Metal pieces inside pipe (shank/stem).

[john19]

Hi Guys. I want to buy this Greek pipe Alexander Hygrocool. I want this pipe for English blends. As you can see in the photo, this part that connects the shank to the stem (which fit in the middle), has some metal pieces. During smoking, the smoke will pass through these pieces. Those metal pieces, will negatively affect the taste of the smoke? Maybe, getting the taste of metal?

Maybe this is a dumb question. But I want your knowledge.

 

[bullet08]

Looks like a filter. That metal looks like just a place for the filter.

 

[john19]

Looks like a filter. That metal looks like just a place for the filter.

Yes. But I'm not talking about the filter. But generally about the metal pieces inside.

 

[bullet08]

No metal piece will not interfere with taste of smoke, but the filter will. Metal stingers and condensers have been used for long time.

 

[john19]

Thanks.

 

[Searock Fan]

Usually when people say they want your knowledge... or advice. What they really mean is they want you to validate what they already think. If you really want to know what I think, here goes.

The pipe looks like a nicely made piece of junk. No good pipe should need all that plumbing. If you want something to smoke English blends, I suggest either a meerschaum or a high quality Italian pipe such as a Castello, Ser Jacopo, Mastro de Paja, etc. Good luck

 

[john19]

Usually when people say they want your knowledge... or advice. What they really mean is they want you to validate what they already think. If you really want to know what I think, here goes.

The pipe looks like a nicely made piece of junk. No good pipe should need all that plumbing. If you want something to smoke English blends, I suggest either a meerschaum or a high quality Italian pipe such as a Castello, Ser Jacopo, Mastro de Paja, etc. Good luck

Why do you think it's a piece of junk?

 

[MattRVA]

Interesting design, I don’t think that the metal will interfere with the taste but I may be wrong. It wouldn’t stop me from getting the pipe if I liked it enough. I like it.

 

[TheIronMonkey]

I've considered buying pipes and briar blocks from Alexander, but, the shipping from Greece usually ends up deterring me. Since you're in Greece, that won't be an issue. If the pipe appeals to you, you should get it. I doubt the metal will impart anything noticeable to your tobacco. I have a good number of vintage pipes with metal innards and they smoke fine.

 

[FLDRD]

I think you'll find that most (not all) here prefer the absence of filter, and in this case, extra engineering and parts that get in the way when needing to clean and do maintenance.

The presence of a filter will interfere with your flavor more than the metal. The extra "engineering" will possibly get in the way of air-flow, and that could diminish the pleasure of your experience.

It's not a dumb question, it's a question that arises in the beginning of the journey.

If none of the old farts that smoke a pipe want this type of contraption, it might be a gimmick.

Some questions must be answered on our own though...

 

[solideogloria86]

Why don't you just buy a different pipe that doesn't have all the metal stuff?

 

[solideogloria86]

Unless of course, you're sold on the "system".

Hygrocool system, eliminates tongue bite and several liquids oils and tars cannot reach mouth when smoking. The results are a cool and dry smoke.
Perfect system for beginner smokers.
Perfect for aromatic and English blends.

 

[john19]

Why don't you just buy a different pipe that doesn't have all the metal stuff?

Because i like it, and it's Greek brands (I want to support a Greek manufacturer).

But I'm also looking Savinelli's and Peterson's

 

[Searock Fan]

Why do you think it's a piece of junk?

Junk might have been too strong a word. After all, the Greeks are famous for their fine pipes.

 

[peteguy]

Google Kaywoodie stinger. Metal seems fine.

 

[ThermionicScott]

Because i like it, and it's Greek brands (I want to support a Greek manufacturer).

But I'm also looking Savinelli's and Peterson's

Looks like they make plenty of models without that system: https://www.briar-pipes.com/en/73-pipes

 

[john19]

Looks like they make plenty of models without that system: Pipes - https://www.briar-pipes.com/en/73-pipes

Yes i know. But i don't like any of them.

 

[niblicck]

Hey john check out Amadeus (Greek made Pipe), they make some very good smoking pipes IMO.

 

[ThermionicScott]

Yes i know. But i don't like any of them.

Fair. I'd only scrolled through a couple pages, but they are more ordinary-looking without that extra segment in the middle...

 

[john19]

Hey john check out Amadeus (Greek made Pipe), they make some very good smoking pipes IMO.

I think they have been discontinued. You can't find them anymore.