Newbie Help...

[Ohnogojira!]

Hey guys,

Lookin to treat myself to my first pipe for christmas and need opinions.

Just like cars and blondes i realize its always a gamble and may get a dud occasionally, but which production/artisan maker consistently puts out a superior product most of the time? Excellent drilling, draw, etc... I appreciate function over aesthetics.

So far from what im reading old Barlings and Castello’s are decent.

Thanks!

 

[STP]

Welcome. Can’t go wrong with Savinelli ?

 

[Chasing Embers]

Welcome aboard from Central Kentucky!

If you're looking at that price point, why not look at getting a birth year Dunhill? Be careful around here though, we have a giant moth problem!

 

[Chasing Embers]

Welcome. Can’t go wrong with Savinelli ?

Totally agree.?

 

[wyfbane]

Some years Sav's are better, but most years I prefer Peterson Christmas pipes. Also, Chacom has some great Christmas pipe offerings too!

If you have Gojira sized stacks of cash, you can get a Dunhill Christmas pipe. They are nice, but crazy $$.

Mark Tinsky comes out with Christmas pipes. They are usually VERY nice.

Some people here will find a carver they like, build a relationship with them and then do a Christmas commission. That is a great way to get fun, one-of-a-kind pipe.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Some people here will find a carver they like, build a relationship with them and then do a Christmas commission

Yep, just got my 2020 Santa pipe in the mail from Jason today.?

 

[saltedplug]

If you are fairly new I wouldn't go hunting Castello or old Barlings. You don't have the chops yet to know if the extra cost is worthwhile, but if you go for Savinelli you will get a well-made pipe affordably. Put some miles on it and get a basis of comparison and then go big game hunting.

 

[jerseysam]

Neerup, Brebbia, Butz Choquin, Briarworks, Savinelli, Winslow........all solid makers, lots of styles at affordable $'s for a first briar. If you are set on an Artisan, I'd head to Blueroom Briars and check out RC Sands.

I'm going to second Saltedplug.....it's not at all ment in a condescending way, but it takes some time/experience to be able to 'get' what higher-end pipes bring to the table. At least for 99% of smokers.

 

[olkofri]

If you are fairly new I wouldn't go hunting Castello or old Barlings. You don't have the chops yet to know if the extra cost is worthwhile,

I was gonna suggest that myself.

 

[pruss]

Oh man... now that’s a question.

So, if it’s your first pipe, I’d say some basic guidance would be to buy a pipe that you find appealing. The right look, the right feel, the right weight, how it fits in the hand, whether or not it is light enough to clench... all these things will play on how much you enjoy it. Next, make sure that it passes the pipe cleaner test. I’ve had brand new Christmas pipes from Peterson and others fail this test. If you can’t smoothly pass a cleaner you’ll eventually struggle with the smoke. Once you’ve answered those questions, then move onto factory or artisan makers as options.

I love the idea of building a relationship with a pipe maker, and working on regular commissions. I have three Aldens that I love, and appreciate almost as much as I do conversing with Ryan.

I also like chasing shapes, grades and finishes from specific factories and generations of pipes. I have a happy little posse of Comoy’s bulldogs that make me happy.

As to where I’d point you for your Christmas buy this year? I’d say answer the “Do you like it” and “Pass the cleaner” questions and then just go for gold. At that point it doesn’t matter where the pipe is from.

Keep us posted on what you reel in.

— Pat

 

[jpmcwjr]

Lookin to treat myself to my first pipe for christmas and need opinions.

<< Snipped bits out >>

So far from what im reading old Barlings and Castello’s are decent.

Yes, they are, but other good suggestions above.
And Welcome!

You can put your location in your Profile—(please!—because people will forget!) That will save questions in the future as to where you live when you later mention local stores, weather, tobacco prices, availability, regulations, location of photos, wildfires, air quality, etc., etc..
Under your avatar, (top right, left most of three symbols) you choose "Account Details", which brings up "My Account". "My Location" is halfway down. Whatever you're comfortable with- town, city, county, state. Just country if you must.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I recommend Jack Howell as an exceptionally consistent Artisan with reasonable prices. And he's a member here. Great lines, perfect drills and the best stem work I've experienced. Here's his website, you can check out his pipes. Jack Howell PiPipes. Regardless of your choice, best of luck.

 

[danimalia]

If a Castello is in your budget, by all means, you should check them out. They're extremely well-regarded. I don't have any, because I just haven't had budget and availability in alignment. I am quite fond of the Radice I have, and I actually prefer their shaping. They tend to have some options that are a tad more affordable than Castello. Their Rind rustication is similar to Castello's Sea Rock, and their Silk Cut sandblasts are often outstanding as well.

On the more affordable end, I have been very pleased with the smoking qualities of both of the Stanwells that I have. Both of them are from Stanwell's lower-end lines, but they smoke as well as anything I have.

If you're looking for a Christmas Pipe, as opposed to a pipe for Christmas, I think this year's Petersons are awesome looking. Peterson is a brand that can be a bit contentious, but I have had mostly good experiences with mine.

 

[Ohnogojira!]

I recommend Jack Howell as an exceptionally consistent Artisan with reasonable prices. And he's a member here. Great lines, perfect drills and the best stem work I've experienced. Here's his website, you can check out his pipes. Jack Howell PiPipes. Regardless of your choice, best of luck.

Thanks! Gonna check him out

 

[Ohnogojira!]

Thanks everyone i appreciate the feedback! Def have some great suggestions...

 

[Ahi Ka]

Have you checked out the sales forums on here?

 

[Sloopjohnbee]

you'll need at least 3 pipes

 

[tschiraldi]

Castello, Jesse Jones, Blakemar Briars, Stanwell, to cover all price ranges.

 

[Ohnogojira!]

Have you checked out the sales forums on here?

No not yet, def gonna see whats available. Thanks!

 

[Ohnogojira!]

I recommend Jack Howell as an exceptionally consistent Artisan with reasonable prices. And he's a member here. Great lines, perfect drills and the best stem work I've experienced. Here's his website, you can check out his pipes. Jack Howell PiPipes. Regardless of your choice, best of luck.

Perfect! Loving what i see. Thanks! ?