Missouri Meerschaum sets the standards for cobs. If you can find one with an acrylic or vulcanite stem, that's ideal, or you can retrofit them with Forever acrylic stems. The regular plastic stems are serviceable, but I tend to chew them up after several dozen smokes. MM sells some freehand pipes with good large bowls and vulcanite stems, and their collaboration with Dagner on poker/nose-warmer pipes have acrylic stems. Once you get a cob you like, it is no longer a "disposable" pipe. You really get attached to them. Other than MM cobs, the other quality cob is Old Dominion, made with heritage Native American corn cobs and real reed stems. They are also fine smokers. Cobs are great for beginners because they smoke so easily, don't require any special attention nor breaking-in for most people. Some people are self conscious about the homespun look of cobs, but I think they are a nice contrast even when you're dressed up. A cob and a tux, perfect.