Got my Forever Stem just in time. Coincidentally, while I was waiting to receive my order, the stem on my Diplomat started fitting very loosely for some reason. Think I may have overheated the pipe and it actually damaged the stem.
In any event, I got my 2 and 3/4 inch spear model, stuck it on and have to say that I'm very pleased. It is comfortable, hangs nicely and the sand swirl finish looks like it was custom designed for cobbs - oh, right, it was. :wink:
Now, in all truthfulness, the standard stem that comes with the MM cobbs feels great, looks good and is probably lighter than the Forever stems. But there is value in aesthetics and I liked the Forever Stem so much, that I've already ordered a three inch tortoise saddle bit and will order the 3.5 inch standard tortoise along with a new Fifth Avenue as soon as Dave gets the blanks back in stock.
On reflection, I would revise my analogy of putting "putting $500 mags on a Dodge Dart junker." Instead, I might compare fitting MM cobbs with Forever Stems to putting $500 mags on a VolksWagon bug."
Now, I'm thinking back to the sixties and seventies when the Bug was an inexpensive but reliable car with a certain charm and personality. People loved that car and it wasn't unusual to see pimped-out VWs. Cobbs are more like the old VWs than junk Dodges. They, too, are inexpensive, reliable, and do the job as well as many more expensive pipes and better than some.
My wife sometimes asks me why I need a new pipe, fishing rod or box of cigars. Sometimes I respond candidly, that I don't need them, I want them.
BTW, my experience with Dave at BriarWorks was outstanding. Polite, patient, informative, helpful and efficient. I'll add my kudos regarding his company to the many already proffered my members of this forum.
