Consitency and Smokability

[mordy18]

I'm getting back into pipe smoking after a 5+ year hiatus, and was never a regular or experienced pipe smoker to begin with. I have a Savinelli Bings favorite, a barclay rex basket pipe (which actually smokes great), a cob, and just bought a relatively inexpensive Peterson Dublin 999 which I really like so far. Already thinking about my next one.
I'll spend up to $200 on a new Briar pioe. I know the choices are endless and much is personal taste, but to narrow it down, I prioritize consistency and smokability. Looks is far in third place, although a nice looking pipe would of course be, well nice. Which brands, or specific lines of brands, could be considered the most consistent/least likely to get a lemon and most smokable overall. In other words, if I buy something over the internet, I want to know that what I get will work and will work well and will have quality construction first and foremost. Where would you look in the $200 price range? Thanks.

 

[jpmcwjr]

I would go out of my way to find a B+M, a pipe show, or a thrift shop with some decent estate pipes.
Where do you live?

 

[hawky454]

I have the most of Neerup, Stanwell & Savinelli pipes in my collection and of course I think they are the best out there, especially for the price point.
Welcome back to the most underrated pleasure in existence... the pleasure of smoking a pipe is unparalleled.

 

[mordy18]

In Northern new jersey. I'd like to avoid an estate pipe because I don't want to deal with the hassle. I know I might find a great pipe and a great value, but I don't want the headache. I wouldn't think that would help with assurance of smokability in any event. Trying to get a sense of brand reputation and people's experiences with different brands and lines. Which good quality Briars that are not astronomically expensive are the most consistently well engineered. That's my question.

 

[cigrmaster]

I would look at Radice pipes for the best bang for the buck in the 200.00 range.

 

[warren]

It's a risk, buying sight unseen. About the same risk as buying in person. So, first priority is "return policy." Most well known makers/manufacturers offer good pipes. How well they smoke is most often the responsibility of the buyer. But, you are not going to know until you have smoked a new pipe a few times. Of course the return policy is usually done when you put fire to tobacco and smoke it. So a close inspection for defects is necessary.
How well a pipe smokes is more dependent on the smoker than the maker I've found.

 

[fishnbanjo]

I agree with Harris on Radice, even though I have many pipes in various price ranges if I were relegated to only one factory made pipe it would Radice, hands down.

banjo

 

[olkofri]

Savinelli is a renowed maker. Peterson appears to be sketchy, lots of duds from what I've seen; however, in the $200 range you'd be in the higher grades territory, so you're way more likely to get a decent pipe.

 

[ashdigger]

Get a Peterson with a Silver Spigot. You'll never get a dud and most go for well under $200.

 

[carolinachurchwarden]

^ I'm with Ash on this. P&C even has some very nice looking Newgrange silver spigots right now for about $150 and they look really nice. I'm getting very tempted myself.

 

[cigrmaster]

If someone is going to buy a Pete, you had better call the retailer first and have them go over the pipe with a fine tooth comb. Do not just order one without it being inspected.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Yeh, your Petes are "right on" Ash, but with as many duds that I've seen posted on here and my own over the years and my own experiences, I'd prefer to have the thing in hand, before I forked over any money. Even then... there are just so many way cooler pipe companies.

 

[ashdigger]

Cosmic, are the pipes duds or are the smokers duds? Just because a pipe gurgles doesn't mean it's a bad pipe. Plenty of crappy pipers complain and can't admit they just suck at the basics of smoking a pipe. Just saying.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I'm talking about the bad drills, dip stains, and things left inside the draft hole posts. I wouldn't give a post about a gurgly pipe a second look.

 

[prndl]

For around $200.00, the Radice Rind is a steal.
Ymmv.

 

[tschiraldi]

In that price range, Stanwell. Period.

 

[rdavid]

I own several sub $200 Savinelli's and are probably my favorites. Stanwells are guaranteed good smokers for me and recently, have been very impressed with Rattray's pipes. The Rattray's actually seem to have a slightly better fit and finish than my Savinelli's.
Don't think you'll go wrong with any of the suggestions made here.
Geeezzz... Now I have to go look at Radice. Bunch of enablers here, that's for sure!