold standard for smoking. It's the material you see in head shops, the one artists turn into masterpieces, and the one your sesh squad swears by. So, why are glass bongs the best for smoking and why do so many people stand by glass? The answer lies in the benefits of a quality glass pipe.
Prism Standard Beaker Single Stack
Here's a quick rundown of what makes glass pipes reign supreme:
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Unbeatable Flavor: Glass is non-porous and chemically inert, meaning glass bongs won't affect the flavor of your smoke sesh. It's the only way to truly taste the strain, not the device.
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Stronger Than You Think: While all glass can break, not all glass bongs are created equal. As a material, glass is much stronger than you might think. Especially ours. Prism uses a sturdy 5-7mm glass wall thickness, which adds surprising durability and weight. This isn't your average thin-walled glass; it's built to withstand everyday life, and then some. Hence why our durable smoking pipes are an excellent investment.
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The Easiest, Most Foolproof Clean: Glass pipes are incredibly easy to maintain. A simple soak in isopropyl alcohol and salt will make it sparkle like new, ensuring a clean, pure taste every time.
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Health Benefits: For patients and aficionados alike, cleanliness is essential for a health session. Resin and soot build up don’t just ruin the flavor of your rip, but allow for a bevy of bacterial baddies to hijack your puff. On top of that, smoking out of dirty bongs can be a one-way-ticket to the hospital for emphysema.
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Functional Perfection: While you still can get a good rip out of an acrylic bong, you’ll always be sacrificing function. Glass is uniquely equipped to the task of filtering smoke, as it provides coolness, cleanliness, and the most amazing sounds while you inhale. Blindfolded, you could tell the difference between ripping an acrylic bong versus a glass bong, without second guessing.
While a glass pipe has a higher initial cost and a "break-up risk," think of it less as a purchase and more as an investment. A quality glass piece is something you buy to last—a long-term commitment to a better, cleaner smoking experience.
Should an unthinkable party foul occur, odds are you’ll only have to replace one piece, versus buying a whole new glass pipe.
We’d like to see acrylics do that! For new buyers, this makes our Prism starter kit the perfect option!
What to do with your old acrylic pipe
Reduce reuse, recycle: Now that you’ve seen the light and are ready to retire your acrylic pipe for a cleaner, healthier glass alternative with a Prism setup on the way. We know you are thinking, "what do I do with my old, trusty plastic "friend"?" Don’t just throw it away! Instead, check out our list of alternative uses for your acrylic glass pipe!
Alternative options for your plastic "friend":
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A Funky Coin Bank: That classic bong shape is perfect for holding your loose change. It's a great way to save up for your next, better piece of glass!
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The World's Smallest Chia Pet: Fill it with soil and chia seeds. In a few days, you'll have a hilarious, tiny green buddy to liven up your desk.
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A Retro Flower Vase: The bright colors and unique shape make for a very '70s-inspired vase. Just be sure to give it a thorough cleaning first!
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A "Time Capsule" for Your Fridge: Too many condiments? Use the bong to hold your go-to sauces like Sriracha or soy sauce. It's a hilarious conversation starter for anyone who opens your fridge.
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A Fish-Free Aquarium: Fill it with water and a few colorful plastic fish. It's the perfect no-maintenance pet for your bookshelf.
From their origins as a cheap, disposable alternative, acrylic bongs have been a constant presence in the smoking world. However, as cannabis culture evolves and more people prioritize health and flavor, the choice has become clearer.
While an acrylic bong might seem like a practical choice, it simply can’t compete with the superior taste, safety, and longevity of a glass bong. A quality glass piece is a true investment, not just in your smoking experience but also in your well-being.
So, if you're looking for a better way to smoke, it's time to retire that old plastic piece and upgrade to the gold standard.
CHECK OUT OUR 3D CUSTOM BONG BUILDER!
