I don't know where you are located, but if you have ready access to our sponsor online retailers, you might start by looking at pipesandcigars.com, at examples of Stanwells, Big Ben, and Savinelli (and others) in the $50 neighborhood. Good buys at those prices can also be found at smokingpipes.com, iwanries.com, 4noggins and others. Dr. Grabow, especially the Royalton series with acrylic stems, are very good. Missouri Meerschaum has an array of low-price cob pipes that are fine smokers; I especially like the Dagner/Missouri Meerschaum collaboration, a short poker shape with an acrylic stem and good big bowl. Have fun shopping. I am a Forums promoter of carefully selected, higher quality pipes at lower prices. I treasure the higher end pipes I now own, but I have had excellent luck with many lower priced pipes carefully selected for quality. You can have a great smoke for $40-$50. I recently bought a Tsuge "tasting pipe" from PC for $39.99, a penny below your low end! Have fun and good luck. Welcome aboard.