Anyone Had Recent Experience with Lorenzetti or Molina Pipes?

[carolinachurchwarden]

I'm in the market for a new pipe to add to my collection. As much salivating as I did over that $335 Urbano Bent Bulldog, I'm not sure I want to put that much money down yet until I can confirm that I like the style and how it smokes. I've been considering something that costs a little bit less and in my searching I discovered a Molina Zebrano sandblast bent bulldog that I kind of like, but still being new to the world of pipe manufacturer's, I wanted to see if any of you have owned any of these and if it's worth the asking price, roughly $100:

I have been comparing it to the Sav's I also discovered in my hunt:

I know they have a trusted brand, but I really like how that Molina looks. I also found a few lower priced Lorenzetti's that I liked, but were not in a bent bulldog form. I liked several of those as well, but find it hard to make a decision. I'm not looking to buy it immediately, but it will likely be my next purchase after the bulldog:

Any advice or information on any of those would be much appreciated and help in my consideration for the purchase.

 

[pianopuffer]

I have a Lorenzetti billiard I got a few years back. Smokes just fine to me. FWIW.

 

[carolinachurchwarden]

Okay, well there's at least a check mark for the Lorenzetti. They seem decent enough.

 

[bassbug]

This is my Lorenzetti Constantine in shape 23. Its a fine smoker, but it does gurgle a bit with wet tobacco.

 

[rigmedic1]

I have a Molina Freehand. It’s a bridge, what we used to call a pistol grip. It smokes really well, but the chamber walls was really thin on one side and a dark spot formed. I let the cake build up a bit and it hasn’t gotten any worse. Bought it three years ago at a B&M. I would buy another Molina, the Briar and finish are good quality.

 

[seacaptain]

Stick with the Sav, which is always my advice.

 

[carolinachurchwarden]

All good thoughts, fellas. I think I like the look of that Molina, but I know the Sav's are pretty much a lock on smokability. The only thing about that Sav I wish it had were the trademark rings around the bowl. Otherwise it looks more like a Rhodesian. Which...I'm still sort of confused about. I can't really tell much of a difference between a Rhodesian and a Bulldog...

 

[tbradsim1]

I have a Molina Spigot and for the life of me I can't recall the Series name, it wasn't an expensive pipe but it's a good smoker, Molina has a lot of history behind it,

 

[mso489]

Shapes are tricky, but in general, a bulldog has a diamond shape shank and a bowl with or without a bead line. A Rhodesian has a round or oval shank and likewise may or may not have a bead line. Both have the wide-waisted bowl. You'll find quite a few that skirt the edge, maybe the Savinelli 673 with a decidedly rounded but still diamond shank, and it's sold as a bulldog usually. I think the brands you mention are dependable.

 

[bambam]

I have 5 Molina pipes and love them, they are fantastic smokes, I would recommend them to anyone who wants a good smoke at an affordable price. :puffpipe: