Do Some Pipes Require a Filter or Insert?

scooterdoo · Aug 9, 2018

Hi All -
I just bought, off ebay, a Stanwell that takes a 9 mm filter. I contacted the seller and asked if it required a filter and he said I could instead use the pipe insert. My question pertains to both this pipe and basically all filtered pipes in general: can you simply smoke them without the filter or the insert? This guy made it seem like the insert was required if I wasn't using a filter. Is this the case?
Thanks,

Dan
Edited by jvnshr: Title capitalization (please check Rule #9)

Chasing Embers · Aug 9, 2018

Yep, it can be smoked without either.

carolinachurchwarden · Aug 9, 2018

Yeah, you can smoke it without either of them, but at least in my experience, if the pipes come with an adapter, then not using it could make the draw too open.

jpmcwjr · Aug 9, 2018

Never a problem. If it feels too open for your druthers, a wee bit of tamping solves the "problem", and quickly.

anthonyrosenthal74 · Aug 9, 2018

I smoke mine without the filter or adapter. The more open draw translates to a better smoke with fewer relights. And, as stated already, if it's too wide open, a bit tamping will help you find the sweet spot.

olkofri · Aug 10, 2018

I singed my tongue last time I smoked my 9mm without either filter or insert. Your mileage may vary.

mikethompson · Aug 10, 2018

I have a few filter pipes, both the European style 9mm cartridge filters as well as the Brigham maple insert ones. I find that the pipes with the 9mm pipes smoke just as fine without them, but the Brigham really benefits from the insert. Its all personal choice though, no wrong way.

ray47 · Aug 10, 2018

It's up to the individual smoker whether to use filters or adapters. I don't use them because they restrict the draw for me and I like my nicotine so filters are a no-no for me.

cortezattic · Aug 10, 2018

For me, cleaning the 9mm is too messy -- with or without the adapter. Except for Brigham, I don't use filters in any of the pipes that accomodate them.

mso489 · Aug 10, 2018

Try it with the filter, without the filter, and if you choose, with an adaptor. It only depends on your preferences. I like the adaptor on my Savinelli and Dr. Grabows to restrict the flow slightly to focus the flavor, but others like the draw wide open, and others like the filters. My only use for filters is for pipe shows, pipe clubs, or pipe shops, where you might be sampling and smoking more than usual, to tame the bite and the nicotine a little. I have one 9 mm pipe from Austria, and so far I have used the filter, just to see how it goes, which so far has been pretty good. Of course, people who sell filters want you to use a filter, a new one, every time you smoke; in their job, I would too.

olkofri · Aug 10, 2018

In the case of the Dr Perl 9mm filters you DO want to change them after each smoke: they do get quite wet and tarry, and as they do they start giving a plasticky taste. Balsa filters should be good for a couple of smokes or so, whereas the maple inserts in Brighams can take more smokes, and afterwards can be washed with water to take even more smokes, until they become so brown that you have to toss them.

mso489 · Aug 10, 2018

Pure prejudice on my part, but I prefer pipes that take no extra purchases like filters, absorbent rings, stones in the bottom of the bowl, etc. I have some pipes that take filters, and I occasionally use them, but as a consumer, I don't buy them or don't use them, or only for special situations. I'd rather use that money for pipes or more likely tobacco. I like to keep the whole process as simple as possible.

techie · Aug 10, 2018

The first two pipes I purchased take the 9mm filters. I tried with and without a filter, and while I didn't notice any difference in taste, without a filter the draw felt much too open. Tamping too much just seemed to cause more relights (probably my inexperience). I then tried the adapter and when installed, I was unable to get the stem fully seated into the shank.
I still use these pipes with a filter, but I've since started purchasing non-filter pipes.

seldom · Aug 11, 2018

I like a filter when I'm smoking aromatics. I smoke aromatics only when I think other people are going to smell it. Otherwise, in the woods alone with the dogs, I smoke non-aromatics without filters or adapters whether it is a 9mm pipe or not.

ravkesef · Aug 12, 2018

MSO was totally right—it’s entirely your call. Your pipe, your pleasure, smoke it the way you want. Most Europeans use a filter, many Americans think that it’s more “manly” to smoke without. Silly nonsense. I use a filter in my pipes that accommodate them (e.g., my Savinelli balsa models, or my Stanwell 9mm cartridge pipes,) and I sense no diminution in the quality of the smoke. Something else: the Nording pink “rocks,” and the DENICOOL crystals. I have a few pipes that tend to smoke wet, no matter what I do, so I drop a few of these into the bottom of the bowl. Here’s what they do: first, they absorb water, and that yields a drier smoke. Second, they keep the tobacco from packing too tight, especially at the bottom of the bowl, and that ensures that I’m able to get a completely dry smoke to the very bottom, no dottle, no unpleasantness.

workman · Aug 12, 2018

I have a few filter pipes. They have smoked fine without filters, but they get dirty and require more thorough cleaning than my non-filter pipes, or they will start to taste bad. So I have stopped smoking them. I want to keep this as simple as possible and I hate gizmos and gadgets and unnescessary extra maintenance.

cigrmaster · Aug 13, 2018

When I had a number of Savinelli 6mm and Winslow 9mm pipes I always smoked them without the filters or adapters. I found that if you pack more firmly they smoked great.

highwaycobbery · Aug 15, 2018

Filters are a gimmick to make you spend more money. I used to use them in my savinelli’s but would have to chuck them half way through the bowl because they will make your pipe gurgle something fierce.

PaulTheScandinavian · Aug 23, 2018

So far can't smoke filtered pipe without using the adapter of filter,even with 6mm Savinellis I'm opting for use of adapter or filter.

willisk · Sep 5, 2018

I have three that take a filter and have found that I prefer smoking without the filters.

With the filter they are quicker to gurgle and get dirtier faster. I did play around with diy filters

And found you can break a cigarette filter in thirds to reduce thickness and it works or roll up

Construction paper to thickness of filter or fold a pipe cleaner three times over end and of the three different

Methods the pipe cleaner folded is the best way but still creates way to much moisture accumulation

For me. Now I haven’t revisited this since I learned about drying tobacco out so it may be a better method

Do Some Pipes Require a Filter or Insert?

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