Dr. Grabow Pipes

slowburn · Grand Duke Joined: 26 Mar 2009 Posts: 32

Here recently I have had several stems break on my Omega pipes. Have any of you encountered the same problem? I have quit singing their praises and will no longer purchase them until this stem problem gets corrected.

drbridges · Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2009 12:03 am Post subject:

I had 1 snap clean into 2 flush at the joint. Fortunately when I attempted to extract the piece stuck in the shank, the briar shank also broke into 2, & I was able to trash everything with a clean conscience.

I've had at least another new DG bit fracture, not an Omega. But I've also had a Peterson briar crack at the bowl, & it cost me considerably more than both DG pipes did. So if you find a good pipe at a good value that won't ever fail share your knowledge, please.

ozark southpaw · Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2009 12:32 am Post subject:

Just curious Gents,were those ABS or Vulcanite stems?
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drbridges · Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2009 12:48 am Post subject:

I assume mine were ABS, Oz. These were not used vintage pipes pre-1982.

Mac has had a few stems break also.

slowburn · Grand Duke Joined: 26 Mar 2009 Posts: 32

Mine were all purchased in the last 45 days. I would assume they were ABS stock. Had a new Cardinal I bought today during the first smoke the finish starting blistering and the pipe was not that hot. Some you win, some you lose. Still prefer my DG's over anything else out there.

drbridges · Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2009 3:19 am Post subject:

I believe there is an internal weakness or defect in these stems that break.

ozark southpaw · Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2009 4:03 am Post subject:

drbridges · Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2009 4:24 pm Post subject:

Slowburn, I hope you will contact DG & try to return those broken OMEGA pipes for repair. DG should stand behind their product. Hopefully if they see their ABS stems are breaking they will make an effort to fix the problem.

ted · "Old Timer" Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 1171 Location: NC'

Slowburn. Send them to Rick Wooten, Box 849, Sparta, NC 28675. I feel certain he will replace them at no charge.

Most of the problems we had with these stems (and there were very few) occured in really cold weather. ABS tends to get brittle if left in the cold.

Occasionally the "core pin" in the molds would get "off center" which caused there to be too little material on one face of the bit. These were usually found at the factory.

Anyway, I think Rick will "fix you up"....ted

slowburn · Grand Duke Joined: 26 Mar 2009 Posts: 32

Dang! I have already discarded all (7) broken stems and quit buying Omega pipes for the time being.