This is the first Mario Grandi I have bought. Other have asked me to review it. Ill do my best to talk about my first thoughts out of the box and show it off a bit.
I won this on ebay for $75 shipped. If you want to check out Mario Grandi their store front is at the following address http://www.ebay.com/sch/futurepipes/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686
Out of the box: It is a really nice looking pipe. There are hardly any blemishes in the wood and you have to really look to find them. MG has no stamp on the stem. The only markings are the name and "Made in Italy" on the shank. The pipe is light for being on the larger side. It has a big 2"+ deep bowl that's about 3/4" in diameter.
Smoking: The stem is wide at the bit but thin. This makes the bit seem flimsy when clenching. I don't clench so this is not a big factor for me. Now for the primary reason for the review. It smokes great. Great draw, doesn't smoke hot, and it tastes like a pipe I have already broken in. I was having problems achieving the really sweet taste profile that Capstan blue was suppose to have. This pipe achieved it out of the box.
Over all: I am way more than happy about how this pipe turned out. For the price I would have been happy if this pipe smoked half as well. MG pipes will be getting more of my business in the future.
And now for the pics...
I won this on ebay for $75 shipped. If you want to check out Mario Grandi their store front is at the following address http://www.ebay.com/sch/futurepipes/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686
Out of the box: It is a really nice looking pipe. There are hardly any blemishes in the wood and you have to really look to find them. MG has no stamp on the stem. The only markings are the name and "Made in Italy" on the shank. The pipe is light for being on the larger side. It has a big 2"+ deep bowl that's about 3/4" in diameter.
Smoking: The stem is wide at the bit but thin. This makes the bit seem flimsy when clenching. I don't clench so this is not a big factor for me. Now for the primary reason for the review. It smokes great. Great draw, doesn't smoke hot, and it tastes like a pipe I have already broken in. I was having problems achieving the really sweet taste profile that Capstan blue was suppose to have. This pipe achieved it out of the box.
Over all: I am way more than happy about how this pipe turned out. For the price I would have been happy if this pipe smoked half as well. MG pipes will be getting more of my business in the future.
And now for the pics...
