Your Experience with Bit Grips/Softy Bits?

[captpat]

I use one on my Falcon because the stem is so small.

 

[greysmoke]

I use "Maxfashion Rubber Tobacco Pipe Tip Grips" that I bought from Amazon in a 12-pack. They work fine. A little tight, but they stay in place. I use them primarily for my Upshalls to preserve the original stems, which tend to be a bit softer than most other vulcanite stems. Worth the price.

 

[bluegrassbrian]

Same as a condom- won't catch me using them.

 

[Swiss Army Knife]

They're a god send for clenching heavier pipes. That said I don't like them if I'm holding the pipe up to my mouth, just kind of unpleasant thing to wrap your lips around.

So for heavier pipes I'll push them about 3/4 of inch up the stem so I can still clench on to it if need be but it's otherwise out of the way.

 

[Sigmund]

The only drawback for me is if you clench and they get really wet they will slip around.

 

[Professor Moriarty]

The only drawback for me is if you clench and they get really wet they will slip around.

that's what she said

 

[Professor Moriarty]

After many smokes and much experimentation, this is my conclusion:
Not all pipes benefit from the use of bit grips, but some pipes do benefit greatly.
Softy grips, rubber and US made, are the most comfortable and durable.
Silicone grips are not for me.

 

[Lumbridge]

I prefer Softy bits to the BJ Long bits. The Softys have rounded ends and come in several sizes. No rubber taste at all with either brand.
Some of my pipes don't clench well even with a rubber bit, due to the shape of the stem and shape/weight of the pipe. They work better for some pipes than for others.

 

[brian64]

This tape is made of Polyvinyl Chloride. Some say, don't put it in your mouth

I can't tolerate the "softy bits" so I have to use tape...but you're right about the polyvinyl chloride, so what I've started doing is adding a layer of the below (allegedly) non-toxic adhesive tape over the top of the non-adhesive vinyl tape.

It works well for me because it's even more comfortable than the vinyl tape and the adhesive also helps to hold the vinyl in place.

Or if you don't mind putting the adhesive directly on the stem you can do without the vinyl altogether.

STRAP Black Bamboo Body Tape - 16.5ft / 5.5yd

Strap is the world's first eco body tape, made from bamboo fibre. Natural, black coloured bamboo fibre that's soft, sustainable and strong. Strap is non-toxic and latex-free + hypoallergenic + contains organic ingredients + vegan and cruelty-free. It can be used to strap your body, for playing...

patchbandages.com

 

[AJL67]

I tried them when i first got into pipe smoking, i got all the little things and gadgets to try out, the flatted steal mesh balls for the bottom of the bowl, soft bits, you name it i tried it. I didn't really like the bits then I figured out I'm a holder not a clenched so it didn't matter anyway.

 

[hoipolloiglasgow]

I've recently made a way around all of this by ordering all my custom briars with an additional stem. It doesn't cost that much extra. Then you have one to beat up on and a looker years from now.

 

[Hillcrest]

I never used bits before. When I got my new Peterson I decided to try to preserve the stem so I just use a larger silicone straw and cut off about an inch to slip over the stem. If it tears or gets discolored I replace it. Its cheap and it works. If I pull it a bit further over the P-Lip draft hole it acts like a fishtail. Still experimenting.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

my experience after several attempts is that I can't use them, bulky as hell and collects moisture, if I plan adding anything extra to the stem bite'' it will be non adhesive vinyl tape ,and only,

 

[Christos D. Tsatsaronis]

Don't like bits one bit... The way they feel in the mouth... not for me.