Ten years ago, if you wanted a water pipe or hand piece, you bought glass. Today, medical-grade silicone has completely disrupted the market.

Both materials have die-hard fans, but if you are sitting on the fence trying to decide which route to go for your next piece, we’ve got you covered. Here is the honest truth about Glass vs. Silicone.

The Case for Borosilicate Glass

Borosilicate glass is the gold standard for a reason. It is the same temperature-resistant glass used in high-end bakeware and laboratories.

• The Pros: Glass provides the absolute purest flavor. It doesn't alter the taste of your material at all. It’s also completely see-through, which means you know exactly when it’s time to clean it. Plus, let's be honest—glass blowing is an art form, and glass pieces just look fantastic sitting on a shelf.
• The Cons: Gravity is its mortal enemy. No matter how thick the glass is, dropping it on a tile floor usually ends in a tragic, watery mess.

The Case for Silicone

Food-grade, BPA-free silicone has become massively popular, especially for people who love the outdoors or have a history of breaking their gear.

• The Pros: It is virtually indestructible. You can throw it in a backpack, take it camping, or knock it off the coffee table without a second thought. Many silicone pieces even break apart into smaller sections, making them a breeze to travel with and toss in the dishwasher.
• The Cons: Silicone is porous on a microscopic level. Over time, it can hold onto smells and slightly alter the flavor of your hits compared to glass. You also can't see the water inside, so you have to remember to change it frequently.

The Verdict

Are you a flavor chaser who mostly enjoys your sessions at home? Stick with glass. Are you highly active, prone to dropping things, or looking for a piece you can take to festivals and campouts? Silicone is your best friend.

Actually, the best setup is usually having one of each!