Stem Length

[Flatfish]

I know that technically, the longer the stem the cooler the smoke. That makes sense.

Is everything else just a matter of appearance? Some like long stems, others short.

 

[TheIronMonkey]

I’m not even sure a longer stem of practical length would really even be a cooler smoke. I’d be curious to see some scientific measurements.

I wouldn’t say it was necessarily just about appearance. In the context of different pipe shapes/designs, comfort and balance might come into play. The bit and material might be a bigger factor for those that clench—there are many variables, and all contribute to the smoking experience to varying degrees to different smokers.

 

[RustiePyles CPG]

I once did a study by measuring over 300 pipes and compiled a set of statistics. It was basically a set of average percentages. Stem length should be somewhere in the neighborhood of 65% of the total length of a straight pipe or height of a bent pipe. This obviously does not take into account things like churchwardens.

 

[RustiePyles CPG]

I once did a study by measuring over 300 pipes and compiled a set of statistics. It was basically a set of average percentages. Stem length should be somewhere in the neighborhood of 65% of the total length of a straight pipe or height of a bent pipe. This obviously does not take into account things like churchwardens.

Edit: 55% not 65%

 

[tobakenist]

I have 2 churchwardens in my collection and they certainly do smoke cooler than my other pipes.

 

[ray47]

I find that it's not so much the length of the stem then it is the cadence in which you smoke. I've smoked churchwardens and Falcons, which are noted for how cool they smoke and if puffed fast they will heat up the smoke and the bowl. Regardless of the length of the stem, SLOW DOWN and you will get a cool smoke.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I know that technically, the longer the stem the cooler the smoke.

Considering how fast smoke travels up the airway, it the stem would have to be many feet long to register much of a difference in temperature.

I find that it's not so much the length of the stem then it is the cadence in which you smoke. I've smoked churchwardens and Falcons, which are noted for how cool they smoke and if puffed fast they will heat up the smoke and the bowl. Regardless of the length of the stem, SLOW DOWN and you will get a cool smoke.

^^^^
This

 

[Chasing Embers]

Is everything else just a matter of appearance? Some like long stems, others short.

Excluding an unobstructed airway, most things about a pipe are aesthetic.

 

[AJL67]

Seems if anything that stem length would give more surface for moisture to accrue, does that equal a cooler smoke, seems you might end up with some gurgle as well. Just the musings of an old man. I know nothing about thermal dynamics but i did stay at a Holiday Inn Express!

 

[kcghost]

I agree with @Chasing Embers. The length of the pipe surprisingly contributes nothing to the pleasure of smoking..

 

[Flatfish]

I agree with @Chasing Embers. The length of the pipe surprisingly contributes nothing to the pleasure of smoking..

Ok, fair enough.

 

[kcghost]

We are willing to admit this is just our opinion not an incontrovertible truth.

 

[anotherbob]

I personally think that longer stems and shanks do sort of make a cooler smoke. It still comes down more to technique. It seems like more smoke sits in the stem for a longer time if you smoke at slow to medium pace. This is based on how much smoke I can get out of a churchwarden that's gone out or has been dumped of tobacco. But that difference I notice is frankly pretty dang close to insignificant. The bigger difference I've noticed in smoking a churchwarden is that the shape forces you not really clench the pipe and kind of be more thoughtful about how you handle the pipe and that makes a more significant difference then any physics.

 

[cersono]

With my churchwardens, I don't feel that longer stems cool the smoke in any way.
What I feel however is that the smoke I draw from a churchwarden comes noticeably diluted with air. The longer stem makes room for 2 or 3 times more air inside than a regular-length stem does, so it's not unlike the calabash effect (and I don't like the calabash effect). That's the difference I find between the long and the regular stems, and I don't care for the impact the longer stem has on the smoke.

 

[bullet08]

Usually longer stems are reserved for a gent with a house servant who can light it for him. In length of 4' and longer, where he can't reach the chamber. But in these modern days, having house servants might be looked as anti-PC, and might run into an issue of getting beat up by well meaning citizens eating organic veggies and fake meats. They can't barely lift a toothpick by themselves, but they see red when they miss their laxative due to fibre overload.

 

[Hillcrest]

Usually longer stems are reserved for a gent with a house servant who can light it for him. In length of 4' and longer, where he can't reach the chamber. But in these modern days, having house servants might be looked as anti-PC, and might run into an issue of getting beat up by well meaning citizens eating organic veggies and fake meats. They can't barely lift a toothpick by themselves, but they see red when they miss their laxative due to fibre overload.

 

[makhorkasmoker]

I like shorter stems because I clench and I tend to do stuff with a pipe in my mouth. Having the bowl way out there on the end of a long stem puts more pressure on the teeth and mouth, and the pipe can get in the way. If the bit is short or curved in a certain way, or if the bowl is small and light, I can deal with a slightly longer stem but in general I like them short

 

[AppalachianPipe92]

I think a longer shank would have mote impact on the smoke as opposed to the stem. I think a longer stem is more of a visual preference

 

[Doctor Chopper]

No difference?!!






Enough said.....

 

[craZivn]

Having tried my first nosewarmer yesterday, I've decided that I don't like short stems for a couple reasons:
Firstly, I like smoke in my mouth but not in my face. A longer stem keeps the bowl away from my nose when I'm clenching a pipe in my mouth but want a breath of fresh air.
Secondly, I get an odd satisfaction from seeing the little curl of smoke that occasionally rises from the bowl. Having a longer stem means I don't have to cross my eyes to watch the show.
And a bonus reason, I have longish hair and I don't like smoking hair.

I also noticed that the nosewarmer smoked significantly hotter than my other pipe but that may have been because it's brand new, or because it was exceptionally hot out yesterday, or any of a dozen other factors. Either way I have a longer bit for it that I'll swap in.

Ivan