New Stanwell Pipe of the Year 2012

[brass]

I still have a hard time judging/visualizing bowl size by specs. This pipe was considerably smaller than I expected. I considered returning it but thought it was a good buy regardless of size. (MSRP was $384. I would have been p.o. if I paid that much for it. But it is a beautiful pipe and for $79, I decided to keep it. I smoked it a couple of times, and despite the small bowl, got a 45 to 50 minute smoke out of it. And it did smoke very nicely and the bowl didn't heat up, which was a concern.
POTY 2012 Brown

Pipe Length:

4.8"
Bowl Inner Dia.:

0.7"
Bowl Outer Dia.:

1.3"
Bowl Height:

1.7"
Bowl Depth:

1.5"
Artisan:

No
Pipe Weight:

1.3 oz
Item #: PM-PSLPOTY12-N7-S

Brand: Stanwell

 

[seacaptain]

Nice looking pipe! I've seen this "Pipe of the year" thing a few time. Who decides that? How far back does it go?

 

[jackswilling]

I tend to like "smaller" pipes. Looks real nice to me, but agree that MSRP is crazy.

 

[dulgunz]

That pipe is nice and Stanwell has a line called "Pipe of the Year". If you buy the same year POY pipe, you will pay MSRP, but if get an older POY you can catch one much cheaper.

 

[brass]

The maker picks their on pipe of the year. It could be the most popular in their line or a special release. Several makers have POTYs.

 

[seacaptain]

The maker picks their on pipe of the year. It could be the most popular in their line or a special release. Several makers have POTYs.

Ah, that makes sense. Thanks. I really like this SAV POTY

 

[brass]

Is that yours, Sea Captain? Very nice.
Here is my Sav Collection 2000. One of best smoking briars I have. But not much better than my $49.Stanwll Poker, if any. That isn't taking a ding at Savinelli. Just underscores smoking quality and price are not always directly correlated.

 

[mso489]

Love these pipes; they're gorgeous. But I just rebel against the little metal plaques for POY honors. I guess it's just my quirk, but it throws off the flow and integrity of pipe design for me. I would either incorporate the designation in the stamp, or at least move the plaque to the bottom of the shank. Materials, and especially metal work, has to be done with tremendous taste and restraint. It's like logos on clothing. If a garment is that distinguished, it should be apparent from the workmanship and not need a written or visual advertisement to proclaim its superiority. For me, it's an important design point.

 

[brass]

Point taken, MSO. As posted elsewhere, I refuse to wear t-shirts advertising a product or brand name. I like the idea of placing the plaque underneath.
In some circles, especially in Europe, it is considered gauche to leave the cigar band on while smoking in public. It implied that you were seeking prestige from smoking a high-end blend. Likewise, a gentlman would not wish to embarrass a poor man in mixed company.

 

[okiescout]

My B& M is that way here, Brass. I have noticed, they take it off first thing. The small bowl thing, well really dimensions in general is a pet peeve of mine when someone is selling a pipe. I'll see someone asking big money for a pipe on E-bay and not say one thing about the pipe that I want to know. :crazy:

 

[papipeguy]

That's a real nice pipe. Much like Savinelli, you can't go wrong with Stanwell in my book. Enjoy.

 

[seacaptain]

Love these pipes; they're gorgeous. But I just rebel against the little metal plaques for POY honors. I guess it's just my quirk, but it throws off the flow and integrity of pipe design for me. I would either incorporate the designation in the stamp, or at least move the plaque to the bottom of the shank.

Completely agree.

 

[brass]

I have a $50 Stanwell that smokes as good as anything else I have.

 

[okiescout]

I have a $50 Stanwell that smokes as good as anything else I have.
I understand, Brass. My favorite pipe is a no name Irish bent with a large bowl and more fills than my teeth :D

I loaded 3 flakes of McClelland 2010 Classic Virginia Z-folded into it, set out on the deck, and listened to the rain fall for several hours last night. :lol:
I do not have any expensive Stanwells, but I have several from e-bay and they all smoke quite well. I especially like there blasts in black with a little of the gold or red stained briar showing.