Metal filters / filters in general

[Prancingponypatron]

Just starting smoking pipe tobacco in late May… never had a pipe with a filter. Just bought one of the 2024 Chacom Noel Christmas pipes… and it apparently comes with a metal filter.

I assume this is removable? How does this work exactly. Do I have to replace the filter with some sort of adapter the pipe comes with, or just remove it and that’s it?

 

[Hillcrest]

I believe that pipe comes with the ability to use a 9mm filter (activated charcoal or balsa type) as well as an adapter that has a metal 'stinger'. You can smoke the pipe with or without those items. Without will be a full open draw. Some of us use the 9mm filters but many say it mutes flavor (a disputed common topic of discussion). The adapter with stinger will reduce the draw and prevent tobaccos bits from entering the stem during drawing. Many smokers remove the stingers and do without while others leave them in and don't care one way or other. Its entirely up to you and your preference. There is no right way or wrong way. I would suggest trying all three options to see what you prefer. As always the slower you smoke the better the flavor.

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[Prancingponypatron]

Thanks. I was just worried I wouldn’t have the option of using no filter. Thanks for the other links to those threads as well.

 

[Sobrbiker]

I’m not a filter guy, and I have quite a few pipes with stingers or ones that had stingers but have been cut/removed.
Stingers for the most part, were developed to be condensers, ie a place for moisture to collect, so they serve a different purpose.
I do have one pipe made for a filter that I do not use one in.

I say all that to make the following point: a pipe that is made for a filter or a stinger will have an airway that has an area that will be larger than the draught drilling by design. This area will collect moisture and residue and need more maintenance and crevice cleaning than a well fit non-filter stem and stummel. Adapters will take up this space, but will need maintenance.

 

[Sigmund]

I like charcol filters but I have no use for metal ones. Its just something to gunk up.
Some folks like their 9mm drills w/o filter.
Try every option and see what you enjoy the most.

 

[Prancingponypatron]

I’m assuming

I’m not a filter guy, and I have quite a few pipes with stingers or ones that had stingers but have been cut/removed.
Stingers for the most part, were developed to be condensers, ie a place for moisture to collect, so they serve a different purpose.
I do have one pipe made for a filter that I do not use one in.

I say all that to make the following point: a pipe that is made for a filter or a stinger will have an airway that has an area that will be larger than the draught drilling by design. This area will collect moisture and residue and need more maintenance and crevice cleaning than a well fit non-filter stem and stummel. Adapters will take up this space, but will need maintenance.

this pipe should come with the adapter?

 

[Prancingponypatron]

I like charcol filters but I have no use for metal ones. Its just something to gunk up.
Some folks like their 9mm drills w/o filter.
Try every option and see what you enjoy the most.

Thanks!

 

[Sobrbiker]

I’m assuming

this pipe should come with the adapter?

No clue. Where you bought it from should have info.

 

[Sigmund]

Adapters are about 75 cents. If you dont have one grab a couple with your next tobacco order.

The other thing you can do with an adapter (depending on which model) is to modify the non filter option draw. If you want a 3mm hole use that...if you want it wider drill out the adapter. If they ones you buy have enough material grab an extra for expermentation.

 

[Grangerous]

I prefer pipes without filters. I won’t own a pipe that will not pass a pipe cleaner easily to the bowl while smoking.

Most of my pipes are straight billiards. The few bents I own will pass a pipe cleaner easily.

Around mid-smoke, I’ll insert and remove each end of a pipe cleaner which will come out damp. I never experience gurgle and enjoy a cool, dry smoke.

Condensation (moisture) is a normal by product of combustion.

There are pipe shapes in which you cannot manage condensation in the manner I’ve described. In these pipes, reservoirs are drilled to capture trapped moisture. The Peterson “System” comes to mind.

There are metal stingers and filter designs and patents over the years promising a cooler, dryer smoke.

I don’t favor designs that “collect” the gunk inside or dealing with soggy filters.

I’m happy with a well drilled, non filtered pipe with a close fitting tenon. Pipe cleaners work just fine.

There is one advantage to filters. Small bits of tobacco are prevented from being drawn through the stem to the back of the throat. I don’t know anyone that enjoys that.

Pipes come in many shapes. Some are more prone to gurgle than others. It’s all preference.

 

[Sigmund]

I never need to use a pipe cleaner during a smoke with a filter. I clean the stem after each smoke but I could really skip it. The white cleaner comes out nearly white. Of course the briar side is dirty.

Some blends I prefer with no filter but most I use one.

I remove metal filters.

 

[Roach1]

Take it from experience not all Adapters fit all 9mm tenons. I have cracked to stummels with an Adapter.

 

[Copperhead]

I always use a balsa filter in all of my pipes that accept one. I use the 6mm balsa in both 6 and 9mm pipe stems, leaving it to float in the 9mm. I'll buy long strips of balsa from hobby lobby, cut them down to size, and stash the majority in a savinelli box.

I like filters because it is generally a drier smoke and the way I see it, the more resinous tar (or whatever you want to call it) that is on the filter isn't on my teeth. Some of mine come out black, but I'll admit I'm a strong smoker when I am working or doing something strenuous with a pipe in my mouth. They come out lighter when I slow down and puff lighter.

I like my pipes without a filter, I just pull the stem (heretic, I know) and blow the moisture out once or twice a session and all is good.