Few brands smoke as dependably well as MM cobs. They're easy to learn to smoke on, and they are great for experienced smokers too. Some may think they look too folksy, but I think they look jaunty and dapper for anyone. They're light weight, travel well, are compact, and with reasonable care last for decades in most cases. I used to buy the after-market acrylic stems, but now I just buy the special edition pipes that come with them. If the best things in life aren't always free, the MM cob illustrates that at least some of the best things in life are moderately priced indeed. A pipe for all seasons.