I have smoked mine one time and I smoked a va/per, "Luxury Navy Flake", because I was able to cube cut into small pieces. The opening is very small and the tube is very deep. In fact my "packer" just fit the opening. (very nice design)
Was the the experience better than a regular cob? I would say not really, because of the work to prep the tobacco and pack the pipe. As for taste, I am just a hillbilly so I would say no difference for me.
I'm lazy, so I will likely not use the cob cigar again. With that said, if I did not have one would order one today the answer would be Yes. Just because I didn't have one. I must have the cob. :puffpipe:
For a quick smoke may I suggest the new Cutty or Acorn from Missouri Meerschaum.