Soft bits. What say you?

[instymp]

I like them.

 

[codecreatively]

Having a button on the soft bit doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. Most people don't mash down on the button anyway. Just a thin layer of rubber to fit over the button onto the stem would be enough.

 

[jefff]

I tried them once. I thought it might be a good way to keep my bits pristine. But they just don't feel right to me. To thick and too soft. I'd rather have marks on the bits
If I had a 1500.00 pipe I might try them again, but I doubt it. I will most likely die with the pipes I own. My family will just have to deal with the reduced value.

 

[tinsel]

I use softies on all of my pipes, but I'm a clencher all the way. Rarely do I ever not clench.
The added bulk from the softies definitely can be a bit much on some pipes, but the alternative (holding it in hand) is worth dealing with the extra bulk IMO.
Whenever I have removed the softie bits for a smoke, I didn't notice a difference in the smoking characteristics of any of my pipes.
YMMV

 

[voorhees]

I only use them on pipes with slim or low buttons. Otherwise no.

 

[gsmunoz]

Use 'em, like 'em.

 

[zekest]

Great for pipers who lunt, and great for lunting pipers I suppose, when you clench your pipe while skipping down the street in your tights.

Great for clencher's who smoke while their dentures soak.

Great for pipers who buy pipes that are for investment purposes; a pipe condom protects the bit from your capped and veneered teeth.

 

[cigrmaster]

Softee bits totally skeeve me out. If I could put it through the dish washer after every use I might feel comfortable using them.

 

[macaroon]

They work for me, since I tend to clench at least part of the time. Helps me keep a firm bite on hard acrylic stems, keeping them from sliding around in my teeth whilst lunting. They did take a bit of getting used to, though.

 

[shutterbugg]

Soft bits actually make you clench harder. While they protect the bit (pipe stems are really not hard enough to damage your teeth unless already compromised in some way) they can lead to muscle spasm or even TMJ problems. If you tend to clench hard, better to try lighter, short and/or full-bent pipes.

 

[pappap]

I use soft bits due to the fact I have plastic back teeth ,and have a tendency to bite up my pipe bits

 

[pappap]

I use soft bits due to the fact I have plastic back teeth ,and have a tendency to bite up my pipe bits

 

[pappap]

I use soft bits because I have dentures and tend to bite up my bits

 

[pappap]

Sorry for the multiples on that post

 

[noquarter]

I can handle softie bits as long as it's on a saddlebit.

 

[hextor]

I use them while working, when i cut the lawn or working hard in my father in laws garage, because i use both of my hands when i work and i clench a bit harder on the pipe, but when I am sitting down, drinking tea or reading a book with my pipe, i don't need one.