What is a pipe filter?
The filter is a small accessory that allows to filter and trap harmful substances, therefore making the overall smoking experience more enjoyable. There are several kinds of filters, that differ in diameter and material used. The two most commonly used are metal filters and 9 mm filters. The filter is located inside the pipe, in the tenon.
How to choose the right filter?
You cannot put any filter you want inside a pipe! In general, you have to consider the two criteria mentioned above. There also are pipes fom 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
- 9 mm filters
It is also possible to use an adaptor, that can be put on 9mm-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: meerschaum is a naturally filtering mineral. Meerschaum filters are in the form of cartridges, that contain small meerschaum balls.
- Activated charcoal: 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.
| Type of filter | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Metal |
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| Balsa |
|
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| Paper |
|
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| Meerschaum |
|
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| Activated charcoal |
|
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| Keystones |
|
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| Adaptor |
|
|
Metal filter
9mm activated charcoal filters
6mm balsa filters
9mm meerschaum filters
Paper filters
Clay stones (Keystones)
9mm balsa filters
9mm filter - metal filter adaptor
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 | No | Yes |
| Keystones | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Adaptor | No | No | No | Yes |
What is the best pipe filter?
There is no universal answer to this question, it depends on the smoker's taste and preferences! Just remember that a good filter does not alter the tobacco's taste. For those who wish, it is also possible to take out the filter and smoke without.
A lot of pipes come with a metal filter. However, more and more pipes are made to be fitted with a 9mm one. The type of filter that goes with the pipe is shown in the description area for all our products.
La Pipe Rit team
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