So I got my first Falcon Stem and Bowl in the mail today. I opted for this Hunter all black stem from Amazon because I liked the look of it and free Prime shipping was a good selling point. Although I looked at several options for the bowl and wanted a Meerschaum lined, I opted for this standard dark briar. All of the Meerschaum lined bowls were in the neighborhood of $40 whereas this one could be had for $25. Seeing as I wasn't sure if I would like the system I thought cheap was better.
As far as looks go there isn't anything really special about the stem. It kind of seems cheap (which it is really) but also like it will get the job done (which it does). The bowl was nice, but again not special.
The moisture wicking rings that go beneath the bowl are inexpensive but also feel a bit gimmicky. I'm certain you can smoke comfortably without them...but as I've now got 26 to go through, there is no need. I feel the same about the proprietary pipe cleaners. I didn't even use them on my initial bowl as my BJ Long's worked fine.
Upon initially screwing the bowl to the stem I found some difficulty in properly aligning the threads. I expected the bowl glide on smoothly but I actually had to crank it on a bit. There was a little cringe on my face as I did this...I was very worried about cross threading on my very first bowl! Alas, my fears were unfounded as the bowl did go on fine.
The smoke itself was very nice. My second bowl of RO Firestorm today and it was cool, dry and took minimal relights. I didn't need to use a pipe cleaner mid smoke, but did anyway because I was curious how the BJ Long pipe cleaners would fair.
After finishing the bowl I dumped the dottle, of which there was very little. Unscrewed the bowl to find a pretty nasty collection reservoir, which I suppose is what you want.
The moisture ring was dumped and a pipe cleaner folded in half for the minor housekeeping of wiping out the reservoir. A few more down the stem and a wipe of the bowl was all it took.
Final word. All in I spent about $60 for the stem, bowl, pipe cleaners and moisture rings. Additional bowls range from $20ish to $45ish depending on shapes and Meerschaum linings etc. My first smoke was a good one but whether I purchase more bowls will depend on a few more good bowls I'd say. I'm not blown away, but I'm also not disappointed. My main concern is actually how the threads on the briar will hold up over time. The threading on my radiator bowls is much more smooth. I'd hate to think that I spent $25 on a bowl that will only provide 12 bowls before the threads give way and it's essentially worthless. Only time will tell.
As far as looks go there isn't anything really special about the stem. It kind of seems cheap (which it is really) but also like it will get the job done (which it does). The bowl was nice, but again not special.
The moisture wicking rings that go beneath the bowl are inexpensive but also feel a bit gimmicky. I'm certain you can smoke comfortably without them...but as I've now got 26 to go through, there is no need. I feel the same about the proprietary pipe cleaners. I didn't even use them on my initial bowl as my BJ Long's worked fine.
Upon initially screwing the bowl to the stem I found some difficulty in properly aligning the threads. I expected the bowl glide on smoothly but I actually had to crank it on a bit. There was a little cringe on my face as I did this...I was very worried about cross threading on my very first bowl! Alas, my fears were unfounded as the bowl did go on fine.
The smoke itself was very nice. My second bowl of RO Firestorm today and it was cool, dry and took minimal relights. I didn't need to use a pipe cleaner mid smoke, but did anyway because I was curious how the BJ Long pipe cleaners would fair.
After finishing the bowl I dumped the dottle, of which there was very little. Unscrewed the bowl to find a pretty nasty collection reservoir, which I suppose is what you want.
The moisture ring was dumped and a pipe cleaner folded in half for the minor housekeeping of wiping out the reservoir. A few more down the stem and a wipe of the bowl was all it took.
Final word. All in I spent about $60 for the stem, bowl, pipe cleaners and moisture rings. Additional bowls range from $20ish to $45ish depending on shapes and Meerschaum linings etc. My first smoke was a good one but whether I purchase more bowls will depend on a few more good bowls I'd say. I'm not blown away, but I'm also not disappointed. My main concern is actually how the threads on the briar will hold up over time. The threading on my radiator bowls is much more smooth. I'd hate to think that I spent $25 on a bowl that will only provide 12 bowls before the threads give way and it's essentially worthless. Only time will tell.