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Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2021 7:13:31 GMT -5
I guess this is not the first thread on the subject. And it will certainly not be the last. I want to talk about my experience with the P'Lip.
This is not meant to turn into a Peterson bashing thread, which I find absolutely counter-productive.
I've read about a lot of P'Lip fans saying how they love the P'Lip and how they smoke just the same as a fishtail. I am trying to understand its seemingly enormous popularity (according to the manufacturer itself as well).
Why? Because for having purchased 3 P'Lip pipes over the last 10 years, I am incapable of reaching the same conclusion. I find there are 3 major differences between the P'Lip and the Fishtail stems:
1. In order to smoke a P'Lip, the 'inner walls' of the smoker's lips must clear the button hole which means one has to forward his lips much more so than for a fishtail where simply closing around the edge of the button is sufficient to be able to puff away happily. This results in what feels to me as a bizarre way of puffing;
2. Clenching a P'Lip pipe and keeping it in place in one's mouth is something much more challenging than with a fishtail. I've noticed that all my attempts resulted in a hesitant clench combined with the pipe exhibiting a weird angle, which quickly made me abandon such an idea;
3. The capacity to taste the tobacco is significantly reduced when smoking with a P'Lip. The tongue is the main component to allow taste to unveil and as the smoke is directed toward the mouth roof rather than the tongue, the experience is very different. It does improve after the 7 or 8 bowls but I feel like I'm 'chasing' the taste time after time.
Now, am I the only one that has had such an experience with the P'Lip? Is there something simple or subtle I missed out in my interaction with this type of stem? Because, needless to say, some of the pipes equipped with P'Lips are really right up my alley. Not being able to buy and enjoy them is rather disappointing.
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Post by fadingdaylight on Jun 24, 2021 7:41:31 GMT -5
Don't have one myself, but this is something I have been curious about. I keep thinking about trying one, so I'll be following this thread with interest.
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Post by Legend Lover on Jun 24, 2021 7:44:23 GMT -5
I'm not a fan of it. I experience the same as you - especially the first point. I'm tempted to buy a fishtail and swap it out (as I've a military mount).
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Post by Plainsman on Jun 24, 2021 8:13:13 GMT -5
Own several and have no problems with them. But why doesn't Peterson just offer a fishtail option for P-lip pipes?
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Post by fadingdaylight on Jun 24, 2021 8:45:08 GMT -5
Own several and have no problems with them. But why doesn't Peterson just offer a fishtail option for P-lip pipes? This is a good point also. Good luck finding a Baskerville with a fishtail, I keep trying. Or perhaps they could go the HCA route, mark them up a few bucks and include both stems. |
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Post by Kerley0319 on Jun 24, 2021 9:27:01 GMT -5
I enjoy my P Lip but you are correct about it being akward at times and forces me to change the way I smoke. I don’t find it to be a big deal however I do leave the big Peterson at home instead of bringing on road trips or commutes.
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briarbuck
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Post by briarbuck on Jun 24, 2021 9:31:58 GMT -5
I like mine, but passing a cleaner mid smoke is a pain in the arse. I smoke them, but not as often as a fish tail.
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Post by Plainsman on Jun 24, 2021 11:49:48 GMT -5
I like mine, but passing a cleaner mid smoke is a pain in the arse. I smoke them, but not as often as a fish tail. I don't need to do that. What am I missing? |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2021 11:51:21 GMT -5
Own several and have no problems with them. But why doesn't Peterson just offer a fishtail option for P-lip pipes? Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. You can find a System Standard with a fishtail but they are not legion. As for the other series things are not clear. After corresponding with Smokingpipes Europe a while back then recently (yesterday), I have learned they do not currently manufacture fishtail stems for the De Luxe System nor for the Sherlock Holmes - which are the current target of my interest. In the past, however, I have seen Sherlock Holmes pipes fitted with a fishtail. Maybe, sometime down the road in the near (or not so near) future they will be offered again? Who knows. Another option I explored some months ago is contacting Peterson and enquiring about the cost for a new fishtail stem. it was 40 or €45 plus shipping which is about 7-€10. Then, there is the wait time which was approximately 3 months. The question, of course, is the following: do I want a, or a few Sherlock Holmes pipe(s) so badly that I am willing to increase the price by $60 for each one? That's a darn good question, in my opinion. |
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Post by Plainsman on Jun 24, 2021 12:12:18 GMT -5
There is plenty of reasonable opposition to the P-lip. Peterson should listen and act accordingly. Just my 2¢.
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Post by trailboss on Jun 24, 2021 12:14:29 GMT -5
While the p-lip is advertised as preventing tongue burn by directing the flow to the roof of the mouth, In the past I experienced roof burn.
However, after obtaining an old boomerang stemmed p-lip, I experienced none of that. The draft hole is larger and passes the pipe cleaner easier than my other system pipes. I think that they would do well to consider making p-lips with larger draft holes.
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Post by Ronv69 on Jun 24, 2021 12:54:22 GMT -5
I like the P-lip, but to get the full advantage you have to get the entire "Peterson System". Which means a Deluxe System or better. When it all comes together it's amazing and there is no need to run a pipe cleaner mid-smoke. If the well somehow fills up just take the stem out and dump it. Yes, they can be a little more effort to clean, but I feel like it's worth it. But, like Laphroaig, it's not for everyone. Since it's been in production for 150 years, I think some people must like it besides me.
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Post by Gypo on Jun 24, 2021 15:35:30 GMT -5
I have two of them and have had no problems one sandblasted B42 and one rusticated Pub pipe. They are different but I enjoy them very much I think the B42 has had more bowls smoked in it by me than any other pipe I own.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2021 15:41:07 GMT -5
I like the P-lip, but to get the full advantage you have to get the entire "Peterson System". Which means a Deluxe System or better. When it all comes together it's amazing and there is no need to run a pipe cleaner mid-smoke. If the well somehow fills up just take the stem out and dump it. Yes, they can be a little more effort to clean, but I feel like it's worth it. But, like Laphroaig, it's not for everyone. Since it's been in production for 150 years, I think some people must like it besides me. Granted. But after investing in a Racing Green and 2 Sherlock Holmes, I'm not sure I want to upgrade especially if the issues I was listing are still present.  |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2021 15:43:19 GMT -5
There is plenty of reasonable opposition to the P-lip. Peterson should listen and act accordingly. Just my 2¢. It would sure be awesome if they would make some Sherlock Holmes fishtail! |
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Post by fadingdaylight on Jun 24, 2021 16:57:13 GMT -5
I have seen a few SH series fishtails, it seems to me like they just recently changed production to Plip only. Tobaccopipes actually has one or two of the fishtails leftover right now, so it couldn't have been too long ago that they changed gears. The real question is why? Why isolate an entire line to one customer base? And of all lines, why choose the one that draws so much attention?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2021 17:48:42 GMT -5
I have seen a few SH series fishtails, it seems to me like they just recently changed production to Plip only. Tobaccopipes actually has one or two of the fishtails leftover right now, so it couldn't have been too long ago that they changed gears. The real question is why? Why isolate an entire line to one customer base? And of all lines, why choose the one that draws so much attention? I am no Peterson expert, far from it. I think they built their reputation and success on the P'Lip patent. A pipe smoker, when thinking Peterson pipe, should envision a pipe with a P'lip stem. For more people than we think, their first pipe was a Peterson; so chances are they started off with the P'Lip rather than the fishtail. Adapting must have been a lot easier, almost natural for them than for guys like us who associate a pipe with fishtail stem and started, then continued with them. I bought my first Peterson in 2009. I had been a pipe smoker for 21 years, then. Smoking with a P'Lip for the first time had been very off setting, in a sense. Another thing I seem to grasp about Peterson is that since Laudisi acquired the company they have endeavored very hard toward a return to basics, a return to the beginnings. This involves focusing on the P'Lip. I understand and respect that. However, as you point out rightly, not everybody is comfortable with a P'lip. I certainly am not. |
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Post by Ronv69 on Jun 24, 2021 18:38:21 GMT -5
I like the P-lip, but to get the full advantage you have to get the entire "Peterson System". Which means a Deluxe System or better. When it all comes together it's amazing and there is no need to run a pipe cleaner mid-smoke. If the well somehow fills up just take the stem out and dump it. Yes, they can be a little more effort to clean, but I feel like it's worth it. But, like Laphroaig, it's not for everyone. Since it's been in production for 150 years, I think some people must like it besides me. Granted. But after investing in a Racing Green and 2 Sherlock Holmes, I'm not sure I want to upgrade especially if the issues I was listing are still present. Then don't. I think you've already determined that it's not for you. |
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Post by Ronv69 on Jun 24, 2021 18:44:51 GMT -5
I have seen a few SH series fishtails, it seems to me like they just recently changed production to Plip only. Tobaccopipes actually has one or two of the fishtails leftover right now, so it couldn't have been too long ago that they changed gears. The real question is why? Why isolate an entire line to one customer base? And of all lines, why choose the one that draws so much attention? I am no Peterson expert, far from it. I think they built their reputation and success on the P'Lip patent. A pipe smoker, when thinking Peterson pipe, should envision a pipe with a P'lip stem. For more people than we think, their first pipe was a Peterson; so chances are they started off with the P'Lip rather than the fishtail. Adapting must have been a lot easier, almost natural for them than for guys like us who associate a pipe with fishtail stem and started, then continued with them. I bought my first Peterson in 2009. I had been a pipe smoker for 21 years, then. Smoking with a P'Lip for the first time had been very off setting, in a sense. Another thing I seem to grasp about Peterson is that since Laudisi acquired the company they have endeavored very hard toward a return to basics, a return to the beginnings. This involves focusing on the P'Lip. I understand and respect that. However, as you point out rightly, not everybody is comfortable with a P'lip. I certainly am not. Yeah, to me it's not a Peterson if it doesn't have a P-lip. There was some talk about the other design that Silver Grey made a short run of for a few special people. Instead of the smoke coming out the top, it is spread more to the sides. However, it requires a lot of hand work and they can't bring it into production at this time. |
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Post by Silver on Jun 24, 2021 19:08:53 GMT -5
I have one Peterson with a P-Lip. It's fine if you're holding the pipe while smoking. For me, it's difficult to clench, because of the rounded shape of the stem. Love the pipe, its a System 312 shape, so it's kinda big. I'd smoke it more if it had a fishtail stem.
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Post by urbino on Jun 24, 2021 22:40:25 GMT -5
I honestly can't tell much difference, good or bad. I guess that makes it easy for me when I'm looking at Peterson pipes. I can just buy whatever they make.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 25, 2021 4:01:46 GMT -5
I am no Peterson expert, far from it. I think they built their reputation and success on the P'Lip patent. A pipe smoker, when thinking Peterson pipe, should envision a pipe with a P'lip stem. For more people than we think, their first pipe was a Peterson; so chances are they started off with the P'Lip rather than the fishtail. Adapting must have been a lot easier, almost natural for them than for guys like us who associate a pipe with fishtail stem and started, then continued with them. I bought my first Peterson in 2009. I had been a pipe smoker for 21 years, then. Smoking with a P'Lip for the first time had been very off setting, in a sense. Another thing I seem to grasp about Peterson is that since Laudisi acquired the company they have endeavored very hard toward a return to basics, a return to the beginnings. This involves focusing on the P'Lip. I understand and respect that. However, as you point out rightly, not everybody is comfortable with a P'lip. I certainly am not. Yeah, to me it's not a Peterson if it doesn't have a P-lip. There was some talk about the other design that Silver Grey made a short run of for a few special people. Instead of the smoke coming out the top, it is spread more to the sides. However, it requires a lot of hand work and they can't bring it into production at this time. The smoke comes out on the sides? Now that's interesting! Do you remember where you saw this? |
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chasingembers
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Post by chasingembers on Jun 25, 2021 4:16:06 GMT -5
I'm not a fan of it. I experience the same as you - especially the first point. I'm tempted to buy a fishtail and swap it out (as I've a military mount). Laudasi replaces Savinelli and Peterson stems for $40. |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 25, 2021 4:17:47 GMT -5
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Post by flatwatermonte on Jun 25, 2021 7:14:07 GMT -5
I have 2 Peterson P-lips, a Savinelli system pipe and 2 GBD with p-lip style buttons on them. I find that I agree with all three of the OPs observations. The biggest issue I have with the p-lip style buttons is the diminished taste aspect. Without the smoke flowing directly onto the tongue, I am unable to pick up the subtle nuances of a blend that with a fishtail style button I am able to.
I also find that I am subject to burning the roofing of my mouth while clenching a p-lip style button, whereas I rarely have tongue bite clenching. I primarily clench while I am either setting at my desk working or while driving. I cannot recall burning the roof of my mouth when I have been setting holding the pipe.
P-lips are not my favorite style of button, but there are some shapes and styles of pipes that are very attractive to me that only come with a p-lip, hence why I purchased them. Those pipes aren't smoked nearly as often as standard style button pipes, but I wouldn't entertain the idea of selling or trading my p-lips solely based on the button.
Now the clamshell modification to the p-lip buttons looks very interesting. I do have one more estate GBD that is in pretty rough shape that may be a good donor to experiment with in the future....
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Post by briarbuck on Jun 25, 2021 9:22:58 GMT -5
I like mine, but passing a cleaner mid smoke is a pain in the arse. I smoke them, but not as often as a fish tail. I don't need to do that. What am I missing? Your not missing anything. I live where the humidity is over 90% most of the time. Try smoking in a sauna sometime and you'll know what I am talking about. lol |
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Post by Ronv69 on Jun 25, 2021 9:40:18 GMT -5
I don't need to do that. What am I missing? Your not missing anything. I live where the humidity is over 90% most of the time. Try smoking in a sauna sometime and you'll know what I am talking about. lol Just pull the stem and pour it out and carry on. |
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Post by fadingdaylight on Jun 25, 2021 9:41:36 GMT -5
I don't need to do that. What am I missing? Your not missing anything. I live where the humidity is over 90% most of the time. Try smoking in a sauna sometime and you'll know what I am talking about. lol Yeah, it gets bad around here too, even though I let my tobacco dry to crispy levels, I wind up with moisture in most of my smokes. Honestly, 9mm filter helps a ton. |
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Post by Ronv69 on Jun 25, 2021 9:43:11 GMT -5
Silver will make the NAB stem for your pipe for $350 I think.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 25, 2021 11:26:11 GMT -5
Silver will make the NAB stem for your pipe for $350 I think. I can see that and I don't think it's exaggerated. A hand cut stem is a lot of work to start with and such a unique type of stem must take a lot more time to make. And that is not taking into account wasted material if something goes wrong and she has to redo it. |
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