Straight pipes have no curve to the shank or stem while bents do.
Although aesthetics play a major part in pipe selection, each style has certain benefits that can be exploited for different settings. I first started enjoying pipes, I smoked only bents. Sometimes I would branch out into a full bent or so, but I never looked at the straights. A fter some time I bought a computer and began to actually use it. If you enjoy smoking while doing any activity that requires the use of your hands then try a straight pipe.