How Are Becker Pipes Nowadays?

[americaman]

After hearing a fellow forum member speak highly of Paolo Becker pipes a while back, I’ve been interested in eventually getting one. However, last night I learned that Paolo Becker passed away a few years ago.

I’m assuming the Paolo, and Fritz, made Beckers are the best, but what about the new Federico-made pipes? If I end up getting one, which carver should I go for?

 

[lestrout]

Yo ame - Becker fan here. I think the last several years of Paolo's production may have had a lot of Federico's input.

hp
les

 

[bluegrassbrian]

I’ve had two more recent productions. A 4 club and a 3 club.
The stummels are top notch... perfectly drilled and the blasts were fantastic. Stain was flawless too.

The lone downside for me (and I’ve seen it on many of them lately) is the stem. Top quality vulcanite to be sure and lovely colors but the bits were WAY too thick.
It’s especially noticeable on a longer shanked pipe. Look how chunky the mouthpieces are at the lip.
It’s overkill on a pipe that weighs around 1 oz or less... so much so it felt almost clumsy.

If you are picky about stems and like a thin bit, pay close attention to any of them that you are considering.