Who uses a filtered pipe and what's your take on them? Any downside to using filters other than replacement costs? Do you have a preferred type of filter? Comments on the Savinelli balsa filters?
Filtered pipes?
- Thread starter nortac
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I only have 2 pipes, both of them are filter. I have an "adaptor" so I can turn them into non-filter, but haven't tasted much difference if I don't use a filter.
Therefore I continue to use one for it's capability to help control moisture and tar-levels and such. I personally never use a filter twice, but then again I don't smoke a lot of pipes so the cost doesn't hold me back. I've heard of people using the same filter up to ten times.
Therefore I continue to use one for it's capability to help control moisture and tar-levels and such. I personally never use a filter twice, but then again I don't smoke a lot of pipes so the cost doesn't hold me back. I've heard of people using the same filter up to ten times.
i tend to avoid them myself, though I do have a few savinelli pipes that can take the balsa wood 'filters' - not really a filter but more of a moisture absorber - but I never use the inserts.
some people swear by them, just not for me I guess....
some people swear by them, just not for me I guess....
I've mostly avoided filtered pipes, and seldom use the filters in the ones I have. I read some years ago that the filters were more of a moisture trap than anything else, and I really didn't like dealing with the mess of handling them.
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- #5
If using a filter pipe without filters, that does not have an adapter like some Savinellis, is there anything you should do to modify them or "fill the void" where the filter would otherwise be inserted? I just realized the old Medico I've been puffing on this morning was designed to use a filter but didn't have one inserted. Being a total noob, I'm not sure how if any this has affected my smoking experience.
I dicard filters as well, when I started the local tobacconist explained that "you can smoke a pipe with a filter, but it's like sipping champagne out of a straw"... That said, the only pipes I have with filters are cobs and I just take the filter out and run it open. Makes the draw wide open so I need to mind how quickly I'm puffing. I have on occasion put a folded 1" or so piece of pipe cleaner in the stem of the cob mainly to adjust the draw.
I don't think you adversely affect anything going sans filter in your pipe.
I don't think you adversely affect anything going sans filter in your pipe.
it will tend to collect moisture in the expanded area where the filter will go - I can only speak for my savinellis -but I just smoke them as usual but pay special attention when cleaning (folding pipe cleaners and making sure i swab that area pretty good when done)
not sure if some of the other filter pipes would require additional attention or not. just keep in mind that moisture will collect there more intensely than a filterless pipe.
same with the Peterson System pipes, they need special attention to clean our the moisture collected in the resevoir.
not sure if some of the other filter pipes would require additional attention or not. just keep in mind that moisture will collect there more intensely than a filterless pipe.
same with the Peterson System pipes, they need special attention to clean our the moisture collected in the resevoir.
Funny that this topic came up now, I just today picked up my first pack of filters for a Lorenzetti pipe that I've been smoking for months without them. Been getting a lot of gurgle lately and wanted to see if they'd help. They are refined/activated charcoal filters that, according to the manufacturer, reduce tar and nicotine, which makes me think that they unfortunately filter out some flavour as well.
With my MM cobs, I've been using the little paper "filters" since day one as I like how they mop up all the moisture (which I believe is all they do, not much else is filtered out). I've had a few smokes without them and don't like how wide open the draw is. But regarding how they affect the flavour or taste of the tobacco, I don't notice any difference with or without them. And I'm a stickler about tobacco's flavour.
With my MM cobs, I've been using the little paper "filters" since day one as I like how they mop up all the moisture (which I believe is all they do, not much else is filtered out). I've had a few smokes without them and don't like how wide open the draw is. But regarding how they affect the flavour or taste of the tobacco, I don't notice any difference with or without them. And I'm a stickler about tobacco's flavour.
as you should be!!
let us know!
filtered pipe but used w/o filters just have a large gap - which can affect draw but again more specifically tends to attract moisture. the more goopy the tobacco the more moisture will need to be cleaned - and more often
I have a few pipes that take filters and I do use them and like the result, it seems to take out some of the harshness, tar & moisture and I almost never get a gurgle with a filter pipe but I have been drying my tobacco much more lately with better results as well, I like the balsa wood filters a lot, I have one pipe that take the 9mm carbon filters but haven't really smoked it enough to form an opinion them yet.
My two cobs are made to have filters. I keep switching back and forth when I smoke it, I can't decide if I like the filter or not.
Those cardboard tubes suck IMO, try some Savinelli Balsa wood filters, they are much better.
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- #13
So the balsa filters fit any pipe that uses a 6mm filter?
Just reporting my first experience with a 9mm activated charcoal filter in my Lorenzetti pipe. I smoked Skiff Mixture (a blend I know well) twice yesterday, once without the filter and once with. The difference in taste was negligible... maybe a little smoother with the filter, if anything at all. The difference in moisture was dramatic. I usually use one or two pipe cleaners during my smoke to keep things dry and clean. With the filter in, it was as if I ran pipe cleaners through the stem multiple times throughout my smoke. Not a trace of gurgle or dampness. I even noticed a difference in temperature. I smoked it fast and hot (to the touch) but my mouth was surprisingly comfortable. Even with the best of smokes, my tongue gets a little worn out... not necessarily bitten, but just kinda "used" and I don't feel like smoking anymore until the next day. But with the filter in, my mouth was completely protected and I could have handled another bowl immediatelty after should I have wanted one. The only negative I experienced with the filter was a not unsubstantial restriction in draw. It was like pulling on a cigarette.... which actually is what I wanted when I first started smoking pipe months ago, but now it just feels all kinds of wrong. I could probably get used to it, though. I think the benefits ultimately outweight the problems.
I've read that, like the cardboard tubes, the balsa aren't true filters; they mostly only "filter" out moisture. If that's true, then what exactly are the benefits of the balsa compared to the paper tubes? In a nutshell, why don't the balsa wood filters suck like paper tubes?
I've read that, like the cardboard tubes, the balsa aren't true filters; they mostly only "filter" out moisture. If that's true, then what exactly are the benefits of the balsa compared to the paper tubes? In a nutshell, why don't the balsa wood filters suck like paper tubes?
The balsa filters are the only ones I ever use as well. I taste the paper in the paper tubes, they get rank much quicker, and I find they filter the flavor noticeably where the balsa tends not to.
I just feel they are more effective with better absorbency, I have tried both many times and IMO I get better performance from the balsa, what sounds better to you for smoking through, a processed paper tube with a plastic skin or a natural piece of porous wood? I too find the taste of (both smoke and filter) of the natural balsa better.
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Good point
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- #19
As a total noob, I tend to puff too fast and suffer the effects of moisture worse than a more experienced pipe smoker. I tried the standard paper filters in an old Dr Graybow pipe and had an improved smoking experience.
The only pipe that I use a filter with is my Quiet Comrade. It is a system pipe and really needs to have a filter installed to collect all the moisture. With my Savinelli pipes, I neither use the balsa nor do I use the adapter. I have never had any problem smoking them that way. I do like the wide open draw of a pipe without a filter. In my humble opinion, a filter is just one more impediment between the tobacco and my mouth.
