Opinion on Peterson System Pipe

[Masterblaster]

Title edited. Rule 9, please. -jpm

I am in the market for my first new pipe and have narrowed it down to Petersons system standard or spigot, B42, 302 or 307. Unfortunately my local B&M doesn't carry Peterson so must order on-line, I'm wanting a decent size bowl for an hour long smoke but also a good clencher. From what I have read these three shapes should fit the bill. I really like the looks of the 302 but concerned it may not hold enough tobacco and B42 may be to large to clench comfortably so maybe the 307 is a good compromise? Also wondering if the extra expense of the spigot is worth it? Your help in this will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[warren]

You're seeking very subjective answers. I own some, smoke 'em some, know of no pluses or minuses to the individual Petersons I own. I do trash pipes which don't measure up to what I expect. So, best I can do for you. Peterson has produced pipes I find acceptable.

 

[solideogloria86]

Spigot vs standard system is just furniture. If you want extra silver, go for it. Peterson system pipes are very forgiving, but can get funky if you don't regularly swab out the well. Go for the one that has the shape and chamber dimensions you want. A 302 isn't going to smoke any better or worse than a B42. My first Peterson was an estate 314 from around the 50s. Got it on ebay for $70. It was an excellent smoker. I gifted it to a friend and it's his favorite pipe.

 

[edger]

I love them! Just be sure to keep them CLEAN. Go to Smokingpipes to order so you can see the actual pipe you will get. I often am critical of the curvature of the stem on some so I rely on the pictures. The military bits on the system pipes allow you to pop off the stem to fix any gurgling or clogging issues even if the pipe cleaner won pass all the way through. The Standard Systems are very good value.

 

[smokeymo]

Deluxe or bust.

 

[reloader]

If you're looking for something that will hold a lot of tobacco and still be able to comfortably clench, then maybe get one with a full bent stem. Or look at Oom Paul pipes. I love mine because if needed it will rest against my chin with no effort if I need to use both hands.

 

[DanWil84]

Deluxe or bust.

But why? There might be a difference in Briar and finish, but I can't find another criteria.

I have a system standard XL315 which is I think the largest of the system pipes, dunno if the Pub pipes are also considered a system pipe. Like said the difference in shapes is just a matter of preference. For me the verdict is still out on smoking it. I dunno about the P lip, it clenches great with the large button and if you get a full bent or 7/8 like I did it hangs great on the chin, but I didn't get the flavor out of the pipe I wanted. I dry my tobacco bonedry so the benefit of the moisture well isn't there for me yet. I only smoked it about 5 or 6 times since getting it, so maybe it has to "break in" a bit more.

Spigots look great, if you have the budget for it I would certainly consider it, but they don't bring anything to the table except looks and maybe a better piece of wood which I think is neglectable with a factory pipe.

 

[blab77]

I have a Deluxe B42, and while it's a very good smoking pipe, it is not comfortable to clench. You might look into the Pub Pipe for a system pipe with a large chamber that's also comfortable to clench.

 

[smokeymo]

But why? There might be a difference in Briar and finish, but I can't find another criteria.

I have a system standard XL315 which is I think the largest of the system pipes, dunno if the Pub pipes are also considered a system pipe. Like said the difference in shapes is just a matter of preference. For me the verdict is still out on smoking it. I dunno about the P lip, it clenches great with the large button and if you get a full bent or 7/8 like I did it hangs great on the chin, but I didn't get the flavor out of the pipe I wanted. I dry my tobacco bonedry so the benefit of the moisture well isn't there for me yet. I only smoked it about 5 or 6 times since getting it, so maybe it has to "break in" a bit more.

Spigots look great, if you have the budget for it I would certainly consider it, but they don't bring anything to the table except looks and maybe a better piece of wood which I think is neglectable with a factory pipe.

It's personal preference. I've found that better briar smokes cooler and lasts longer. Even with a factory pipe. If you care more for anesthetics then NY all means pick the pipe that suits your taste.

 

[dog_park_piper]

I am a huge fan of Peterson Systems.

I love the 312. It's the best for me.

The B42 would be great for you too. No bowl is too big when you don't need to fill it to the brim.

 

[bullet08]

307 should fit the bill. Unless you want larger. It should give 45 min to an hour smoke or more depends on how you smoke. Then again, 302 will do about the same. They both clench nicely. System pipes are nice. If possible go with vulcanite stem. The P-lips on vulcanite stems are more comfortable than ones on acrylic stems. Less expensive System pipes have rather clumsy P-lip and stem. Deluxe System pipes now have acrylic stems, but they are shaped properly. House pipes are only System pipes with vulcanite stems. System pipes do give dryer smoke, but if you already know what you like and know how to get it, it might not be that much of a benefit. Still, I enjoy my System pipes, both 302 and 307.

 

[dog_park_piper]

If possible go with vulcanite stem. The P-lips on vulcanite stems are more comfortable than ones on acrylic stems. Less expensive System pipes have rather clumsy P-lip and stem.

I found that their vulcanite stems are more tubular, and therefore harder for me to clench. I got rid of it and have much better luck with the standard acrylic. Granted, I'm not talking about the vulcanite on the house pipes.

 

[Winterreise]

XL305 does fit the bill of 1h smoke , i absolutely love them system pipe especially the p lip

 

[clynch]

But why? There might be a difference in Briar and finish, but I can't find another criteria.

I have a system standard XL315 which is I think the largest of the system pipes, dunno if the Pub pipes are also considered a system pipe. Like said the difference in shapes is just a matter of preference. For me the verdict is still out on smoking it. I dunno about the P lip, it clenches great with the large button and if you get a full bent or 7/8 like I did it hangs great on the chin, but I didn't get the flavor out of the pipe I wanted. I dry my tobacco bonedry so the benefit of the moisture well isn't there for me yet. I only smoked it about 5 or 6 times since getting it, so maybe it has to "break in" a bit more.

Spigots look great, if you have the budget for it I would certainly consider it, but they don't bring anything to the table except looks and maybe a better piece of wood which I think is neglectable with a factory pipe.

I'm looking at the 315 system. Is it lots larger than the 305? I like the calabash look.

 

[DanWil84]

I'm looking at the 315 system. Is it lots larger than the 305? I like the calabash look.

Not having a 305 and assuming dimensions on SP.eu are correct, it's 2mm in diameter larger (so about 10%) and 6mm deeper (so about 15%), I think that is substantial.

 

[bullet08]

I found that their vulcanite stems are more tubular, and therefore harder for me to clench. I got rid of it and have much better luck with the standard acrylic. Granted, I'm not talking about the vulcanite on the house pipes.

Premier and Standard System comes with rather rectangular acrylic stem that just feels funny. And the P-lip on those things are like misshapen lollipop. Just a personal opinion. System Spigot also has acrylic stem, but much better made. Now, Sherlock Holmes series isn't System pipes, but their vulcanite stems and P-lips are very well made like the House pipe. But the important thing is you like what you like.

 

[Streeper541]

To your original post...
Peterson System pipes are excellent. I own several. I can get 45 min + out of all of them. All the shapes you mentioned should provide you the experience you're looking for.

Let us know what you decide.

 

[tklee]

I am in the market for my first new pipe and have narrowed it down to Petersons system standard or spigot, B42, 302 or 307. Unfortunately my local B&M doesn't carry Peterson so must order on-line, I'm wanting a decent size bowl for an hour long smoke but also a good clencher. From what I have read these three shapes should fit the bill. I really like the looks of the 302 but concerned it may not hold enough tobacco and B42 may be to large to clench comfortably so maybe the 307 is a good compromise? Also wondering if the extra expense of the spigot is worth it? Your help in this will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

I'm using a 302. Pretty good in everything. The length, the bend, the bowl, the shape, the size, the clench... basically everything. It can easily last u 45 minutes smoke. Depend on how u puff, sometimes i can do for 1 hour.

 

[Masterblaster]

Thank you very much to you all! Most likely will go with the 302 spigot, I definitely like the looks of that the most! Will keep the other advice in the back of my mind for future. I have a feeling this "hobby" is going to get expensive! Or should I say lifestyle!

 

[captpat]

I have a Peterson System Pipe, a 306 I believe. I bought it in the mid-80's and it's a great pipe. Just remember to keep the well clean as all sorts of nasties congregate there.