Stem length and shape:

[Holyvision]

I did over a dozen searches (annoying with the flood control!) and couldn't find a relevant topic, yes even in the guides. I have never smoked a pipe, but one of my good friends does and I always thought his looked a little odd. I asked him what it was today and he said it was a "MacQueen Wizard" pipe.

15" length!

So, curiosity got the best of me, and here I am! I was just wondering, does the length and shape of the stem affect the smoke of the pipe? Curve vs Straight, short vs long? etc etc...

I was thinking about buying one, and like the looks of the curve a little better than the straight -- but does having a "lord of the rings" style longer-then-your-arm pipe actually do anything but add looks? My friends swears it enhances the flavor; but I thought I would ask some BOTL pros.


Thanks, and forgive the post, I try to read more and post less!
--Holy

 

[Gunpowder]

I was just about to type a crude answer but I will step back from the gutter.

All things equal and considering my limited knowledge, the long stems allow the smoke to cool before entering the mouth vs a cigar. also a bent stem will help prevent a juicy aromatic from reaching the mouth.

The negative is that bent pipes and especially longer stemmed ones are very difficult to clean.

 

[joshmickelson]

yea, you have way less chance of any sediment to pass through the pipe. (which shouldn't be an issue when you get used to smoking, and not sucking too hard).

Also, I think technically, the wizard is the shape of the bowl. the long stem is called a churchwarden. I could be wrong though.