Pipe Bits

[waznyf]

I absolutely love the fact that they will protect my stem from any damage done by clenching, but I can't stand how they look and sometimes the feeling does bother me.

Sometimes I wonder whether or not I should use them. Shouldn't a pipe be used completely "naked" as it was intended to be used? Maybe I'm too concerned about the attractiveness of my pipes, who knows. Anyway, if you're looking to protect your stem from clenching I would get some. Otherwise, forget the pipe rain coat and take that bad boy on bareback. Good luck!
-Frank

 

[kashmir]

I agree, these rubber rings are butt-ugly at best. But here's the killer - I never see them. You put them on just before the charing light and you take them off when your done. You don't see them because the pipe is clenched from befining to end. I only take the pipe out when its done. Granted, durring the occasional re-light, you might spot them, but for all practical purposes you don't even see them. Nor, by the way, does anyone else. Outta sight outta mind.

 

[tbradsim1]

Kas, what size tubing do you buy? ID, OD? The old Cajun

 

[kashmir]

OK. Let's see. It's 9mm outter diameter, and 6mm inner diameter. That is the hole measures 6mm across. So that leaves a wall thickness of 1.5mm. Sorry its metric, but thats the only ruler I've got on me at the moment.

 

[bigvan]

I've tried them but didn't care for them. But I did notice quite a few young, rookie smokers at the Chicago Show using them. So this may be the wave of the future, gentlemen.

 

[cigrmaster]

Kashmir, as long as you enjoy them that is all that matters, I hope you know I was just messing around.

 

[kashmir]

No offense taken, Harris. I just know what works best for me, and I thought I'd pass it on to others. Of course, everyone will have their own take on it. And I suppose there are a myriad of ways to smoke a pipe.

 

[durham270]

I use rubber pipe bits often. It really depends on the weight of the pipe, shape, etc of the stem if I feel the need for using them or not. Also remember when buying these rubber bits they can be very cheaply made of flimsy rubber or made of a higher quality material. I have quite a few of them made by different companies. Some fit the stem perfectly and hold their position and work great. A few others after being used a few times get bigger and no longer work as when new and twist around on the stem. After every smoke when I clean my pipe I clean the bit as well.

 

[homeatsea]

I picked up a few of the softies at the Gatlin-Burlier last time I was in because I like to clench but I've got some stems that I didn't want to mess up. To me they didn't change my comfort level much, if at all, and they allow me to clench without the worry of chattering up a beautiful stem. Worth the dollar or so I payed for them for sure. Definitely interested in Kashmir's tubing idea though. Picking some up tomorrow.

 

[ciderguy]

I like the way they feel in my mouth. I am often at my computer while clenching my pipe and breath smoking a VA. I even put them on my black-stemmed cobs. I like the idea of the surgical tubing idea. I have a cob stem I've almost chewed through in a two months because I didn't use one. Thankfully, replacement cob stems are about the same price as a softy bit.

 

[instymp]

I like the softies, black on my black stems. Bought the http://www.lowes.com/pd_35791-104-RLGE_0__ , good for my light/golden colored stems but looks like crap on black. I like them but it is sort of like buying car mats for your car, Keeps it better for the next owner.