Hey, I'm not about to knock what I haven't tried, and I still am seriously considering that 320KS. But can you, or can anyone tell whether you get the same briar wood for the pipes they sell, just in case I decide to drop the filter with such a pipe? Currently, I never had any pipes which I've kept the filters on, and for some (cobs and Dr. Grabows), I've realized I will need to order some filters, because most don't smoke well without them. With some it's the draft hole being overwhelmingly huge, thereby necessitating the filter, but I doubt I would have that problem with Savinelli because the balsa sticks look kind of narrow. Or would I be wrong on that too?
I'm not sure on the 320KS but I think most Sav's manufactured today come with an adapter so you have the choice of using the filter or not. My Trevi came with an adapter but I don't use it and prefer the balsa filter. As far as the absorption qualities of briar goes I don't think there's much going on there. I've seen cross cut sections of well broken in briar pipes and the inside looks clean as a whistle with no sign of absorbing anything.