Peterson XL02

[blazze]

Thinking about picking up a rusticated Peterson of this shape for my daily commute. Ive been smoking cigars exclusively on my drive but I am gravitating more and more to pipes all the time. Anyone with some experience with this shape that could help me out regarding its viability as a good clencher that wont interfere with my driving field of view?
Thanks
Duane
Small Edit:

I dont normally clench and almost exclusively smoke while able to use my hand to remove the pipe when my "curled lips" can no longer hold it. How do those rubber thingers that people place on the ends of stems work for you as well? I have never tried them..

 

[leparker]

"I dont normally clench and almost exclusively smoke while able to use my hand to remove the pipe when my "curled lips" can no longer hold it. How do those rubber thingers that people place on the ends of stems work for you as well? I have never tried them.."
[I just ordered some today to try. I have tendency to clinch in teeth so I thought I'd try. P&C has special on their High Grade Softy Bits.

 

[billypm]

I got myself a Peterson XL02 in the Kelly (black blast with smooth rim) finish for Xmas and am tickled with it. While not a light pipe, weighing in at around 2 oz, it hangs great. I can clench it firmly in my teeth -OR- just let it rest on my chin while loosely keeping my teeth together barely enough to keep it in my mouth safely. I can hold it that way for a good long time. It, along with my system 303, are my favorite clenchers.

 

[warren]

I use the rubber bit cover on a couple of heavier pipes in my collection. I'm not a "clencher" and prefer to let the pipe ride naturally with the bit between my rear molars. The rubber bit allows this because of the added thickness.
I'm a fan of bent pipes, fully bent being a favorite. The XL02 is a great shape, I have one with a fitted lid, which rides nicely with my jaw in it's natural position, no clenching. The bowl weight keeps the pressure on my upper teeth so, no forced clenching and it is not heavy enough to require the rubber bit cover. I love it!

 

[petes03]

I have an Aran XL02 with a P-lip. It's a very easy pipe to clench, despite its size. It would make for a great driving pipe in my opinion.

 

[mso489]

Be sure to get the bit you want. I'd prefer a fishtail over a P-Lip for commuting and clenching, but

it's subjective. Softie bits save some wear and tear on your teeth. They're really inexpensive, so worth

a try, if they don't annoy you, make you drool, etc. I use one on an MM cob to keep from chewing up

the rather soft plastic stem; all my other cobs have Forever stems. I've had nothing but good luck with

my Petersons, but what I interpret as a small minority have had quality control issues or just don't like

them.

 

[blazze]

Thank you for all of the great responses. I was concerned about the weight but was hoping the bend would help facilitate clenching. Sounds like my assumption was correct. I'll be grabbing it on my order from Smoking pipes this week and will post pictures after I get it. Ill grab the softy bits too just to see. For the money I guess they are worth giving them a shot. Thanks again.

 

[sean81]

I have the 302 (a slightly smaller version of the XL02, I think), while I usually don't clench while I'm smoking at home, if I'm smoking while I drive I tend to just drive one handed and only clench if I need both hands on the wheel. That being said, the 302 isn't to heavy and doesn't obstruct my view. I would assume the same for the XL02

 

[docwatson]

From what I have read and heard the XL02 shape is the most popular shape from Peterson. I had a straight grain XL02 for years and it's a great smoking pipe, extremely comfortable to smoke and very easy to hold. I think you will be very pleased with your choice of that pipe.