There isn't one, it's just unique to each smoker.I don't think I've ever heard a specific metric to interpret that advice by.
While I agree on the variables, the term is right. It refers to the rhythm, in this case of stoking the ember. It changes, of course it does. Just like the cadence of the song picks up or shows down according to the needs of the song, or a walking cadence may change according to the terrain. The rhythms of smoking.I dislike the term as too many interpret to mean you have to maintain the same beat over the course of a whole bowl.
And for me it varies on every bowl, and within every smoke. YMMV.
As a clencher and relatively novitiate pipe smoker, I’ve consciously trained myself to do the breath dealio, sometimes sealed lips, sometimes not. Pipe may still get hot, but bite is very rare nowadays, and bowls burn much nicer.
I also dry what I smoke every chance I get.
me too that's why I focus not on slow or fast but on gentle draw also known as sipping instead of puffing.Never been able to smoke (really) slow, next life: perhaps I will.
I maintain the term may cause some smokers trouble. That is all.While I agree on the variables, the term is right. It refers to the rhythm, in this case of stoking the ember. It changes, of course it does. Just like the cadence of the song picks up or shows down according to the needs of the song, or a walking cadence may change according to the terrain. The rhythms of smoking.
Keeps the bugs away!I like to see voluminous clouds of smoke. I am much like the OP - I tend to freight train it through the first 1/3 of the bowl and then I notice the bowl is heating up and slow down. Sipping really doesn't work with me, although I make an extra effort with good VAs and most aros which I find particularly unforgiving and tend to get get hot and flavorless. English blends are great for agressive chooching.