First Time Trying a VF Acrylic Stem With a Corn Cob Pipe

[pointlineplane]

Today was my first time trying a Vermont Freehand acrylic stem with a Missouri Meerschaum corn cob pipe. For me, it definitely improved the smoking experience over the stock plastic stem, and I think it makes the pipe as a whole look nicer too. So overall, I'd recommend getting a VF stem for a plastic-stemmed MM corn cob pipe, although I wish the VF stems cost less . Also, in the pipe today was Orlik Golden Sliced.

Cheers.

 

[Waning Embers]

I found the airway too restricted when compared to the original stems.

 

[upnorth1]

I love the VF stems.

 

[didimauw]

I found the airway too restricted when compared to the original stems.

That's the reason I don't use mine. I have two brass dot forever stems, and 1 from Vermont Freehand, and they are all to restricting for me. Gurgle time.

 

[SmokingInTheWind]

The Forever Stem mod outlined below eliminated gurgle for me. It basically puts a long chamfer in the mouth of the tenon.

In time I realized I prefer a more open draw and switched back to stock and Danish bits. But, some prefer the less open draw, and the look and feel of the Forever Stem. This mod may help if you are experiencing gurgle.

Easy Forever Stem Gurgle Fix :: Pipe Repair and Maintenance

I initially bought two VT Freehand Forever Stems. I liked the looks and draw but they gurgled badly. I did some online research and found that drilling the tenon mouth out wider would fix the gurgling. I used standard twist drill bits on a drill motor, working my way up to 9/32”. It was a...

pipesmagazine.com

 

[AreBee]

I had a MM Legend which was fitted for a 6MM filter. I didn't like the way it smoked with a filter, (muted tobacco flavor) or without a filter (too much intake) but the VF stem changed everything. The Pipe is a great smoker now. looks pretty slick too!

 

[SmokingInTheWind]

View attachment 404659
Today was my first time trying a Vermont Freehand acrylic stem with a Missouri Meerschaum corn cob pipe. For me, it definitely improved the smoking experience over the stock plastic stem, and I think it makes the pipe as a whole look nicer too. So overall, I'd recommend getting a VF stem for a plastic-stemmed MM corn cob pipe, although I wish the VF stems cost less . Also, in the pipe today was Orlik Golden Sliced.

Cheers.

That stem color goes well with the Legend. I like it.

 

[pointlineplane]

That stem color goes well with the Legend. I like it.

Thanks, and good eye! It is indeed a MM Legend corn cob.

 

[pointlineplane]

I had a MM Legend which was fitted for a 6MM filter. I didn't like the way it smoked with a filter, (muted tobacco flavor) or without a filter (too much intake) but the VF stem changed everything. The Pipe is a great smoker now. looks pretty slick too!

Yeah, I'm enjoying the improvements in how it smokes and the overall appearance. Now I'm thinking about acquiring some more stems and cobs ...

 

[pointlineplane]

The Forever Stem mod outlined below eliminated gurgle for me. It basically puts a long chamfer in the mouth of the tenon.

In time I realized I prefer a more open draw and switched back to stock and Danish bits. But, some prefer the less open draw, and the look and feel of the Forever Stem. This mod may help if you are experiencing gurgle.

Easy Forever Stem Gurgle Fix :: Pipe Repair and Maintenance

I initially bought two VT Freehand Forever Stems. I liked the looks and draw but they gurgled badly. I did some online research and found that drilling the tenon mouth out wider would fix the gurgling. I used standard twist drill bits on a drill motor, working my way up to 9/32”. It was a...

pipesmagazine.com

Thanks! I didn't experience any more gurgle that day than I would have with any of my non-filtered pipes, but if I do, I'll consider the modification you posted! Appreciate the advice.

 

[pointlineplane]

I love the VF stems.

Yeah! Thinking about getting a few more stems and cobs now ...

 

[newbroom]

For some reason, I never sprung for a 'forever' stem despite enjoying cobs for years. One reason may be because I've discovered that I can sub in stems from other pipes I own and they replace the gummy stem for me.
I have 4 stems that work. They're all vulcanite, which is easy on the teeth.
The stems I use are used in 'military mount' fashion. As in they are tapered and fit tighter as they're inserted further into the mortise.
I've even got a "P" lip stem that works great on my OG Legend.

 

[Sig]

I have an older (2010?) Forever Stem with the dot on the stem. I haven't smoked it yet.....but im getting to it.
I just bought it 15 years ago, give me a break! These things take time.
The MM 5th Avenue is also 15 years old.

 

[khiddy]

I have an older (2010?) Forever Stem with the dot on the stem. I haven't smoked it yet.....but im getting to it.
I just bought it 15 years ago, give me a break! These things take time.
The MM 5th Avenue is also 15 years old.
View attachment 405267

It's like I tell my bride all the time, "I'll get to that chore! Quit nagging me every six months!"

 

[Sig]

It's like I tell my bride all the time, "I'll get to that chore! Quit nagging me every six months!"

I honestly don't know why I haven't smoked it. I remember misplacing it in my cabinet for a few years, then after I found it, I took 7 years off from piping. Came back last Spring so I guess I better get to it!

 

[Sobrbiker]

I prefer the MM stems, and always shudder when someone posts of trashing them for a replacement upon receipt.

 

[Sig]

I prefer the MM stems, and always shudder when someone posts of trashing them for a replacement upon receipt.

I also like the MM stems.
When I bought a stemless stummel years ago, I put the stem from the MM 5th Avenue that I bought a Forever Stem for in the stemless stummel.
Now if that ain't a sentence!
My school teacher parents would be proud.
Anyways, the stemless stummel pipe is great with the MM stem.

 

[Spring-Loaded]

I love the Vf stems I have. I’ve had no issues with them. They dress up the pipe nicely.