Wind caps?!?

[weevil]

Anyone use those metal wind-caps on their pipe. I smoke outside, so I'm interested in what benefit these might have - do they reduce re-lights on a windy day? What's the deal?

 

[papipeguy]

I use a wind cap outside most of the time. It prevents the ashes from blowing and, thereby, the risk of "burnout" in the pipe. I find that the pipe stays lit just fine. I highly recommend their use and because they are only a couple of dollars they provide cheap insurance. Get a couple of them and keep one in the car.

 

[ace57]

I never used them, do they come in diff. sizes how do they stay on the pipe?

 

[schmitzbitz]

do they come in diff. sizes how do they stay on the pipe?

I've only seen one size; there are two spring-loaded metal tabs on the bottom of the pipe that extend a couple of MM into the tobacco-chamber, with two tabs on top that allow you to insert/remove the cap without damage. I've found that the cap doesn't fit my pot, or table-pipe, but it works with the majority of my stable.

 

[wheetree]

I used one when deployed in Iraq. I could pack the bowl before shift, put the cap on it and stick it in my pocket without worrying about the tobacco falling out or carrying my jar or pouch around. After shift was our smoking time and it'd be good to go.

The screen keeps the wind from blowing sparks out of your bowl. I've actually seen old signs requiring use of pipe screens on ship and other high fire risk areas.

The only negative is for those who like to tamp frequently as they smoke and the screen does get hot to the touch.

 

[baronsamedi]

Where would one purchase a good quality wind cap? I smoke outside a lot.

 

[pdmus]

I use one, especially when sailing or walking in a fire area, like a forest. There are usually 2 small pieces (which go slightly into the bowl) one usually has a spring that allows it to fit different sized bowls. Like wheetree says, it makes tamping a bit more of a chore. Nothing like being out on the ocean in a sailboat and smoking, though.

 

[igloo]

The coiled flat spring ones work best if you can find one .

 

[papipeguy]

Most B&M's should have caps in stock. While I have not searched the sponsors' sites here I am sure they can provide them. The caps are about $2/each and a worthwhile investment for outdoor smoking.