Purchasing a new pipe in the $100 range

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andya27

Part of the Furniture Now
Jun 15, 2014
501
6
As you can see from how many posts I have, I'm new to pipe smoking. I've concentrated primarily on finding out what types of tobacco I like - at least as a beginner. As for pipes, I have a couple Doctor Grabow (really cheaply made, but smoke just fine) and an estate find Stanwell Golden Danish. I'm thinking of purchasing a new pipe in the $100 (or plus a little) range.
At this price, is there much of a difference between brands such as Stanwell, Savinelli or Peterson? My question isn't so much which marque is anyone's particular favorite - rather, is there much of a difference in the quality of the pipes at this pricepoint?

 

msandoval858

Part of the Furniture Now
Jun 11, 2012
954
3
Austin, TX
In that price range, I've always been a fan of Savinelli. There are plenty of shape and finish options to suit damn near anyone's taste and I've never heard anyone complain about how a Savinelli smokes.
Petersons are great pipes too. I'm a fan of them as I currently have seven in my collection now. However, there has been some back and forth about the QC of their new production pipes.
Stanwells are great smokers as well for the price. I'd still put Savinelli above them for the reasons above.
Another to consider, if you are interested in free hand shapes, are Nording pipes. You can never go wrong with one of those and they are many in that price range as well.

 

andya27

Part of the Furniture Now
Jun 15, 2014
501
6
Thanks, Mike. I have been looking at the Nordings. They are really very attractive pipes. And if good smokers, then definitely one to consider.
One advantage of Savinelli is the filter option. I suspect most people don't bother with them. And I'm not sure how much they really help.
Of all the pipes in my wish list at my preferred vendor, all are Savinellis and Nordings (so far).
-Andy

 

andya27

Part of the Furniture Now
Jun 15, 2014
501
6
Thanks, Mike. I have been looking at the Nordings. They are really very attractive pipes. And if good smokers, then definitely one to consider.
One advantage of Savinelli is the filter option. I suspect most people don't bother with them. And I'm not sure how much they really help.
Of all the pipes in my wish list at my preferred vendor, all are Savinellis and Nordings (so far).
-Andy

 

dread

Lifer
Jun 19, 2013
1,617
9
I second Savinelli in that price range. I really like Peterson's too, but Savs are a better bet and to me are hands down the best bang for the buck at that price point save getting a good estate.

 

bwithers55

Starting to Get Obsessed
Jul 17, 2012
107
0
No, there is not much difference between pipes at the hundred dollar price point. -bw

 

curl

Part of the Furniture Now
Apr 29, 2014
722
463
I don't think it matters how much you pay for a pipe.

You'll still want another one.

 

JimInks

Sultan of Smoke
Aug 31, 2012
65,691
680,556
I'd pick either Savinelli or Nording. In this price range, I don't think they can be beat.

 

simnettpratt

Lifer
Nov 21, 2011
1,516
2
Another vote for Savinelli and Nording. As has been stated, while you hear some negatives about the quality of newer Petersons, I have yet to hear anyone complain about Savs or Nordings. BTW, I've been wanting to say I love the Sav in your avatar. I love the shape and I'm a sucker for saddle bits. Notice all your replies give thumbs up to Savinelli and Nording, and like sandoval says, you can get almost any shape in a Sav. My Nording Horn is my current favorite pipe.
PS I just pulled up all the $60-100 Savinellis at smokingpipes and they have 479 of them.
PPS Don't forget Missouri Meerschaum cobs. They smoke excellently, and are a great way to expand your rotation so you can rest your briars, and cost peanuts, starting at $3-6 bucks each.

 

rolldog

Starting to Get Obsessed
Oct 4, 2013
237
0
If you are a beginner and self professed trying to figure out what you like, perhaps you might consider a different tack. Buy three MM Cobs and spend the rest on tobacco. You will have three great smoking pipes and a lot of $$$ spent on baccy. Welcome to the hobby and good luck with whatever you choose.
RD

 

metarzan

Part of the Furniture Now
Nov 14, 2012
608
117
Nording, Peterson, Savinelli, Stanwell, I like them all. I have all 4 brands but tend to reach for the Stanwells most often for whatever reason... Personal preference I guess but there are some Stanwell prior POTR's marked down to your price range to consider as well.
http://www.pipesandcigars.com/pipes/66575/stanwell-pipe-of-the-year/

 

metarzan

Part of the Furniture Now
Nov 14, 2012
608
117
I must confess, Savinelli was my first "real" pipe and it smokes like a champ to this day!

 

plateauguy

Lifer
Mar 19, 2013
2,412
21
I have Savs and Petersons. I enjoy smoking both - the Petersons are a classic line of pipes that have had sporatic quality issues in recent history. Personally, the only issue I've had is a tiny stain run on one of the pipes that is only noticeable if you look hard.
The Savs have been consistantly a great pipe with a little more modern styling. They do have balsa filters which are inexpensive and the pipes can be smoked without them. (Look at the Tortuga line). PipesandLeaf.com has Savinelli Series III pipes for around $60. These are a lower end, unstained pipe that may have a blemish in the briar. I have one and find that it's a great smoker. The briar will darken with age.
Don't forget your Missouri Meerschaum cob pipes. They'll extend your rotation, and are consistently a great pipe for little money. Splurge at Walkerbriarworks.com and buy a Forever stem for about $25. You can use it on any of the MM cobs as long as it's the same type of pipe (filtered or unfiltered).
When you've made your choice, don't forget to post it so we can oooooh and awwwwh!

 

lochinvar

Lifer
Oct 22, 2013
1,688
1,648
I just bought my first Savinelli not too long ago and am more than happy with it, it smokes as well as Italians I have paid 2 and 3 times as much for. In your search, don't forget the French. I have some Butz Choquin and Chacom that are great smokers.

 

natenice1

Can't Leave
Jun 15, 2014
418
0
I agree the Savinelli all lines are great as mentioned some well in your price range I just purchased a Caramella 920 an Oscar Tiger 404 and a Tortuga 305 they are maybe on the top of your price range I have a Trevi 111 KS and a great smoker all are! As for Nordig excellent priced free hands and I have a few Chacom's too that fit into that range. As mentioned I internet shop all retailers are great and find P&C are the best on prices. Happy Puffing and show it off when it comes! :D

 

delkhouri

Can't Leave
May 4, 2013
443
22
Columbus Ohio
As others have said Savinelli are good in that price range. I would only go peterson if it was a straight pipe. I have only had one Nording but it was a piece of Crap. Others to consider that haven't been mentioned are:
Neerup

Brebbia

 
Bro,

Get Estate pipes, one pipe won't do any good, I smoke a bowl and then it rests for 24 hours ;), I have 4 pipes incoming in the mail as we speak. A very good estate pipe websit is by my dear friend www.estatebriarpipes.dk, he has a huge collection of over 1000 pipes and he does this as a hobby. You can get rare vintage ones at an affordable price too.
Anyways, if you're in the US smokingpipes.com has good Savinelli's. I would get myself any of their pipes with a 320KS bowl shape or even their 320EX ones also check out their estate pipes section as well. I've bought two from them as well for my fiancee in the US.
Get a few MM Corn Cobs. I like the country gentleman and atleast 2 Meerschaums. It will give you time and time to save up for better briars.
Hope it helps.

Chris :puffpipe:

 

ravenwolf

Can't Leave
Mar 18, 2014
302
0
Tough call, my friend, tough call.
Truthfully, probably any of the three makers would be just fine.
I have seen some quality control issues with Peterson pipes - but, somehow they are just charming all the same to me. A "system" pipe is something you'll enjoy the rest of your life, and you can pick between a regular stem or a p-lip stem. I like the system pipe with a regular stem. These are nice looking pipes that are sturdy, and not super expensive. Like a favorite pair of broken in blue jeans.
All Savinellis I have ever had smoked great, down to the cheapest pipes they make. The variety of shapes and finishes is quite impressive. I like their semi churchwardens.
For me, Stanwell pipes are the most aesthetically appealing. I don't know about their new pipes since they switched to manufactoring in Italy, but the ones marked "Made In Denmark" have always smoked well and looked beautiful to me. Many of their shapes were designed by pipe making legends, and then machines were used to mass produce them for folks that couldn't afford a pipe from a master pipe maker/designer.
I think in the end, it's all about the same. Pick a pipe that just looks gorgeous to you, and you'll be happy. Before you light it up for the first time, see if it passes a pipe cleaner to your satisfaction, check if the drilling is to your satisfaction, etc. If something is blaringly wrong, any good pipe retailer will make it right, provided you havn't smoked it yet.
Whether to go for an estate pipe or not is a personal decision. I've bought both. Some people think it's weird to smoke something that another person has smoked and prefer new. If you learn how to clean and sanitize pipes yourself, or are willing to pay a few bucks for a professional to deep clean them for you, you can get a nice deal.
Enjoy the hunt.

 
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