There are pros and cons on all pipes. Many Savenellis have a filtering system. You can use a filter, use an adaptor,
or use the pipe without either, with a more open draw, but it is a consideration if you prefer no filter, and if like me,
you get "taste" from an adaptor. Select Savenellis have no filter and that evades that problem; examples are
the Oscar Lucite line which runs in the $100 to $120 range. You are not likely to get a better smoking pipe if
you spent hundreds more, but neither will you wring a pipe club for envy. For that, go with the Rad Davis --
beautiful pipes. Stanwell has just moved from Denmark to Italy for production, so some people back away from
the Italian made pipes until they have proven out. Cup O Joes has a specific section with Denmark-made pipes
only, but it isn't the whole Stanwell line. I think you could find something in your price range by Mark Tinsky or
Tim West, whether new or used, that would be a one-of-a-kind, handmade artisan pipe that might please.
The key here is shopping a lot, looking at pipes until it's work instead of fun. Then you'll probably get a range
on a pipe or pipes that will fill your bill. The machine made pipes, Savenelli and Stanwell (and Peterson, and
Luciano, and others) are mostly great pipes and will do the job for a lifetime in many cases. Others like
Neerup, Johs, Chacom and others please some and not others. I'm partial to Johs, BC, Chacom, among others.
