blinddog
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Posts: 10 
First Name: Steve
Favorite Pipe: The one I am smoking at the time.
Favorite Tobacco: Carter Hall
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Post by blinddog on Apr 16, 2017 11:25:06 GMT -5
I don't make many posts, most of my questions are answered by reading older posts. I have seven pipes, five briar and two MM cobs. My favorite briar is a Larocca Featherweight that is 30 plus years old. I love the MM Old Country Gentleman that I have had for a week. The other briars are basket pipes I picked up here and there, they smoke just ok. I know that more money does not make a pipe a better smoker, cobs are a good example of that. My question is, what is the difference between a $ basket pipe and a $$$ pipe?
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Post by Lady Margaret on Apr 16, 2017 12:15:19 GMT -5
will be watching this thread!
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Post by Darin on Apr 16, 2017 12:28:32 GMT -5
You're already ahead of the curve. 
The extra $$'s are in the materials, fit and finish ... aesthetics for the most part.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2017 12:31:48 GMT -5
MM cobs are good smokers for the money. I have several I enjoy. As far as basket pipes, I can't bring myself to but any when there are estate pipes I can own for about the same cost. I love the old Custombilt and Tracy Mincer rustic carved pipes. All of mine smoke well. I will take a nice used Big Ben or similar, over any new basket pipe.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2017 12:39:07 GMT -5
Some mid level briars may represent a modest improvement depending on your preferences. Hard to beat my unfinished Savinelli Lumberman ($39 on sale). I'm personally partial to James Upshall, top shelf and very reasonably priced. My primary rationale is these pipes provide cool dry smokes which is the acid test for briars on this end. JMHO but I couldn't personally justify the cost for high end briar pipes on my budget unless they're huge estate scores. My only Dunhill is an awesome smoker, estate, at $150.
Meers are another question - Go straight to the top and never look back.
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Post by puffy on Apr 16, 2017 12:45:00 GMT -5
Smokes hot or and wet..Two qualities that I don't like in a pipe.A lot of basket pipes have them.When I first started buying pipes many years ago every smoke shop had basket pipes.They were actually in a basket sitting on a counter.I bought a lot of them and over the years got rid of almost all of them.Now and then you find a basket pipe that smokes good. I've had one for 30 years it smokes great..Let me say some things that I think makes a good pipe.I like a pipe that is light for it's size,has a good non restricted draw.I'm big on balance,meaning that I don't the bowl to be overly heavy.When I hold a pipe I want it to fit my hand almost as if it was made for me..You will find that folks have different price ranges for the pipes they buy depending on attitude and budget..Most of mine run between one and three hundred dollars.I have two Dunhills that were 600 each..I bought them back in 1990 when I was working.In my opinion it's better in the long run to spend more on better quality pipes even if it takes longer to get them.I'm sure others may differ with that though.
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Post by oldcajun123 on Apr 16, 2017 15:28:36 GMT -5
I'm with  , buy the best you can, but you never know, I have a cheap Molina that smokes like a dream, 1100$ Parks that smokes great but not 1100$ worth. I find myself smoking the lower end pipe mostly, but that's because I would lay them in ash tray on porch and my dog chewed on a couple. Sometimes you can find a jewel in a basket pipe, but most times you won't . It's a tool and cheaper tools really don't last. I am not a Pipe Snob, just stating my opinion. You know what people think about that..  |
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Post by herbinedave on Apr 16, 2017 15:43:32 GMT -5
Buy what you can afford, but IMHO pass a few cheapies and save for a good one!
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blinddog
New Member
Posts: 10
First Name: Steve
Favorite Pipe: The one I am smoking at the time.
Favorite Tobacco: Carter Hall
Location:
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Post by blinddog on Apr 16, 2017 16:17:53 GMT -5
I found from shooting target archery for 15 years. That better equipment will not make you a better shooter. You are still a bad shot with less money. I figured pipes and tobacco are pretty much the same. Smoke what you like and what works for you.
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Post by herbinedave on Apr 16, 2017 17:11:28 GMT -5
I found from shooting target archery for 15 years. That better equipment will not make you a better shooter. You are still a bad shot with less money. I figured pipes and tobacco are pretty much the same. Smoke what you like and what works for you. Smoke a few pounds of that Mixture #79, I think you will change your mind. Pipes it comes down to the mechanics and aesthetics. Is it drilled right, is the stem comfortable, if it is a bent does it hang properly. Big difference between a machine made pipe and one made by hand. Not saying you can't have expensive duds as you can. So this is not a good comparison and I do know what I am talking about. Over 30 years smoking a pipe and I quit counting at 200 as I stilll buy and give many away! |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2017 17:54:14 GMT -5
While I understand the archery comparison, I will add that you don't see people competing in that pastime at a high level with entry level equipment. Not a pipe snob here at all, but I definitely think you get more from a good quality estate than from a basket pipe. I will take a good cob if I need an inexpensive knock around pipe, or a cheap estate pipe. They have to smoke cool and not gurgle for me. Ergonomics is important too. I can afford decent pipes, my upper limit for a new hand made pipe is about $200. I have mostly pipes that cost me $30-$50. None are basket pipes, unless you count the cobs. On the other hand I respect the guy or gal that is happy with a $15 dollar basket pipe and smokes PA exclusively. Different strokes for different folks.
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Post by peterd-Buffalo Spirit on Apr 16, 2017 21:06:10 GMT -5
...I don't smoke OTC tobaccos exclusively...However, I buy Sutliff Mixture #79 in 5 lb bags...the rest of my OTC's in tubs...I smoke them in expensive pipes and less expensive ones...I agree that if you find a pipe, basket or not, and it smokes well...gives you what you want...etc., that's great!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2017 16:50:56 GMT -5
High quality pipes are just that, High Quality, stems fitting without gap or miss alignment, airways drilled straight and true to avoid moisture build up and won't gurgle and the draws are open to mention a few. I've smoked a lot of cobs and cheap pipes and then I got my first quality pipe and was very impressed and realized what I was missing.....a even better smoke then I had been having. Yes, they're made with high quality materials and sometimes some add attractions like inlays and such but, for the most part they are made with a lot more attention to detail, fitment and smoking pleasure insuring the smoker of a fine smoke. Now that doesn't mean all high quality pipes are equal or should I say so called quality pipes? Because sometimes there are dudes that either got by somehow or the maker just didn't care enough. Find a manufacturer or maker that has had a lot of good feedback and you'll find a fine smoker most the time.
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blinddog
New Member
Posts: 10
First Name: Steve
Favorite Pipe: The one I am smoking at the time.
Favorite Tobacco: Carter Hall
Location:
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Post by blinddog on Apr 17, 2017 17:23:51 GMT -5
Thank you for all your input. The archery comparison was not a good one. I have my eye on a couple of better pipes, I will check reviews on them. The pipe show will be in Kansas City this September never having been to a show. I would imagine there will be a good selection of pipes.
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Post by antb on Apr 18, 2017 3:04:38 GMT -5
Basket pipes are ok - sometimes.
Good estates are better - often.
However, once you acquire a high grade you will find yourself smoking it more and more, to the exclusion of others - (except cobs LOL).
My 2 cents.
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Post by peterd-Buffalo Spirit on Apr 18, 2017 5:53:05 GMT -5
High quality pipes are just that, High Quality, stems fitting without gap or miss alignment, airways drilled straight and true to avoid moisture build up and won't gurgle and the draws are open to mention a few. I've smoked a lot of cobs and cheap pipes and then I got my first quality pipe and was very impressed and realized what I was missing.....a even better smoke then I had been having. Yes, they're made with high quality materials and sometimes some add attractions like inlays and such but, for the most part they are made with a lot more attention to detail, fitment and smoking pleasure insuring the smoker of a fine smoke. Now that doesn't mean all high quality pipes are equal or should I say so called quality pipes? Because sometimes there are dudes that either got by somehow or the maker just didn't care enough. Find a manufacturer or maker that has had a lot of good feedback and you'll find a fine smoker most the time. Ron makes some very valid points... |
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Post by antb on Apr 18, 2017 6:10:35 GMT -5
High quality pipes are just that, High Quality, stems fitting without gap or miss alignment, airways drilled straight and true to avoid moisture build up and won't gurgle and the draws are open to mention a few. I've smoked a lot of cobs and cheap pipes and then I got my first quality pipe and was very impressed and realized what I was missing.....a even better smoke then I had been having. Yes, they're made with high quality materials and sometimes some add attractions like inlays and such but, for the most part they are made with a lot more attention to detail, fitment and smoking pleasure insuring the smoker of a fine smoke. Now that doesn't mean all high quality pipes are equal or should I say so called quality pipes? Because sometimes there are dudes that either got by somehow or the maker just didn't care enough. Find a manufacturer or maker that has had a lot of good feedback and you'll find a fine smoker most the time. Ron makes some very valid points... True |
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