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.