It was (painfully) brought to my attention recently that I'm a biter. Yup, deep bite marks on my vulcanite stems. I was semi-aware of this but apparently it's more serious than I thought- meaning that I either need to consciously avoid clenching, or invest in some bite protectors. The second option is probably the wisest one.....



So I've noticed a few of the esteemed members here use them. Please tell me of your experiences with them.

Apparently there's a "standard" grade, and an extra thick variety for 3X as much. Which do you prefer and why?

I'd much rather invest in this lark than risk biting through a stem!




Cheers,

RR

Brewdude, I use them on every single pipe I own that will allow, but unfortunately some of my smaller older pipes have thin narrow stems, which don't allow the rubber bits to stay in place. Some of the brothers use alternative tubing, but I have no experience with that material.

My local tobacconist sells the high grade rubber bits only, and only charges 25 cents each for them, indicating that there is a huge mark up on these, even from most online retailers.

I really like them. I have noticed that not all my pipes require them for it to be comfortable. If it's a pipe that is too heavy to clench in my mouth, then I don't use it.

I use them for certain pipes, but not others. Pipes that I like to use a lot and occasionally "clench" (which normally I do not) I will happily use them. Since I actually like the feel of vulcanite, I also tend to put them on acrylic stems, as it's easier on the teeth and protects the sensitive finish.

I have a neat technique of putting the bits on a Sharpie marker (the mid-size kind) and leaving about a 1/4" hanging off the end, and doing little circles on 500 grit sandpaper to take that irritating edge off the side that usually touches the lips (opposite the side that goes toward the bit). That helps.

*shrug*

I use them on all my pipes , it feels differant at first but make it easier and more comfortable to clench the stem

So far I have only used them on one pipe, though I plan on using them on a few others. I like the protection they offer but find it makes the bite a little too wide on the thicker stem for it to be really comfortable. Though I fully expect on the thinner stemmed pipes for the bite protector to be a comfortable addition. On the stem that is now a little too thick, I just hold it a little more and live with the slightly thicker than ideal clench because I think it is worth it.

Ah, this is a constant debate. As an amateur pipe maker and someone who loves to clench their pipes, I will say there are pros and cons to both. A lot of the big boys in pipe making hate the rubber protectors. The argument is that it defeats the purpose of a very comfortably made bit. Eltang is a good example of this. He spends a lot of time trying to make the bit as comfortable as possible. Putting a stem protector on it ruins all that work. Hey may even argue that you're missing out on half of the workmanship of the pipe by using a protector. The bits usually end up too thick and uncomfortable. The stem protectors can also trap saliva underneath them and speed up the oxidation process on vulcanite/ebonite stems.

That said, I use stem protectors on most of my pipes. The reason is quite simple: stems are a lot harder to replace than the protector, plus if you ever want to sell or trade a pipe, it will fetch a lot more of its original value with minimal bite marks. I use the lower grade stuff. Its so cheap that I don't mind going through them quickly, plus to me they feel a bit more comfortable and they are easier to take off of vulcanite stems after smoking to prevent oxidation. The softer ones also work great on Plips.

I don't think some pipes need them. For instance, I bought an Peterson Aran 69 the other day to be a work pipe. After I had ascertained that it smoked well, I decided that I will use this pipe until it falls apart. I smoke it while I make pipes, so its going to get dusty, might catch the sanding pad every once and a while, but boy, it sure is comfortable without the bit. Since I don't intend to sell or keep it for its collecting value I don't mind it getting banged up. And if I chew through the stem, I'll make another.

Kind of a long reply, but I hope it helps.

I hate 'em! Makes the bit feel to thick and bulky. The few times I have used them I cut off the thicker "button" part.

I care not for the rubber bitey thingies. Makes the pipe stem feel huge between my teeth. Like one of those gag rubber cigars or something.

I am a definite NO-GO on little rubber thingies on pipes!!

Interesting replies. Thanks for the candid responses gents.

I've got some of the bite protectors on the way and will check them out. I'm a biter, and a clencher. No use trying to deny it.

Have about 10 stems with significant bite damage. All Vulcanite. Don't want to end up biting through and then replacing the stems. Clearly, that's where it would end up.

So I'll give them a whirl and decide for myself. Gotta be better than the alternative....




Cheers,

RR

Good on ya giving them a whirl. I'm in the "hate 'em!" group. I tried them on a few pipes but just could not get used to the strange jellyfish between your teeth feeling, the extreme thickness that they add, or the overflow of saliva that poured forth from my pried open mouth. Not pleasant!

Different strokes for different folks. I'm a clencher and I have bit cushions on every pipe I own. My advice is follow your plan to get some and make your own decision.

I only have rubber bits on two pipes, one pipe that I clench regularly, and its stem is acrylic. I'm like Kyle, in the matter that the acrylic isn't meant for my teeth. They do feel a bit odd when not clenching though, but I always err on the side of saftety. I'd say invest in 'em and start getting used to them. But just like Ocelot said, I do imagine there'd be a hastening of oxidation due to saliva and whatnot. The other pipe I have it on I occasionally clench and noticed a visible difference in stem coloration.