Swirl Packing Method

haroldt · Dec 11, 2013

I happened upon a recent post about trouble packing the pipe. In it, one mentioned the Swirl method of packing. I'm now a believer. While I have not yet gotten this method to pack the pipe tight (the draw feels lose) I am getting a far better smoke from this verses the 3 stage method. I find my pipes smoke cooler and..... I am not having to relight often. YEA!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0XHYPso7TXs

petes03 · Dec 11, 2013

Yep, it works pretty good! I've tried it a few times, and it worked great, but I still find myself using the 3 step method. Old habits die hard I guess.

dryseason91 · Dec 11, 2013

It somehow doesn't seem like it should work, but it does it. It sounds so wrong, but it smokes so right.

sfsteves · Dec 11, 2013

Until I saw the original post on this topic a few weeks ago, I'd never heard of this method despite having been a pipe smoker for 40+ years ... after watching that video, I gave it a try and was amazed ... in the interim, I've packed a few too loose at first and a couple have been too tight, but I pretty much have the hang of it at this point ... but, because it doesn't work all that well on freehands with an erose rim, I'm in no danger of losing my touch on the '3-step' method ...

tamer291 · Dec 11, 2013

I've been using this method almost exclusively. I love it. I barely relight and as you mentioned the smoke it cooler. Now if I could only get the accent down....

papipeguy · Dec 11, 2013

I've been using this method for over a year and it works well with most cuts. I find it works best with ribbon cuts.

brdavidson · Dec 11, 2013

I tried it when I first started because I had so much trouble packing my pipe and keeping it lit. It didn't help me much, however I started again (almost a year later) after the last post and I have found it needs far less re-lights when I do this method. Just packed a bowl of MacBaren Plumcake using this method last night and only needed 2 re-lights to reach the bottom of the bowl.

fitzy · Dec 11, 2013

I've tried it a few times but I can't quite get a tight enough of a pack. I've been using a modified Frank method and have great results with it.

andrew369 · Dec 11, 2013

I love this method been using it exclusively recently, unless the bowl is unsuitable or the tobacco is a particularly rough cut, definitely works best with ribbon cuts. And also James Fox is one of the best stores IMO if anyone is visiting Dublin, some really unique pipe blends plus a huge selection of cigars and whiskeys.

brdavidson · Dec 11, 2013

I've also gotten quite good at the old codger stuff and puff method with the forefinger in a pouch. Hard to do with tinned tobacco unfortunately or anything jarred up. I use that method exclusively for loading Carter Hall which is the only tobacco I keep in a pouch.

dcrguns · Dec 11, 2013

I use this method all the time for ribbon cut tobacco. For me the key is not to try to pack it too tightly. Just let the pipe fill itself and light it. Use the tamper for packing it tighter once the tobacco is lit. I am smoking mcclelland 3 oaks Syrian right now and used this method to pack the pipe. Perfect smoke. 8)

davidintexas · Dec 11, 2013

I have found this method to work best for me in my experience. I have only smoked ribbons so far, and I never seemed to get the 3-step method down well enough to have a consistent smoke before I came across this one. As has been said, this method most of the time seems to deliver a consistent smoke with very few, if any relights and encouraged me to keep on puffing when I was losing heart with the other.

tbradsim1 · Dec 11, 2013

I've been useing the Air Pack method when smoking ribbon, screwing big gob of tobbaco and none in btm of bowl, lighting just the center, really good draw and more flavor

bullbriar · Dec 11, 2013

This is the only method I have been using, recently. If I have to light a second time during the smoke, its the exception, not the rule. Best of luck.

allan · Dec 11, 2013

Since seeing the video I have been using this method with ribbon cuts. It does pack a little too loosely for me, but I find a combo of the swirl and then adding a little on top with some pressure gives me a rather good result.

shutterbugg · Dec 11, 2013

I find it works well with ribbon cuts but not as well with others.

tamer291 · Dec 11, 2013

This method doesn't work well for me on my MM cobs. Not sure if its the small bowl size or the rigid interior of the bowl. But I love it for my briar pipes.

Briar Boy · Dec 11, 2013

I use a modified version of the swirl, work well for me.

petes03 · Dec 12, 2013

I do a double swirl. Swirl until the bowl is filled the first time, then apply enough pressure to push it to the bottom of the bowl. Then repeat the process. Works great for me!

smokeybear · Dec 12, 2013

This has worked well for me in the past as well i learned it watching this exact video lol

Swirl Packing Method

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