Brogs must be doing something right, as they seem to be growing more and more popular. But, I would only want to use briar, because of the aroma it adds to the smoking experience. And, I am even picky about the briar, as not all briar adds a pleasant aroma. I haven't had pear wood, but I have tried a walnut pipe, and olive wood pipe, and a cherrywood. Not a fan of any of these. However, I do really enjoy the strawberry wood briar, as it seems to add no extra flavors at all.