I just purchased a Peterson p-lip system and while I like the smoke I do not like the stem. I realize I'm not the only one with the same issue. Has anyone tried swapping it for a fishtail? Doing so eliminates the p-lip. I do have a Savinelli dry system that has a similar opening on the top. If I can find a Savinelli stem that fits I guess I can try that avenue. Any opinions?
Peterson P-Lip Stem
- Thread starter Poppa Terry
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It’s possible but not cheap to have the stem changed. For the cost you might just want a new pipe. Perhaps put a softie bit on backwards and see if you like it. Inelegant solution but it worked for a P-lip that was giving me fits.
@cosmicfolklore has modified a couple of his p-lips I believe. I've thought about taking a dremmel to one of mine many times.
I think the P-lip has it's place, and I like them. That being said, most of my pipes (95% +) are fish tails.
I would avoid using a dremel, but a course file, and some of those sanding pads that (the name escapes me), but they will sand it down to a fine polish... whatever they're called.
Used to be all p-lip. Little less than half of my pipes are fishtail now only because they don't come in p-lip. I really don't feel much difference between the two other than my tongue getting fatigued with fishtail in long smoke. But it seems some people don't like p-lip. One thing to consider is better p-lip stem. Volcanite stems are usually better made and thinner around the edge. Acrylic p-lip stems that come with Peterson Standard System, and Premium System have sort of box like stem with rounded edges that I don't care for too much. Sherlock Holmes series and System Spigot have much better p-lip stems.
I bought an amber stem Peterson that came with an extra regular fishtail stem. I smoke about 80% of the time 9mm pipes so I got an extra 9mm stem made up from the factory. As it was a silver spigot they wanted me to send the bowl so they could ensure a perfect fit. It was about £80 iirc. That includes the postage of sending and receiving it.
Definitely not cheap, but it was a reasonably expensive pipe and the cost was worth it to me as I get a lot more use out of it.
My only beef with the P lip is not easily passing a pipe cleaner. I live in the sauna of Ohio and use at least 1 per. I'd rather not have to break down a pipe mid smoke if I dont have to.
I tried my Savinelli dry system stem (fishtail) in my Peterson's P lip and it fits just fine. Could include the filter as well. Guess I can just switch back and forth.
You could stick with the p-lip more. Grin and bear it. You may find they are just fine.
The good thing about a system or army mount p-lip pipe is that you can break it down while smoking. A straight pipe with a p lip will also pass a cleaner.
I’ve also modified all my p-lips, with the proper tools it’s quite easy, I just used a disk sander and some needle files to open it up a bit.
The Laudisi $40 sounds like a winner. It's butchery, but some have just sawed the bit down an eighth of a inch and had a sort of fishtail. I have one P-lip Pete, which I smoked last night. It's just a little too much bit that has to go more in the mouth ... ok, but I wouldn't get another. It's not bad, a change of pace, and reminds me why I like the bits on my other pipes better. The rest of the pipe, a 999 Rhodesian Killarney is excellent, so it is still a keeper.
Same boat, I don't like it either. Took my swiss army to it. Took about 15 min to take the p part off, and now it's perfect.