The Billiard shape (also called Néogène) is the traditional shape of the pipes that come from Saint-Claude (French production). It is a classical and timeless shape that pleases the vast majority of people, whether they are beginners or used to pipe smoking. As you have understood, the Neogene is a safe bet! Its straight (and round) shank makes smoking easier and reduces the production of humidity (condensation). Even if it is slightly heavier than a bent pipe when held in mouth, the Neogene pipe is actually really pleasant to hold in hand. A lot of famous pipe smokers (JRR Tolkien, Albert Einstein and other lovers of the noble pipe) have obviously at least one pipe of this kind in their usual rotation. Indeed, the Neogene pipe only offers advantages: it is easy to clean, easy to smoke, and pleasant to hold in hand. On www.pipeshop-saintclaude.com, you have the ability to find the straight pipe that fits you the most among the biggest brands on the market (Eole, Chacom, Peterson, Dunhill, Stanwell,...).
