Advice on which shape of pipe is …
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I would buy a few instead of only one. Maybe three different shapes of the not so expensive range might be a nice start.
Oh, I like them too, to admire, but I prefer bents and always have. My only straight billiards are a Savinelli Erica Fiamma 128 Billiard -- I bought it so I could have a straight pipe and its a good pipe but ... its not bent... and a Peterson Meerschaum (Isle of Mann) which is simply perfect and collectible.Don’t think i’ve Ever seen a Canadian briar i didn’t like.
As for temperature, If I understand what you are asking, is the direct result of packing and smoking cadence, so technique as others have said --- slow and steady, not steam locomotive. Thicker walls on the pipe make it cooler to the hand and a longer stem has been reputed to cool the smoke as well but mainly cadence is key from what I have read on these threads.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?
Pick one you like the shape, size, and curvature of first and foremost.
That said, I figured out quickly that I prefer a bent pipe by far over a straight one. I have a Savinelli 614 full-bent shape that is practically an Oom Paul design, but not quite, and a Peterson system p-lip 317 shape that is also sort of a jaw-hanger-type pipe. Those are the two I like to smoke the most of all since they just hang effortlessly. If I had to pick the favorite, it would be the Peterson. In either case, I tend to get a lot of moisture no matter what I am smoking, even a non-aromatic, straight-forward tobacco. So, with the bent shapes, I have found the moisture collects in the well, especially with the Peterson since it designed that way, and I can take it apart mid-smoke and dry it out and keep going. Also, with the Peterson, I will smoke it about 20-30 minutes at night, take it apart and dry it out, and resume the pipe the next morning with no problems.
That said, I figured out quickly that I prefer a bent pipe by far over a straight one. I have a Savinelli 614 full-bent shape that is practically an Oom Paul design, but not quite, and a Peterson system p-lip 317 shape that is also sort of a jaw-hanger-type pipe. Those are the two I like to smoke the most of all since they just hang effortlessly. If I had to pick the favorite, it would be the Peterson. In either case, I tend to get a lot of moisture no matter what I am smoking, even a non-aromatic, straight-forward tobacco. So, with the bent shapes, I have found the moisture collects in the well, especially with the Peterson since it designed that way, and I can take it apart mid-smoke and dry it out and keep going. Also, with the Peterson, I will smoke it about 20-30 minutes at night, take it apart and dry it out, and resume the pipe the next morning with no problems.
Half bent is always beauty to me! The first ‘brand name’ I splurged a little on is a Savinelli 316 KS in the early 1990’s. It remains a favorite. I think there are so many beautiful pipes out there, and this is one of them!
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Another vote for straight Billiard , also maybe get a couple cobs for tasting blends…
Straight billiard is the way to go for starters. You will later develop personal preferences for shapes, but a straight billiard is easier to handle for a new acolyte.
Just don’t buy cheaper wooden pipes, stick with briar.
Just don’t buy cheaper wooden pipes, stick with briar.
That's a decent blend to go with the pipe too. It was one of my early ones and still enjoy. Branched out to other blends under that name too.
I can't improve on the excellent pipe advice here. But I will say what pipe tobacco you get can have a big impact on your first experience. Avoid blends that naturally burn a bit hotter than others (e.g. heavy virginia or goopy aromatics), and try a burley or english blend instead. If you're partial to cigars, there are pipe blends that incorporate cigar leaf, but they tend to be more expensive and complex blends. I'd try something straightforward. Briar Fox, Sir Walter Raleigh, Presbyterian, something along those lines.
Interesting you would recommend a blend with cigar leaf. I used to some times smoke Balkan Sobranie with cigar leaf and it was a great change of pace smoke. Lately I've tried several with cigar leaf and they have all been terrible. Any recommendations?
I normally wouldn't recommend that to a new pipe smoker, but the OP seems to know his way around a cigar, so my thought was a blend like that would be familiar and welcome. I could be wrong, though. One of my absolutely favorite blends, King's Stride, has cigar leaf in it. It isn't one I would recommend to a newbie, though. But boy, is it good! The cigar leaf is made into a cavendish that has a smooth, naturally chocolately and earthy taste. The virginias really balance things out and add just a hint of sweetness and brightness. The perique is wonderfully plummy, and the burley keeps it smoking cooly and provides some body. I just love it. My experience with cigar blends is very small, but King's Stride is delicious, in my humble opinion.Interesting you would recommend a blend with cigar leaf. I used to some times smoke Balkan Sobranie with cigar leaf and it was a great change of pace smoke. Lately I've tried several with cigar leaf and they have all been terrible. Any recommendations?
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Just buy one of everything………….actually maybe 4 or 5 of everything, it’s what we have all done 
Guys, thank you ALL for responses and feedbacks.
THANK YOU.
I really just want to try it, so I am not gonna spend a lot, but I have found some starter packs with briar pipes. I have shortened the choice to four pipes. Price range around 40US/40EUR. Brand Angelo.
I like number 1, but then again the number 2 has thicker bowl. The most "sexy" seems to me number 3.
What do you think?
THANK YOU.
I really just want to try it, so I am not gonna spend a lot, but I have found some starter packs with briar pipes. I have shortened the choice to four pipes. Price range around 40US/40EUR. Brand Angelo.
I like number 1, but then again the number 2 has thicker bowl. The most "sexy" seems to me number 3.
What do you think?
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Buy a Lovat because I love them. Ha. Kidding. Pick a shape you like. The more you like it the more likely you are to pick it up and learn.
At this point I would suggest you pick the one most visually pleasing.
A minor warning
Thicker bowl is actually not that great for one who starts the hobby, because he may have troubles with heat control. The briar may seem warm in hand but will be hellishly hot inside.
Without knowing anything about those pipes I would pick #3.
If I would make a suggestion: I would rather buy a Missouri Meerschaum Corncob which is cheaper or buy a bit more expensive pipe like a Irish Seconds, Rattrays, Savinelli starter kit or Vauen. You can buy these brands at www.smokingpipes.eu, which I think wouldn't sell the product if they didn't think it is a quality one. I suspect your suggested pipes are from ebay, which is a great source for pipes, but you would have to know what you should buy instead of a true specialist looking at it.
If I would make a suggestion: I would rather buy a Missouri Meerschaum Corncob which is cheaper or buy a bit more expensive pipe like a Irish Seconds, Rattrays, Savinelli starter kit or Vauen. You can buy these brands at www.smokingpipes.eu, which I think wouldn't sell the product if they didn't think it is a quality one. I suspect your suggested pipes are from ebay, which is a great source for pipes, but you would have to know what you should buy instead of a true specialist looking at it.