Peterson 302 & 303. Size Matters!
I received some comments the other day on my Peterson 303 post. The commentator remarked that it was the same pipe that he was smoking but that his was stamped 302, not 303. OK, I can understand this as the 302 and 303 are basically the same shape but the size varies by an appreciable amount. This is, of course, hard to evaluate on a single photograph where no comparison can be made. To give some idea of the difference I refer to, here are some comparative shots of the two together. After all, a picture says a thousand words, doesn’t it?
In the left hand picture, the 302 is the upper pipe. In the right hand picture, the 302 is on the right. As is obvious in both, the 302 is a considerably larger pipe.
Of the two, I prefer the 302 while relaxing. On the other hand, the 303 gets to see all the action! Both pipes smoke well. It would be difficult to choose an absolute favourite. If there are horses for courses, then there are also pipes for pastimes.
Does smoking a large pipe have any special characteristics? The 303 looks ‘right’, but I find a typical pipe doesn’t smoke long enough, and clearly you would get more tobacco in a 302. Does the 302 have any unusual tendencies like a draw with no ‘tug’, as if the chamber is packed too loose?
I, and others around me, find that all tobaco tastes better from a larger bowl. Some disagree. Obviously, if one has more tobacco per fill, one will probably smoke for longer periods of time. Packing loose is a relative term! What I call loose, others will call medium to tight. It’s very subjective. Personally, I don’t like having to heave on a pipe. I like it to be an easy draw. If it starts to go out, I can tamp my way back to what pressure I like.
If you haven’t tried smoking a larger bowled pipe, you may be cheating yourself of a very rewarding experience.
We could discuss this further John. Use the contact form on the contact page to get a private e-mail off to me if you wish. I promise, I’ll give you a reply.
Exile.
Thanks for your offer. I’m just looking around at the moment but I’ll probably add a larger pipe to the collection in the future.
OK. Believe me, you won’t regret it.
Exile.
As for the size of the pipe, I have no real preference. My pipes run the size range from larger Petersons to smaller Kaywoodies. (A couple of which I can’t even get my little finger into.) I consider my very mixed and modest collection to be divided into two basic catagories. I have “house” pipes which rarely venture outside my four walls, and “out & about” pipes which can easily be tucked into a pocket if I duck in somewhere for whatever.
Jim
We seem to have the same approach to house pipes and out pipes. I have pipes I take to work, into the garden or out with the dogs. I have others which never leave the safety of my living room. Nice to know, someone shares my eccentricities!
Exile.
Excellent post! Glad to have found your site. I have a 309 that I dearly love, but as you stated in your post are great for when you have time to relax. I’ve been wanting to get a smaller pipe. The 303 looks to be my next purchase.
303’s turn up often on the Bay. You won’t regret having one.
Welcome here.
Exile.