Meerschaum vs Briar

[rigmedic1]

My pallet is definitely not as sensitive as this groups, lol. I like my white meer because it is very light, and perhaps the tobacco is a purer taste. I can tell a bigger difference in my clays and the one gourd calabash that I have from the briars. The yellow meer I have is similar to the briars, and the Pioneer Meerschaum seems to be coated in black paint, lol. I like they way the black one looks, but it might as well be briar. Each to his own tastes, my friends.

 

[classicgeek]

Hmmm... I'm only a week into my first meerschaum experience and have never tried a cob. But so far I am very happy with the quality of smoke I'm getting. I also smoked a Vauen briar this week which is the one in my collection that really ghosts at the drop of a hat. But then I love that about that pipe. It takes on a melange of all that got burned before in it.
I love how light the meer is, but I also don't clench it. I am too afraid of it falling out of my mouth and smashing.
Simon

 

[bootlegbonvivant]

I don't take my meers outside of the house. and I'm sure I hold onto it or be seated while smoking one. Sad thing is, I noticed a chip in one that I can't for the life of me figure out how it happened. That's where I could honestly appreciate the desire for a more normal carved pipe.

 

[juni]

I don't take my meers out either.
I guess I like them both, but I do have more briars than meers.

 

[keysersoze]

It seems to me that Meerschaums are an easier way to smoke pipes. I think it takes more patience and effort to smoke from briars since it is true that you will get a different flavor from the briar/cake and requires a little more labor to maintain. I have never smoked a Meerschaum, but I think I would prefer briars because they do present a bit more of a challenge to smoke. Plus, if you get it right, the mixed flavor of the tobacco and briar can be even more enjoyable. Anyone who smokes Meerschaum's disagree? If you do, please explain.

 

[doctorthoss]

I love all three.
A good, well-seasoned briar will reveal depths of flavor and complexity that the other types of pipe won't. Also, they are gorgeous and fairly tough.
A meer gives you a relatively (though not perfectly) "pure" smoke every time, with little ghosting. They can also be stunning works of art. On the downside, you don't get the depth of flavor you'll get with a briar and they are FRAGILE.
Cobs, I think, give the best all-around smoke, plus they're so cheap it doesn't really matter if you break one (or three). But they don't look nice (usually) and their stems are crap.

 

[photoman13]

I have to say I love them equally. I have had low end meerschaum pipes that were terrible but my one high end smokes amazing and easily is one of my favorite smokers. I love working with wood and have always been fascinated by anything made out of wood so visually I think wood is a little more striking. You don't have grain or as much texture with meerschaum. I have low end briar pipes and one mid grade pipe. Both smoke really well. I do think those of you that haven't had a meerschaum should give Storient a call. I guess I am a storient whore but I really can attest to the quality. I would say it goes well beyond CAO as well.