Filter or Non-filter Pipes? Confused.

[dejavueagain]

I prefer pipes without filters and filter pipes without filters - in the belief that I get the full flavour of the blend. Yet others claim that filters improve the flavour and range of nuances of a blend. The journey is yours to explore.

The stage is set for a bitter Interwebs war, except pipe smokers enjoy their preferences and can't be bothered. We could auction the idea off to Reddit though, I'm sure nonsmokers would get involved and immolate themselves over it.

Totally agree with BingBong...."can't be bothered."

The reason Sykes Wilford named his business "Laudisi" is because in the play "Right you are, if you think you are", the character Lamberto Laudisi states that "...reality is as perceived & that whatever is true for an individual is indeed the truth, at least for that person..."

For me:
It's the combination of Savinelli princes & canadians with large bowls including their 6mm charcoal filters, the 5 Savinelli tobaccos, & a soft couch.
I find that the filters, which indeed require a little stronger draw, for a couple of false lights, quickly become easy puffs with absolutely no tongue bite.
Pacing is easy.
Additionally, I can taste the blend varieties better.
And I can smoke the whole bowl.

Thank you BingBong.

 

[Searock Fan]

In case you missed it this is from a previous post.

I have several Savinelli filter pipes I use to smoke an occasional aromatic. Here's how to save money on the filters. Instead of buying the actual filters. I go on ebay and buy a pack of balsa wood rods in the right size (3/16x1/8") and cut them to length and that's it. Cost is about 10% the cost of filters and they work just as well. A tip: if you cut the ends on a slight angle the pipe draws better.

 

[dejavueagain]

Thank you for the thoughtful reply.
I have tried (Savinelli) balsa filters.
They are very useful & the "wetness" testifies to their removal of moisture.
Additionally, I saw a reference that lab tests confirm the removal of most nicotine with balsa.
Yet the activated charcoal seems to work best for me.
And I choose to spend the extra cost for maximum enjoyment.
Just a small price to pay for a great luxury...smoking a pipe...& relaxing.
Thanks again.

 

[Sobrbiker]

Additionally, I saw a reference that lab tests confirm the removal of most nicotine with balsa.

Thank you, you just saved me from ever being inclined to get or try a balsa filter.

I have one pipe designed for a filter, a 9mm Grabow that will most likely never see a filter.

 

[dejavueagain]

"...reality is as perceived & that whatever is true for an individual is indeed the truth, at least for that person..."

 

[Sigmund]

I still need to experiment more with balsa. I know I like them but I don’t know if I like them more than ac filters. Maybe I will try in my afternoon smoke.

 

[Sigmund]

Ok, I just tested them again. I dont think there is a huge difference in taste between a AC and a balsa filter. That said, if I had to lean one direction Id say the balsa removes more flavor.

Also vs a vauen 9mm filter the balsa is not as free of a draw. It does its work by flowing through the straw like grain where as AC draw through loosely packed bits of charcoal. Im sticking with what I normally use.

 

[dejavueagain]

Open to discovery.
Testing.
Solution.
Conviction.
Happiness.
Best formula for ending up in the best place.

 

[Masterblaster]

In case you missed it this is from a previous post.

I have several Savinelli filter pipes I use to smoke an occasional aromatic. Here's how to save money on the filters. Instead of buying the actual filters. I go on ebay and buy a pack of balsa wood rods in the right size (3/16x1/8") and cut them to length and that's it. Cost is about 10% the cost of filters and they work just as well. A tip: if you cut the ends on a slight angle the pipe draws better.

You wouldn't happen to have a link for those eBay balsa wood rods do ya? I've been trying to find those and I'm coming up short.

 

[Searock Fan]

You wouldn't happen to have a link for those eBay balsa wood rods do ya? I've been trying to find those and I'm coming up short.

It's been a couple of year since I bought any. Try this....

Google Search

 

[Masterblaster]

It's been a couple of year since I bought any. Try this....

Google Search

Why didn't I think of that LOL! Thanks!

 

[Sigmund]

@Searock Fan are you using round or square rods?
Do you cut them down?

I ask because if there is a lot of air flow around a balsa filter there isnt nearly as much being pulled into it. So you would get flow around drying but not a lot of true filtration through the filter.

They are technically made to fit snug. Of course if you like the result thats all that counts

Id personally suggest new users grab a small pack of true filters and then look for alternatives if they like them. Im all for saving money but an informed comparison is worth a few bucks.

 

[Sigmund]

Oddly enough I just remembered that sav 6 mm balsa have more flow around. The 9 are pretty snug in most pipes. Maybe the 6s got too resistant when the filled the chamber.

 

[seanv]

I don't mind using a filter but I rarely do. I've tried all types and find that the charcoal and meerschaum filters restrict the draw way too much for my liking.
Balsa is nice for moisture collection, I haven't noticed a reduction in flavor or nicotine while using a balsa.

 

[Sigmund]

I find the 9mm round balsa remove more flavor than the 9mm AC filters. Especially if they are snug fit.

The 6mm filters allow more flow around since they are triangle shaped. There is not much change in taste.

My personal taste prefers the flavor profile with 9mm ac filters.

I find any filter other than vauen (for 9mm) to be annoyingly restrictive. Even the old vauen (blue caps) dont measure up to the new ones.

Also, Vauen 9mm filters are just a hair smaller in diameter than the other brands. This allows some pass around filtration and less stuffiness. The other brands tend to swell more and dont have flow around. That said, flow around is, in fact, less filtration but it makes for a good mix (for me).

Im not too crazy about meer flters. They impart a little of that new meer taste to the smoke.

 

[dejavueagain]

The triangular Savinelli 6mm balsa filter in the round stem chamber looks like this:



After a smoke it is quit damp.
It does remove nicotine.
Both effects tend to buffer tongue bite.
And tend not to detract from the "taste" of the blend.
I've asked myself the following question: Why would one of the premier pipe makers develop a system that detracts from the enjoyment of smoking a pipe?
Of course, their pipes can be smoked without....catering to the very diverse views & habits of their customers.
In the end, I use a Savinelli activated charcoal filter that is as round & full as the stem hole.
Yes, you need a firmer draw to light but puffing is effortless.
Love the full taste & subtle differences in blends that comes through the filter & none of the tongue bite.
Just a personal view from a happy smoker.