Shapes & Sizes

So, I'm intrigued. I'm going to try visiting a trusted tobacconist this week to check out their extensive pipe collection, but I have a feeling I know what I'll encounter (expensive pipes). I've done a little research on a site BWA suggested, pipesandcigars.com, and found these inexpensive pipes by: Lorenzo Pipes. I like the Lorenzo SPORT Pipe - Caramel Matte - Apple bent tapered apple all the way at the bottom of the page.

What am I looking for in a pipe? What does the bent pipe mean? Why are some shaped differently? What does that do for taste? Or am I just trying to look cool?

I know, I know......do my own research. But if anyone is willing to give me a push, though.......

Thanks.

Shape is about 85% aesthetics, but it can factor in some other ways. A bent pipe is less likely to allow the moisture that accumulates in the stem to get to your mouth.. a good feature for a new smoker. A bent pipe also has a lower CG and will be easier to hold in your teeth. One possible drawback is a bent pipe may not allow a pipe cleaner to pass all the way to the bowl, something I really dislike, since I use three or four cleaners during a smoke.

Some shapes have thicker walls around the bowl, I find the thicker ones best suited to Virginia and Virginia/perique flake tobaccos, they tend to burn a little hotter than orientals.

As for affecting the taste, the only shape I could see making a difference is the Dublin shape, since it has a bowl that's somewhat cone-shaped, getting smaller toward the end of the smoke.

In a word.. it's about looking cool! :smiley16:

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Originally Posted by bigwhiteash

A bent pipe also has a lower CG and will be easier to hold in your teeth.

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was ist das?

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Originally Posted by bigwhiteash

One possible drawback is a bent pipe may not allow a pipe cleaner to pass all the way to the bowl, something I really dislike, since I use three or four cleaners during a smoke.

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Yeah, I was thinking about that - and I thought I'd opt for a shorter bend/stem. I think I'm just going to have to go and check these out at the local tobacconist.

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Originally Posted by bigwhiteash

Some shapes have thicker walls around the bowl, I find the thicker ones best suited to Virginia and Virginia/perique flake tobaccos, they tend to burn a little hotter than orientals.

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Thanks for the tip. Tell me: about how long does it take to smoke a pipe? How do the tastes compare with cigars? If the pipe shape is 85% aesthetics, why do smokers have so many different types? What's the difference between an apple and a squashed tomato shape?

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Originally Posted by bigwhiteash

In a word.. it's about looking cool! :smiley16:

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It's good to know I can still look cool. No matter what pipe I select. I guess I just like the look of those bent apples.

Thanks...........

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Originally Posted by bigwhiteash

A bent pipe also has a lower CG and will be easier to hold in your teeth.

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Mark, I believe this would be Center of Gravity. Correct me if I'm wrong Dennis.

CG = Center of gravity, pipes like a Calabash are on the extreme end of bent, and hang very comfortably in your mouth. Straight pipes take a lot of clenching of the teeth to hold on to.

I usually get between 45 minutes to an hour out of a bowl, but that can vary dramatically according to pipe bowl size, what you're smoking, and your pace. If you're looking for taste similar to cigars, I would obviously stay away from aromatics, and try some good English blends, Virginias, and Balkans.

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Originally Posted by bigwhiteash

Straight pipes take a lot of clenching of the teeth to hold on to.

If you're looking for taste similar to cigars, I would obviously stay away from aromatics, and try some good English blends, Virginias, and Balkans.

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Thanks for the help. It would seem to me that you'd go through stems relatively quickly if you smoked your pipe a good bit. I may not have the terminology right - the part that goes in your mouth! Doesn't that get chewed up?

Also, I read somewhere that perique tobacco is native to Louisiana! Is it any good?

I haven't chewed through a stem yet, and I've been smoking them regularly for over two years... a short amount of time, I know, but I have yet to even see any significant tooth marks.

Perique is grown ONLY in LA, and it's my favorite.. it adds a spicy kick to the sweetness you get with pressed Virginias.