Pipe 101 - How to Select Your First Pipe - Cigars International

When selecting your first pipe, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your purchase is right for you.

How You Smoke
If you tend to hold the pipe in your hand while not puffing, you’ll be fine with either a straight or bent pipe, but if you tend to keep the pipe in your mouth, a bent pipe is preferable since it puts less pressure on your jaw. Also, if you tend to keep the pipe in your mouth, shorter pipes and lighter pipes will make it easier for you.

Your Budget
Today, because of advances in machinery, even the more inexpensive briar pipes should deliver a satisfactory smoking experience. They may not look as nice as a pricier pipe, but they should still smoke well. However, if money is not particularly an issue, you can’t go wrong with a reputable brand of briar pipe.

Corn cobs are another option, and there are many pipe fans who smoke nothing else. They’re inexpensive, lightweight, and smoke well. Depending upon how hard you smoke, they may be less durable, but they’re inexpensive to replace. A good thought is to purchase a briar along with a couple of cobs so you can let your briar rest.

Clay pipes are also relatively inexpensive, but have a few drawbacks. You can’t handle them by the bowl when smoking because they get too hot to handle, and the capacity is small. You have to be careful with a clay since they tend to be fragile.

If your budget allows, take a look at a meerschaum pipes. They’re attractive, absorbent, and won’t influence the flavor during break-in. One caution – like clays, meerschaums have to be handled with care to avoid breakage.

Other Considerations
The size of the chamber will determine how long of a smoke you’ll get. While you can pack half a bowl when time is short, doing so frequently will cause un uneven cake to build up.

So if you don’t often have more than a half hour, get something with a smaller chamber.

If you inhale (and we strongly suggest you don’t), or if you tend to smoke wet or have issues with tongue bite, consider a filtered pipe. It will help control moisture and will slightly cool the smoke.

If your teeth are sensitive, you might be better off with a vulcanite/ebonite/hard rubber stem (the terms are all the same). It’s a softer material that’s easier on your teeth. They do however, require more attention to avoid oxidation and are somewhat fragile.

If the hardness of the stem isn’t an issue for you, acrylic (also called lucite) stems are more durable, won’t oxidize, and come in a wide variety of color choices.

Other than the points outlined above, just purchase a pipe that’s pleasing to your eye. The chances are much greater that you’ll be satisfied with the pipe if you like the way it looks.

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