How important is the stem?

[cigrmaster]

I listened to the latest radio and Brian's take on stems. I never understood the mechanics behind a stem until now, thanks to Brian. I now understand why I love my artisan pipes so much better over my factory made ones. I had no idea how important a stem can be to the ultimate enjoyment of a smoke until now. When I began buying my artisan pipes most notably Rad Davis, I knew they smoked better, felt more comfortable but honestly did not totally understand why. I knew he used great briar and made comfortable stems and his drilling was spot on, but I had no clues as to how the inner workings of a stem impacted the quality of the smoke. I was totally fascinated listening to Brian and now have a much better understanding of what makes a great pipe.
So who else was interested in hearing Brian's take, did you come away with a better understanding of your pipes?

 

[bigvan]

I was in total agreements with Brian's assessment, too. A good stem will make a good pipe great. A bad stem will make a good pipe bad.

 

[cortezattic]

I didn't understand the importance of the stem until I started buying Italian pipes.

When I realized what a difference that style made, I carefully modified the buttons

on some of my English pipes to emulate the Italian; and now they too have taken on

new life. It's like I'm re-discovering many of my old pipes, and understanding why

they were delivering only a mediocre experience.

 

[ssjones]

I'm only on Radio Show #3, but find Brians comments to be very informative and intersting. I'll look forward to hearing that show (#10?). I downloaded them to a memory stick that I use on my car's audio headunit, it's great to be able to listen to pipe talk for an hour in the car. I'm going to NY tomorrow, that will knock out a few shows.

 

[numbersix]

Thanks cigrmaster for this post. I haven't had time to listen to many of the shows, but I will have to find this one. I wouldn't have believed a stem could impact the flavor in a meaningful way.

 

[cigrmaster]

roth, I think you would enjoy the radio show. The latest one was one of the best.
six, listen to this last one and I think you will be amazed at how Brian was able to explain the inner workings of a stem and how it impacts the smoke. It was one of those ah ha moments when the lights went on and a lot of things made sense.

 

[sergemoat]

I've found that after smoking my higher end pipes the bits on my other pipes seem very uncomfortable and restrictive. The bit on my PS Studio pipe is amazingly thin and very comfortable, as for best airflow I'd have to say my Michael Parks pipe is the best since he took the time to file/polish every portion of the stem.

 

[captainprophesy]

Would love to one day own an artisan pipe so that I too can experience this difference! :P

 

[gmwolford]

I, for one, love to hear Brian's take and the info he gives; Pipe Parts is my favorite part of the show. And the last show was one of the best. Can't wait for tonight's!