Filter Pipes?

[reloader]

I was a filter fan when I first started, but got tired of having to pull them out to clean the pipe. Also started going through them quickly if I smoked a wetter tobacco, about one each smoke. I can see why people use them though. Just not for me anymore.

 

[mso489]

Filters, especially 9 mm charcoals, are intensely popular in Europe, less so in the U.S. I think they are useful -- though I don't use them often -- for doing trial runs on very strong blends, and for when you will be smoking more than usual, like a pipe show, a pipe club, or a pipe shop. I drag my feet on any additional supplies to be bought and maintained for pipes. I think there is a tendency to smoke more bowls with filters. But I don't feel any prejudice about smoking with filters. If others like them, that's fine. I keep them around should I want them.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Carry on folks, but with no more snark.

 

[tklee]

I was a filter fan when I first started, but got tired of having to pull them out to clean the pipe. Also started going through them quickly if I smoked a wetter tobacco, about one each smoke. I can see why people use them though. Just not for me anymore.

Yes..... I was in the same situation like you. So, I rather clean only the stem, than having a filter, need to throw it or change it, clean the stem every 1 or 2 bowls, and sometimes the wetness of the filter make it harder to draw.

 

[MacMarty89]

Spot on.
Thank your lucky stars that there are people like me on this forum who have good judgement.

Not that you want to listen I expect, so carry on having fun with your toys, if that's what you enjoy.

We all have a limited amount of good judgment.

 

[tklee]

Actually, with filter or not filter, it doesn't matter. It's purely personal preferences. On the other hand, I find it the tobacco taste fuller with filter, especially aromatic tobacco. But in my case, maybe I'm lazy to clean after each session, I rather go without filter. Actually.... I've bought 20 boxes filter, and after that decided not to use filter. Now 20 boxes filter lying there unused ?‍

 

[smudgersmissingleg]

My use of 9mm charcoal filters has nothing to do with 'wetness'. Whenever I smoke my unfiltered pipes I never have a problem in that department. I use them because I find they take the rough edges off the tobacco. I liken it to the difference between a filtered and unfiltered cigarette. I've smoked unfiltered cigarettes but I find the smoke much harsher so I prefer a cigarette with a filter.
Neither is better or worse just different. Each to their own?.

 

[shane1]

So that you emancipate yourself from something that is totally unnecessary, time-consuming, and adds extra cost.

I respect your opinion but disagree that it is unnecessary or time consuming.

 

[fireground_piper]

I have gravitated over the years to prefer 9mm filter pipes. I understand that I am in the minority but I have tested both extensively. Anyone else here enjoy filter pipes and if so, what is your favorite. I have a meerchaum and Vauen that are my current favorites.

I have recently considered a meer. I have found a few IMP ones appealing recently but it would be my first 9mm.

Most of my pipes are self made because shapes from producers are limited.

 

[dPero]

I had only one filter pipe and I gave her. Didn’t like the taste, all I got was nasty soggy pipe no tobacco

 

[anotherbob]

Why?

because you'll get more flavor and all the same effects as a filter but with more flavor. And I've said it before what a filter does is mostly just restricts the draw in the sense that it captures smoke and ultimately gives you the same effect (mostly) as smoking slower and not pulling as much smoke.
The thing is you should do what you enjoy with the pipe and smoke it how it's comfortable for you, though it's good to know you have options and what those options really are.
Dry you tobacco more and smoke slower (honestly draw more gently) and you'll probably get more out of your smokes.

 

[Akousticplyr]

I personally like 9 mm filters. They do what I require of them which is help me filter out the ash and some moisture as I’m a bit of a chimney puffer. Ok more of a Chinese factory smokestack lol…

My favorite nonfiltered pipe is a Falcon. Easy to smoke. Easy to clean. But even that uses a small bit of cut pipe cleaner in the base (I don’t buy their proprietary filters) to absorb the moisture.

 

[shane1]

because you'll get more flavor and all the same effects as a filter but with more flavor. And I've said it before what a filter does is mostly just restricts the draw in the sense that it captures smoke and ultimately gives you the same effect (mostly) as smoking slower and not pulling as much smoke.
The thing is you should do what you enjoy with the pipe and smoke it how it's comfortable for you, though it's good to know you have options and what those options really are.
Dry you tobacco more and smoke slower (honestly draw more gently) and you'll probably get more out of your smokes.

Thanks, I will keep that in mind over the next few smokes.

 

[olkofri]

Brighams with their maple distillator, and Vauen with White Elephant Meerschaum 9 mm filters.

 

[Brewfan]

I have a 9mm filter vauen and a viking, they both smoke great. All of my 6mm pipes have draw issues when I use a filter, so about half now have the plastic adapter and half are filterless. I would be happy to expand my 9mm collection, based on my experience.

 

[JohnMosesBrowning]

I find the 9mm charcoal filters work best for me. I love them. I've tried the 6mm charcoal but find they REALLY restrict the draw an uncomfortable amount. The 6mm balsa filters don't do much of anything for me, so I stick with 9mm charcoal almost exclusively.

Having said that, I've found that not all 9mm charcoal filters are the same. Savinelli and Peterson brand fit more snuggly than the Vauen or White Elephant filters. When I put a Savinelli 9mm charcoal filter into the tenon of a pipe and then turn it upside down, it stays. If I do that with a Vauen Dr. Perl, it falls out. And if I put a Vauen in and shake the pipe, I can feel it "rattle" in there. Very loose fitting compared to Savinelli and Peterson filters.

 

[olkofri]

If I do that with a Vauen Dr. Perl, it falls out. And if I put a Vauen in and shake the pipe, I can feel it "rattle" in there.

You have to tighten it in place with a gentle screwing-in motion. None of my Dr Perl's fall out if put in properly. The blue cap in them flexes more than the caps on the other brands', so you need to tighten them just a wee bit more.

 

[marconi]

I have a 9mm filter vauen and a viking, they both smoke great. All of my 6mm pipes have draw issues when I use a filter, so about half now have the plastic adapter and half are filterless. I would be happy to expand my 9mm collection, based on my experience.

Not all 6mm charcoal filters are the same.White Elephant 6mm charcoal filters have only three holes either end.Consequently they tend to clog and have draw issues. Savinelli brought out their own 6mm charcoal filters about two years ago I have been using them for all my cob pipes and all of my 6mm briars they are shorter and have five holes either end they work really well and have no draw issues.I have noticed that Vaun and some other companies are bringing out five hole 6mm charcoal filters might be worth trying them

 

[Streeper541]

The only pipes I have which accept filters are Petersons and Savinellis. The Petes use a 9mm and the Savinellis use a 6mm.

Prior to picking up the Savinelli I had only experienced filtered smoking with a standard Peterson charcoal filter or something similar. The Savinelli came with a filter insert as well as a balsa wood filter. Ever since, I've pretty well stuck to balsa filters, if/when I use them.

 

[Michigan_Bill]

I only have a single filter pipe, a Savinelli. Sometimes I find I’m in the mood for it and enjoy it very much. It sometimes seems smoother and more subdued than a clay pipe.