I have a many pipes, both filtered and otherwise. But I must confess - in my recent phase of "Burley Extremism" that filters of all kinds make pipe cleaning easier.
Confession of a pipe filter lover
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I don't use filters much, so I really can't compare cleaning pipes with and without use of a filter. Since I usually only have one bowl a day, I guess i tend toward having the whole experience until the next day. However, I think filters have a use even for those who don't usually use them. For example, if there is a blend that is overbearing but that you still enjoy, a filter might tame that blend enough for you to enjoy it. Or if you are going to a pipe show or pipe club or shop where you plan to smoke more than usual, filters might prevent negative after effects.
Filters are one more thing to buy and keep stocked, if you use them. I have on hand balsa filters, paper filters by both Dr. Grabow and Medico, and 9 mm charcoal filters, but as noted, I don't often use them. Apparently European pipe smokers have pretty much converted to 9 mm filters for health reasons. For all-day smokers, that may be wise. I'm a burley devotee, but really prefer blends I like without filters, even the strong ones.
Filters are one more thing to buy and keep stocked, if you use them. I have on hand balsa filters, paper filters by both Dr. Grabow and Medico, and 9 mm charcoal filters, but as noted, I don't often use them. Apparently European pipe smokers have pretty much converted to 9 mm filters for health reasons. For all-day smokers, that may be wise. I'm a burley devotee, but really prefer blends I like without filters, even the strong ones.
I use them on occasion if my tounge is tired. If I don't have the time or I am impatient on drying a bowl or two I'll also grab a filtered pipe. I prefer my Vauen pipes with the 9mm charoal filters but I do have some 6mm's Savinelli's. The 9mm's seem like a better draw for me and last longer. I do like to use the 6mm balsa filters in my cobs. They are an extra expense but are sometimes worth it.
Nothing to be ashamed of. I love my Savinelli balsas, no matter what type of blend I'm smoking.
I’m beginning to think filters are the way to go for me.
I have always wondered, are filters for pipes, especially balsa and Dr. Grabow, true filters, or are they more aimed at drying the smoke.
I have the maple tube style ones for my brigham's, because they pass a pipe cleaner, all the others I do without.
My pipe is made to accept 9mm filters and came with a 9mm to 3mm reducer. Have used the reducer since day one, but today I ordered some Vauen 9mm charcoal filters and some Savinelli 9mm balsa wood filters.
I've never used any filters before, but I've read here and there people mentioning sometimes they can tame some of the harsher stuff. Since I was ordering more pipe cleaners and the filters weren't terribly expensive, so I added them in. Figured they might be worth trying each type. I haven't had issues with things being too wet or hot yet, but should I encounter a blend that might tend that way, they'll be good to have on hand if they work as some say. Though some of the reviews of the Vauen charcoal filters say it doesn't reduce the flavor.
The one type of filter I saw but didn't grab was the keystone type bowl rocks. They'd probably work great in my billiard since I don't smoke dottle down to the absolute bottom of the bowl anyway.
I'm certainly not opposed to the idea of filters, and I don't think using them makes anyone less of a piper. And I don't really see them being an issue for me with cleaning, since I pull the stem after several hours when the pipe has fully cooled down to clean any liquid or bits from the inside of the mortis, tenon, and adapter anyway. The only thing it will change is that I normally run a pipe cleaner through the stem just until it peeks through the draught hole after knocking out the dottle just to immediately absorb any moisture, but I suppose if they make things more dry as advertised, then I shouldn't need to run a pipe cleaner immediately.
I've never used any filters before, but I've read here and there people mentioning sometimes they can tame some of the harsher stuff. Since I was ordering more pipe cleaners and the filters weren't terribly expensive, so I added them in. Figured they might be worth trying each type. I haven't had issues with things being too wet or hot yet, but should I encounter a blend that might tend that way, they'll be good to have on hand if they work as some say. Though some of the reviews of the Vauen charcoal filters say it doesn't reduce the flavor.
The one type of filter I saw but didn't grab was the keystone type bowl rocks. They'd probably work great in my billiard since I don't smoke dottle down to the absolute bottom of the bowl anyway.
I'm certainly not opposed to the idea of filters, and I don't think using them makes anyone less of a piper. And I don't really see them being an issue for me with cleaning, since I pull the stem after several hours when the pipe has fully cooled down to clean any liquid or bits from the inside of the mortis, tenon, and adapter anyway. The only thing it will change is that I normally run a pipe cleaner through the stem just until it peeks through the draught hole after knocking out the dottle just to immediately absorb any moisture, but I suppose if they make things more dry as advertised, then I shouldn't need to run a pipe cleaner immediately.
The Brigham maple filter system is fantastic.
My understanding is that pipe filters are mainly targeted at drying the smoke. They do also grab a bunch of the larger particulates though, which is nice.
I pretty much use nothing but 6mm. Prefer the balsa but I’ll use a charcoal occasionally because I bought a box.
Most of the time I don't use a filter, never felt that they improved the experience much and one it adds extra steps--put in new one, take out old one, maintain an inventory, etc. I'll use an adapter in pipes made for 9mm, and open bore for those 6mm pipes.
The "filtration" is limited, but I find they greatly reduce moisture in the smoke, and overall gunk in the pipe. Stuff you don't want in the smoke, or the pipe, gets sucked up. Then you just toss 'em.
I smoke unfiltered pipes too, but filtered pipes sure help with cleaning up after oily Burleys.
Filters are purely a matter of taste. If you like em, use em, if not, don't. It's really that simple. 
In my experience. A filter can absorbs moisture and tar from smoke. But, the taste of the smoke would become less strong than non-filter.
Brigham maple inserts get my vote too as favourite filter type
With models such as the Acadian and Klondike being made by Chacom in St Claude you know they are well priced for a top quality filtered pipe
I have quite a few pipes with filters. Even my Lee Van Cleef meerschaum uses one. A filter can dry the smoke and it can also tame it down. One thing for sure, when you remove the filter, the pollutants clearly seen on it are not in you.
Brigham filters may indeed pass a pipe cleaner, but I use them to make pipe cleaners unnecessary, such as when driving.