Full Bent or Bent Billiard?

[Santiago]

Probably a stupid question, but I am thinking about getting a new pipe, and my current pipe is a quarterbent (so basically straight pipe) and I want something that is little easier to clench and that doesn't look half bad.
Originally I intended to get a Savinelli 602 bent billiard, but my shop didn't have it so I went with this one.

Now I could get just that pipe but I feel like if I would enjoy a full bent more and by getting a full bent I could at least have some idea if I enjoyed a bent billiard more...
Basically I am asking which one do people here prefer and why.

 

[bluegrassbrian]

I've always preferred smaller/lighter pipes, as I'm a clencher the majority of the smoke. When it comes to straight pipes, I don't like going much heavier than 35 grams.

The more dramatic the bend, the more weight can be tolerated. So a 3/4 to full bent pipe (for me) can go as high as 1.75oz before I give it a second thought.

In the last year I've started smoking more full bents (Hungarian/Oom Paul).
My latest is a Savinelli (a first for me) Antica 615. SPC has several in stock still and they come with an ebonite stem. For the price I think they are a great pickup.

Briarworks also makes some very good deep bent pipes at an approachable price point.

Savinelli Antica 615 pipes...

Briarworks C13 Pipes are worth a look..

Edit: links seem to not work.
On SPC you can search for "615" and "C13" to pull up those pipes.

 

[Santiago]

Spoiler

I've always preferred smaller/lighter pipes, as I'm a clencher the majority of the smoke. When it comes to straight pipes, I don't like going much heavier than 35 grams.

The more dramatic the bend, the more weight can be tolerated. So a 3/4 to full bent pipe (for me) can go as high as 1.75oz before I give it a second thought.

In the last year I've started smoking more full bents (Hungarian/Oom Paul).
My latest is a Savinelli (a first for me) Antica 615. SPC has several in stock still and they come with an ebonite stem. For the price I think they are a great pickup.

Briarworks also makes some very good deep bent pipes at an approachable price point.

Savinelli Antica 615 pipes...

Briarworks C13 Pipes are worth a look..

Edit: links seem to not work.
On SPC you can search for "615" and "C13" to pull up those pipes.

Appreciate it.

 

[proteus]

Get both ... Eventually you will. Clenching any pipe can be done. Also holding it and smoking it too. Every pipe has a unique technique. I've clenched sav authors and 307 Pete's so just have to work out the feel of it.

 

[Santiago]

Get both ... Eventually you will. Clenching any pipe can be done. Also holding it and smoking it too. Every pipe has a unique technique. I've clenched sav authors and 307 Pete's so just have to work out the feel of it.

I sure will, eventually. I can clench my current pipe just fine, but I prefer comfort over mere 'can'.

 

[proteus]

I sure will, eventually. I can clench my current pipe just fine, but I prefer comfort over mere 'can'.

Comfort would be a chin rester (not the kaywoodie but that could work too). The 307 is easier and it's baby brother the 314 is easiest or even 317 would work and would be the choice for me were I in your shoes.

 

[Hillcrest]

Probably a stupid question, but I am thinking about getting a new pipe, and my current pipe is a quarterbent (so basically straight pipe) and I want something that is little easier to clench and that doesn't look half bad.
Originally I intended to get a Savinelli 602 bent billiard, but my shop didn't have it so I went with this one.

Now I could get just that pipe but I feel like if I would enjoy a full bent more and by getting a full bent I could at least have some idea if I enjoyed a bent billiard more...
Basically I am asking which one do people here prefer and why.

Since you mention Savinelli ... the 614 is the most popular (best selling) Savinelli full bent billiard. The 620 is a Hungarian shape. They come in filtered and non-filtered. Filtered comes with an adapter so you smoke either way. You can choose saddle stem or a military stem (Dry System) which is easier for cleaning while smoking.
So I would recommend one of those. If you want to try one less expensively, Savinelli owns Rossi and you can get one on SmokingPipes.com for $58.00 or $68.00.

That being said ... I have had a Sav 2614KS Dry System (military stem) for almost 40 years and its one of my favorite pipes. I also have Hungarian shapes (like 620) and have found them to be exceptionally dry and comfortable hangers. You won't go wrong either way. And if you go with the less expensive one to start you can always use it as a beater or car/truck pipe. It won't go to waste. Just my 2 cents.

 

[badbriar]

I'm not a clencher, so my preferences are large, thick bowled pipes with a good length. Something masculine in the hand. I prefer quarter to half bents to straight stems, except the occasional Canadian. IMHO, some full bents are difficult to to get a pipe cleaner through and aren't quite as interesting. Definitely not an Oom Paul enthusiast.
If you like mid weight bents, have a look at Savinelli 316 - really nice looking pipe and some of them have a smooth rim that contrasts with the bowl finish. I own several of those in different finishes..

 

[Gimlet]

I'm still looking for my first full bent. Thinking about buying one of these:

Vauen - Flame - 2053 - 9mm Filter Pipe

GQ Tobaccos specialising in Artisan & Factory Tobacco Pipes, Boutique Tobaccos, Snuffs and other smokers accessories

www.gqtobaccos.com

I say thinking because I'm still undecided on that orange band. And Vauen mouthpieces tend to be on the narrow side and I like flat and wide to spread the load across my teeth. But otherwise it looks a nice pipe that should hang there nicely.

 

[warren]

Basically I am asking which one do people here prefer and why.

For me it would depend on the "eye" appeal (proportion, fit and finish, silver work, if any, bit work, and so forth. Only pipes bent to some degree or another will ever initially catch my eye in a shop. So, to offer my opinion, I'd need to see the pipe(s) you find attractive/interesting.

I prefer weight forward/downward so the pipe "fits" in my jaw comfortably in my jaw, stable, without pressure, staying in place because of the weight being properly distributed. So, I must trust my fist until I shell out the cash and can put a prospect in me mouth.

 

[OzPiper]

I smoke with pipe-in-hand so no preference for full vs half bent
Definitely not keen on the Hungarian shape
These full bents hang very comfortably

A Peterson SH Lestrade

A Castello Shape 95


A Julius Vesz


A Civic

 

[jbfrady]

Basically I am asking which one do people here prefer and why.

You've gotten some great advice here already, so I'll hop into the opposing lane. If you have to ask, don't buy either of them. There are extraordinary pipes out there, both hand and factory made by undisputed experts across a slew of websites. So if you come across one and you have to think about it, take a pass. When you find a pipe that fits you in both style and personality, you won't be able to pass it up long enough to come and ask us. That'll be the right pipe for you.

 

[Santiago]

Since you mention Savinelli ... the 614 is the most popular (best selling) Savinelli full bent billiard. The 620 is a Hungarian shape. They come in filtered and non-filtered. Filtered comes with an adapter so you smoke either way. You can choose saddle stem or a military stem (Dry System) which is easier for cleaning while smoking.
So I would recommend one of those. If you want to try one less expensively, Savinelli owns Rossi and you can get one on SmokingPipes.com for $58.00 or $68.00.

That being said ... I have had a Sav 2614KS Dry System (military stem) for almost 40 years and its one of my favorite pipes. I also have Hungarian shapes (like 620) and have found them to be exceptionally dry and comfortable hangers. You won't go wrong either way. And if you go with the less expensive one to start you can always use it as a beater or car/truck pipe. It won't go to waste. Just my 2 cents.

I heard the claim that you shouldn't go under 100sh euros, but I have a feeling that it isn't necessarily the best advice.

 

[HRPufnstuf]

Your Ve

I smoke with pipe-in-hand so no preference for full vs half bent
Definitely not keen on the Hungarian shape
These full bents hang very comfortably

A Peterson SH Lestrade View attachment 256103

A Castello Shape 95
View attachment 256104

A Julius Vesz
View attachment 256105

A Civic
View attachment 256106

Your Vesz looks like a very comfortable pipe

 

[HRPufnstuf]

My only full bent is this Sav 616 Sistina. I sometimes find it pendulous and the large thick bit makes it unstable.

 

[Hillcrest]

I heard the claim that you shouldn't go under 100sh euros, but I have a feeling that it isn't necessarily the best advice.

I have 18 excellent pipes all purchased new; The most I ever paid was $120. Cost has nothing to do with the quality of the pipe. My best smokers I paid the least amount of money and they are hand made. If you shop wisely there are good pipes available. Seek out what you want and don't buy until you find it. Don't be fooled by hype and glitter.

 

[Santiago]

I have 18 excellent pipes all purchased new; The most I ever paid was $120. Cost has nothing to do with the quality of the pipe. My best smokers I paid the least amount of money and they are hand made. If you shop wisely there are good pipes available. Seek out what you want and don't buy until you find it. Don't be fooled by hype and glitter.

Next pipe I get is going to be a smooth one. I feel like rusticated ones feel too "show-offy" for the lack of better word.

 

[bullet08]

Full bent is comfortable. However, in some conditions, smoke runs directly into your nostrils. Half bent? Go full bent, or go home. Or straight billiard. Once you really get going, I don't think it makes much difference. They all sort of hang in there. With full bent, it's little easier because they can rest on your chin hence chin hangers.

 

[OzPiper]

Your Vesz looks like a very comfortable pipe

All 4 hang comfortably
The Vesz and Civic are much lighter than the Pete or Castello and should clench with no problem
I love the look of the egg-shaped bowl / diamond shank combo

 

[Coreios]

I like a lot of pipes regaurdless if I can clench them. But for clenching, I like the Rossi/Sav full bents, T. Cristiano straight pipes, M.M. Devils Cutty, any Peterson full bent, M.M. Stubby, to name a few.