We know the cosmetic differences but how do they smoke? Are they the same or is there a difference? I did a side by side smoke off of the two to see if I could discover a difference and the following is what I discovered.
The standard has an acrylic tenon. The premier and deluxe has an aluminum tenon that extends farther down into the mortise. The p-lips I’ve noticed on standard pipes tends to be shaped differently than SOME of the deluxe models as clearly demonstrated in the photos.
The mortise on the deluxe is also larger. Looking down in I can see down the draft hole with ease and I can see down into the well. The standard has a step inside the mortise above the draft hole and a smaller mortise over all.
How do they smoke???
Going off of the flavor and for a lack of better term the texture and feel of the smoke I can’t really tell the difference. The moisture level of the smoke is something I don’t know how to measure but they feel the same. The only discernible difference I believe is the retrohale of Virginias. In the deluxe I wasn’t getting as stingy of a feeling on the nostrils. I compared this at length, sipping coffee in between and trying them in different orders, at different stages, and I’m convinced the retrohale is more pleasant in the deluxe.
The extra large flatter p-lip on the deluxe is by far the best p-lip ever and all of them should have this. It would change opinions on some non-p-lip smokers I believe. It works better, is easier to use properly, and feels better. This isn’t the case on all deluxes but they tend to be better then the standards.
Another difference is the whistle. Standard Systems have a whistle of wind when you inhale, the deluxe is almost silent and very smooth. It’s a little difference that I appreciate. The draw is smoother, quieter, and has less turbulence if that makes sense. It’s a better draw let’s just say that.
When taken apart I notice the aluminum condenser is coated with moisture where as the acrylic tenon not so much. Both wells seemed to have given me the same amount of moisture when mopped up.
Cleaning these pipes after smoking them discovered something interesting. Now I disassemble and clean my pipes throughly with everclear after every smoke. So they were both equally clean at the start. After smoking the same tobacco and the same amount of it I discovered that running a pipe cleaner though the stem of the deluxe the pipe cleaner came out pretty clean. However the pipe cleaner ran though the standard came out with more brown residue on it. Does this mean the deluxe did in fact keep more moisture out? ?
This is far from scientific however it preliminary results may appear that to be the case.
So what’s the verdict?
I’m a big fan of system pipes. I love how they smoke and operate. Is the premier and deluxe worth the extra money? If you have it to spend I think so. There’s little differences like the retrohale, the volume, feel, and sound of air when drawn, the nicer p-lip. The silver work and aesthetics aside I feel there is a slight difference in how they smoke. Both will work and give you a great smoke with no gurgle, no liquid in the bit, or debris drawn up to the bit and into your mouth.
However there is an edge and advantage to the deluxe over a standard. Is it worth the price?I think so. What are your thoughts and experiences between the standard, premier, and deluxe?
Thanks
The standard has an acrylic tenon. The premier and deluxe has an aluminum tenon that extends farther down into the mortise. The p-lips I’ve noticed on standard pipes tends to be shaped differently than SOME of the deluxe models as clearly demonstrated in the photos.
The mortise on the deluxe is also larger. Looking down in I can see down the draft hole with ease and I can see down into the well. The standard has a step inside the mortise above the draft hole and a smaller mortise over all.
How do they smoke???
Going off of the flavor and for a lack of better term the texture and feel of the smoke I can’t really tell the difference. The moisture level of the smoke is something I don’t know how to measure but they feel the same. The only discernible difference I believe is the retrohale of Virginias. In the deluxe I wasn’t getting as stingy of a feeling on the nostrils. I compared this at length, sipping coffee in between and trying them in different orders, at different stages, and I’m convinced the retrohale is more pleasant in the deluxe.
The extra large flatter p-lip on the deluxe is by far the best p-lip ever and all of them should have this. It would change opinions on some non-p-lip smokers I believe. It works better, is easier to use properly, and feels better. This isn’t the case on all deluxes but they tend to be better then the standards.
Another difference is the whistle. Standard Systems have a whistle of wind when you inhale, the deluxe is almost silent and very smooth. It’s a little difference that I appreciate. The draw is smoother, quieter, and has less turbulence if that makes sense. It’s a better draw let’s just say that.
When taken apart I notice the aluminum condenser is coated with moisture where as the acrylic tenon not so much. Both wells seemed to have given me the same amount of moisture when mopped up.
Cleaning these pipes after smoking them discovered something interesting. Now I disassemble and clean my pipes throughly with everclear after every smoke. So they were both equally clean at the start. After smoking the same tobacco and the same amount of it I discovered that running a pipe cleaner though the stem of the deluxe the pipe cleaner came out pretty clean. However the pipe cleaner ran though the standard came out with more brown residue on it. Does this mean the deluxe did in fact keep more moisture out? ?
This is far from scientific however it preliminary results may appear that to be the case.
So what’s the verdict?
I’m a big fan of system pipes. I love how they smoke and operate. Is the premier and deluxe worth the extra money? If you have it to spend I think so. There’s little differences like the retrohale, the volume, feel, and sound of air when drawn, the nicer p-lip. The silver work and aesthetics aside I feel there is a slight difference in how they smoke. Both will work and give you a great smoke with no gurgle, no liquid in the bit, or debris drawn up to the bit and into your mouth.
However there is an edge and advantage to the deluxe over a standard. Is it worth the price?I think so. What are your thoughts and experiences between the standard, premier, and deluxe?
Thanks
