Does Anyone Smoke A Filtered Pipe Who Loves It?

[averagegent]

I love Savinelli's balsa filters (I use the 6mm version), the only complaint I have is that I can't stick a pipe cleaner down the pipe whilst I'm smoking... Though b/c of the system, I rarely need to!
They work to keep the pipe dry, and stop me eating ashes!

 

[rigmedic1]

One of the blessings of pipe smoking, and freedom of choice, is that I can choose to ignore the things (and comments) that I do not like. Don't like filters? No problem. I certainly do. May add a few dollars to my smoking budget, but I feel the results are worth it. Most of the pipers on this forum like to share ideas, beliefs, and their favorite tobaccos, and I don't often see anybody belittling the aromatic lover or the cob guys. Smoke what you like, like what you smoke. That should be everyone's motto. Can anyone translate that to Latin? Lol.
My favorite charcoal filters are the Big Ben, and the Castleford are ok. I had gotten some Stanwell branded ones, but I thought they had a tighter draw than the afore mentioned brands. I am using some Vauen filters at the moment, but if you use those, remember to put the blue end towards the mouth. It makes a difference. I haven't tried that new Butz Choquin brand as yet. I am curious, however, as to who actually produces the charcoal filters for all these companies.

 

[mso489]

As noted in an early post, I don't have many pipes in which I keep filters, only a few that I don't smoke often. But I don't have any pre-judgements about people who enjoy filter smoking.

 

[markus]

+1 on the Savinelli balsa wood filters, they give me a nice dry smoke. Some of my pipes are filtered and some are not. That being said, when I do smoke a filtered pipe, I prefer the Sav's or Big Ben 9mm filters. I do not like the paper 6mm filters at all and without another choice, will just remove it. The 9mm Stanwell filters are okay but I do not prefer them, they seem kind of restrictive.

Smoke what you like and enjoy the experience.

 

[drwatson]

For me, they mute the taste so much, especially with blends, I don't use them much.

And see I'm on the other side, I find that they bring out the flavor much more. Specially when the filter becomes seasoned after about two smokes.
Everyone is different and use them if you like and smoke what you like. I drink cheap beer from an expensive glass, who am I to judge! :P

 

[mcitinner1]

I drink cheap beer from an expensive glass, who am I to judge!

I drink expensive craft beer from the bottle, and I use 9mm filters, and replace it every other bowl.

 

[dread]

Interesting - it seems there are a lot more filter users (myself included) here than I thought. Cool.

 

[weezell]

With my MM Cobs I use the paper filters cut in half.Like it that way and smoke them like that every time and have for years... (and I smoke MM Cobs a lot)

 

[mso489]

With pipes that take a paper filter, like Dr. Grabow, the Savinelli 6 mm adaptors for no-filter smoking work nicely, if you find just removing the filter gives too open a draw. This depends on the pipe. Some are fine if you just pull the filter, others are a too windy and turbulent in the stem if you don't use an adaptor.

 

[deathmetal]

If you're going to be out and around and cannot carry pipe cleaners, a Dr. Grabow style filter can be a great friend. I generally prefer to avoid them like the plague, but I think most of the resentment toward them comes from finding a pipe you like the looks/price of, only to find out that it requires filters.

 

[rigmedic1]

I would think that a plus. Filter pipes tend to be run of the mill.

 

[metalheadycigarguy]

I use Balsa filters in my Savinelli pipes, and Medico filters in my corn cob pipes. I've never noticed an issue with taste like some claim, and I've never had a problem with the draw like some claim. For me the filters cool the smoke, and they make for a drier smoke. You'll have to decide for yourself, but I've never had a problem with them.

 

[jazz]

I generally don't use filters and from now on will avoid a filter pipe purchase with the exception of the Sav 6mm balsa system. I have only 1 of these but like it a lot. It seems not to mute the flavour like the Stanwell charcoal one and it also does not restrict the airflow like the charcoal one. The problem is that it is a pain in the arse to remember to order the things when I place an order or am in the shop. I forget almost every time. I also think that although not expensive by any means they are expensive for what they are.
The Brigham system looks like it would be acceptable but I have never fancied one. I will probably never buy one.
In the end the charcoal filters take too much away for me. They seem to restrict the flow and mute the flavours but I have only tried the Stanwell ones. I greatly dislike paper filters. I am unsure why. They don't mute flavours and don't restrict flow but there is something nasty about them to me.
I think this is just one of those "what works for you" things. I am a fan of one system but not them all and probably should try a few of the other brands of charcoals before I write them off completely.

 

[jerwynn]

English to Latin for "Smoke what you like, like what you smoke":
First try:

Fumus , quod voles, ut tibi narrabunt.
Second try:

Fumus quod libet, quod sicut fumus.
Third try(substituting "enjoy" for "like"):

Qua frui non fumant , te frui fumigant!
So saith googoo translate. Strangely it doesn't quite come back the same if you run it the other direction! Tries 2 and 3 are kinda lyrical though... might make nice commercial jingles... 'Winston tastes good, like a (snap snap) cigarette should' sort of thing. Or... Sir, it's a joke name, Sir, like silly-a-saurus or... Biggus... oh never mind. Back to filters, size matters! heh heh

 

[dread]

Note that Savinelli also makes a 9mm balsa filter, which I use fairly often in my 9mm pipes instead of the charcoal filter. The Charcoal filters come out for heavy nicotine blends for me, otherwise I prefer the balsa ones.

 

[okiescout]

Savenelli balsa, Absorba & Dr Pearl carbon 9mm, Brigams, and paper, then sometimes not any. It depends on the pipe and what I am smoking.

This works for me. If it is too much work, worry, or whatever for someone else, I really am unconcerned about it.
Short of hookas most pipes have one bit. The only thng that matters is the opinion of the guy with it in his mouth. Smoke how, what, and as you like. The filter fairy is a dainty thing she does not sneak up on you and make you use one. :wink:

 

[disinformatique]

Nopes, they soak up all the flavor !!

 

[drumweezer]

I use filters (all kinds) when smoking any of my pipes. Even though I've predominately been a cigarette smoker for most of my life, I noticed, when trying out and moving towards pipe smoking, that I would easily overdo it and be sick as a dog. Like someone else mentioned, having the filter in slows me down a bit, and it also does soak up a bit of nicotine (although it might be minimal).