Do I have to use the filter?

[texmexpipe]

I just ordered a few MMs and I was wondering do I have to use the filter if it comes with one?

 

[petes03]

No, you don't have to!

As a matter of fact, any time I buy a pipe with a filter, the first thing I do is toss it.

 

[texmexpipe]

Great to know thanks!

 

[darthcider]

Just try it both ways and see which you prefer.

 

[tppytel]

I don't think I've heard of anyone who actually likes the paper Medico filters that come with MM's. Many people just toss the filters and smoke the pipe as is. This does open the draw, but you can also order "forever corncob stems" that replace the filter's space in the tenon so that the pipe has a normal draw (and are more durable to boot, though also relatively expensive).
If you *do* want a filter I'd suggest the triangular balsa ones from Savinelli, which fit the MM's just fine. They absorb moisture from the smoke nicely while still allowing it to pass easily around the sides. But they do get nasty after just a few smokes, though.
I only recently bought my first couple of cobs myself and I'm not yet decided about filters. The balsa ones do work fairly well, so I might keep a cob or two to use with those for times when I'm busy working on something and don't want to fuss with pipe cleaners or mind my smoking speed too much. Then keep a couple more either wide open or with forever stems for when I can pay better attention.

 

[mephistopheles]

I read a forum a while back where a few members talked about how the filters cool the smoke down and in some cases can improve the flavor with the Missouri Meerschaum cobs. I recall, as has been mentioned, that balsa wood filters are highly recommended if you do choose to use anything. I haven't tried smoking with a filter so I can't speak to the benefits. I personally don't use them simply because they are an added expense and because dealing with them (they can get soggy, nasty, etc.) is just another thing to complicate my process. In any case, no, you don't have to use them. :puffpipe:

 

[jeepnewbie]

I have used them and haven't used them. I will smoke it either way, however now a days I prefer no filter even a balsa wood one. If the tobacco starts smoking wet, slowing down sometimes doesn't help other than it going out. I run a cleaner down the stem to dry it up some, with a filter you can't do that. As far as cooling the smoke it could but not very much, it will mostly suck up any moister in the stem. If you do try it out and I suggest you do, don't forget to change it every couple of bowls. If you don't it can tarnish the flavor. I refinished a pipe a while back and it had a medico filter still in it no telling how old. That thing was rock hard, and no idea how the original owner kept smoking it.

 

[doctorthoss]

I smoke them both with and without filters, and I also use both types (paper and balsa). I have found the filters are awesome when used with the appropriate tobaccos.

I am highly vulnerable to tongue bite, and filtering helps.

I use the paper filters for aros. These tend to mute the flavor a bit, absorb moisture, and in general make the smoke smoother. I have had otherwise unsmokeable aros rendered downright pleasant through the use of a cob with a paper filter.

The balsa filters are good for any blend which you don't want turned down a notch. Contrary to what some say, I don't believe the balsa filters change the flavor at all and can't figure out how they could. The Smoke never passes through them at all but around them. They are good for sopping up excess moisture and thereby reducing the temperature of the smoke, which can reduce bite. You don't lose any flavor or complexity that I can detect, so these are good for Virginias and Latakia mixtures.

Just experiment with different pipe/tobacco/,filter combinations until you know what you like.

 

[bulldogbriar89]

+1 to what darthcider said

 

[jitterbugdude]

I throw the filters away but then I get way too much of a draw so I either put a 2-3 inch pipe cleaner in its place or just fit a nice Ebonite stem to it.

 

[frozenchurchwarden]

I generally don't like the brand specific filters, because they're unnecessarily expensive, but I do put 1/3 of a lightly curled pipe cleaner in my stem, which stops bits of tobacco from getting in my mouth at first, and later absorbs moisture to prevent gurgle.
Even un-filtered cob stems have enough room for a bit of pipe cleaner, and the MacArthur can even fit a whole pipe cleaner, no chance of gurgle with that.

 

[mrgunnar177]

nope I never use filters

 

[natibo]

I never use corn cobs.

 

[i8ball]

i been messing with filters a lot lately the balsa dosnt seem to take any flavor away from mine but at the same time dosnt seem to help with tongue bite all to much. if you are worried about tongue bite try drying your blend down it worked for me and sometimes brings out a hidden flavor you were not tasting before.

 

[aleguy66]

Being extremely new to the hobby (less than a month in). I just ordered some of the seconds from MM. This is some great info.

 

[melvinsunsmokedcastello]

I use medico filters in my cobs all the time and order them by the box..I like em. Seems to reduce moisture. That said, I never use any filter in a briar..so..

You don't have to use them but try both ways they do seem to help out more "bitey" tobaccos that you may like the flavor of but sting the tongue. Give 'em a shot you may like them. If not toss 'em.

If you're a newer smoker they may help you make up for sloppy technique..
'I smoke them both with and without filters, and I also use both types (paper and balsa). I have found the filters are awesome when used with the appropriate tobaccos" ----well said doc..though I'm not particularly prone to tongue bite they do seem to make certain blends taste better

 

[melvinsunsmokedcastello]

Oh,

Do change them every few smokes as they will impart a bad flavor if they sit around too long. They get soggy and full of gunk. If you forget you will get a rather unpleasant tasting reminder that it's time to replace. I usually give the stem a good cleaning with clean and cure and the result is a nice fresh tasting pipe.

 

[texmexpipe]

I've found that I prefer it without the filter. Maybe it will change with time or maybe not, but I gave it a go and it's not for me.

 

[jjjarhead]

I started with a 9mm Vauen with filter but now I don't use filter simply because I prefer to swab a pipe cleaner if I think it's too moist. With a filter inside you can't do that.