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SAVINELLI CONVERTIBLE BALSA SYSTEM
Those pipes referred to as 'CONVERTIBLE' are designed to be used
with the Balsa system. The Balsa system consists of a triangular
shaped piece of Balsa wood. Achille Savinelli and his research &
development team first conceived the idea of using nature's most
absorbent wood to do two things. One, absorb any moisture that might
travel beyond the confines of the pipe bowl and two, have a cooling
affect on the smoke as it traveled around this unique absorber.
Extensive testing verified that no matter what type of tobacco
was used or how 'hot' one tried to smoke a pipe, there was no tongue
bite or any passage of moisture to the mouth when the Balsa insert
was used. Further testing showed that the Balsa insert also had
retentive properties when it came to any tar or nicotine that might
be present in some tobaccos.
A new type of tenon (the part of mouthpiece that goes into the
end of the shank) had to be developed that would hold the balsa
insert, but at the same time Achille Savinelli insisted that his
customers not be made to commit to this revolutionary system if
they chose not to. So, a converter consisting of a simple tube was
designed. All one has to do is insert the small tube into the end
of the tenon to smoke as any other normal pipe.
Eventually, the team came up with a new tenon made of Teflon that
would be flexible and accept the Balsa insert or, if one chose,
the converter tube. The new Teflon tenon's flexibility makes it
easier to remove and re-insert into the shank. It will accept the
triangular shaped Balsa insert or the black converter tube. This
allows you to smoke your pipe with or without the Balsa System.
The following graphic illustrates the standalone mouthpiece, with
the Balsa insert in place with less than 1/2 of insert showing,
and with the converter tube in place, respectively.
Approximately 85-90 percent of polled Savinelli pipe smokers use
the Balsa inserts. The reason is simple...it really works!
Once you experience its effect, you'll agree that it is one great
smoking system. Almost every pipe we make today comes with a pack
of 20 Balsa inserts plus a converter tube, which gives you the choice.
This 'patented' unique system makes the Balsa equipped pipe an ideal
'first pipe' for the beginning pipe smoker. Experienced pipe smokers
also enjoy the cooling effect of this system. Whether or not you
use the Balsa system, you will be smoking one of the world's best
made quality briar pipes, backed by over 120 years of dedication
to excellence.
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