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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2021 10:58:35 GMT -5
You guys will never believe this. I've been smoking a pipe for 33 years, now. I have owned Peterson pipes in the past but never any System. They had 2 issues which, for me, made them a major no - no: the P'Lip and the vulcanite. I bought pipes (a lot!) from the various series over the years but was never happy enough with them to the point of wanting to keep them. Recently, this dude says in an email he's considering buying a System pipe. He pointed out that the stems now come with the acrylic and fishtail. options I went: "What???!!!" Peterson, once more, had my full attention. Even though I was skeptical with regards to the claimed virtues of the famous reservoir, I said to myself: "Why not try them?". After all, I don't know if I'm the only one here but it doesn't take me much to want to try a new pipe.  After receiving a few over the last few days and trying them (a System Standard 302 smooth and a rusticated), I have to admit that the System actually does what it says it's supposed to do. I have noticed the smoke to be less harsh and, yes, drier. Smoother, smoother. As I normally use tobacco which does not contain a lot of moisture, there was no liquid/juice/moisture/humidity after the smoke. I can't relate to the difference if the tobacco was to be super moist because I don't like it as such. One thing is certain. I don't understand why this deep hole makes such a difference. I think it might be that, maybe, the System reservoir is the ancestor of the Reverse Calabash system. In any case, it doesn't really matter to me. Because, for the first time in 33 years, I can say my new Peterson System pipes are keepers. And that's saying something because what always brought me back to them is that old fashioned, antique look that I have always loved about them. Sometimes, in the end, perseverance does pay off, I say. |
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Post by Ronv69 on Mar 13, 2021 11:02:47 GMT -5
The System definitely works. My first pipe was a System Standard. I recently bought a couple of Deluxe System pipes and it's surprising how much better they work than the Standard.
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Post by trailboss on Mar 13, 2021 11:25:22 GMT -5
The thing about the system pipes the same tobacco that smokes fairly dry in a GBD billiard, really leaves a lot of moisture in the well.
As for the fishtail vs the P-lip, my 1980’s P-lip avoids the tongue bite, but it transfers the irritation to the roof of my mouth.
I acquired a 1940’s system pipe with a p-lip (boomerang stem) and it does not irritate the roof of my mouth. In a side by side comparison, the older pipe has a larger draft hole and I think that makes a difference for me.
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Post by taiguy66 on Mar 13, 2021 11:53:21 GMT -5
Great thread fellas and thanks! Absolutely love learning more new things about pipes and tobacco! Cheers.....😁👍
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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2021 13:23:31 GMT -5
The thing about the system pipes the same tobacco that smokes fairly dry in a GBD billiard, really leaves a lot of moisture in the well. As for the fishtail vs the P-lip, my 1980’s P-lip avoids the tongue bite, but it transfers the irritation to the roof of my mouth. I acquired a 1940’s system pipe with a p-lip (boomerang stem) and it does not irritate the roof of my mouth. In a side by side comparison, the older pipe has a larger draft hole and I think that makes a difference for me. Regarding the larger draft hole, my favorite Peterson stem is a 1930's non p-lip with a round draft hole. It goes to a 1930's 317 System pipe and I really like the way it smokes. I recently discovered that the same stem fits my non-System 69 army mount, and I enjoy smoking that one just as much. I don't really notice that much difference with bent System vs non-System Petersons - makes me wonder if the reservoir helps people who smoke a certain way, but others not-so-much? I will say that i don't like straight System billiards too much - they are hell to clean. (I also really enjoy the ~1900 fat amber stems with the round draft hole, so perhaps I'm nutz) |
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Post by trailboss on Mar 13, 2021 13:26:05 GMT -5
I my system pipes are both bent, I often wonder if I just tend to salivate more when smoking it.
When I dump the well.... Egads!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2021 15:07:08 GMT -5
The System definitely works. My first pipe was a System Standard. I recently bought a couple of Deluxe System pipes and it's surprising how much better they work than the Standard. I hear ya, Ron. I have not ventured in the Premier nor the Deluxe, even though I would like a couple from each, for the simple reason that all those I have seen have P'Lips and vulcanite. Now, I understand the vulcanite is of much higher quality, probably made from German rods, but the P'Lip, I just can't do it. As Charlie pointed it, my issue is with the fact that the potential tongue bite is transferred on the mouth roof and I find the taste is significantly reduced. |
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Post by Ronv69 on Mar 13, 2021 17:42:21 GMT -5
The thing about the system pipes the same tobacco that smokes fairly dry in a GBD billiard, really leaves a lot of moisture in the well. As for the fishtail vs the P-lip, my 1980’s P-lip avoids the tongue bite, but it transfers the irritation to the roof of my mouth. I acquired a 1940’s system pipe with a p-lip (boomerang stem) and it does not irritate the roof of my mouth. In a side by side comparison, the older pipe has a larger draft hole and I think that makes a difference for me. So, are you saying that the System actually adds water to the tobacco?😜🤠 |
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Post by Ronv69 on Mar 13, 2021 17:46:18 GMT -5
The System definitely works. My first pipe was a System Standard. I recently bought a couple of Deluxe System pipes and it's surprising how much better they work than the Standard. I hear ya, Ron. I have not ventured in the Premier nor the Deluxe, even though I would like a couple from each, for the simple reason that all those I have seen have P'Lips and vulcanite. Now, I understand the vulcanite is of much higher quality, probably made from German rods, but the P'Lip, I just can't do it. As Charlie pointed it, my issue is with the fact that the potential tongue bite is transferred on the mouth roof and I find the taste is significantly reduced. I want one of the spreader stems that they made for a very short time, but I am not ready to pay Silver $350 to make me one. Still, I do like the P-lip. I have never burned the roof of my mouth, but I have had tongue bite many times. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2021 17:53:56 GMT -5
I hear ya, Ron. I have not ventured in the Premier nor the Deluxe, even though I would like a couple from each, for the simple reason that all those I have seen have P'Lips and vulcanite. Now, I understand the vulcanite is of much higher quality, probably made from German rods, but the P'Lip, I just can't do it. As Charlie pointed it, my issue is with the fact that the potential tongue bite is transferred on the mouth roof and I find the taste is significantly reduced. I want one of the spreader stems that they made for a very short time, but I am not ready to pay Silver $350 to make me one. Still, I do like the P-lip. I have never burned the roof of my mouth, but I have had tongue bite many times. The P'Lip sure has its fans, considering how long they've been around, right?  |
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Post by Ronv69 on Mar 13, 2021 18:01:58 GMT -5
They've been around a lot longer than most pipe companies. I hear that a lot of people have issues with Petersons, but except for the very low end ones I haven't had any problems. And even those were easy to fix.
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Post by Plainsman on Mar 13, 2021 18:26:34 GMT -5
They've been around a lot longer than most pipe companies. I hear that a lot of people have issues with Petersons, but except for the very low end ones I haven't had any problems. And even those were easy to fix. Would be interesting and instructive hear what the problems were and what you did about them. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2021 18:27:43 GMT -5
I've never gotten 'mouth roof bite' or lost any flavor from using a p-lip. It seems like most aspects of pipes where there is disagreement, must be due to the different ways that people smoke pipes.
It's refreshing that we can discuss this stuff without people going off on certain brands/features just to yank chains. That's why I'm over here and not on other forums.
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Post by Ronv69 on Mar 13, 2021 20:56:40 GMT -5
They've been around a lot longer than most pipe companies. I hear that a lot of people have issues with Petersons, but except for the very low end ones I haven't had any problems. And even those were easy to fix. Would be interesting and instructive hear what the problems were and what you did about them. 2,1 gurgled and 1 had a restricted draw that whistled. Fixed both with a tapered drill bit. |
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Post by theloniousmonkfish on Mar 13, 2021 20:59:01 GMT -5
They're great, I'm smoking a 314 right now. P lip. They accumulate more condensation in the well by design. The turbulent draft hole causes this. If you're a wet smoker try stuffing a tiny piece of cotton in the well like a filter of sorts. I'll do this if I'm running the same pipe for more than a day or so just to cut down on cleaning.
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Post by Ronv69 on Mar 13, 2021 21:04:50 GMT -5
I have recently noticed that the Pub Pipes are going for a very reasonable $140. Dammit.
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Post by urbino on Mar 13, 2021 22:10:17 GMT -5
They're great, I'm smoking a 314 right now. P lip. They accumulate more condensation in the well by design. The turbulent draft hole causes this. If you're a wet smoker try stuffing a tiny piece of cotton in the well like a filter of sorts. I'll do this if I'm running the same pipe for more than a day or so just to cut down on cleaning. I love your avatar. We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming. |
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Post by theloniousmonkfish on Mar 14, 2021 3:26:57 GMT -5
They're great, I'm smoking a 314 right now. P lip. They accumulate more condensation in the well by design. The turbulent draft hole causes this. If you're a wet smoker try stuffing a tiny piece of cotton in the well like a filter of sorts. I'll do this if I'm running the same pipe for more than a day or so just to cut down on cleaning. I love your avatar. We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming. Thanks! |
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Post by Darin on Mar 14, 2021 18:05:15 GMT -5
Would be interesting and instructive hear what the problems were and what you did about them. 2,1 gurgled and 1 had a restricted draw that whistled. Fixed both with a tapered drill bit. I have a 1986 Peterson Mark Twain that never gets smoked because it smokes wet and gurgles. Perhaps I'll try the tapered bit. |
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Post by Ronv69 on Mar 14, 2021 18:17:09 GMT -5
2,1 gurgled and 1 had a restricted draw that whistled. Fixed both with a tapered drill bit. I have a 1986 Peterson Mark Twain that never gets smoked because it smokes wet and gurgles. Perhaps I'll try the tapered bit. I think I used a 3 to 5mm countersink bit with the collar removed. I also have a hand drill with several bits for opening up restricted draughts. |
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Post by Darin on Mar 14, 2021 19:04:35 GMT -5
Thanks Ron ... perhaps it will see smoke again! 👍😎
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Post by qmechanics on Mar 14, 2021 19:08:58 GMT -5
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Post by trailboss on Mar 14, 2021 19:29:45 GMT -5
Thank you, nice post. In the Pipedia link, Jim Lilley is prominently displayed. He had a remarkable collection that exceeded anything that the Peterson pipe company had. A gentleman in the truest sense... he willed his collection of a lifetime of collecting to the Peterson Company. He knew the history like no other, and I had several phone calls with him. Sadly, he contracted Alzheimer’s, I tried to cobble together an interview with Brian Levine, but Jim was not comfortable doing so. I wish I had a crystal ball and had been more Assertive, it would have been audio gold to have him interviewed a few months before the disease had progressed. |
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Post by taiguy66 on Mar 15, 2021 8:18:35 GMT -5
Doubling down on Charlie’s comment. Great stuff, thanks for posting this! |
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Post by Plainsman on Mar 15, 2021 8:55:45 GMT -5
I tried that Charles Peterson packing method with my own System pipe. Couldn’t tell a bit of difference. Maybe I didn’t get it quite right, so I’ll keep trying.
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Post by Plainsman on Mar 15, 2021 10:07:38 GMT -5
While on the subject of System pipes... cleaning them. My usual method, with any pipe, is to blow out the stem, run a single strand of pipe cleaner thru the stem, then double the cleaner and run it thru the shank into the bowl. For my System (I only have one) I then double the cleaner again (four strands now) and clean the catchment basin. Works OK, but not great. This morning I tried a Q-tip into the basin and it did a great job. Used the other end on the bottom of the bowl and it also picked up goop the cleaner misses. I could not see any cotton residue anywhere so I consider that a success. YMMV.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 15, 2021 12:16:49 GMT -5
While on the subject of System pipes... cleaning them. My usual method, with any pipe, is to blow out the stem, run a single strand of pipe cleaner thru the stem, then double the cleaner and run it thru the shank into the bowl. For my System (I only have one) I then double the cleaner again (four strands now) and clean the catchment basin. Works OK, but not great. This morning I tried a Q-tip into the basin and it did a great job. Used the other end on the bottom of the bowl and it also picked up goop the cleaner misses. I could not see any cotton residue anywhere so I consider that a success. YMMV. That's probably as good a method as any. I used to dump my reservoirs like Peterson instructed, but always ended up with nasty wet stuff dripping down the silver band. Now I just stick a pipe cleaner in there and that works fine. |
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Post by Plainsman on Mar 15, 2021 14:17:09 GMT -5
You might be surprised by how much gunk that Q-tip will remove AFTER you’ve used the cleaner.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 15, 2021 14:21:39 GMT -5
You might be surprised by how much gunk that Q-tip will remove AFTER you’ve used the cleaner. If the bowl and stem are nasty, the mortise is going to be a mess. I go with some combination of a wadded up paper towel soaked in alcohol, doubled-over pipe-cleaner, mortise brush, Q-tips. |
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Post by Plainsman on Mar 15, 2021 14:41:33 GMT -5
You might be surprised by how much gunk that Q-tip will remove AFTER you’ve used the cleaner. If the bowl and stem are nasty, the mortise is going to be a mess. I go with some combination of a wadded up paper towel soaked in alcohol, doubled-over pipe-cleaner, mortise brush, Q-tips. I was referring to the catchment basin in the System pipe. Sorry not be clearer. |
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