subject: Tips To Select The Right Tobacco Pipe [print this page] Tobacco pipes are a major attraction among smokers of all ages. They are available in various designs, though most pipes are structured with a stem, mouthpiece and a bowl, in which the tobacco is placed. However, when you visit a shop to purchase a perfect tobacco pipe, the huge variety can confuse you. So, before choosing the tobacco pipe, you need to know about the different types of tobacco pipes available.
Briar Pipes - These are contemporary briar made tobacco pipes, which are fire resistant and moisture proof.
Meerschaum Pipes - Meerschaum pipes were very much in use until the nineteenth century. Pipes made from this material can be crafted into attractive shapes and figures.
Clay pipes - Clay pipes are made from processed clay and burn hot in comparison to the other varieties of tobacco pipes. Thus, novice smokers may feel uncomfortable while using it.
Calabash pipes - Calabash pipes are quite pricey and are made from calabash gourds and have an in-built porcelain or meerschaum bowls.
Corncob pipes - Corncob pipes are relatively cheap, made from corncobs that have been dried for two years. Then a hollow is made in shape of a bowl to place the tobacco.
Hookah pipes - Hookah pipes are a popular choice in the Middle East countries, which are generally water pipes that filters the tobacco smoke through a chamber full of water.
Glass pipes - Unlike metal pipes, glass pipes do not heat up. With them you can watch the smoke as it fills the chamber. Also, glass pipes have a tendency to become richer in color with extended use.
Now gaining a fair idea about different kinds of tobacco pipes, you will find the selection procedure less complex. You should remember that the pipe you are buying should satisfy your major requirement of providing you with years of smoking enjoyment.
The following guidelines will enable you to select the pipe with confidence:
Aesthetic appeal - Consideration of the style and look of the pipe is of utmost importance. The style of the pipe should match your aesthetic sense. The brand value or the renowned factory manufactured pipe is of no use if it is not of your style. The best suggestion is to take a careful look at a huge range of pipes available in the market. Browse through all kinds of selections, unless you find the one of your own choice.
Mechanical Considerations - When you are using a pipe, you should relish the pleasure of smoking out of it. So it is advisable to buy a well made pipe, which is easy to clean and lit. In that case you need to know what features in a pipe should be avoided to consider it as well made. They are as follows:
Poorly made associated parts - A good quality pipe should posses a smooth passage way from the hole in the bowl to the end of the mouthpiece. Any interruption in the passage will lead the pipe to smoke heavily and wet. So consider that your pipe has an even airway.
Metal filters - Some poor grade pipes posses these metal filters in the stems causing condensation, which leads to a noisy, wet smolder.
Varnish - It is always best not to buy varnished or sealed finished pipes. Though they have a shiny appearance, they tend to crumble or bubble. Select some well made pipes with a heavy finish, which are quite attractive, smoke able and storable.
Grain - The price of the pipe tends to rise with the quality of the grain, though it has little to no effect on the smoking quality.
Light weight - Always go for a lightweight pipe for it is easy to hold in your mouth.
Sandpits - The fewer the sandpits are the better it is to smoke.
Draft hole - Check whether the draft hole is placed close to the center of the bowl perfectly aligned with the air hole in the stem.
Other considerations - The pipe should not have any sandpaper mark or blot. The stem should be well joined with the shank.
Financial concerns
The pipe you are buying should suit your budget. With the huge price range, buy the best that you can afford and try not to compromise with the quality. Examine all the features if you are buying an inexpensive pipe to avoid the mechanical problems.
Hopefully the above guidelines will be of great use for the right selection of the tobacco pipe.
