We've had discussions about pipe shapes; what about stems/bits?

motie2

My estate/used Carey apple purchase came with a very thin stem. 

It's so comfortable to hold in one's mouth, but I worry about crushing it, or biting through. 

On the other hand, thicker stems are harder to clench.

One difference between Careys and Duncan Hills and many others is that they have a shank tenon that goes into the stem, rather than a stem that goes into the shank.

Woodsman

I like the wide stem best, the slender are easier to clench but, are too delicate an easier to "chatter".

ghostsofpompeii

I mentioned on another post that I have a serious gag reflex problem and thicker stems are harder for me to clench without occasionally gagging. I'm apparently the only one with that problem - but it probably explains why I'm more of a holder than a clencher when I smoke.