9mm Charcol Filters vs Meerschaum Throwdown

[Sigmund]

Its clear that some folks are opposed to filters and thats cool. This thread isnt an argument. It is a comparison for those who use them. Im not attempting to sell anyone the idea of filters.

Ive been meaning to do this for a while. I typically use activated charcol filters 9mm. I had some meer filters around that I had not tried. For me charcol filters take out some of the darker ruddy notes (which I know some enjoy) but for me mute the sweetness. Also, I find charcol filters tend to polish the component flavors and allow them to shine through. Its the seperation of component flavors I really enjoy. Blenders that pull this off tend to also be my favorites.

This morning I loaded some Makahuwa plus a bit of latakia (a blend I often smoke in the morning) and put in a meer filter. I was immediately taken back by the aftertaste. One member called it kind of chalky but bias of knowing meer is white and chalky may create this bias but maybe its as good of a descriptor as any. Its just weird. I thoght maybe it was me so I tossed in a charcol filter. Right off the bat I got more sweetness from the tobacco and a nice finish.

In the interest of science back in went the meer filter. Taste muted, nice finish replaced by an odd feel...maybe the lack of a finish. Actually a lack of flavor overall.

Just to explore more variables out went the filter and I smoked it straight (no filter).

So back and forth I went and the same effect. For me it pretty much stripped the flavor down and made for an experience I didnt enjoy. I didnt pay that close attention to moisture level but the meer was probably a little more dry...maybe even too dry. I cant imagine needing to remove more moisture than a activated charcol filter will accomplish unless you are smoking really goopy blends.

So for today, Activated Charcol won in every department. I will try another pipe and another blend but for now I wont be buying meer filters.

 

[BrightDarkEyes]

Thank you for posting this observation. I haven’t tried them and never felt like I need to after using the activated charcoal filters. I imagine the meerschaum 9mm filters give off a taste similar to smoking a brand new meerschaum pipe before the bowl turns black. It’s not a flavour I found off putting but I always looked forward to the bowl turning black and whatever chalky kind of taste that was going away.

 

[Sigmund]

Some of the estates I bought had a filter thrown in so have a few meer filters. Before I got another shipment I wanted to see if I liked them.

Aside from the weird flavor which may go away over a pipe or two I was a bit suprised at how it made the smoke just taste like smoke. I didnt really taste the latakia much, the chocolate background of Makhuwa was gone...honestly, it just tasted like smoke...nothing special and its a blend I really like.

I use the vauen AC filters. Im going to try the White Elephant brand that are supposed to have a little less AC in them. Ive a couple of pipes where the draw is just a little restricted with a vauen. These are supposed to be more free...time will tell.

 

[Sobrbiker]

First of all, I’ve never tried a filter so take this for what it’s worth…
Knowing that new meerschaum pipes can taste a little “off”, “flat”, or “chalky” for the first few smokes I would posit that that would be the case with meer filters.
100% supposition of course, since I’ve not used chips, disks, filters, or any such items so far.
If I were to filter, I think I’d go with AC.

 

[Sigmund]

Well, take two is about the same. A little smoking gets rid of the off taste but on my vaper its eating up more of the perique and sweetness than I would tollerate.

Meer chips dont seem to have this impact...I guess there are fewer and more space in between. I will be sticking with the AC versions.

 

[BrightDarkEyes]

Now I might order some meerschaum filters to see the difference.

 

[LeafErikson]

New meerschaum can taste chalky at best and have a low-tide, briny flavor at worst. That's probably what you're tasting in those filters.

 

[Sigmund]

Whatever it is its not great and activated charcoal filters IMHO are far superior. I wont use the four of five Ive got in a drawer.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

I don't have too much experience with filtered pipes but based on my experience White Elephant meerschaum chips are superior to any known filters,where needed I use those on occasion ,usually with large sized bowls

 

[Green Hill Hermit]

You could always try balsa wood. They make them for 9mm and 6mm. They are always in my savinellis and work great. I can usually get around 10 smokes per filter before changing is needed

 

[Bassman65]

The Jean Claude 9mm AC filters are good also (name aside lol). I use either these or the Vauen.

 

[didimauw]

I almost wonder if the meerschaum filters need to be broken in before full effect. Like the pipes and the chalky taste in the beginning.

I hate breaking in new meerschaums.

 

[AJL67]

What no discussion on balsa? Bunch of anti-balites is what you are.

 

[bullet08]

I was thinking about that other CCW thread, and saw this thread. Shooting 9mm charcoal filter must be like really pepper spraying someone.

 

[Bbailey324]

Maybe someone should make a tiny little meerschaum coloring bowl to be used for breaking in and coloring the meerschaum filters before using them.

 

[Sigmund]

Just an additional note: I had a couple of pipes that were just a little tighter on the draw than I would ideally like. White Elephant Filters claim to use less charcol for a free draw so I bought a small box:

Yes, they are more free when you blow or suck through them in your mouth but compared to Vauen 9mm filters they are just a hair fatter than vauen. With a Vauen filter you get a little flow around the filter as well as through it. Not so much with White Elephant.

On some pipes White Elephant filters result in a more restricted draw than vauen. While it varies from pipe to pipe it is, by far, not an automatic fix. So I will be sticking with vauen.

 

[Hillcrest]

For complete lack of any taste other than tobacco I prefer Peterson filters. However, they were not available and I had to buy #2 choice Vauen. However, Vauen are thinner and do not sit well in the Peterson Pub pipe; in fact, they slide down into the reservoir unless you add some tape. Also the Pub Pipe is so large and deep that trying to use the filter for a second bowl is a waste of time so forget it. You would need to dry the filter out for a couple of days and its just not worth it IMHO. Haven't tried the other brands.

Would love to know who makes the filters for Peterson ???

 

[PiperCalvinist]

I’ve never used the meer filters. I’ve only used White Elephant & Peterson AC 9mm. I didn’t really notice a difference between the two. Thus far I have been very pleased with the charcoal filters. I primarily use them to eliminate tongue bite, which they are very effective at doing. I’ve not really noticed much of any flavor change between using them or not using them.

 

[Sigmund]

They they remove a lot of tar and a darker flavor from blends. Its more noticeable in some than others. I find it very significant in vapers. With filter is much sweeter. Not a huge difference with lat blends

 

[PipeIT]

I’m planning to get a commission with a 9mm filter. Was told Meerschaum filters are the way to go, and don’t mute the flavors, and that charcoal filters do mute the flavors… hmm

I was planning to get the White Elephant Meerschaum ones…

P.S. I‘ll be sure to report back how the meerschaum filters turn out, when I get the pipe.