Help me decide on a new VA Pipe: Meerschaum or Briar

[fishmansf]

Hey all,

Recently thinned out my pipe collection, auctioning off some pipes I had that I wasn't a fan of. Want to use the money to buy a new pipe that will be primarily a Va/Per/ Straight VA pipe. I'm torn between getting my first Meerschaum or buying a nice Savinelli Roma. Love the aesthetics of both of them and am totally torn 50/50. The only thing that is leaning me a bit towards the meerschaum is that I have had trouble tasting my VA's recently and have heard that Meerschaums are great for VA blends as they tend to smoke a bit cooler. Are meerschaums really worth the hype? Bremen Pipe Smoker got me excited about them but not sure if they're really all that different from a briar (flavor from the tobacco-wise). Can you help me break the tie?

 

[Scottmi]

Both are great, imho! If you don't have one, though, go for a Meer! I don't think there is anyone who has regretted it?

 

[MikeDub]

I have both a Savinelli Roma and multiple meerschaums, several of which are exclusively dedicated to VA's. I don't think it makes much difference, although I prefer meerschaum pipes in general so I smoke those more often as a result. You really can't go wrong with either choice. If you don't have a meerschaum I'd probably go that route just for variety's sake

 

[fishmansf]

I have both a Savinelli Roma and multiple meerschaums, several of which are exclusively dedicated to VA's. I don't think it makes much difference, although I prefer meerschaum pipes in general so I smoke those more often as a result. You really can't go wrong with either choice. If you don't have a meerschaum I'd probably go that route just for variety's sake

I think I will. Thanks!

 

[Chasing Embers]

The only thing that is leaning me a bit towards the meerschaum is that I have had trouble tasting my VA's recently and have heard that Meerschaums are great for VA blends as they tend to smoke a bit cooler

Meerschaum will mute the flavor for about the first 20-30 smokes. Externally they do tend to smoke cooler, but the temperature of the smoke is up to the user. A pipe's not going to change that. I bet you've heard they don't ghost either.

 

[didimauw]

I love my Savinellis. But I'm more a fan of meerschaums over briar these days. If you are dedicating a specific style of blend, you may be better off with a meer, as I've known them to ghost badly. But I only smoke Burley blends so it doesn't bother me. Meers have a slight chalk taste for the first few bowls, which can taste gross. But after they get broken in, provide the cleanest tasting smokes around. I may be biased towards meers, but I think that's the best option for you!

 

[didimauw]

Meerschaum will mute the flavor for about the first 20-30 smokes. Externally they do tend to smoke cooler, but the temperature of the smoke is up to the user. A pipe's not going to change that. I bet you've heard they don't ghost either.

If I would have just waited one more minute, I wouldn't have had to post at all! Hahaha

 

[kcghost]

Personally, I'd get the briar, but they both equally good.

 

[monty55]

Sounds like you've owned briars, but never a meer, so correct that.

 

[tobakenist]

I love both.

 

[Sobrbiker]

I’d vote meer (especially if you’re going to dedicate and smoke it often), and would recommend attention is paid to the chamber sizes when shopping.

 

[canucklehead]

Pipa Meerschaum (Ecume) Savinelli

www.jpb.ro

 

[B.Fee]

Both are great, imho! If you don't have one, though, go for a Meer! I don't think there is anyone who has regretted it?

Second this. I have an IMP meerschaum reverse calibash that does Virginia blends superbly. Right now Dunhill Flake.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I'd buy the Meer. I smoke almost exclusively Virginia Flake and for several months, mostly in Meers.

 

[LeafErikson]

My vote is meer but you can’t go wrong with a Savinelli. If you smoke multiple bowls a day go with the meer as they dry out quicker.

 

[LeafErikson]

I'd buy the Meer. I smoke almost exclusively Virginia Flake and for several months, mostly in Meers.

Do you normally rub them out or fold and stuff?

 

[Chasing Embers]

My vote is meer but you can’t go wrong with a Savinelli. If you smoke multiple bowls a day go with the meer as they dry out quicker.

If you clean a briar thoroughly after each smoke, there'll be no moisture to dry out. I've often smoked one pipe multiple times per day for sometimes weeks at a time before switching pipes.

 

[LeafErikson]

If you clean a briar thoroughly after each smoke, there'll be no moisture to dry out. I've often smoked one pipe multiple times per day for sometimes weeks at a time before switching pipes.

Yeah I know but if I’m out and about it’s easier to just blow the moisture/ash out of a meer and load again than a briar without pipe cleaners. I just think meers stay drier much more easily.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

Do you normally rub them out or fold and stuff?

Fold and stuff

 

[metalheadycigarguy]

If you don't have a meer yet, then I would suggest using this opportunity to acquire one. You'll be glad you did.