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.

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[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.

 

[crowbait]

I use them on almost every pipe I smoke. I'm almost always doing something else while having a pipe, so I'm usually clenching. They might take some getting used too or you might just hate them like many do, but for the majority of the time, they are essential for me.

 

[PApiper63]

This may be an old thread but I thought I would respond anyway. I probably have 50+ pipes and every one has a softy bit or a similar thing. I am a clencher and often have a pipe in my face and cant smoke with out them. To each his own!

 

[BingBong]

I'm a no, at the moment. But I have a damaged estate pipe on the way that might compel me make that a yes. Ah, the complexities of life.

 

[Professor Moriarty]

This may be an old thread but I thought I would respond anyway. I probably have 50+ pipes and every one has a softy bit or a similar thing. I am a clencher and often have a pipe in my face and cant smoke with out them. To each his own!

Going through my pipe collection, I see that many vulcanite bits are in danger of breakage from my teeth
and many are oxidizing also -- good reasons to invest in Softies
... also acrylic bits which are rounded at the bite tend to shift/spill when clenched.

 

[jagsdriver]

its a good way to oxidize vulcanite stems

 

[Professor Moriarty]

its a good way to oxidize vulcanite stems

...but it's also a good way to hide unsightly oxidized vulcanite stems, and to prevent contact between mouth and oxidation. I saw a good youtube video on how to un-oxidize stems, but nah.