Silicone vs. Glass: Which is Better to Smoke or Dab from?

Once upon a time, glass seemed to be the only option when choosing a piece with which to enjoy one’s herb. But things have changed quite a bit over the last few years, and nowadays, silicone is quickly becoming the preferred choice of many seasoned enthusiasts.

On the market, you’ll find plenty of silicone bongs, pipes, and dab rigs, not to mention loads of glass models as well.

Which Came First?

So, which came first: silicone pipes or glass ones? Well, considering glass pipes date back thousands of years, there is no doubt that silicone pieces are a fairly new addition to the market. Glass has been around for ages, and is a suitable option in general, but it has certain setbacks that silicone models improve upon.

Silicone vs. Glass: Which is Better?

Now, let’s offer a breakdown of the various ways in which silicone and glass pieces differ. Remember, same attributes apply to bongs, rigs, and pipes.

Durability

Without a doubt, silicone is more durable. Silicone does not shatter, crack, or chip like glass, and therefore it can handle drops like a champ. Most of us who are used to glass pieces know the feeling of dread when we drop our piece and pray that it isn’t broken. A broken piece is an unusable one, so once it is broken, we suddenly have no ability to smoke or dab.

Silicone simply does not have this problem. It is one of the most resilient materials on the planet, which is a key component to its massive appeal.

Flavor

Flavor is an especially important component of a quality session, so it’s not surprising that a lot of people ask us which material is more conducive to flavor. We know that certain materials, such as metal, can negatively affect flavor. So, what about silicone and glass?

Well, it turns out that both silicone and glass have little to no effect on flavor. Neither material leeches those compounds into the smoke or vapor, and therefore both are conducive to a smooth, rich, and clean taste.

Ability to Clean

One major appeal of silicone pieces is how easy they are to clean compared to glass. One reason why is because when cleaning a glass piece, you need to use far more caution, because if it slips out of your hand when wet, it will break, whereas silicone does not have that issue. Another factor is that silicone is more suitable for a dishwasher, whereas glass is more vulnerable. Plus, silicone does not seem to accumulate as much gunk from the ash and resin that glass does, meaning it won’t get as dirty after each session.

Weight

Silicone is lighter in weight than glass, making it more comfortable to handle for long periods of time, and easier to travel with as it will not weigh you down as much as a glass piece.

Storage

Both glass and silicone pieces come in a wide array of sizes, so how much space you need to store them has nothing to do with the material. But we can say that with silicone pieces, you can be a bit more liberal with your storage, because you don’t have to be as conscious of whether or not your piece will get knocked over, or knock against objects that can crack it. Therefore, with a silicone piece, your storage options really open up.

Portability

Again, both silicone and glass pieces can be portable as both come in an array of sizes. But, without a doubt, silicone is easier to carry around because of its resilience and lightweight nature. You can simply toss a silicone piece into your backpack without worrying about it rattling against other objects throughout the day.

Visuals

So, which option is more attractive: silicone or glass? Well, that is debatable. Here, we cannot give you a clear winner because both are attractive in their own right, and it comes down to personal taste.

Grip

Silicone gives the added advantage of a more secure grip than glass, as glass can get slippery, which can lead to a drop that breaks the piece. Silicone is simply easier to handle due to its less slippery surface.

Price

If you’re looking for the more economical option, you should know that glass and silicone pieces are generally priced around the same amount. Therefore, one is not cheaper than the other.

Variety

Both silicone and glass pieces come in many varieties nowadays. If you had asked us just a few years ago the same question, we would have told you that glass gives you more options to choose from. But since then, silicone pieces have really taken off, and you can find just as many options on the market. Both glass and silicone pieces come in a wide range of designs, sizes, shapes, and special features, and so there really is no difference if you’re a pickier enthusiast who wants a very precise type of piece.

Longevity

There is no doubt that a silicone piece will likely last you for a longer time than a glass one. Again, glass pieces are fragile, and so many enthusiasts go through a number of them throughout their lifetime. With just a little maintenance in the way of cleaning and proper storage, silicone pieces can last a lifetime, which will save you quite a bit of money in the long run, especially if you’re on the clumsy side.

The Clear Winner: Silicone

Yes, it’s clear that silicone pieces offer many advantages over glass models. And, therefore, it is no surprise that silicone bongs, pipes and rigs are quickly becoming enormously popular for these reasons. If you’re looking for a piece that is easy to travel with, easy to clean and extraordinarily durable, then silicone is your friend.

Good news is that there are now loads of different designs and sizes to choose from, so you can find a silicone piece that uniquely suits your preferences like never before.