Do you use soft rubber/vinyl bits on your pipe?

[Branzig]

I use them on all my vulcanite pipe stems.

I don't waste money on those softie bits though. They're way over-priced and I chew right through them.

I make my own out of vinyl tubing.

[quo155]

I bought some years ago but never put them on my pipes and now there's lost! I've been wanting to try one as I am quiet the biter. I'm not worried about my cobs but I do tend to break/bite through them a little too often.

I just need to order a new one and see...

EDIT: I had to vote "no" as I've not yet tried them. But, I think I would use them.

[LandonColby]

No. I think they look tacky, and make the stem to large and uncomfortable to clench...I prefer thin or saddle bit stems so when I clench I'm actually biting down on more of the stem than just the very end. This is more comfortable IMO as I don't need to really bite it just hangs there, also meaning I don't have an issue with tooth marks.

[GWBowman]

I have them on all the pipes that they fit. A few of the stems are to small for the bits from the local to work B&M. Think I'll try the heat shrink, especially on the small stems, thanks to @tmoran for the idea.

[HabanoMan]

I use them on most of my pipes. I am a clencher and sometimes I get a bit over aggressive leaving teeth marks. Plus I feel they are much more comfortable to clench on than the hard stem.

[Pugsley]

Tried one once, didn't like it and took it off. Like LandonColby, I prefer thinner stems and the bits were uncomfortable. I rarely clench anyway.

[cbr310]

I use them on all my vulcanite pipe stems.

I don't waste money on those softie bits though. They're way over-priced and I chew right through them.

I make my own out of vinyl tubing.

how you do that? Now I want to try them.

[Branzig]

how you do that? Now I want to try them.

I'm at work right now. I'll post a how to on this later in the DIY section though of there is interest.

For like 3 bucks you can make over 100 stem protectors. Super cost effective IMO.

[bluenoser]

no because I just have the 2 pipes and they're just as they came but would like to give one a go sometime. I'm not a clincher so probably wouldn't really make much difference to me

[MrMotoyoshi]

I used to use them but I have given up except for my birth year Dunhill. I would like that pipe to stay pristine.

My reasoning is multifaceted.

1. A work of art. The stem is one of the most used parts of the pipe, if not the most. The pipe crafters (the good ones) take their time to make it comfortable and a work of art on its own. Putting that rubber/vinyl piece on goes against all the hard work that went into making it. I also don't like the look of it.

2. That nasty nasty. Drool, tobacco juice and whatever else is going to collect under there. If you're using the rubber bits they become destroyed by constantly putting them on and taking them off (in addition to the biting while clenching). If it's a bit that you're leaving on, all that saliva and juicy goodness stays there and festers.

3. Stems with character. After all they are my pipes and I think a pipe with teeth marks has character and looks loved. Besides, you can always clean your vulcanite stems. It's part of the stewardship of a pipe IMO. Estates with chatter are commonplace so why should I not enjoy my pipe to the fullest while it's mine?

These are just my thoughts. For all the people that use them please don't take this as me bashing you. Everyone enjoys their pipes differently.