Pipe Screens, Philt Pads, Filters for Beginners

[Sweet Home Alabama]

I am considering these items for several reasons, mostly health. Just recently learned of the screens and Philt Pads. I think they may provide some benefit, but my concern are the varying sizes of my pipes, both cob and briar.

Amazon has many varieties of pads and screens. Some screens are brass and others stainless.

Filters are even more confusing because of stem circumference. Is there a filter which would work universally in pipes that accept and those that were not designed for a filter? And, I assume screens and filters not to provide the same function? Is this correct?

So, thank you in advanced to my learned fellow members for shaing your experiences.

 

[bullet08]

Had to change my answer regarding ho and water hose. Filter is for filtering smoke to get tar and stuff out. Screen is to screen out small particles when beginners suck it like $20 whore.

 

[mso489]

I don't blame you for asking. Filters are a puzzle, and most smokers have to learn about them by trial and error. I've probably written about fifteen pages about them on Forums over the years, but unfortunately, all that doesn't appear in one place. And I'm not going to attempt to repeat it all. No there is no universal filter. Two most used sizes are 6 mm and 9 mm. Savinelli uses 6 mm balsa filters. Adaptors to smoke filter-less are available for both sizes, and most pipes do just fine just leaving the filters out with no adaptor. There are all kinds of other "filters" and moisture traps in various brands, you'll have to study on your own. Inner tubes, rock maple inserts, stingers, keystones, etc. I avoid them to not have extra items to buy. Just be aware of filters and make sure you know what you are buying, or not buying. A good five page booklet could cover the filter subject in one place without peddling any one filter, or no filter, but no one does that, for whatever reasons. Or maybe someone can post a source on this. Best of luck.

 

[seanv]

Skip the screens and try the nording pipe stones
For the cobs I have tried the grabow paper filters and they are okay

 

[jpmcwjr]

I wouldn't recommend any of the above. But, sure, give them a try.

Esp useless to me are the screens, which have to be placed, cleaned eventually, and are fiddly.
Simply load the pipe with none of the fines that tend to the bottom of a pouch or jar- fist pinch or two- then the small stuff. Problem solved.

 

[fireground_piper]

I utilize 6mm filters in all but 2 pipes I own. I use the balsa, but everyone has their preferences. I know there's a lot of charcoal 6mm and 9mm fans out there.

For me, filters catch some of the more egregious tar/crap on the very end which is nice. Most importantly is the moisture wicking they do in both directions and why I love them. Moisture coming up the stem isn't a big issue for me as I've learned how to prepare a bowl to prevent it, but moisture leaving my mouth and going down into the bowl is my problem. The balsa filters soak up all of it and provide me a clean/gurgle free smoke with zero pipe cleaners.

 

[warren]

None of what you are contemplating will have any effect with regard to the health hazards. Weigh the risks against any perceived benefits and. if you decide to smoke, take the same risks all of us here do. The carcinogens only "kick in" when you burn the weed.

 

[mso489]

It's my impression that the 9 mm mostly charcoal filters were most strongly accepted by the European pipe smokers, and that U.S. retailers will sometimes give noticeable discounts on 9 mm filter pipes because they are not as popular with U.S.customers. Since most pipes designed to accept filters will smoke well without them or an adaptor, that is sometimes a way to get a good discount on a pipe. The value of an adaptor on either a 6 mm or 9 mm filter pipe is to restrict the draw just a little on a pipe that is a little too open otherwise, a little windy and turbulent in the airway. The adaptor will make the draw smoother and a little tighter, whatever suits you best. It just irks me that most pipe smokers have a long learning curve on this topic because pipe makers want you to buy their pipe, but no one is eager to give a succinct discussion of filters to let you decide whether you want a filter. So the questions come up perennially.

 

[Sweet Home Alabama]

Had to change my answer regarding ho and water hose. Filter is for filtering smoke to get tar and stuff out. Screen is to screen out small particles when beginners suck it like $20 whore.

It's my impression that the 9 mm mostly charcoal filters were most strongly accepted by the European pipe smokers, and that U.S. retailers will sometimes give noticeable discounts on 9 mm filter pipes because they are not as popular with U.S.customers. Since most pipes designed to accept filters will smoke well without them or an adaptor, that is sometimes a way to get a good discount on a pipe. The value of an adaptor on either a 6 mm or 9 mm filter pipe is to restrict the draw just a little on a pipe that is a little too open otherwise, a little windy and turbulent in the airway. The adaptor will make the draw smoother and a little tighter, whatever suits you best. It just irks me that most pipe smokers have a long learning curve on this topic because pipe makers want you to buy their pipe, but no one is eager to give a succinct discussion of filters to let you decide whether you want a filter. So the questions come up perennially.

Thank you. Two of my vintage pipes came with a metal filter. I could probably transfer to my other pipes

 

[anotherbob]

there is no evidence they'll do a darn thing for your health. If your really concerned with health go smokeless with snus or snuff.

 

[jewman22]

-Filters, I have 9mm in a good few of my pipes, I dont find that they affect the flavour any. They remove a good amount of tar
-Balsa Filters are great for absorbing moisture.
-Pipe screens are for dirty dope smokers.
-Philtpads and Nording Stones I have not tried.
-Screen basket is kind of a gimmick, they overly reduce the size of the bowl, allow moisture to pool, sure they block some particles but they dont last long. Although if you tend to pack tight they help a bit.