Pete's have been around since 1865, so they must be doing something right. I love the three Pete's I have. All are entry level Aran's, but they still smoke very well. A good draw and well balanced. I would never think of you as a snob Jim. I've never heard you bash another pipe just because it wasn't a Peterson. I'm looking myself, to start a collection of Peterson's and it's not because I don't like other brands. I have a Brindisi that smokes very well and a Butz-Choquin that I like a lot, and I also intend on getting a Savinelli Caramella eventually. The reason I'm looking to start a Pete collection is because I like how they smoke and I love the look of them as well. I love your posts about what's new with Peterson Jim. Keep the informative and enjoyable posts about Peterson coming.