Survey on Stem Preferences

[metalheadycigarguy]

I prefer a bent pipe, but have no preference on the measure of the bend. I have a few straight stems, but I definitely prefer the feel of the bent stems.

 

[lostandfound]

I like the look- the gracefulness and fluidity, of the Danish bent shapes. As for anything that isn't intrinsically "Danish" in nature- I prefer a straight pipe. Also, there seems to be a recent trend of tapered stems becoming increasingly popular, and I find my self gravitating towards this group. I'm sure though, my preferences will evolve over time.

 

[plateauguy]

So far I'm seeing that if it's a pipe, we love it! The semi-bents and both are leading the straights only, which really surprises me.

 

[jdto]

I like a bend, but not a full bend. Most of my pipes have some sort of bend to them, which I find more comfortable, though I like the look of a straight pipe.

 

[jah76]

Bend that SOB in half. I like a big old jaw hanger while I'm puttering around.
Seriously, I have a few straights and semi bents in the Rhodesian and Bulldog families, but I'm comforted by a big pipe full of my favorite tobacco hanging off my chin.
When I'm driving or working in the yard I actually like straighter pipes.

 

[chervokas]

I tend to prefer bent stems of all different angles but especially princes, and longer stems or longer stem/shank combos, not necessarily freakishly long, though I do have a churchwarden that I like, but I like the bowl down and away from my face and I like the feel of the weight more below my mouth than right in front of it.

 

[yaddy306]

I straight out prefer straight pipes.
On one of my bent pipes, I give the stem a 180 degree turn mid smoke to help pass a pipe cleaner. It makes it a C shape instead of an S shape.
Anyone else do this with their bents?

 

[teufelhund]

I prefer straight also; easier to to clean. But at the same time I like them and the shank shorter so the pipe is easier to clench.

 

[jbbaldwin]

On one of my bent pipes, I give the stem a 180 degree turn mid smoke to help pass a pipe cleaner.

I have to do this on three of my pipes.

 

[puffinbilly]

I’m a clencher, I put my pipe between my teeth and it normally stays there until I finish; so it's generally a bent stem for me. The other reason is that my wife generally buys me a pipe as a present for birthdays or at Christmas (certainly beats socks or ties) and she believes a straight pipe doesn’t “suit my face”. I do have one straight briar a Savinelli 812 with a tall bowl that I use for flake, even though it’s really light it just doesn’t feel right and the bowl is more in my field of vision. I guess we like what we are used to.
Bill

 

[petes03]

My collection is about 50/50, maybe a little heavy on the bents. As far as tapered vs saddle bit, I've never really had a preference. It's all viewed on a pipe by pipe basis. I like them all!

 

[tarak]

Prefer 1/4 or 1/2. Do have a straight. Hate full bents.
Fave shape as far as curve goes is a Sav 626....1/4 bent apple.

 

[lovethebriar]

Straight for me, but I do have both. Bent seems to be better for hands free smoking.