Does Acrylic Last Longer?

[mso489]

I've dragged my feet posting this because I so much like Vulcanite stems, but over the years I've come to believe that acrylic stems last longer. I'm not talking aesthetics here; obviously Vulcanite tend to oxidize and require some attention for that. I mean, over the years, acrylic stems just don't get chewed and chattered as much, and the bits don't get chewed through. For comfort, especially with heavier pipes, I definitely prefer Vulcanite. But for longevity and sustained good appearance, if you don't find them too hard (which mostly I don't), acrylic does a good job for longer. Despite my attachment to the fine old traditional Vulcanite. How are your stem materials holding up?

 

[ray47]

Stem material is a deal maker for me. I always buy Acrylic because I don't have to deal with the oxidation, I'm lazy I admit it. I also don't like the taste of Vulcanite. I get a bitter taste with Vulcanite, even though I wipe the stem frequently during a smoke. The acrylic stems on my pipes which are 15 to 20 yrs old look just like they did when they were new. They just make the pipes, as a whole, look fresh and well cared for. If the pipe with the acrylic stem is too heavy I'll put a softie bit on the stem and that will help with clenching.

 

[mso489]

That's my impression. The briar ages but an acrylic stem doesn't, which is a fine feature.

 

[Waning Embers]

None of my newly bought pipe stems have chatter. Ebonite, acrylic (very few), and MM stems are pristine. Ebonite is less prone to damage from cleaning and sanitizing than acrylic as well. I thing stem longevity has more to do with the smoker than the material it's made from.

 

[sisyphus]

I dislike the mouthfeel of acrylic. The biggest drawback to vulcanite, it's required regular maintenance, is also it's strength as it can be brought back to like new condition with a little work.

Ultimately they're both fine materials for mouthpieces and you should smoke what works for you.

 

[seanv]

I much prefer acrylic. Vulcanite drives me crazy with oxidation. I don't find acrylic too hard for clenching since I like to use the softy bits

 

[tnfan]

My preference is acrylic. Have several pipes with acrylic that are over 10 years old and still look brand new.

 

[sandollars]

I don't really have a preference because if I am Lunting, I am using a rubber bit. If I am sitting, I am holding the pipe so no marks. Aesthetically, it's hard to beat the fit and finish of brand new Vulcanite.

 

[weezell]

Stem material is a deal maker for me. I always buy Acrylic because I don't have to deal with the oxidation, I'm lazy I admit it.

Hit it outta the park with that statement!!! Also, if I'm going to have to be finicky with a stem, it will be amber, which is on a lot of my old meers...

 

[Mr.Mike]

I'm a clencher so acrylic is uncomfortable for me, but it definitely last longer

 

[mso489]

As with food, mouth feel is important with a pipe stem. Some people find acrylic colder than Vulcanite and hard feeling. For me, with a lighter weight pipe, acrylic poses no problem. Along those lines, some people become highly sensitive to buttons/bits, and only want certain brands or styles. Some details make a big difference to me, and to others I'm oblivious, but there is no ignoring what you don't like.

 

[jpmcwjr]

I much prefer acrylic. Vulcanite drives me crazy with oxidation. I don't find acrylic too hard for clenching since I like to use the softy bits.

A light coating of mineral oil will retard oxidation on vulcanite. Try it!

 

[Waning Embers]

obviously Vulcanite tend to oxidize

The biggest drawback to vulcanite, it's required regular maintenance,

Vulcanite drives me crazy with oxidation.

What are you all doing to your pipes? This one was purchased for me as a graduation gift in '92 and all I've ever done is wipe it with oil after each smoke.

 

[sablebrush52]

There is more than one type of acrylic out there. When Georged made two stems for my 1915 Barling military mount billiard he made one in Vulcanite in the correct shape for the period, and one with a wide thin flat bite zone in a special acrylic rod that feels just like Vulcanite.

 

[mingc]

There is more than one type of acrylic out there. When Georged made two stems for my 1915 Barling military mount billiard he made one in Vulcanite in the correct shape for the period, and one with a wide thin flat bite zone in a special acrylic rod that feels just like Vulcanite.

That special acrylic rod wouldn't be juma, would it?

 

[Olkofri]

Acrylic all the way. The only caveat is that alcohol can produce micro-cracks in it. Bummer since I love disinfecting my pipes with vodka. Too bad my new Old Royal came with a vulcanite bit.

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

I don't really have a true preference, I guess. I rarely clench, so that's not much of a factor. But if I had two identical pipes in front of me, one with acrylic and one with vulcanite, I might choose the vulcanite for the rare occasion that I do clench. But acrylic's never been a deal breaker for me.

 

[mingc]

What are you all doing to your pipes? This one was purchased for me as a graduation gift in '92 and all I've ever done is wipe it with oil after each smoke.

View attachment 8854

What pipe is that? As you know, rubber quality varies widely. I've got a Peterson stem that turns green if you just look at it. In contrast, one of my 4-digit Kaywoodies has a stem that stays black even after years sitting on top of my china hutch.

 

[hauntedmyst]

What are you all doing to your pipes? This one was purchased for me as a graduation gift in '92 and all I've ever done is wipe it with oil after each smoke.

View attachment 8854

Your on the unusual end of the spectrum in that your saliva doesn't oxidize the stems as badly as it does for others. Applying a drop of oil is a good practice for vulcanite stems.

 

[Waning Embers]

What pipe is that? As you know, rubber quality varies widely. I've got a Peterson stem that turns green if you just look at it. In contrast, one of my 4-digit Kaywoodies has a stem that stays black even after years sitting on top of my china hutch.

A Big Ben dromedary.