In today's video I will explain in detail on the age old question. Do you need a pipe filter or not. Should you buy a filtered or non-filtered Pipe. 9mm or 6mm & what are the various filter options if you chose a filtered pipe. I will conclude with my personal opinion & preference.
Brief filter description below.
You cannot put any filter you want inside a pipe! In general, you have to consider two main criteria 6mm or 9mm. There also are pipes form certain brands that need specific filters (Falcon, Tsuge...).
THE DIAMETER:
It is the first criterion you have to take into account. Indeed, depending on the pipe's bore diameter, you will have to use the filter with the corresponding diameter (it is therefore not possible to put a filter with a 9 mm diameter inside a pipe bored with a 4 mm diameter, and vice versa). There are 4 different diameters of filters:
• 3 mm filters
• 4 mm filters
• 6 mm filters (Most common)
• 9 mm filters (Most common)
It is also possible to use an 3.5 /4mm adaptor, that can be put on 9 / 6 mm-diameter-pipes.
THE MATERIAL:
Pipe filters can be made from different materials:
Metal: the metal filter is a small piece made of metal, that is put on the stem. There are different forms of metal filter, depending on the pipe.
Balsa: balsa is a very light and soft wood, made of porous fibers with absorbent properties. Balsa filters are in the form of small rods.
Paper: a paper filter is made of rolled-up paper, that forms a hollow tube.
Meerschaum filters that can be used on briar pipes as well: meerschaum is a naturally filtering mineral. Meerschaum filters are in the form of cartridges, that contain small meerschaum balls.
Activated charcoal:(most common) activated charcoal has especially strong absorbent properties. As with meerschaum filters, activated charcoal filters are cartridges that contain granules of activated charcoal.
Keystones: made of volcanic clay, these small stones can be put at the bottom of your pipe's bowl.
Which filter can be used with my pipe?
Filter diameter
Type of filter 3mm 4mm 6mm 9mm
Metal Yes Yes No No
Balsa No No Yes Yes
Paper Yes Yes Yes No
Meerschaum No No No Yes
Activated charcoal No No Yes Yes
Keystones Yes Yes Yes Yes
Adaptor No No No Yes
Advantages or disadvantages of the various types of pipe filters.
Activated charcoal (most common). It is nowadays the most efficient filter to filter out harmful substances (tars, nicotine).Absorbs moisture, for a fresher and drier smoke. Also it reduces Tongue Bite with certain pipe blends & aromatics that contain higher sugar content & burn hot. The filter needs to be changed regularly (every 2 to 3 pipes).The draw with a 9mm filter is slightly restricted. (too airy without it)
4mm & 3.5mm plastic Adapters for 6mm / 9mm Pipes .Allows to smoke a 9 or 6 mm pipe without a filter. Simply for airflow restriction. But does not benefit the smoker like using a activated charcoal filter.
Can be cleaned easily, by running it under water.
Metal. Can be cleaned easily, by running it under water. It is the only filter that doesn't need to be changed regularly, unless it is broken, in which case you can buy a new one. Cheap. Does not filter out harmful substances as efficiently as some other filters.
Metal filters have a tendency to cause condensation, hence why some might prefer smoking without.
Balsa. 100% natural .Traps some of the tars. Absorbs moisture.
The wood rod will not fill all the stem, therefore the air flow will not be impeded. The filter needs to be changed regularly (every 2 pipes). Does not filter out harmful substances as efficiently as some other filters.
Paper. Absorbs moisture. Cheap. The paper filter needs to be replaced after every use. Does not filter out harmful substances as efficiently as activated charcoal filters.
Meerschaum. Naturally filters harmful substances (tars, nicotine).Absorbs moisture, for a fresher smoke. The filter needs to be changed regularly (every 3 to 4 pipes). The draw with a 9mm filter is slightly restricted . Meerschaum has a slight impact on tobacco's taste.(debatable)
Keystones. These stones can be used with any pipe, whatever the bore width. Absorb moisture for a fresher and drier smoke. Prevent tobacco wastage (tobacco leaves that might not have burned) at the bottom of the bowl. The stones take up some space, hence less tobacco will fit inside the bowl. The stones might not be compatible with pipes that have a very small bowl. The stones need to be changed after every use.
Tip: Some use shredded wine cork to absorb moisture.