Peterson System - Does Shape Matter?

[withnail]

Well, my wonderful step Daughter has caught on to all the hints I have been subtly dropping and has asked me which Peterson pipe I would most like for Christmas. As a rule, I prefer straight or quarter bent stems over half or full bent.
I wondered if the Peterson system works as well with a straight pipe as it does with a bent stem? The two I am considering are Peterson System Shape 31 (straight) or Shape 317 (bent). I wondered what forums members thought of those two pipes?
Thank you for any advice you can pass on.

 

[hobie1dog]

Monica didn't mind the bend in the middle 8O

 

[bigvan]

You won't get the reservoir with a straight pipe, which is one of the main features of the Peterson System.

 

[withnail]

Thanks Bigvan - that's what I thought. Makes me wonder why they include a straight version in the Peterson System line-up.

 

[bigvan]

The straight "system" pipe still has the P-lip and the graduated bore, so that's 2 features out of 3.

 

[olderthandirt]

Never having owned a straight "System" Pete I've often wondered the same regarding the lack of a reservoir.
I've seen this diagram bandied about a few times:

From an older thread on pipes.org

The scan is of an illustration in Peterson’s 1905 catalog showing the two design features above. The draft holes are exaggerated especially in the center stem illustration.

I've 2 "System Standard" Petes, a 309 and 317.

If you end up w/ the 317 I'm sure you'll enjoy it withnail. Great shirt pocket pipe!

 

[pentangle]

I own several system standard bent and straight and no one has problems.Nice pipes made by good briar.Beautiful shapes even if all shows flaws cemented.Go for the straight for my taste much better to smoke

Maurizio

 

[pentangle]

Also Savinelli make similar system but with 6mm filter.I have some and are perfect on smoking

 

[dylan793]

Looking at the diagram, it seems the straight ones still have a bit of a moisture trap. It just doesn't seem to have gravity on its side. It'd be nice to hear from anyone with a straight system pipe what they're like.

 

[tobakenist]

I have a system 31 in mt hand at the moment, the best straight Peterson in my collection, the system work great and it is fairly light wieght, a great smoker, I don't smoke straights very often but this one jumps out at me and insists on being smoked.

 

[rigmedic1]

Whatever pleases the eye.

 

[jchaplick]

I have no experience with the straight ones, but, i am also a fan of stright pipes, but have a bent 313 system, and it is very comfortable to hold in your teeth, i really like it

 

[withnail]

Thanks for the replies. I think I will go for the straight style and see how I get on with it. Let's hope Santas Elves can turn a good Peterson Pipe!

 

[olderthandirt]

he-he

Will be rootin' for ya!

 

[francois1]

TRY the peterson kirlarny 999 one of my favourites

david

ps difficult i find my other petersons just as good

goes with pipe/tobacco combo

 

[tobakenist]

I have two Peterson 31 system pipes in my collection, the older one has a standard system with a resevoir under the chamber, the newer one has an aluminium tube that is screwed into the end of the stem tenon and this is inserted into the shank mortise a goes right to the end of the shank but just below the air hole to the chamber so that the gap between the tube and the shank acts as the reservoir, I have found that both systems work fine but the newer system is easier to clean. I am not sure if the standard system 31 is still made with the aluminium tube system being a replacement or whether both systems are still made, anybody out there thats knows ?

 

[marmal4de]

I have 4 System 31's they have a reservoir and smoke wonderfully, they take a while to break in though.

 

[withnail]

It seems that the System Shape 31 is enjoyed by those who use them so that's the one I am going to ask for. With a bit of luck, it will be a pipe themed Christmas for me this year. My Good Lady Wife has ordered a "Northern Briar" pipe and a good friend a "Smokewell" as I have really grown to love the one I already have. Along with those I already have, that'll make 9 pipes in total allowing for a 3-a-day, 3 day rotation (Aromatics, English/Grousemoor and Dunhill/University Flake). This will mean I have all the pipes I "need" but PAD will keep me searching out others that I want

 

[bigvan]

Peterson are fine pipes, but Northern Briars are definitely a higher grade. You've obviously been a good boy this year.
I'm not familiar with "Smokewell"... do you know any background?

 

[withnail]

From what I know, the "Smokewell" range is the lower tier of pipes by Blakemar of England. The one I have looks like it would have been one of their high grade pipes apart from a couple of obvious fills. It takes a little from the look of the pipe, but it smokes really well and I'm keen to try another one.