You can't leave China out of a response as you ID'd the pipe as being of Chinese origin. It's probably the singular most important part of description of the pipe you are speaking to.
If, however, the pipe you describe was not mainland China produced I'd have doubts as to how well it would smoke. I didn't like either the smoking traits of Brylon, the heft nor the looks. But, the pipe does originate from the mainland and therefore, in my opinion and, based on their track record over the years makes it suspect. You didn't suggest the pipe was made under the name of a Western country with their oversight regarding materials and production. So, "red flags" indeed!