Savinelli Balsa System and Pipe Issues

Will the Savinelli Balsa System eliminate tongue bite and other troublesome issues?

Talking about the practical, "real world" effectiveness of the Savinelli balsa system here. I have used the system for many years. In my experience, the balsa system is by far the very best option available, especially when compared to other filtering or "condenser" systems.

             Image source: firecured.blogspot.it

As specified in other posts, the balsa system has been tested by independent companies and was found to be highly effective at removing unwanted components from the smoke. This is important if one wishes to minimize the potential harmful nature of smoking. And as nature's most absorbent wood, the balsa also does a great job trapping excess moisture, which helps keep the smoke cool and dry.

However, no filter system in the world can completely prevent tongue bite or keep the smoke cool if proper smoking technique isn't used. For example, if one were to puff ferociously on their pipe, it would almost certainly burn too hotly, resulting in tongue bite. Or if one chooses to smoke tobacco that is very moist, the extra moisture will undoubtedly result in a wet smoking experience or gurgling pipe. Or if one were to smoke his pipe in extremely windy conditions, the ember could be stoked excessively, creating pipe burnout. In other words, there is no substitute for learning proper technique and smoking one's pipe slowly and gently.

So what's the bottom line? Pipe makers and companies have been seeking the ultimate solution to tongue bite and wet smokes for decades. Every product is advertised as though it is the perfect fix. The truth of the matter is that experience and patience are the best solution to the common issues of pipe smoking. It's true, the balsa filters are helpful, and they can reduce some of the difficulties people experience when smoking a pipe. But they are not a "magic cure." If someone experiences severe problems when smoking a pipe, it is unlikely that the balsa system (or any other system) will instantly solve the problems.