I like them on some of my pipes but for others they feel weird and don’t work.
I have observed an increase in salivation with a grip.Not a fan. They are too bulky, leave an after taste, & cause me to salivate way too much. Some folks swear by em though. ️
I suppose with practice you could overcome the salivation issue…I just didn’t see the need or want to push it with softy bits. ️I have observed an increase in salivation with a grip.
It’s friction tape. Bought it on Amazon. Works great.Tape and bubblegum -- always handy for fix-its! Glue-less tapes may be preferable.
That reminds me!! Before we moved last year I had a roll of black 3M silicon no-glue tape, I’m sure I put it somewhere where I wouldn’t lose it, which means there’s no chance I’ll find it while m thinking of itIt’s friction tape. Bought it on Amazon. Works great.
I also replaced all my p-lips with normal bits.I put them on all my pipes to lessen the chance of a damaging drop and for the comfort of not having to clench too hard. Longevity is good provided you smoke them, otherwise they tend to dry out. I replace them about every year or so. I will say, the one-size-fits-all models do not work on p-lips but I solved that problem by getting rid of them (the p-lips).
The hygienic issue has occurred to me alsoI have tried them, not a bad idea for a clencher but you can only imagine what is growing underneath without peroxide cleaning !
Thanks for the link! This tape is made of Polyvinyl Chloride. Some say, don't put it in your mouthDry vinyl tape. It's like electrical tape without the adhesive. A few wraps give you the benefits of softy bits but with no taste or added bulk. Here's what I use
Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00823GUP6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Do you tape over the button as well as the end of the bit?It’s friction tape. Bought it on Amazon. Works great.
Easily fixedThe hygienic issue has occurred to me also
You make a good point about bit grips on straights vs bents!I used to use them on almost all of my pipes. They help keep teeth marks to a minimum and can help with clenching for long periods. I don't use them as much as I used to because, well, I just don't like clenching for long periods. I'm a wet smoker, so I prefer to just hold my pipe when I'm not drawing from it. I also prefer pipes with a generous bend, and when I do clench those, I find the extra grip from the rubber bit only helps so much. Now, with a straight pipe or ones that are especially top-heavy, I still use the rubber bits.
I think everyone owes it to themselves to at least try them. They are super cheap, so you're not out much if you don't like them. But they can be a big help to some people.