So, you spot the most amazing glass pipe while you’re out shopping. It is ornate, perfectly sculpted, and contains just about every color in the rainbow. You know you have to have it and that it’ll be the perfect addition to your collection. You’re about to take it up to the register when you finally sneak a glance at the price tag. There’s no way that number could be right. Or could it? The truth is, most heady glass carries a fairly heavy price tag and this is why.
A Work of Art
One of the biggest reasons a really solid piece of heady glass is so expensive is because of the sheer amount of effort that goes into it. You may be thinking “glass pieces at the gas station are dirt cheap.” Sure, they’re much more affordable. Their quality is much lower, as well. Gas station pieces are prone to breaking, as oftentimes, they aren’t often made with weighted bases to keep them upright.
When it comes to Heady glass, it’s truly a case of getting your money’s worth. If you’re buying under a certain price point, the glass is going to be more fragile and less intricate. Keep in mind that whether it’s a bong, a pipe, or a dab rig, if you’re looking for a true statement piece, you need to be prepared to pay top dollar. Glassblowing is a much more difficult craft than it often appears, and blowers take particular pride in their art.
In fact, there are several prominent glass artists who are regularly featured in today’s top publications. These artists include Banjo, a glassblower that’s famous for intricate designs and flashy colors, as well as Coyle who is known for surreal glass pieces that push the limits of glass artistry.
Where to Buy
When it comes to buying heady glass, your shop of choice has a great influence on the quality of the piece you purchase. As mentioned, gas station pipes are always a viable option in a pinch but if you’re not incredibly careful, you’ll break your piece as quickly as you buy it. Small shops also frequently have difficulty keeping these pieces in stock. You may be able to find some more affordable glass, but if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind piece, consider going to an all-in-one shop or contacting a glassblower directly.
Commissioning a piece is typically the most expensive route, but it gives you the most creative control over the final design of your glass. Make sure you do adequate research before making a deposit on a piece. Several important considerations include pricing, artist flexibility, and overall reputation. Avoid artists with frequent customer complaints as that’s an easy way to make a bad investment.
When it comes to all-in-one shops, general reputation is important, as well. If you’re looking for variety, contact a shop ahead of time to see what kind of glass they sell. Many all-in-one shops focus on dab rigs and bongs, but several of them carry a wide variety of unique pipes, as well. It depends what sort of glass you’re interested in and what a particular shop has in stock.
The Perfect Piece
When it comes to true artistry, it’s no wonder that heady glass is so pricey. With the level of craft and care put into each piece, your glass is essentially a work of art. If you’re looking to make a statement with your glass, you should be prepared to spend the money required. Plenty of stores offer unique glass pieces that are excellent conversation starters, but commissioned pieces are a great option too, if you’re willing to shell out. Remember to enjoy your new piece of glass in moderation and to always stay safe!