Softy Bits

wallbright · Apr 22, 2011

I was wanting to buy some softy bits for my pipes (I believe that is what they are called) and I noticed some for pretty cheap on ebay. I was wondering if these look good or if you guys know where to buy some for a better price?
http://cgi.ebay.com/12PCS-NEW-SOFTY-Rubber-Tobacco-smoking-Pipe-Tip-Grips-/140489451037?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20b5d2e61d

pipetrucker · Apr 22, 2011

Yes, that is a good price. I use them on nearly all of my pipes, and swear by them. In most B&Ms the packaged ones tend to run around $1.99 for two although I do sometimes find them cheaper in shops that buy them in bulk.

hobie1dog · Apr 22, 2011

I still haven't tried one of these things yet. :?:

pipetrucker · Apr 22, 2011

Hobie, while they do make the bit a little thicker, they provide a comfortable and secure clench so that you don't have to bite so hard. No tooth marks on the pipe's bit and no having to bite down on a hard surface.

jasongone · Apr 22, 2011

i have been meaning to get some of those things... need to make a mental note.

forsooth · Apr 22, 2011

Just FWIW...I have taken the advice of a few others and purchased latex "exercise" tubing from a local medical supply. They had several different diameters and colors. I just neatly cut off a piece about 1/2" long and s-t-r-e-t-c-h it over the end of the bit. Sometimes a little olive oil may be necessary to slide it into place.
From my experience, it outlasts the softy bits, is much cheaper, and it is more comfortable as it is a bit less bulky and does not have the "lip" that the softy bits have. Like softy bits, there is no taste.

wallbright · Apr 22, 2011

I thought the lip would be good as it creates a button as you cover up the button with the softy bits?

hobie1dog · Apr 23, 2011

Just FWIW...I have taken the advice of a few others and purchased latex "exercise" tubing from a local medical supply. They had several different diameters and colors. I just neatly cut off a piece about 1/2" long and s-t-r-e-t-c-h it over the end of the bit. Sometimes a little olive oil may be necessary to slide it into place.

Wouldn't happen to have a picture of the setup, and what the raw tubing looks like would you?

echopipe · Apr 23, 2011

Yeah id like to see them too. Those softie bits are to big for me too. But I would like a smaller softie bit. : )

collindow · Apr 23, 2011

Wow, the ebay seller has some really good Engrish.

buckeye · Apr 23, 2011

watch out for the ebay ones. i heard they are cheap. i buy mine from just for him.

pipetrucker · Apr 23, 2011

I have heard about using the latex tubing, but have yet to try it.

forsooth · Apr 23, 2011

Here is a photo of the tubing. The large tubing turned out to be a little thick, so I generally stick with the green or red tubing. Also pictured is a very rare Peterson (with tubing in place), thought to have been made shortly after the American Revolution. : puffy

:

lordnoble · Apr 23, 2011

I use BJ Longs softy bits that I get from B&M. I figure I can help out a local manufacturer even it means I pay a bit more. I haven't noticed them disintegrating, though... Maybe I don't bite down hard enough?
-Jason

nemrod · May 6, 2011

I ordered two of them (a two-pack) with a pipe order when my PAD kicked in a week or two ago and got them a couple of days ago. I must say I don't really care much either way, with or without works just fine for me in regards to comfort, but as they do indeed keep bite marks away I decided I'd use them on the two pipes I ordered then. I'll probably add them to any pipe order I make if the web shop (no B&Ms anywhere near I live) happen to have them, but I won't go specifically looking for them for the pipes I already own.

schmitzbitz · May 6, 2011

I use softee-bits on my smaller stems to add some bulk for my teeth to grab ahold of; any wide or thick bits get a half inch of heat-shrink tubing (available at any electronics supply store), adds a bit of cushion without adding much thickness.

w1nd0wl1cker · May 6, 2011

I have used them myself and have found they have their advantages.
The advantage is they do eliminate bite marks and they are suprisingly comfortable. When I first started to use them, I thought for sure they would be to big and be annoying, but I grew use to them.
The downside to them for me is I find that they get really wet, and the stem is more likely to fill up with unwanted spit. So what I'm trying to say is I have to use more pipe cleaners than usual.

collin · May 7, 2011

Aww crap, this is about pipe stuff,....never mind.

pipetrucker · May 7, 2011

Aww crap, this is about pipe stuff,....never mind.

LMAO

sjpipesmoker · May 23, 2011

I'm gonna order me some of those CLEAR ones from China...Hopefully they're not too cheap...
My local B&M sells them for .75 each....not a bad price...I usually buy 10 at a time...use 3 then loose the rest??

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