Confession of a pipe filter lover

[samuelgawith01]

I started liking 9mm filter pipes back in 2016,and own about 15 of them.When at work,I am away for months at a time,and we are compelled to smoke outside.
A charcoal filter helps take the edge off tobacco in an outdoor smoking situation
With the breeze,and even wind at times

 

[samuelgawith01]

I have always wondered, are filters for pipes, especially balsa and Dr. Grabow, true filters, or are they more aimed at drying the smoke.

They are more of an absorbent device,instead of being a true filter.9mm charcoal filters more closely resemble a true filter,where 100 % of the process fluid (tobacco smoke in our case) flows THROUGH 100% of the filter material,instead of around it.

 

[justscience]

They are more of an absorbent device,instead of being a true filter.9mm charcoal filters more closely resemble a true filter,where 100 % of the process fluid (tobacco smoke in our case) flows THROUGH 100% of the filter material,instead of around it.

You put that well. But then I realized smoke just flows past the crumbly bits in the cartridge the same way it flows past balsa. More likely to bounce off of finer pieces though.

Nobody ever invites me to parties.

 

[markus]

I will admit that filters have a some Pro's, such as:
1. They dry the smoke.
2. They filter particulates and possible tars, pollutants or whatever.

I think the primary reason that I don't use them, is that they mute the flavors and I admit, this may be more of a mental issue, as I can't actually prove this, it's just an impression I get, and for this reason, I avoid them.

 

[samuelgawith01]

You put that well. But then I realized smoke just flows past the crumbly bits in the cartridge the same way it flows past balsa. More likely to bounce off of finer pieces though.

Nobody ever invites me to parties.

Thanks for the kind comment.

 

[mso489]

Though I'm sure I get more of the fumes and tars without a filter, I think I also am happy smoking only a bowl or two a day. I think with a filter, I'd smoke more, trying to get at the flavor. I don't think I have many nicotine receptors. I can get queasy smoking a strong cigar down to a stub, but when I lay off pipes for days or weeks, I don't get cravings. Everyone has to make their personal risk assessment and go with their best guess and estimate of what is acceptable in terms of health.

 

[sardonicus87]

Well, my Vauen charcoal filters came today (which I think are a newer design, where I ordered showed instructions that the blue end goes toward the bit but these can go either direction with both ends of the filter being white). Currently smoking some Sutliff English #1 with the filter in and there is some reduction in the flavor. Though it's not an extreme reduction in flavor, it is noticeable.

Drawing on the pipe isn't bad at all, and the pipe even seems to be smoking better with the filter compared to the reducer, like staying lit better, burning more evenly, and definitely smoking cooler. Though it has only been 20 minutes so far.

Gotta say, I do like the way the pipe is smoking today with the filter. I'm actually using a faster cadence than I normally would and the pipe is still running cooler. That may be in part to the draw being a little more restricted compared to the reducer.

Though, the reducer that came with the pipe does leave a lot of space inside the tenon between the reducer and the bottom of the tenon (toward the bit). As in the reducer isn't as long as the depth for the filter. So I do like that aspect of it, I don't have to be quite so careful on my sips.

I'm a fan and sold on these. I'll have to see how they compare to the balsa wood filters.

 

[Bobby Bailey]

I have the maple tube style ones for my brigham's, because they pass a pipe cleaner, all the others I do without.

Not to say that you shouldn't use what you like, but a Dr. Graybow paper filter will pass a pipe cleaner. I've done it many times, not saying I planned it, but it does.

 

[Tombstone Smoker]

I have every type of filtered pipe, each filter style has it's merits. Just as non filtered pipes do as well.

 

[krizzose]

I have a lot of Savinellis, and I’ve always used the balsas. While I appreciate the moisture control they provide, I continue to use them primarily because I prefer (or I’m just very used to) the draw with the balsa in. Yes, I could use the adapters, but for me it’s much easier to simply toss the used balsa than separately clean and keep track of the adapters.

I also have a couple of Brighams, and the maple inserts are great

 

[mso489]

I've used filters from time to time, and I have one Kaywoodie Drinkless with a screw-in stem/stinger. I must say, comparing these smoking experiences with my non-filter smoking, I notice no more moisture with or without a filter. I'm just not a particularly wet smoker, so moisture would never be a reason for me to use a filter or stinger.

I will say, the Drinkless gives a good smoke, and cleaning the stinger is done in a matter of seconds, so it is less trouble than I'd have thought.

 

[cigrmaster]

I have never nor would I ever use a filter in my pipe. I have owned 6mm Savinelli's and hand made Winslows grades E-B. One or two had a 9mm filter and I just tossed it along with the adaptor and they smoked like champs. Even the 6mm Sav's without filter or adaptor smoked great.

I will never understand why people think they will get an easier smoke that doesn't bite. If you pack your pipe properly with the right amount of resistance and the proper humidity, you should never use a filter. anyone I have spoken to over the years all said the filter takes away flavor.

 

[mortonbriar]

Not to say that you shouldn't use what you like, but a Dr. Graybow paper filter will pass a pipe cleaner. I've done it many times, not saying I planned it, but it does.

To be honest, I would just be in the 'zero filters' camp, except I am a carpenter and I find those little tiny tubes of maple irresistibly cute.

 

[Bobby Bailey]

I have never nor would I ever use a filter in my pipe. I have owned 6mm Savinelli's and hand made Winslows grades E-B. One or two had a 9mm filter and I just tossed it along with the adaptor and they smoked like champs. Even the 6mm Sav's without filter or adaptor smoked great.

I will never understand why people think they will get an easier smoke that doesn't bite. If you pack your pipe properly with the right amount of resistance and the proper humidity, you should never use a filter. anyone I have spoken to over the years all said the filter takes away flavor.

Hahaha, I'll be the one you can speak to that uses a filter and loses No flavor of the smoke.

 

[Tombstone Smoker]

Hahaha, I'll be the one you can speak to that uses a filter and loses No flavor of the smoke.

I have all kinds of pipes of all styles. Filtered pipes are akin to a modem automatic transmission. Almost no power loss, but a simpler, smoother ride.

 

[marconi]

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.

Filters do remove both moisture and tar especially charcoal filters,and leaves the pipe clean.Especially after smoking a Burley blend you should see the shite that accumulates in the filter.When you remove the filter and run a pipe cleaner through the pipe it comes out clean.
As to the old chestnut that filters change the taste of the tobacco IMO it's just not true.

 

[marconi]

Well, my Vauen charcoal filters came today (which I think are a newer design, where I ordered showed instructions that the blue end goes toward the bit but these can go either direction with both ends of the filter being white). Currently smoking some Sutliff English #1 with the filter in and there is some reduction in the flavor. Though it's not an extreme reduction in flavor, it is noticeable.

Drawing on the pipe isn't bad at all, and the pipe even seems to be smoking better with the filter compared to the reducer, like staying lit better, burning more evenly, and definitely smoking cooler. Though it has only been 20 minutes so far.

Gotta say, I do like the way the pipe is smoking today with the filter. I'm actually using a faster cadence than I normally would and the pipe is still running cooler. That may be in part to the draw being a little more restricted compared to the reducer.

Though, the reducer that came with the pipe does leave a lot of space inside the tenon between the reducer and the bottom of the tenon (toward the bit). As in the reducer isn't as long as the depth for the filter. So I do like that aspect of it, I don't have to be quite so careful on my sips.

I'm a fan and sold on these. I'll have to see how they compare to the balsa wood filters.

Are they 9mm or 6mm? I have recently ordered the Vaun 6mm filters which have five holes either end like the Savinellis.
Nothing but the best for my cobs.

 

[telescopes]

I have never nor would I ever use a filter in my pipe. I have owned 6mm Savinelli's and hand made Winslows grades E-B. One or two had a 9mm filter and I just tossed it along with the adaptor and they smoked like champs. Even the 6mm Sav's without filter or adaptor smoked great.

I will never understand why people think they will get an easier smoke that doesn't bite. If you pack your pipe properly with the right amount of resistance and the proper humidity, you should never use a filter. anyone I have spoken to over the years all said the filter takes away flavor.

That has not been my experience, but the road is never viewed the same between travelers.

 

[telescopes]

I wonder if there is a correlation between no filter advocates and a loathing of using a condom? I thought I read a study that suggested it starts with having double Y chromosomes.?

 

[Tombstone Smoker]

Right now, I'm smoking one of my filter-free Nording signatures. Smokes great.

Smoked the same mix in a similar shaped pipe last night with a 9mm blitz charcoal. Also a great smoke.

Filter free, I have to stay switched on, and manage the smoke more mindfully, changing gears--to prevent stalls, rough transitions, gurgle.

Filter in, it's like cruising down the interstate in top gear. Set it and forget it. Which in some ways actually makes for a more tasteful smoke, as one can focus on finding flavors with singular concentration.

Either way will get me there, but when it comes time for service, the filter pipe is hands-down easier to deal with. Toss it after a smoke, quick cleaning, and she's ready to roll with less mess and shorter rest than my filterless fumers.