I have a question for all of the Pete Geeks on the forum. What is the preferred or ideal shape and size for a p-lip? Also, is there a golden era for P-Lips? My only reference is the one on my 2025 PPN POY. At first I thought it was just too big and uncomfortable for clenching. I have since adjusted to it and really like it.
Ideal Size and Form of a Peterson P-Lip Bit
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I first got a 314 system standard with the acrylic plip. It took me a few smokes to get used to a plip to start. Then I bought a silver spigot 314 with a vulcanite stem, and I almost can't even stand that one. The front edge of the plip is so sharp, it bothers me.
But the system standard is just about the only pipe I smoke these days.
But the system standard is just about the only pipe I smoke these days.
Correction: my pipe is a 2024 PPN POY. One of these days I I’ll proofread before posting.
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No idea of any general standard but the one on my 2025 POTY is perfect! Some thought a release not all that long ago had P-lips that weren’t defined enough, and they were less defined, so I’m not sure how uniform they are across the board but I like them and haven’t run across one that required any dramatic adjustments.
In my opinion older P-lips are much superior to new ones, also bigger size translates to more comfort for me, but the most important factor has to be definition.
Here are some examples of amazing P-lips - all of them on older pipes:
And now here is one of my few modern P-lips and it's just an abominatio, if you ask me...
Here are some examples of amazing P-lips - all of them on older pipes:
And now here is one of my few modern P-lips and it's just an abominatio, if you ask me...
I've owned something like 17 modern Petersons (last 3 years of production) with p-Lips. I enjoy the p-lip but sometimes they just do not sit well in the teeth. My best feeling one is a Sherlock Holmes Hansom. It has a wide flat p-lip that is probably my most comfortable clencher. Honestly most of the vintage Petersons I've seen just look like superior pipes compared to modern production.
Some of the new p-lips do lack definition. Here's the p-lip on my 2023 POY. I also like a sharp, crisp shelf to the button.
Below the stem I rec'd and the replacement that Peterson gave me (thanks SmokingPipes!).
Below the stem I rec'd and the replacement that Peterson gave me (thanks SmokingPipes!).
This new design reminds me of the stem of a 40s 9s I have here. I have been avoiding it for months now, since it doesn't look to be a fun task repairing it
now I can just call it "new style" and be done with it
The replacement looks much better, the lack definition at the front of the button is appalling, and it’s unfortunate that ones like that even made it into a box.
That’s been buffed/sanded to a mere nub. The hole into the airway on the bottom adds to the fun.This new design reminds me of the stem of a 40s 9s I have here. I have been avoiding it for months now, since it doesn't look to be a fun task repairing it
View attachment 421439View attachment 421440View attachment 421441
Looks like time for a new stem.
No I would, I would... As soon as a suitable replacement presents itself to me. It's also a good proof of concept and a good way to test my limits. At this point even if I manage a perfect repair, the stem would end up costing several hundred, just in work hours
In my limited experience with P-lips, I have found that many of the older system standard ones were narrower, and longer. For me, that made them "roll" a little bit and was a nuisance. I find the newer ones to be generally wider on the system standard, which make them feel "flatter" and sit better for me - no "rolling" and therefore more stable.
Also, I have found that the newer system standard stems are shorter and more similar to one another. Example: older 312's, 309's were longer; the newer 312 seems to be the same as the 314 stems.
I have also found that I really enjoy the same on the current system spigot series.
Short army was also great, I would like to get more of those.
Clear as mud?
The perfect size is the one you like best.
Also, I have found that the newer system standard stems are shorter and more similar to one another. Example: older 312's, 309's were longer; the newer 312 seems to be the same as the 314 stems.
I have also found that I really enjoy the same on the current system spigot series.
Short army was also great, I would like to get more of those.
Clear as mud?
The perfect size is the one you like best.
Hear hear!!!
@swilford, can we expect more of GP’s wonderful stems this line exhibited in the future?
I have figured out the ideal modification for all P-lips:
Step (1): Fill in the hole.
Step (2): Cut a slot in the back.
Perfection.
Step (1): Fill in the hole.
Step (2): Cut a slot in the back.
Perfection.
All you're getting from Secret Santa is a bag full of new P-lip stems!
Obviously, the ones the smoker finds comfortable. No more complicated than that.
