I personally think Cigrmaster is on the money. If you've only got $10 today, and want to try the pipe, I would advise you to wait a while, save some money, and find a good quality briar. I started with drugstore briars, but I was 18, didn't know any better, and had no one to ask. Even if you are on a limited budget, wait a little bit longer. You don't have to rush out and buy that pipe today.
That being said, I got a couple of cobs, and enjoy 'em. I tend to smoke burleys in them; that just seems to work for me. Have no desire to try a good English or Virginia in a cob.