What’s a Good 9mm Pipe- Vauen, Barling or Rattray?

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Ceriano

Lurker
Feb 18, 2023
34
50
USA
I’m considering buying a 9 mm filter pipe. Who makes a good one?
I like the look of barling trafalger model but I‘m hearing the new production models aren’t good, what do you recommend?
 
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mso489

Lifer
Feb 21, 2013
41,210
60,611
I have a Kemperling, an Austrian made 9 mm filter pipe, which I think is similar to Vauen, and it is made with noticeable precision, with an open airway and a wide bit and a meticulous finish, so that would be my pick. The new Barlings aren't comparable to the classics sablebrush recommends; I guess they're okay, but no one is pushing them on Forums. I think Rattray is contracted out to France or Italy, probably a good pipe, but I'd rather buy from the nation were the marque originated. However, Italian Stanwells are just fine to me. Incidentally, the Kemperling smokes just fine without the filters too, which is usually my preference.
 
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agnosticpipe

Lifer
Nov 3, 2013
3,412
3,824
In the sticks in Mississippi
I mostly prefer not to have any filter, but I do have Il Ceppo, Rattray, Stanwell, and Vauen 9mm pipes. For me they are all good smokers, mostly ascetic differences. The most important thing I feel is your choice of filters. After trying a number of different brands, I settled on Savinelli balsa filters. They pass plenty of smoke without dulling the flavor of the tobacco, and mostly just adsorb moisture. You'll have to experiment yourself to see what you prefer.
 

mso489

Lifer
Feb 21, 2013
41,210
60,611
I think of filters for when I smoke more than usual, like a pipe show, pipe club, or pipe shop, or to try out very strong blends that people find overbearing before I dive in filterless. I'm a moderate smoker, so when I do smoke, I usually don't want a filtered experience; that would just lead me to smoke more bowls.
 
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Probably not that much other than the damage to your wallet. 😁
I have $60 Vauen and a Vauen Auenland churchwarden that retails ~$200. They both smoke fantastic. The churchwarden though is the coolest smoking pipe I own. Even more so than the Savinelli and Peterson churchwardens I own. I absolutely love the thing but it is a beast. Flawless in design and construction

56EE67C1-CE65-472A-8144-5FA4D84A80A6.jpeg
 
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Hillcrest

Lifer
Dec 3, 2021
3,706
18,955
Connecticut, USA
I wanted to try 9mm filters so I bought a Vaughn Olaf bent egg (#4873) on SP.eu as unsmoked estate pipe on sale for $56. (normally 120). Great pipe, well made, lightweight, one of my daily rotation. Well worth the money. I recommend vaughn as well.
 

Ceriano

Lurker
Feb 18, 2023
34
50
USA
I narrowed it down between these 4. Vauen is 60 something, Rattray $80 and Barling $120-$130. I like the prince/apple shape more than the billard. BEC59B61-6E7E-4C67-8C2A-3C520DC3E9E6.jpegA483A68B-68A8-451E-83C2-E15ABB45B52A.jpeg22A09473-68F0-4CD8-962D-88C7E71BF64C.jpegD76E96EC-220D-460C-A41A-82934E679678.jpeg