Most of my new pipes have come coated, but I have always given extra points for an uncoated chamber on a new pipe, and I've never had any problems, smoked 'em gently and carbonized them just fine. I think ardent puffers who smoke a pipe hot have the most to worry about and might do more to spare the briar. But generally, the uncoated bowl is kind of classy and can work out just fine. Sip, sip.