I'd keep the price level of pipes modest until you have learned quite a bit about brands, shapes, filters, materials, finishes, airways, and so much more. Stick with known brands and standard materials at first. I think briars, cobs, and Meers in respected brands from established retailers work best. Consider estate (used pipes) as a way to keep price down. I'd say there's nothing wrong with Savinvelli, Stanwell, Big Ben, Dr. Grabow, Chacom, Nording and similar known brands. If you want to climb to a higher price level, you will learn a lot starting with more reasonably priced pipes. Though there is a case to be made, I disagree with the idea that you should spend as much as you can to get started; there's a lot to learn first.
