Advice on which shape of pipe is …

[franzkfk]

Greetings from Czech Republic

Please, help me decide which shape of a pipe I should try.
I am a regular cigar smoker and I would like to try a pipe.

I have searched some info, but I am still confused.

I am deciding on a shape that fits my taste. As I understand, the physical property of a cigar/pipe also has its effects on temperature which I do like colder.

Can someone help me with that?

 

[Chasing Embers]

As I understand, the physical property of a cigar/pipe also has its effects on temperature which I do like colder.

Total myth, those aspects are controlled by the technique of the smoker.

 

[DanWil84]

Welcome from the Netherlands!

To make the answer from @Chasing Embers a bit longer:

People underestimate smoking a cigar. With a cigar the moisture content of the cigar is important, how the cigar is rolled with soft or hard spots, the way you light, puffing frequency (technique), how you get by tunneling, splitting or a uneven burn are all important. How hot a cigar becomes or how cool it stays is all depending on the before mentioned factors or even more factors.

To me a pipe isn't any different. The pipe is the instrument to the tobacco. The least of your concern is which pipeshape you chose when you start out, the most you should be concerned on how you handle your tobacco, how you pack the tobacco in your pipe, how you (re)light and tamp, your smoking technique and how you take care of your pipe after smoking. If we make a cigar analogy; a 5 euro bundle cigar could smoke the same as a 50 euro cigar, but if you handle a 50 euro cigar like shit it will smoke like shit just like the 5 euro cigar will if you don't take care for it. In the long run pipe shape can attribute, but like the previous answer it contributes so little that it is neglictable.

 

[tklee]

Hi, and welcome from Malaysia!

Just pick a shape that you like the most. Shape doesn't affect the smoke, technique does.

 

[LotusEater]

I’d be more concerned with the size of the bowl and how it feels when clenched or in the hand. The only way to figure out what you really like is to try a few different shapes and sizes with different stems/stem materials I.e. vulcanite or acrylic.

 

[captpat]

I'd add that humidity of pipe tobacco is usually much less than a cigar, smoking too wet pipe tobacco can contribute to a hotter smoke as well as other undesirable effects. Shape-wise pick something that catches your eye and give it a whirl. There a several reputable brands of pipe that offer inexpensive but reliable starter pipes, Stanwell, Ropp, Morgan Bones, Missouri Meerschaum to name a few. As you start your journey I recommend first trying a codger blend of tobacco (e.g., Carter Hall, SWR, PA, etc.), these are fairly easy to deal with. Good luck.

 

[hyperstar]

You can purchase wide+shallow chamber pipe & narrow+deep chamber pipe each.
A wide+shallow chamber pipe is suitable for English blends, while a narrow+deep chamber pipe is good for Virginia.
You should give them a try, so you can find out which one is your favorite.

 

[bullet08]

Smoke what you think looks best to you.

 

[jpmcwjr]

You can purchase wide+shallow chamber pipe & narrow+deep chamber pipe each.
A wide+shallow chamber pipe is suitable for English blends, while a narrow+deep chamber pipe is good for Virginia.
You should give them a try, so you can find out which one is your favorite.

I disagree here. Almost any pipe is "suitable" for almost any blend.
What you write is fine for you, but it's not an accurate statement.

 

[cigrmaster]

I would start with the king of all pipes, a Billiard. Everything after is second tier. Look aat Billiards from factories and artisan alike. Here is my idea of the perfect Billiard shape. It is a 1966 Dunhill LB. The blast is nothing special but the shape is the best.


As for a sandblasted Billiard this Rad Davis is one of my favorites.

 

[mso489]

Answering one part of your question, for a new pipe smoker selecting a pipe shape, unless you are in love with one particular shape already, a classic traditional shape that would serve as an all-purpose introduction is the straight billiard with a tapered, rather than saddle stem. I admit, I started with a bent pot with an unusual vertical saddle stem; however I believe I have more of straight billiards than any other shape.

Straight billiards are usually easy to clean, nearly always pass a pipe cleaner, have a sufficiently ample bowl, and appeal to most people in terms of visual appeal, and are easy to clench (hold in your jaw).

 

[cigrmaster]

MSO, that is funny how you like the tapered Billiard best where I like the saddle stem best. Just goes to show every one we all have our favorites and no one is wrong for their likes and dislikes.

But we all know people who like the saddle stem Billiards have much better taste. lol

 

[Hillcrest]

I would recommend, in agreement with @cigrmaster, get yourself a Billiard shape, but I would add, get one that takes a 9mm filter, and then get yourself the adapter in case you don't want to smoke it with a filter.

My recommendation is soley based upon the following: my brother is a cigar smoker who occasionally smokes a pipe and he finds the Billiard most similar to a cigar shape; he prefers to use the filters because he prefers stronger tobaccos and it sometimes tones them down,; the Billiard is an iconic shape and if you decide you don't wish to continue a pipe you can always sell it and the filter/adapter
will help with resale.
P.S. Billiard and bent Billiard are allegedly the two most popular and most sold shapes.
P.P.S. His actual preferred preference is the Canadian shape or long shank billiard.

 

[cigrmaster]

I will respectively disagree about using filters. I have smoked 6 mm and 9 mm pipes and didn't use a filter or adaptor and the pipes smoked great.

 

[Searock Fan]

The first one is like pancakes, it never turns out as good as you want. I would suggest a straight stem as it's easier to keep clean. I don't know what your budget is but a meerschaum is usually a good bet. Read more about them on the forum. Be patient and good luck.

 

[biz]

Pick a pipe shape you like and buy it. Smoke it slowly with any tobacco.

 

[OverMountain]

Straight stem billiards are hard to beat, and easy to keep clean and free from gurgle.

 

[warren]

Unless you know a knowledgeable pipe smoker ... you are having to trust your instinct. Pick a shape which attracts your eye, fits your fist comfortably and appears well constructed (finish, drillings and a smooth transition from stem to bit). The true test is in the smoking. That's where you will experience a learning curve, nothing like a cigar or cigarette experience.

Cool or hot is your choice. You will have a rather simple learning curve with regard to loading and smoking. But the selection of a pipe? Purely a personal choice unless, what you choose is defective in its build.

 

[Scottmi]

I would recommend, in agreement with @cigrmaster, get yourself a Billiard shape, but I would add, get one that takes a 9mm filter, and then get yourself the adapter in case you don't want to smoke it with a filter.

My recommendation is soley based upon the following: my brother is a cigar smoker who occasionally smokes a pipe and he finds the Billiard most similar to a cigar shape; he prefers to use the filters because he prefers stronger tobaccos and it sometimes tones them down,; the Billiard is an iconic shape and if you decide you don't wish to continue a pipe you can always sell it and the filter/adapter
will help with resale.
P.S. Billiard and bent Billiard are allegedly the two most popular and most sold shapes.
P.P.S. His actual preferred preference is the Canadian shape or long shank billiard.

Don’t think i’ve Ever seen a Canadian briar i didn’t like.

 

[coys]

I’m fairly new to pipes, but my Peterson System pipe smokes cool and there’s no problem with moisture. It might be a good choice for you.