Does A Pipe Shape Influence The Smoking Experience?

[pipeanddrum]

I'm enjoying the process of exploring how different tobaccos perform in different pipes. I do find that certain tobaccos smoke and taste different depending on which pipe I smoke them in. For example, I find that flakes smoke well in narrower bowls and that shag cut english blends smoke well and taste great in wider shallower bowls. This isn't a hard fast rule but seems to work for me. There are other factors that play in as well such as how moist the tobacco is, how it's packed, etc. I typically smoke full flavored, heavier tobaccos flakes in smaller bowls - Irish flake or Old Dark Fired for example. I do have to say that cobs always smoke great for me. I do find they might compromise some flavor of certain blends but they smoke cool and dry generally.

 

[blueeyedogre]

Group 1&2 sized pipes are for woman, no self respecting male would be caught dead smoking one.

I like a smaller pipe and don't need a big pipe to prove my masculinity (can you say over-compensating?) :rofl:

 

[drwatson]

I also like smaller pipes. And I'm 6'1.

I think Harris is fishing with a smaller pole! :nana:

 

[samcoffeeman]

One of the biggest differences for me is straight vs bent. I find a deeply bent pipe can mute flavor a little bit. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as I will smoke a very peppery or full flavored blend in a bent pipe and enjoy it more

I smoke subtle blends, like mild straight Virginias in straight pipes as I feel it brings out the most in the flavor.

 

[foggymountain]

Yes

 

[krizzose]

I'd say for sure. Part of the fun of pipesmoking is trying blends in different pipes. Sometimes it can mean the difference between keeping a blend and it becoming a favorite. I almost gave up on Hearth and Home Marble Kake till I tried it in a couple of my smaller pipes. Now I love it

 

[amphora]

Does pipe shape influence the smoking experience? Absolutely! Bent pipes (half and full) do mute tobacco flavor somewhat, but provide a cooler smoke compared to straight pipes. The trade-off is worth it in my opinion. Length of stem also affects the flavor and coolness. That is why I usually only use half-bent bent pipes... because I tend to smoke 5-7 bowls every day. The cooler smoke from bent pipes allows me to do this. I've tried smoking 5-7 bowls a day with straight pipes and my tongue cannot handle it.

 

[jefff]

I notice no difference in pipe shape or stem length.
To each their own.

 

[paulfg]

can someone tell me is the group size the size (length) of the pipe or chamber size?

I have some barling pipes that are marked S-M and one marked EL the chamber seems to be about the same but the El is slightly longer.