The Deeper the Bowl the Better Smoke?
- Thread starter jb235
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Whatever you sense or think is your reality.
Heating more tobacco prior to burning it can liberate more of the oils etc that are a lot of the flavor.
Ultimately whatever works for a person is the right thing for them.
Ultimately whatever works for a person is the right thing for them.
A definite yes if the chamber is ENOUGH taller that a puff only draws the smoke that's been marinating below the coal since the last puff.
It's the same mechanism as a so-called "reverse calabash" pipe, but without the second chamber.
Very noticeable in my experience, but only when the chamber is quite tall and large. Around .85"-.90" inches across, and at least 2.75" deep.
That said, chambers CAN be too big. Rich Esserman has explored that realm for 40 years, and says over 1.1" diameter or more than 3.5" deep is simply too much of a good thing. Too wide and a coal can't be maintained, and too deep results in both physical hassles to tamp and light as well as tobacco that gets too wet from the marination + condensation.
It's the same mechanism as a so-called "reverse calabash" pipe, but without the second chamber.
Very noticeable in my experience, but only when the chamber is quite tall and large. Around .85"-.90" inches across, and at least 2.75" deep.
That said, chambers CAN be too big. Rich Esserman has explored that realm for 40 years, and says over 1.1" diameter or more than 3.5" deep is simply too much of a good thing. Too wide and a coal can't be maintained, and too deep results in both physical hassles to tamp and light as well as tobacco that gets too wet from the marination + condensation.
Hardly statistically significant. I don’t think it’s valid to state deeper bowls smoke better. If that were 100% true, all pipes would have a deep bowl.
Most pipes aren't in the "taste better size zone" for reasons of practicality. Chambers .9" wide and 2.75" deep (minimum) do NOT make for a pocketable pipe. Or one than can be smoked while driving. Or in the hour before you have an appointment. Etc.
But they definitely do taste better. Try one and you'll see.
Don't overthink it. I do oten favor larger chambers for more flavor, but a lot of other factors enter into it, including moisture levels and packing. I've also found some blends work qukte well in a less capacious bowl.
I have pipes with wider, deeper bowls. I think they do benefit more complex, ribbon cut blends. But I mostly smoke Virginia Flake. I don't like them for that blend and cut.
2.25-2.50 inch chamber depths pocket just fine. Driving with them isn't much of a chore at all.
all pipes are going to smoke somewhat differently. But it's kind of like a kiss from a lady. It's less one is better at it and more one is more compatible with the way you do things. I love all my pipes and basically they all smoke tobacco but in many small ways they're all unique. And some times it feels very clear to me that a physical characteristic other times it's the pipe fairies.
I like small narrow chambered pipes and get more flavour out of them, especially for English blends. YMMV
Don't know about deeper champers, but I definitely get better flavor towards the bottom.
Just as a side thought. A easy way to prove this theory either right or wrong is to get 2 corn cobs. One the country gentlemen with a deep bowl (or the general ) and the other get the Morgan. Try both with the same tobacco and see.
Taste is too subjective for a conclusive result either way.