I thought we could have an interesting discussion on mid range 100-200 estate factory pipes. Brands like Upshall, Ashton, Castello, Radice, Caminetto, Mastro de Paja, Cavicchi, Ser Jacobo, Ardor,Ferndown and other names in this price range. There are so many great names out there and so many great deals on these types of pipes I was wondering who has their favorites and why. Many of these pipes had retails in the 250-600 range but can be bought for a half or third of their original costs.
I own Upshall, Ashton, Caminetto, Mastro de Paja, Don Carlos , Castello, Ardor and Lane Era Charatan. All of these pipe fit into the 100-200 price point. All were estate pieces except the Don Carlos and the Mastro which I bought back in 2001 when I was first starting out. My favorite in terms of smoking qualities is the Castello, I love the wide open draw and the cool dry smoke I get from it. In terms of stem design, the Upshall is my favorite although I do not care for the way the stems oxidize, but both are great smokers. In terms of bang for the buck I would have to rate the Castello and Upshalls at the top.
So which are some of your favorite factory estate pipes and what makes them so?
I own Upshall, Ashton, Caminetto, Mastro de Paja, Don Carlos , Castello, Ardor and Lane Era Charatan. All of these pipe fit into the 100-200 price point. All were estate pieces except the Don Carlos and the Mastro which I bought back in 2001 when I was first starting out. My favorite in terms of smoking qualities is the Castello, I love the wide open draw and the cool dry smoke I get from it. In terms of stem design, the Upshall is my favorite although I do not care for the way the stems oxidize, but both are great smokers. In terms of bang for the buck I would have to rate the Castello and Upshalls at the top.
So which are some of your favorite factory estate pipes and what makes them so?
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