Do You Avoid Heavier Pipes?

grimpuffer · Jul 11, 2018

I’m always keeping an eye on my email for when certain tobaccos come back in stock but I usually just get ones about new pipes and such so I always check them out to see if any grab my attention but I have found that regardless how a pipe looks, I always see what the weight is and if it isn’t a clencher I pass.
For example, there was a beautiful Jacono pipe that was listed recently but when I saw the weight was at 2.7 ounces I passed. I just enjoy being able to comfortably hold the pipe in my mouth so my hands remain free for the most part.
Does this matter to anyone else? Seems my comfort limit is around 2.2 ozs as heavier pipes give me jaw fatigue.

thomasw · Jul 11, 2018

As a clencher, I prefer my pipes to be 60g or less. 60g equals 2.1 oz and so I work in your ballpark. Yet I don't have a hard rule about this. How the pipe sits and balances is key; I have a 75g (2.6 oz) pipe that suits my clenching style just so. But I do not go for pipes that weigh more; so like you I have my comfort level and and an upper level, too. I do not think this is uncommon.

pianopuffer · Jul 11, 2018

I agree with thomasw, balance is key. I have a couple of smaller, shorter pipes that come close to my weight threshold of 2oz but they don't feel it because the center of gravity is closer to my face.
That being said, I definitely prefer smaller pipes all around, length, chamber diameter, height as well as weight. For me, I don't want to nor have the time for a 90 minute plus smoke. I also smoke outdoors and am usually walking about, so lighter and smaller is key for me. The few longer pipes I do own (a new Jerry Crawford comes to mind) are still lightweight. Works for me.
I own 95% straight pipes, but others here have mentioned that bent pipes are much easier on the jaw, perhaps they will chime in.

warren · Jul 11, 2018

As written above, balance! I smoke heavier pipes, all are bent to some degree. Heavy bowls assist in clenching as the bit is forced up and I can use little pressure when smoking, easy on the jaw muscles.

bluegrassbrian · Jul 11, 2018

Anything over 30 grams gives me pause.

puffy · Jul 11, 2018

I don't really care for real heavy pipes,and yes balance is very important to me.

cosmicfolklore · Jul 11, 2018

I like to think that it doesn't matter, but if I see that a pipe is over 2 oz, then I do stop to think about whether the pipe is balanced, but like many already, it's not a deal killer for me. Just a red flag.

curl · Jul 12, 2018

Less than 1.5 oz is what I look for.

Chasing Embers · Jul 12, 2018

Other than my yachts, the majority of my pipes were never meant to be clenched.

aquadoc · Jul 12, 2018

My Mountbatten is a heavy, bullmoose bent pipe and while I do like to clench, none of my other pipes smoke as well or as cool. And in a pinch, I can beat someone to death with it if they are complaining about the smoke.

sparrowhawk · Jul 12, 2018

I'm starting to prefer the Peterson 106 billiard instead of the heavier cousin, the 107. All that heavy clenching makes the teeth sore.

madox07 · Jul 12, 2018

Depends on my mood I guess, I have pipes that I smoke when I work at the desk or do reading, pipes which I can clench and do like to clench; and I have heavy pipes which if I am relaxed I prefer to hold in my hand - when watching TV, something online, or just sit around and think.

wyfbane · Jul 12, 2018

When I have time to sit, I like big pipes. When I am moving around a lot I like a smaller one for clenching.

workman · Jul 12, 2018

I clench. I prefer straight pipes. 30-40 grams (ca 1-1.5 oz) is my comfort zone. I have a couple of pipes that weigh more, but no real heavyweighters. I don't buy heavy pipes.

There are of course other factors to consider. The stem, length of the pipe, straight vs bent etc, but the above is what I stick to mostly.

glaswegian · Jul 12, 2018

This is the reason why I switched to corncobs. More than 40gr isn´t suitable for my jaw.

I love the Stanwell Featherweight Series when it has to be briar. Also I prefer smaller bowls that I don´t smoke too long so I can change tobaccos more often.

ray47 · Jul 12, 2018

Because I wear full dentures and always smoke without my dentures in, heavy pipes are a no-no for me.

bigpond · Jul 12, 2018

Yeah, it’s all about the balance point and the right stem. I have pipes that weight 30 grams and can’t be comfortably clenched without a softy bit and others that are 65 grams and 6” long that clench great because the pipemaker profiled the button to accommodate.

lordofthepiperings · Jul 12, 2018

Shane and Brian actually just hit on this in the recent Radio Show episode.
I hadn't really thought about the pipe weight until hearing that radio show episode. I'm sure now going forward I'll be more aware of it and try to go for lighter pipes as I'm a clencher.

jcsoldit · Jul 12, 2018

I prefer straight pipes and as a clencher I like my pipes no heavier than about 56 grams.

pepesdad1 · Jul 12, 2018

My heaviest pipe is a beautiful bent Dublin monster weighing in at 103 grms. That's over 3 oz. I prefer to hold my pipes as I dropped one out of my mouth once and marred a beautiful bowl.

Do You Avoid Heavier Pipes?

Log in

SmokingPipes.com Updates

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

Site Sponsors

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

Can't Leave

Part of the Furniture Now

Can't Leave

Lifer

Your Mom's Favorite Pipe Smoker

Lifer

Lifer

Part of the Furniture Now

Captain of the Black Frigate

Lifer

Lifer

Lifer

Lifer

Lifer

Lurker

Lifer

Lifer

Lifer

Lifer

Lifer