Well I just bought another drugstore pipe. A Medico Varsity briar smooth finish, and it's a pretty good looking pipe. I got home, stuffed it with some PA and fired it up. I was dreading another break-in process, we all know how unpleasant that is. Well, to my suprise, it tasted just like another seasoned briar. The smoke was cool and plentiful, with just two relights necessary. I'd say for 30 bucks its one of my better pipes. I have Mr. Brogs that don't smoke half as well and cost twice as much.