Filter or No Filter
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Not all moisture comes from the chamber so any method of packing or cadence will not change a moisture issue originating from your mouth if that fits your description
The non filter crowd will say to use pipe cleaners. I have never had to use a single pipe cleaner using a filter because it absorbs the appropriate moisture the other crowd uses a pipe cleaner for. I don’t even carry pipe cleaners around to use during a smoke. I put the balsa in, and I’m good till the end.
So while some go through pipe cleaners, I go through a balsa filter per bowl instead. Find what works for you and the reason you want the filter(and type of filter).
The non filter crowd will say to use pipe cleaners. I have never had to use a single pipe cleaner using a filter because it absorbs the appropriate moisture the other crowd uses a pipe cleaner for. I don’t even carry pipe cleaners around to use during a smoke. I put the balsa in, and I’m good till the end.
So while some go through pipe cleaners, I go through a balsa filter per bowl instead. Find what works for you and the reason you want the filter(and type of filter).
Haha, hey man, if the filter doesn’t work I’ll be happy to send it your way.
I buy pipes with no filters but if I saw a pipe I liked with a filter, I’d just remove it.
I've had only one pipe that had a filter (wasn't looking for it, it just came that way, a Savinelli). Tried it once and didn't like it. Thought that it detracted from the smoking experience. But obviously others have had a different experience. Only way to know is to try it and see what you think.
Yeah, what everyone else said. The only pipes I smoke with a "filter" are a couple Savinellis, with their balsa wood inserts. I don't always, but they do help keep the smoke dry, if you don't mind putzing with changing them out after 4-5 smokes.
Otherwise, I smoke the 9mm filter pipes wide open without a filter, and in my experience they smoke great!
Otherwise, I smoke the 9mm filter pipes wide open without a filter, and in my experience they smoke great!
Filter use is very regional with a hotspot for 9mm filters in Germany. When I started I tried both, and then only bought 9mm filter pipes using Vauen carbon filters (despite filter pipes being not very popular here in Denmark). For me they smoke consistently drier and more forgiving to puffing in terms of tongue bite. I would argue I still get all the flavours, taking off rough edges, don't get tongue bite and have no problems with restricted draw or even "tasting" the filter. I would urge more people to try it with an open mind.
Thanks all. Good feedback that helps my decision. Since I am new and do puff more, don’t like burn, and not sure if I will end up smoking long term (needing several pipes) I am going to lean towards a pipe with a filter. At least that way I have a choice and if I shift away from filters I can just remove them. I see lots of pipes I like so should not be a problem. For some reason I am leaning Salvenelli.
It's purely a matter of personal choice to use a filter or not. Each to their own, and whatever works for you. That said, if somebody uses filters then we can't be friends.
I don't use filters much, but when I teach someone to smoke a pipe I often start them on a pipe with a filter-- is more forgiving and they have a better experience.
Also, it is not entirely true that you can't use a pipe cleaner and a filter. A pipe cleaner will pass through a Dr. Grabowski paper filter and you can get a narrow pipe cleaner past the triangular Savinelli balsa filter, but you cannot go through an activated charcoal one.
I also use filter stones at the bottom of narrow chambers when smoking a particularly damp tobacco. I make my own filter stone by crushing and sifting pumice. This does wonders for absorbing moisture.
Also, it is not entirely true that you can't use a pipe cleaner and a filter. A pipe cleaner will pass through a Dr. Grabowski paper filter and you can get a narrow pipe cleaner past the triangular Savinelli balsa filter, but you cannot go through an activated charcoal one.
I also use filter stones at the bottom of narrow chambers when smoking a particularly damp tobacco. I make my own filter stone by crushing and sifting pumice. This does wonders for absorbing moisture.
Having never used a filter since I first smoked a pipe 50 years ago my opinion is worthless. Truth be told I never knew such things existed until I browsed an online tobacconist.
Jury is still out with me. I'm a novice. I have savinelli filters and Boswell nonfilter. For me the filter does remove some bite ... chemical burn .... flavor. Just tried the 6mm carbon filter vice balsa. It did effect the draw but not that bad. I liked it. I'll keep playing. If yu buy a filter you can always remove it without issue..
I'm a big fan of 9mm filter pipes. I started off with cobs, as everyone recommends, and had a rough time of it. Seems like I just have bad reactions to cobs, I thought maybe it was due to smoking then non-filtered so for my first briar I got a Vauen.
Since then I've smoked other briars without filters and haven't had issues, but ultimately I do enjoy them a lot.
Since then I've smoked other briars without filters and haven't had issues, but ultimately I do enjoy them a lot.
I love filters. Dr. Grabow are my favorite. But, I don’t use them in my pipes. I take them out and stuff them with tobacco and make little cigarettes. It is AWESOME! It’s like a filtered pipes dirty little secret…
all you need is the Czech tool…most people think that narrow bar is for poking through pipe stems (real pipe smokers don’t clog them), but that’s actually to stuff your little cigs. Photo below for the imagination challenged. It’s brilliant - and like a snack when you don’t have time for a full pipe. Best filter cigarettes available if you ask me ?
all you need is the Czech tool…most people think that narrow bar is for poking through pipe stems (real pipe smokers don’t clog them), but that’s actually to stuff your little cigs. Photo below for the imagination challenged. It’s brilliant - and like a snack when you don’t have time for a full pipe. Best filter cigarettes available if you ask me ?
When I asked my question I was think the pipe filter was for nicotine and tar, but have since discovered it’s more about moisture, slow burn, etc. Is there a filter mostly focused around tar and nicotine removal, or would that also filter all the notes and flavors.
Buy a brand new White Spot Dunhill pipe, You could smoke it with either a 4mm aluminium innertube inserted or with out ,not much of a difference, though with that weird and partially unnecessary tube inserted It'll be collecting moisture more and it'll be a bit more restricted draw