| Author | Message | ||
     Dan Bryant Member Username: Bryantm3 Post Number: 20 Registered: 03-2009 |
I'm looking for a new pipe, and I'm not sure what shape I want; I'm probably going to go with a Stanwell, but when it comes to shapes, I'm not sure. I definitely want a straight stem; my two bent pipes can be a hassle, but from there, I'm at a loss. I'm definitely considering the bulldog shape, since it seems like it would be like a tank in its durability, but I'm also considering the slimmer billiards and lovats. Also, what's the thought on short vs. long pipes? Thanks, Dan | ||
| Lawrence G. Foster Member Username: Lawrence_foster Post Number: 9 Registered: 11-2008 |
Hello Dan, I think you're on the right track with Stanwell... For the money, one is hard-pressed to find such quality. I own a number of Stanwells and I am very happy with every one. For what I have paid for each, I wouldn't expect the same quality of smoke, grain or construction from any other marque. As for your question of shape, that is hard for me to advise upon! I tend to like most of what stanwell carves, and would like to add one of their plateau rimmed Dublin-like shapes to my collection. However these are usually bent... In your case, you can't go wrong with a nice bulldog. With regards to your question of length, the practical concern in the matter is temperature. As I'm sure you know, a longer pipe tends to smoke cooler, as the smoke is given more time before reaching your mouth. The other concern is aesthetics; that part is up to you and your eye. In the case of Stanwell, it is interesting to note that they often offer pipes with two stems; one long, and one short! These are common to their Hans Christian Andersen line, and while I own none myself, I have a friend who loves the two stems. He uses the Long stems for smoking indoors and the short for walks outside. Have fun choosing! Cheers, Lawrence | ||
| Tab Peryam Member Username: Haebar Post Number: 9 Registered: 03-2009 |
I am not a big fan of short pipes (<5.5") because the smoke gets in my eyes more. The exception is if I am engaged in outdoor activities; the shorter pipes can be carried more easily and are lighter in weight. The smoke in the eyes issue is not as serious outdoors where even the slightest wind keeps the smoke away. | ||
| Ted Saufley Member Username: Montag Post Number: 10 Registered: 03-2009 |
Hi Dan, I really like Canadian and Apple shapes. The stems are long and they both smoke cool. I recently purchased a Peterson Sterling Silver in Lovat shape, but the stem seems to be a bit shorter than I remember Lovat's to be. I would prefer it to be a bit longer for the same reason as stated by Tab. | ||
| Dan Bryant Member Username: Bryantm3 Post Number: 25 Registered: 03-2009 |
also, what's the thought on pipe shapes for certain kinds of tobacco? i plan to smoke VAs and Vapers only in this pipe. | ||
| Ed Baez Member Username: Pipebite Post Number: 8 Registered: 03-2009 |
I smoke my VAPer in a smooth, straight Stanwell Royal Danish. The bowl is thick and deep and the draw is smooth and cool, which is important for me when smoking any VA blend. Being a large pipe, however, it is not comfortable as a clencher. You might also try a lighter pipe, such as a straight Stanwell Colonial in a billiard bowl model. It has a long shank that also cools down the smoke somewhat | ||
| N. Barella Member Username: Hand_crafted Post Number: 2 Registered: 04-2009 |
How do the long & bent stems ride? My hand carved pipe has ~5" of straight stem and i find that i would rather have a smaller/lighter apple or pear bowl so i keep my lights and the smoke out of my eyes. It makes me wary of a bent "gandalf" style stem. I only ask because i am considering one for my next pipe. | ||
| Chuck Wright Member Username: Truckerchuck Post Number: 1165 Registered: 05-2004 |
Mr. Bryant: Aesthetics should be your major concern when beginning to consider a new pipe. If the look of the pipe appeals to you, then you move on to feel, draw and priceing. What appeals to me, may not appeal to you. I smoke English blends mostly and I tend to prefer large dublin shapes. I don't clench a pipe so size and weight aren't a much of a factor. When smoking Va.'s, I prefer a smaller pipe because of the nicotine content. I have a Peterson 221 Supreme dedicated to Irish Flake and Black Irish Twist and a Peterson 314 dedicated to University Flake. Smoke your Va.'s and VaPers slowly and you won't have a problem and, you will get much better flavor from them. Mr. Barella: Regarding your question about how a long stem rides. A "Gandalf" style pipe is meant to be held in the hand, not clenched in the teeth. I have a 3 1/2 oz. Peterson freehand 3/4 bent that "rides" better than most of my straight pipes in the 1.3 to 2 oz. range. | ||
| Kerry Lex Gerald Member Username: Comoy Post Number: 13 Registered: 02-2009 |
Hi Dan, I Gravatate to Bent pipes and I favor apples for the most part. Thanks, Kerry Gerald |