In the interests of experimentation, I ordered a set and I'll see if I like 'em -- confirmed clincher that I am

While I don't care for the extra dimension (size wise) that the standard rubber bite protectors add to the stem, the heat-shrink tubing seems to be performing wonderfully for me. A bit of protection & thin dimensions provided by the tubing seem to be the key for me, IMHO.

Based on what I've read here, I'll remove the bite protectors after smoking in order to not trap the saliva and moisture which can hasten oxidation.

IOW just use them while I'm smoking.

Is that pretty much it, except for wiping down the stem post smoke?


Cheers,

RR

I am a clencher and have them on every pipe I own. I am a big fan but spit does tend to get under them and can look pretty nasty, another problem is that they dont fit every stem. But they are worth a try.

I got a few in last week, and put them on 3 of my newest Pete's.

I tried one the other day, while driving home,, took it off, it was too dang big/bulky.

So tonight, driving home, settled in for a smoke with my 2012 St Pat. Pete with Old Gowrie,,,,,took it off just a few minutes into it. Again, too big and bulky.

I decided right then and there (tonight) that they are my pipes, I dont plan on selling them, and if I change my mind someday, OH WELL !
Dangit, I want to enjoy my pipes, and I cant with that rubber. nuff said.

Hey Dusty Roundup: The older one gets the bigger a man's mouth becomes. It gets used to big pipes with big stem bits, fat cigars and it loves to spew filthy language. It's called the maturation process. We older guys just sorta get it on. So big pipes with large bits and rubber cushions fit our needs. So if you wanna hang with senior men, ya better open your mouth more and......

toughen up

Okeedokee there LIPIPE.
And Thanks for that, it made me realize I aint that danged old.

Ha Ha! Love ya anyway bud. Hang in there and you too will become "danged old". The trick is to stay good looking. You certainly have some beautiful scenery in Montana to smoke a pipe by. Enjoy your bowls today man.

I'm a bad clencher as well. I've tried the little-rubber-thingies on some of my bits, but found them problematic. I think I could get used to the bulk. But I find that they taste of rubber and, which takes away from the enjoyment of the smoke. So I quit using them.

I've not tried heat shrink tubing. How do they taste vs. the usual rubber bit protectors? Also, I worry that the heat shrink may have chemicals in it that I don't want in my mouth. Anyone know anything about the chemical makeup of heat shrink?

I turn them around backwards so they arent so fat at the end. Works for me.