Thoughts On Group Size - A Poll

[shanez]

I'm looking at a pipe but can only find it in Group 1. I'm considering it because I really like the way it looks and it could work well for strong blends like GHC Dark Flake Unscented which I usually only load half a bowl of anyhow.

I can find the same shape in Groups 2, 3, & 4 but in different finishes and with different stems.

So I though a poll might help me decide, hence this mess. I did allow for unlimited choices.

 

[mso489]

If you can budget them, I think an array of mainly Group 4's but also larger and smaller pipes gives you what you need. I've long owned some large pipes for long smokes. The late great fish'n'banjo encouraged smaller pipes, and once I tried one, I needed four or five -- for short smokes, sampling, and to my surprise for average smokes with flake/coin/plug/rope. Who knew? With a Group 4, you can always pack a partial bowl or smoke flake for an extended session. But I like to indulge in having the right size for the moment. Fear not the Group 1, for the twenty minute smoke or the forty minute flake.

 

[olkofri]

You left out one important option: "WTF is Group Size?"

There should be a readily accessible table with the famous "Groups" dimensions made a sticky somewhere.

 

[verporchting]

Group 4 or thereabouts seems to work the best for me. I’ve got a few larger pipes and they’re fine too but not always convenient. The few small pipes in my collection are still useful but don’t get used that often.

 

[donjgiles]

Have a look at Savinelli Petite pipes. They are quite small and perfect for strong tobacco.
My group size changes, dependent on what blend I smoke. I like to have pipes of all group sizes.

 

[hauntedmyst]

I’m a group 6 guy. Do I have inadequacy issues?

 

[hauntedmyst]

You left out one important option: "WTF is Group Size?"

There should be a readily accessible table with the famous "Groups" dimensions made a sticky somewhere.

 

[saintpeter]

IMHO a group 6 pipe will do everything a group 2 pipe will. Just not as well. A group 2 pipe will not do everything a 6 will. However, as I have been known to smoke those cutesy little mini-meerschaum pipes, I am not a reliable judge.

 

[BROBS]

You left out one important option: "WTF is Group Size?"

There should be a readily accessible table with the famous "Groups" dimensions made a sticky somewhere.

It really only applies to Dunhills but it’s about the only way to describe a pipe’s size without giving measurements.
group 4-5 are what I would call a fairly average bowl size today in popular pipes.

 

[olkofri]

View attachment 9293

Thankee! Alas, the image is too small. I can't read the lettering.

It really only applies to Dunhills but it’s about the only way to describe a pipe’s size without giving measurements.
group 4-5 are what I would call a fairly average bowl size today in popular pipes.

Yeah, I know. But the Groups as a 'standard' measure, kinda like inches, keeps being thrown around. Hard to know what an inch is without a ruler (all the more so when you grew up with metric!).

 

[wolflarsen]

My sweet spot is around .8" wide by 1.5" deep.
What group size is that?

 

[mngslvs]

Group sex for me. Sorry, meant 6.
The chamber size is what matters to me. I like a two hour smoke after dinner, a Virginia or Virginia perique flake. The group size does not correlate exactly with chamber size.

 

[olkofri]

The group size does not correlate exactly with chamber size.

So, it's more exterior dimensions?? Oh, boy, it gets even better.... ?

 

[warren]

Just take the dimensions of a favorite smoker, if and when you happen to be around, near or, have access to a ruler or other measuring device. Use those dimensions and find a Dunhill size close to the same. Now you have a reference for the future.

Now, no way in hell would I reccommend a pipe shape or size to another person. I'm not gonna carry that guilt around. Same reason I never suggest a blend to someone who can't seem to make a decision based on experience. Well, that and everyone's palate is different.

 

[hauntedmyst]

Dunhill is as close as we have to a sizing standard.

 

[shanez]

Interesting results and responses so far.

I do tend to favor about a Group 4 but am flexible.

My favorite "go-to" pipe has a 21.84mm (.86") chamber diameter and depth of 30.73mm (1.21") but I notice a lot of times I only smoke about 3/4 of what I load in it so a smaller pipe wouldn't bother me.

So here's the Group 1 pipe I'm looking at:


It has a 16mm diameter chamber and the website doesn't give the depth.

Same size and shape with different finish and stem:

The funny thing is, it is listed as a 17.02mm diameter chamber with a 27.18mm depth. This is an estate so I wonder if it has been reamed to a slightly larger diameter than the one above.

Same pipe in the estate but in Group 2 size:

It is also an estate listed with a chamber diameter of 17.78mm and depth of 33.27mm.

Lastly the shape in Group 3 size:

It is new listed with a 19mm diameter and 30.48mm depth chamber.

I think it might work for me, especially with a stronger blend or when I don't have as much time.

As an aside, I do like a Group 6 for Manil Semois tobacco. It just smokes so fast and easy a larger chamber makes the enjoyment last longer for me.

 

[kcghost]

Group 3 for Virginia Periques and Group 4 for English blends.

 

[frozenchurchwarden]

I'm a bit underwhelmed when I see the size of a Group 6.

 

[Chasing Embers]

My sweet spot is around .8" wide by 1.5" deep.
What group size is that?

Big 3, small 4.


Group 4 is my small range. I like groups 5 and 6 primarily. Magnums are what really float my boat though.

 

[logs]

Group 1 pipes have their place. They're great for quick smokes, especially with the stronger tobaccos. I bought one by accident off ebay. At first I was horrified by the size but now find I use it pretty regularly for testing new blends. It's handy for avoiding a nicotine blitz. I've bought a couple more since then.