Will Dunhill/White Spot Ever Go to Acrylic Stems

[MacMarty89]

Dunhill have been manufacturing those pipes with vulcanite stems for such a long time, why would they change their production process when there is absolutely no need to do so? I can only seem them changing it when acrylic proves to be massively cheaper. They are factory-made after all. Modern Dunhill’s are overrated anyhow.

 

[danish]

If White Spot changed their stems to acrylic, I would become even more nostalgic.

 

[sablebrush52]

Honestly, I just don't care. The current operation is so unmoored from its origins that I can't see why it would matter.

 

[mso489]

At a practical level, the Vulcanite versus acrylic question means almost nothing to me. However, given the choice, I prefer a quality Vulcanite to an acrylic stem, for a little extra comfort. But I can't deny the ease of maintenance and the snappy sustained appearance of acrylic stems. Even a little oxidation that is easily cleaned is just slightly demoralizing.

Also, I like some of the colors that come up better in acrylic than in Vulcanite, though some Vulcanite Cumberland stems are quite handsome.

As relates to the White Spot brand, at almost any price level in the White Spot line, you can get a better pipe in a different brand, or two pipes in many cases. It only requires you know a little more about pipes.

 

[augiebd]

I agree with the view that Dunhill depends on its history and reputation to justify its product and prices. The point made earlier by @MacMarty89 about there being little motivation for them to change their manufacturing process is important. The vulcanite and white spot will probably carry on.

 

[mycroftholmes]

Dunhill make the best quality/most comfortable vulcanite mouthpieces of any factory pipe. If they changed to acrylic stems it would be a mistake.