Where the Rubber Meets the Teeth!

haroldt

Starting to Get Obsessed

Aug 4, 2013

243

2

Melbourne, Fl

• Sep 2, 2013

• #1

I spoke recently with a fellow at a Cigar and Pipe shop in town (far more cigar then pipe) about the weight of a pipe, pressure on the teeth and just the general discomfort of biting down on the hard plastic. He showed me these little rubber ends one can place on the bit.
Here is info at null
So I bought some. I must say that I will be outfitting the rest of my pipes with these little jewels. They really help and add comfort.
Anyone else using them??

 

flyguy

Lifer

Nov 20, 2012

1,018

4

• Sep 2, 2013

• #2

I use 'em too on every pipe. It makes smoking much more comfortable. I am a clencher and would just chew-up my bits if left uncovered. Hats off to those who don't need them!

 

cavendish

Part of the Furniture Now

Jan 22, 2013

806

1

• Sep 2, 2013

• #3

I personally don'y like them. I find the pipe bounces more and it's alot larger than the bit itself and I found that to be uncomfortable pressure due to clenching harder to stop it from bouncing. I was walking at the time so I removed the rubber, put it in my pouch and they sit in a cigar box now lol.

 

taerin

Lifer

May 22, 2012

1,851

3

• Sep 2, 2013

• #4

I only smoke pipes that are very bent with vulcanite stems, the rubber bits add too much discomfort to use, the stems are quite comfortable without them. As Cortez has stated earlier, they are like wearing a condom, part of the enjoyment of the pipe is the tactile feel in your teeth when you clench it naturally.

 

4dotsasieni

Part of the Furniture Now

Jan 6, 2013

756

8

• Sep 2, 2013

• #5

If you're ever in the U.K., look for a pipe called the "Dr Plumb Dental." It comes with a widely-flared lip, providing extra support without the necessity for a rubber add-on.

 

rigmedic1

Lifer

May 29, 2011

3,896

76

• Sep 2, 2013

• #6

I use them on a couple of my pipes to keep from damaging the unusual or rare stems. They are comfortable enough, though I prefer the harder lucite stems.

 

drwatson

Lifer

Aug 3, 2010

1,721

7

toledo

• Sep 2, 2013

• #7

I use them on all my stems, but cut off the thicker end and just use the thin part.

 

canadianbiggame

Starting to Get Obsessed

Jun 24, 2013

155

1

Edmonton Alberta

• Sep 2, 2013

• #8

I use them on all my pipes, If it wasn't for the little rubber on the end I would eat through the stems in a matter of weeks.

 

kashmir

Lifer

May 17, 2011

2,712

70

Northern New Jersey

• Sep 2, 2013

• #9

I clench the pipe as a matter of habit. Here's the stuff I use.

 

dread

Lifer

Jun 19, 2013

1,617

9

• Sep 2, 2013

• #10

Kashmir, 1) what is that tubing, but more importantly 2) where do you get your awesome stems? I have a Radice I want to re-stem.

 

kashmir

Lifer

May 17, 2011

2,712

70

Northern New Jersey

• Sep 2, 2013

• #11

Hi dread. Here's the link on fancy Lucite stems:
http://pipesmagazine.com/forums/topic/fancy-lucite-stems http://pipesmagazine.com/forums/topic/fancy-lucite-stems
I use thin walled rubber surgical tubing. The kind they wrap around your arm when you give blood. I set it up so the button remains uncovered. So the only part of the stem that is protected is where your teeth go. I swear by this method. Saves the stems. Clenching promotes body / mind unity with the pipe and thereby maximizes all that the tobacco has to offer.

 

pipebow88

Can't Leave

Jun 12, 2013

459

1

• Sep 2, 2013

• #12

At one point I had softy bits on a few and liked them. But now all are bare and I cannot stand softy bits.

B

 

ghost

Lifer

May 17, 2012

2,001

4

• Sep 2, 2013

• #13

I used to use them often, but now I only have them on a couple of straight pipes. The more you clench the easier it gets.

 

hodirty

Lifer

Jan 10, 2013

1,295

2

• Sep 2, 2013

• #14

I swear by softy bits. I have them on all my pipes. In fact, if I get a new pipe I'll rob one off another pipe, just to smoke it. I can't stand not having them on.

 

dread

Lifer

Jun 19, 2013

1,617

9

• Sep 2, 2013

• #15

@ Kashmir - thanks a bunch!

 

flyguy

Lifer

Nov 20, 2012

1,018

4

• Sep 2, 2013

• #16

@Kashmir: The tubing is a great idea! I'll have to hunt me up a 3' length or so.

 

allan

Lifer

Dec 5, 2012

2,429

7

Bronx, NY

• Sep 2, 2013

• #17

I can understand the reason why it's used. After all, the teeth marks and discoloration on the stem bothers me, and I find that once in a while I have to polish the stems
But the aspect of saliva caught underneath the tubing...well that's too much for me
To each their own

 

kashmir

Lifer

May 17, 2011

2,712

70

Northern New Jersey

• Sep 3, 2013

• #18

After each smoke, the thin surgical rubber ring is removed from the stem. They slip off easily. I have a bowl of these rings. The stem is then cleaned and the pipe racked in the usual way. All copesetic and highly hygienic.