Pipe Show Questions

[louiezmich]

So as February is already flying by for me with school and work and what not, I know the Chicago Pipe Show is going to sneak up on me as well. So I have a couple questions. Do I need to buy my weekend ticket in advance? How much should I save for the pipe show, like a goal on how much I should save up to? I wanna buy a decent pipe and tobaccos and whatever else is there. Also what is going to be there? Are all the pipes going to be hand made super expensive pipes? Are all the tobaccos cheaper than even online prices? Will I make connections that will help me with pipe smoking for years to come? This is all racing through my young excited head.
I don't have to stay at the hotel because I live fairly close so you can't have to calculate that into the cost and I can't drink so that's excluded too. Thank you in advance and maybe I'll see some of you at the pipe show!
Lou

 

[bigvan]

The Chicago show is definitely the largest in the country, perhaps the world.
I usually stock up on tobacco at the show. Tins that run me $14 at my local B&M are usually $10 at the show. Plus with blenders like C&D, H&H and McClelland, you'll get TONS of free samples.
Yes there are high end pipes for sale there. Even if you're not in the market for one right now, I recommend you take a look at them close up. Talk to the carvers, you'll learn a lot.
There will be many tables with inexpensive estate pipes in all price ranges. You could spend DAYS just looking through estates.
I don't see a lot of cobs at shows. I can't really explain why, other than the type of collector who is going to spend the time and money to go to a show is just not as interested in cobs as some of the guys here. Not judging, just an impression.
No need to buy your ticket beforehand; I don't even think you can. Just walk up and pay your money.
How much money to bring? That's your call, but you'll see things you may not ever see again (until next year) so you'd hate to miss an opportunity.
I'll look for you.

 

[porshcigar]

The show sells admission tickets at the door at the show, this year, May 4 and 5, 2013. We don't have the ability to sell tickets in advance. Since you are in the area, you might also want to visit our free admission "Swap and Smoke" pre-show on Friday the third. It will open to the public in our smoking tent at 9 AM and goes on until 4 PM. This event always has plenty of estate pipes and well priced new pipes and tobacco. If you also come on Friday, you can also spend some time in the smoking tent visiting with other pipe smokers and attend our free welcome banquet on Friday night. I hope to see you at the Show. Craig Cobine
www.chicagopipeshow.com

 

[docwatson]

Lou,

It will be a lifetime awakening for you. Whatever happens in the meantime make sure you do not miss this Chicago show. Pipes from $5.00 to $10,000.+ and so many tobacco blends that your head will spin. Set a spending limit and you're set to go. See you there.

 

[brewshooter]

I can't speak for the Chicago show, but at the West Coast Show, I didn't bring nearly enough cash to cover what I bought. I thought I would be fine and not give in to temptation. Luckily, the one vendor I purchased from took credit cards and the other vendor, with a less expensive pipe I wanted, put the pipe under the table until I could hit the ATM.