What is this? Pipe Filter?

[fastnbulbous]

Hello All,

I just bought a new Pipe. Woohoo. It is stamped Roma, Stem sais Italy.

So What is the small piece that fits into the stem? Is it necessary or recommended. Do I need it?
I think it is a filter of some kind, but not sure.

I smoked out of the pipe twice over the weekend, within 24 hours.
It was dirty as hell after smoke number one.
Smoke #2 was super wet at the bottom of the bowl. Almost a puddle.

I now know why you are supposed to wait to smoke out of the same pipe, but does this thing have anything to do with the wet smoke as well?

I tried posting pics, but not sure if they are attached or not.
I guess we will see.

Thanks.

[Branzig]

It's a Savinelli Roma and it is a balsa wood filter.

Some people like them, some people don't. I am in the "don't" category myself.

Try it with and without the filter a couple times, then go from there.

[fastnbulbous]

It seems like this is a plastic piece, not balsa wood. Is it just a space holder? Any reason to leave it in versus taking it out?

[Nachman]

It seems like this is a plastic piece, not balsa wood. Is it just a space holder? Any reason to leave it in versus taking it out?
Savanellis come with a spacer to take the place of the filter if you don't want to use one. I have tried them and don't see the point. I have four Savanellis and don't have any idea where my plastic spacers are for any of them. I just smoke them without the filter.