Best stem to use?

[steve76]

Hello, I am new to this site, and relatively new to pipe smoking. I smoked cigs for many years and had to quit, and now I casually smoke a pipe a few times a week. A problem I am running into is I clench down and bite on the stem really hard and have broken several stems. I try my best not to do it, but it is just done subconsciously I guess. Am I better off with a vulcanite or acrylic stem? Or are there other options? And what is the typical cost for a descent, durable replacement? The last replacement I got was a cheap plastic one that broke after I used it a couple times, and at $13 I think I got ripped off...it was much flimsier than the stem that came with the pipe. My best pipe may not be great by veteran pipe smokers standards, but it was $40, and I would like a good stem for it that doesn't cost as much as the pipe itself, but also isn't a flimsy piece of junk.
Thanks, I look forward to your advice.

 

[jefff]

I think you want vulcanite. I pay 20.00 to put a vulcanite stem on a pipe but it takes 4-6 weeks. I am sure others have different solutions.

 

[jefff]

Also, you might want to clench a bit less aggressively

 

[jefff]

oops.

 

[prairiedruid]

Could look at using a softie to protect the stem. The added diameter may help keep you from crunching the bit.

 

[literaryworkshop]

Acrylic is harder but also more brittle than vulcanite, so I think you should stick with the vulcanite. I'm sure that if you described your problem to a good repair guy, he could fit your pipes with a stem with a thicker button than usual.
But really, I think altering your clenching habits would be your best bet. That, or switch to corncob pipes that are cheap enough to toss when you break them.

 

[music4cash]

I've heard of pipe smokers putting a piece of surgical tubing over the bit, to stop teeth chatter from forming, but maybe that extra bit of padding would help you...

 

[georged]

Use a Twin-Bore stem. They were designed for people who unconsciously bite hard and regularly break the normal kind.

 

[mso489]

I didn't know twin-bore helped, but it might. Vulcanite is definitely more flexible and is a better choice for you. Softies are another added cushion. Your teeth are taking some punishment as much as the stems.