Missouri Meerschaum Stems

jfreedy

I have three Missouri Meerschaum pipes that I love. However, the stems (except for my Cobbit) leave a little be desired. I get that this is large part of the way they keep the prices reasonable. That said, I've seen some really cool lucite replacement stems online. I'm specifically wanting a new stem for my Country Gentleman. What's been your experience with these? Are they worth more than doubling the price of your MM pipe? If so, what sites and/or stems do you suggest?

Jdalen

@jfreedy, I have 2 Old Log Cabin Pipe Works Forever Stems for my cobs. The draw on both is very good (no filters though) and I think they look good on the cobs. The stems fit into the cobs snugly and the great thing is that they're interchangeable although I don't think they fit the entire line of MM pipes. I have #491 spears on my Country Gentleman and Legend.

jfreedy

Anyone else have suggestions on replacement stems?

drac2485

@jfreedyI have found a few pipes on eBay that had lucite stems and I love them.  http://www.ebay.com/usr/farmerje  He has a few every once in a while and have gotten 3 so far.

I never wanted to spend the money on them at first but was lucky enough to find some that came with a new General for $25.  One thing to keep in mind is that they, generally, only work with filtered pipes and you lose the ability to use a filter.  I find that it was a good investment as I now don't feel like I am going to bite through or crush the stem when clenching.

jfreedy

@drac2485 -- Yep, biting through those flimsy stems is always a concern of mine as well. 

DSturg369

Just an FYI, but the cheapest place I know of for replacement stems is marscigars.com.

No affiliate, just a frugal consumer.

jfreedy

@DSturg369 -- thank you. I'll check them out as well. Are they good quality stems?

DSturg369

They carry factory replacements. 

NicoleSTGLaneLtd

@jfreedy I second Log Cabin Pipe Works stems. They'll be the closest you can get to a factory original as they're loosely associated with MM.