The "Good Smoker" Pipe

[EvertonFC]

You often hear pipes referred to as "good smokers" or "bad smokers". My question is this; what is meant by this phrase? Is it:

1. The flavor in imparts?
2. How cool the pipe remains while smoking?
3. How well the pipe stays lit?
4. All of the Above
5. Some of the Above
6. None of the Above... it's a myth and has more to do with the skills of the person smoking the pipe? With obvious exections (poor drilling, etc.)

Thank you.

 

[Chasing Embers]

6

 

[philobeddoe]

If the pipe is drilled properly and has at least a decent stem, it’s up to the skills of the smoker; with the caveat that some pieces of briar are better at dissipating heat than others and some pieces of briar tend to smoke wetter than others for different reasons. How that particular block of briar was stored, cut, dried and finished by the maker will all affect the character of the finished pipe.

 

[RustiePyles CPG]

It means different things to different people. I doubt you would get many seasoned smokers to agree on a set of parameters that would apply.

To me it means a pipes that reliable smokes dry. I've had some pipes that were just wet smokers no matter what you did. I can usually tune up a wet smoker to be a dry smoker but it takes a little work and skill.

 

[Hillcrest]

There have been prior threads on this. Its subjective. My own definition is a pipe that loads, smokes, tastes, handles perfect every time no matter the tobacco or conditions. I have several.

 

[CoffeeAndBourbon]

It means different things to different people. I doubt you would get many seasoned smokers to agree on a set of parameters that would apply.

To me it means a pipes that reliable smokes dry. I've had some pipes that were just wet smokers no matter what you did. I can usually tune up a wet smoker to be a dry smoker but it takes a little work and skill.

Out of curiosity, what changes would you make?

 

[warren]

6 but, without the qualifier.

 

[Peterson314]

In my mind, a good smoker is a pipe that lets you enjoy the session. A bad smoker is a pipe I have to fight with for whatever reason.

For example, I won't smoke a wet blend in a bulldog, but it's great in my system pipe. I don't particularly like new cobs because the wood stem inside the cob burns and adds a sour note to the blend, but once this burns off, it's great. I don't like the draw of my Savinelli 673 with the filter in place, but it's one of my absolute favorite pipes when I chuck that balsa in the trash. I've had a Comoy and a Ser Jacopo (estate) that were both sour, but I fixed them both with a thorough cleaning and then activated charcoal. I now consider them "good smokers".

 

[RustiePyles CPG]

Out of curiosity, what changes would you make?

Tuning up a gurgler. :: Pipe Repair and Maintenance

Disclaimer: I am not advocating “opening up” your pipes, if you don’t have a basic understanding of hand tools and precision measuring please do not try and modify your Ivarsons and Dunhills. This is not a cure all for poor smoking habits, glycol soaked aros, high humidity, and improperly broke...

pipesmagazine.com

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

So many variables.

My experience is that yes, I do have some pipes that seem to perform better than others. That seems to be tied to how well they draw, IMO, or maybe how "easy" to smoke for lack of a better description. I wouldn't say any pipe I own is a "struggle" and obviously differences in moisture, packing, and so forth can affect things in any individual pipe. But some definitely perform differently and although I can enjoy an experience with them, and not saying the experiences are negative, it requires a little more effort/thought/adaptation/who knows what on my part. They're just "different".

That's the sense of my world, lol.

 

[Servant King]

4 and 6 (hey, I enjoy a good paradox!).

 

[John_B]

A good smoker is not nescessarily an expensive pipe. All the pipes that I have that I would describe as good smokers have an open draw and smoke cool and dry without undue effort. On paper a Peterson system pipe would be a great smoker, but not for me, as I don't like the P lip. I do however love a Falcon pipe espescially with a dental or multi purpose mouth piece. (Good clenchers).They usually are as reliable as can be, but again, I can't abide the dry ring as it impedes air flow and negates the lovely open draw so I don't fit one.

 

[AppalachianPipe92]

All of the above. Any further benefits make it a great pipe.
I have great smokers that aren't necessarily great pipes. Great smoker would be Open draw, doesn't get warm easily, smokes dry, etc.
What makes a great pipe is all of the above plus a comfortable stem and shape, a nice finish, lightweight, etc.
Though I am under the impression that user's experience plays a big part in it. Smoking a large vs small bowl for a new smoker, they may think one smokes better than the other. An experienced smoker will achieve a good smoke from either if the pipe suits them.
Just my .02

 

[K.E. Powell]

All of the above. Any further benefits make it a great pipe.
I have great smokers that aren't necessarily great pipes. Great smoker would be Open draw, doesn't get warm easily, smokes dry, etc.
What makes a great pipe is all of the above plus a comfortable stem and shape, a nice finish, lightweight, etc.
Though I am under the impression that user's experience plays a big part in it. Smoking a large vs small bowl for a new smoker, they may think one smokes better than the other. An experienced smoker will achieve a good smoke from either if the pipe suits them.
Just my .02

Couldn't have said it better. This is my take as well.

 

[AJL67]

 

[simong]

The best pipes seem to smoke themselves, others don’t. I could try & work out why this is…..but I don’t.

 

[Doctor Chopper]

While price does not mean a good smoke, and it varies between individuals for sure, and technique is still the most important factor - I still find that I get a good smoke out of a well known manufacturer with a good reputation every single time. Just sayin....

 

[jpberg]

A good smoker is a pipe that a guy likes to smoke.
Now, that guy may have the worst habits, smoke the nastiest tobacco, fire it up with a jet lighter, and never clean it.
Some might start to think it’s completely useless as a descriptor.

 

[autumnfog]

Construction aspects, smoking technique, personal preferences.
To me, a light and rusticated pipe smokes better than a smooth and heavy.

 

[Searock Fan]

In my mind, a good smoker is a pipe that lets you enjoy the session. A bad smoker is a pipe I have to fight with for whatever reason.

For example, I won't smoke a wet blend in a bulldog, but it's great in my system pipe. I don't particularly like new cobs because the wood stem inside the cob burns and adds a sour note to the blend, but once this burns off, it's great. I don't like the draw of my Savinelli 673 with the filter in place, but it's one of my absolute favorite pipes when I chuck that balsa in the trash. I've had a Comoy and a Ser Jacopo (estate) that were both sour, but I fixed them both with a thorough cleaning and then activated charcoal. I now consider them "good smokers".

Try clipping the ends of your balsas at a 45 degree angle and see what happens.