Filter or not to filter....that is the question

[JGIORD]

Sinatra, yes a filter (I prefer the balsa ones) will absorb all the moisture while you smoke so you won't get that gurgling sound and more important any juice coming back up through the stem

I like them and really don't see any disadvantage to using them. They help to cool the smoke and I really can't distinguish any loss in flavor.

However, not all pipes can accept a filter. The stem\tenon needs to be big enough to hold them. They come in 2 sizes 6mm and 9mm.

Your local tobacconist can help you find a pipe that can accomodate a filter.