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Douglas

Starting to Get Obsessed
Apr 1, 2023
213
2,364
Georgia, USA
I started with bent pipes and still favor them, especially full bent billiards and Oom Pauls. That said, I’ve learned to enjoy lighter straight pipes with thinnish stems like this Savinelli 706. For some reason they work better for VaPers. Six-seven inch length seems to works best. I’ve found holding the stem further in and letting it rest on the top the mouth allows for easier clenching.

IMG_2766.jpeg
 
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Skippy B. Coyote

Can't Leave
Jun 19, 2023
450
5,616
St. Paul, MN
I like straight pipes and pipes with just a slight bend to them because they never gurgle for me, whereas with a full bent pipe I'll have to run a pipe cleaner down the stem 2 or 3 times every smoke to clear out a gurgle. Eventually I just got tired of dealing with gurgling pipes and I haven't bought a full bent pipe since then.
 

thomasw

Lifer
Dec 5, 2016
1,078
4,204
I prefer straight pipes for the way they smoke and have learned to balance them and clench.
I think I am headed in your direction if you mean 40g and less straight pipes; in addition to clenching, another great thing about straight pipes is the ease of maintenance and how smoothly they will pass a cleaner.
 
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jpmcwjr

Moderator
Staff member
May 12, 2015
26,252
30,250
Carmel Valley, CA
Just the word "clench" is troublesome for some..... Subtly or not, there's the suggestion that you have to clamp down on the stem, put pressure on it.

The price? Sore jaw and lots of chatter. (toothmarks) And, yes, back towards the molars means less pressure, more comfort, no chatter.
 
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Professor Moriarty

Can't Leave
Apr 13, 2023
466
1,380
United States
I like both straights and bents -- but only if the bend is 1/4 or less. If any more bent, then some issues emerge:
pipe smoke in the eyes, saliva running down into the bowl, and can't pass a pipe cleaner through while smoking.
 
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Sigmund

Lifer
Sep 17, 2023
2,984
28,505
France
Almost all my pipes are bent to some degree. I typically am seated when I smoke and it just fits with the elbow on the arm of the chair. It always feels a bit rigid smoking a straight pipe.
 
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Sig

Part of the Furniture Now
Jul 18, 2023
514
2,414
Western NY
I realized that I never answered the question in my post.
I PREFER straight pipes, but have many bents too.
 

Grimlineman

Might Stick Around
Nov 14, 2023
59
112
Georgia
Cobs are what i want to get into! Any recommendation on where to start?
Lot of people love the country gentleman. I had one but I’m not a fan of the barrel shape or the oversized bowl. I would get a legend for your first pipe. Most popular pipe they sell it has a Medium sized bowl, after trying many of them it’s still my favorite. I like the pride just as well it’s same pipe but unfinished and that helps keep the pipe cool.

Good luck on whatever you decide.
 
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Choatecav

Part of the Furniture Now
Dec 19, 2023
500
1,345
Middle Tennessee
Cobs are what i want to get into! Any recommendation on where to start?
Got lots of cobs, but probably my favorite to smoke is the Country Squire Bing by Missouri Meerschaum.