Bowl Ratio & Flavor

[Mister Moo]

consider the relationship of bowl ID/depth to flavor from the tobacco. for example:

Bowl ID to depth - 1" diameter x 1" depth = 1.0:1 (low ratio)
Bowl ID to depth - 1" diameter x 2" depth = 0.5:1 (high ratio)

Are there some experienced smokers out there who really pay attention to how various tobaccos react to different bowl proportions? I observe Squadron Leader often has a short, sweet, BalkanSobranie-esque, finish. Contrary to my expectations the effect never seems "concentrated" by a higher ratio bowl. Rather, the proportionately wider bowl that burns more surface area seems to pump our more flavor. The same holds with Virginia tobacco; while I favor the mechanical smoking properties of smaller, taller bowls I find flavor intensity as good or better with wider, shallower bowls.

What are your personal observations on the affect of bowl ratio on various tobaccos? My experience suggests wider bowls produce flavor at least as well or better that narrow ones.

[Rolando]

I am not sure but I think I found the opposite to be true. But I can't remember now. There was something I didn't like. I haven't used one of them in probably 12 years. I may need to light one up again to see.

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by Rolando

...I think I found the opposite to be true.

My experience is the opposite of what I'd expect. I thought a tall, narrow bowl would intensify flavor on down but, mostly, I find it does not.

[Rolando]

I imagine that smoking style has something to do with it too. But I am intrigued now anyway. There are 2 pipes in my collection that have been unused for over a decade. I need to remember why. It could be that my own style has changed and I have been cheating myself because I convinced myself that I didn't like smoking them.

[Quick_nick]

I think a combination of how you smoke and bowl size. Try smoking the same tobacco out of the same pipe but smoking it with different styles and see how that effects flavor. have a hunch that the method one uses to smoke is what can change a smoke.

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by Quick_nick

... have a hunch...

Hunch?

Originally Posted by Moo

What are your personal observations on the affect of bowl ratio on various tobaccos?

I don't need no hunches. I already got hunches and they're not working.

[Mad Hatter]

I agree that a wider bowl offers a better smoke. Most of my earliest purchases had narrow chambers and even now with good cake on them they don't seem to smoke as well nor as flavorful as newer additions to my collection with wider diameter chambers. I only have one pipe that is a full inch but it seems to be a great smoker. But you know..... diff'rent strokes for diff'rent folks.