I picked up a Kaywoodie estate recently on EBay- simply because it was part of a small block I wanted due to a Peterson being offered. I got it for a song. So this Kaywoodie has been sitting on my rack. I checked it out, unscrewed it, pondered that weird stinger and then it sat for several weeks. Earlier tonight I figured I would clean her up and give her a try. So here I sit smoking PA (my default go-to for breaking in or testing) out of this pipe and I must admit I am pleasantly surprised. I had more or less convinced myself that I would hate the stinger. But this is really a very cool, dry smoke. It's a small Dublin - I have no idea what year or model. It's been well-smoked, that's for sure. Was incredibly dirty when I got it and took about 6 pipe cleaners soaked in everclear, plus soaking the stinger in Everclear,to get it smokable. It has quite an advanced cake. The draw is just right for me: not too loose or too tight, but leaning a degree or two to the tightish side. I think I may just make this a Virginia or Burley pipe and put it into rotation. The dimensions are such that it could make a food flake pipe as well. Overall, while I can't say I'm a stinger convert, I'm at least convinced that the folks at Kaywoodie had a plan. My only complaint is that the pipe is very heavy for it's size and shape. Not sure if that's related to the stinger and housing, but I suspect that's the reason or the additional weight - not a desirable characteristic, especially in a straight Pioe. I typically smoke a little wet - not much, but a bit. This is probably due to slight over-puffing from all my years as a cigarette smoker. I have to admit that the stinger does it's job in this dept: not even a hint of a gurgle 3/4 of the way through. Conclusion: I have changed my mind about stingers - or , rather, I have adjusted my preconceived notions.
