So what are your views on personal preferences for maximum bowl depth? And yes of course it also depends on the diameter, wall thickness, type of tobacco and so forth. My objective here is to see what you might see as the deepest you'd consider for a pipe that would be smoked regularly.

I ask since I'm considering a pipe that has a chamber that measures 1.87" and that's pretty deep! I like the style of the pipe but at the same time am aware that all of my regular smokers are more in the range of say 1.25 to about 1.35, with about 1.5 being the deepest. These all have diameters of around .80 or less. Normally less.

A proper pack with the right 'baccy at the optimum moisture level on these insures me a long sipping session. Can't say I get to the one hr mark like some of you slow smokers, but suffice to say what I get works for me.

So I'll also admit that after 1/2 to 3/4 hr with the same 'baccy I find my palate is getting tired of it anyway. In this sense I'm understandably aware that a pipe with a 1.87 depth might very probably be too much, and therefore a bad investment.

DGT is not a workable option either. I'll finish a bowl or dump it.

This will certainly come down to personal preferences, but that's what I'm seeking here - opinions on various maximum bowl depths vs enjoyment.

Your experiences appreciated, and TIA.


Cheers,

RR

I have a couple that are about 1.5 inches deep and that is about all I can handle at one time.
If you really like the pipe consider just 3/4 bowls and call it good!

a) you don't have to fill a tall bowl.

b) some blends really develop and crescendo in a tall bowl

Personally, I like pipes that are around 2" deep or a little less, and about 7/8" across. These smoke like magic for me.

So long as the bowl doesn't go below the draft hole, no problem...

...I have a couple of pipes that have some deep bowls, and they have their own character. I like 'em.

The largest briar I have is a Sav Hercules Bulldog with a bowl depth of 43mm x 24mm width. Takes about 1 1/2 hour for a bowl of Royal Blend and I just finished it's first bowl of Blackwoods Flake which took about 2 3/4 hours to smoke. I have an egg/claw Meer with a bowl at 48mm d x 28mm w and I can get a little over 3 hours with a flake Va in it. I do smoke slow with several re-lights as I let it go out often setting the pipe down when i have to do something. I don't really just sit and smoke, rather I usually have a pipe in my hand or mouth most of the day. I take breaks and put it down to eat and such but otherwise I'm smokin' this "evil weed "

When is the bowl too deep?

It's too deep when you can't get a flame all the way down there....

I like a longer smoke, and have recently developed an affinity to stacks with about a 3/4 in bowl dia. This old Sasieni Royal Stuart is one of my favorites.

You might need one of those barbecue pistol lighters for this one....

Great responses guys, and keep them coming.

So what I can devine is that I shouldn't be concerned about the tall bowl depth?

Just load it up to my preferred max pipe load, and not be concerned if it's 3/4 or so.

Should I be concerned if the cake doesn't build to the top? Will this compromise the briar with no cake?

Never have done this before, so it's all new territory fror me!




Cheers,

RR

When is it too deep?



Now.

Joel S. was a visionary in his time, but now he's got the short stack....

A bowl is too deep when you keep throwin' tobacco in there and it never comes up to the rim.



It's a "Lassie! What's the matter girl? Hey Uncle Brewdude...I think Timmy's fallen in the well!" kind of thing.