Pipe Size Question

[pastorclint]

Howdy Gents,
I am a very new pipe smoker and have started with a Dr. Grabow Savoy. It is quite a bit smaller than I expected, both in bowl size and overall size (length, girth). The measurements I have found for the Savoy are as follows: Length: 5", Height: 1 1/4", Bowl Outside Diameter: 1 1/4”, Bowl Inside Diameter: 11/16", Bowl Depth: 1 1/2".
I was browsing a B&M Pipe Shop today and the majority of the pipes were quite a bit larger than my Savoy. I've browsed various new & estate pipes online, and though many of them are slightly longer, the bowl measurements all sound very similar to the Savoy.
So my question is this: What constitutes "Standard bowl size"? Am I correct that the Savoy is a bit smaller than the average Briar pipe? Any guidance on pipe size, brands, etc. is much appreciated.
Blessings,
Clint

 

[petes03]

Welcome to the forum!

In my opinion, each person has their own standard for what they believe a bowl size should be. I don't think there really is such a thing as a "standard" in the industry, although a lot of people use Dunhill's "Group" sizes as standards. Different bowl sizes offer different smoking characteristics, especially when smoking certain types of tobaccos. Myself, I like a bowl to be between 11/16" and 7/8" chamber dia., and about 1-1/4 to 1-5/8" deep, with fairly thick walls. That being said, I do have pipes that are much bigger, as well as some that are much smaller. Like I said before, the "standard" is really up to you!

 

[Strike Anywhere]

It's kinda relative to the shape. A pot is going to have a wider chamber but more shallow. A prince will have a "standard"-to-wide chamber and more shallow than a pot.
I wouldn't worry about all that too much. Personally, I think smaller pipes smoke better than larger pipes. Back when I got started, I got some larger pipes because so many people said they smoked better and blends tasted better. Not for me. I had trouble getting them to burn evenly, and the flavors never seemed right -- sometimes even bland or just like hot air. I've stayed with "standard" and even smaller pipes since then. By "standard" I mean something with about a 3/4" (19mm) chamber diameter and outer bowl height of less than 2" -- typically around 1.75" or so. I like a chamber depth of about 35mm give or take a bit.

 

[flakyjakey]

Welcome from Scotland! As has been said above, with experience you will develop your own preferences for bowl type/size for certain tobaccos.
For rich Virginias, like Sam Gawith's Full Virginia and Best Brown Flakes, I prefer a large-ish 'pot' bowl. To bring out the full flavours of a more complex tobacco I like a wide, flattish bowl as in a Rhodesian/Bulldog (but careful packing is necessary here). Even VERY small bowls have their place - I use them for my VERY strong tobaccos eg GH&Co's Dark Flake (unscented) and brown ropes and also when I am looking for a 30 minute smoke of any tobacco.
My best advice is to really get into it; experiment with various bowls combined with different tobaccos - one of the most rewarding experiences on this green earth!!

 

[sablebrush52]

There really is no such thing as a standard size. Pipes come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. My collection has pipes so small that the bowl can easily fit inside the chamber of the large bowls. Sometimes I'm in the mood for a long smoke and I'll reach for a larger sized bowl. Other times I'm looking for a shorter smoke.
There is no reason to suffer from bowl envy. It just needs to be enough to do the job.
Welcome to the forums!

 

[mso489]

pastor clint, I think the tobacco pipe bowl averages out as a Dunhill Group 4, in the Dunhill system of measuring

pipes. I'm sorry I don't have the dimensions, but they're available. Your pipe probably is smaller than a Group 4,

but it may be just right for the kind of smoking you're doing, if a 30 or 40 minute smoke, or less, is what you

enjoy and have time to do. Through Forums, I have just undergone a conversion, not to small pipes exclusively,

but to understanding that small pipes are not novelties or toys. I bought a Group 1 size Peterson Belgique zulu/yacht,

and it is perfect for strong flavored plug tobacco or for milder tobaccos when a shorter smoke is wanted. I'm thinking

of getting another Group 1 or Group 2 for the same purpose. I have several Group 3's and some small Group 4's --

this isn't an exact science by a long shot, with different shapes and diameters of bowls. On the other end of the

scale, I have several Group 5, Group 6, and extra large that swallow a number of pinches of tobacco, when I want to

go into deep meditation or consideration of a project. With the small pipes, I feel I have the whole "keyboard."

I think you have a good pipe there, and if you go a little larger or smaller, if you add a few pipes to your array, I think

you will continue to be well pleased with that one, too.

 

[cigrmaster]

To get an idea about bowl sizes,check out all the group numbers and ODA pipes of the Dunhill line of pipes. This will give you approximates sizes when people refet to a pipe as being a group 5.

You can see them all here.

http://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/dunhill/index.cfm
The size of the pipe makes a difference in how a certain blend will smoke. There are some general rules of thumb but as with all things pipes, there are no set rules.
For example, I like to smoke my flake tobacco's in pipes that have a bowl width of 3/4" to 13/16", a bowl depth at around 1.5" deep and a bowl height around 1.95". I would call a pipe this size a group 5. I can get 2 hours of smoking pleasure with my flakes from a pipe of this size.
Now if I was smoking aromatics or English blends, I liked a bowl width at 7.8-1" bowl dept at 1.75 to 2", a bowl height around 2-2.25", This is a nice sized group 6 or ODA. The cut of the blend makes a difference as ribbon,cube and shag cuts burn quicker than flakes and most of those types of blends have more components, so a bigger pipe will allow those components to open up more in a bigger pipe. Remember this is just a guide, there are plenty of people that do things differently but as a rule of thumb this can work for you.

 

[pastorclint]

Thanks for all the great advice, gents. I'm smoking tobaccos that are only slightly cased, if at all. I work from home so have plenty of time to smoke as I work, which is leading me toward a pipe with a larger bowl. I also want the feel of a larger bowl in my hand as well. Probably something with at least a 2" tall bowl, and a good bit wider OD and bore. I'm enjoying the research and appreciate the advice. Look forward to getting to know you all.
-Clint

 

[cigrmaster]

pastor, not sure of your price range but size wise this sounds like it might be a good fit.
http://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/savinelli/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=133439

 

[zekest]

A "Standard" bowl size is one I can stick my calibrated right thumb fully into.
Any thing smaller is too small...unless it is for flakes, than the gold standard bowl size is the Dr Grabow Duke.

 

[daxp]

I wouldn't worry too much about your bowl size. If you want something bigger, pick one up sometime and try it. I prefer larger pipes (my favorite pipe is the MacArthur corn cob, it's huge!), a friend of mine prefers medium sized pipes, and another friend prefers pretty small pipes (his favorite right now is a pretty tiny meerschaum, only holds 1/2 to 2/3 of a flake). I'd say grab a couple of each size, see what you want, and stick with those.
Oh, and if you want a little advice on picking out some pipes, decide first on how you want to smoke or what you'll be doing while smoking. If you want to clench the pipe to keep your hands free, you don't want a MacArthur. You can do it, but it's not the most comfortable thing, best to stick to something smaller. If you want to just kick back with a big bowl for a few hours while you read or watch TV/movies, you might want a bigger one.
I'd also heartily recommend corn cobs if you want to try out different bowl sizes cheaply! I almost never smoke my only briar. The big ol' MacArthur is only $13 or so, and if you order from www.aristocob.com you can get an extra bit and 10% off your order. I'd also say to stay away from the 'neked' or natural kind of cob. They're easier to burn through (I burnt through mine on the first smoke! Scott from Aristocob is sending a replacement and gave me some advice to fix it, but wouldn't I'd recommend that style) and I personally really prefer the look and the feel of the smooth pipe. Anyway, this has gotten a lot longer than I meant it to be, so I guess I should stop. Hope I helped a little!

 

[pastorclint]

Thanks again for the great advice, gents. I'm learning a lot from browsing the forums and by puffing away. My budget for buying pipes is pretty much non-existent for now. Hopefully after Christmas, I can set aside a little cash for something larger.

 

[judcole]

Welcome to the forums and pipe smoking.
As the guys mentioned, what an makes an average size pipe is rather subjective, and even Dunhill group sizes, based on some quick research, are a floating target.
I completely understand being on a tight budget for pipes. I would encourage you to buy the best pipes and tobacco you can afford - it will increase your enjoyment. Do your research. Check out online vendors - there are some good ones, many of whom are site sponsors. Enjoy the hobby.

 

[pastorclint]

Thank you for the welcome and guidance, Jud!

 

[pastorclint]

Thank you for the welcome and guidance, Jud!

 

[jservant98]

Welcome pastorclint! It is a blessing to have you hear.

 

[pastorclint]

Thanks jservant!! Appreciate all the warm welcomes!!

 

[foggymountain]

Probably the most average size is a Dunhill #4.

 

[haroldt]

Some great info from Cigrmaster and MSO489. I learned a lot. Got to agree with Jud too. Get the best you can afford, but as Daxp said.. corncob! They are cheap and a great smoke.

 

[haroldt]

Here's a great chart and info on both pipes and cigars regard size. Apparently it DOES matter!!
http://www.eacarey.com/charts.html