Thinking about a new pipe... recommendations?

[timmay]

New pipe smoker, only a few weeks and 10 or so bowls under my belt. I'm thinking about buying myself something nicer than my estate Medico for a post hard spring semester yay I made it present. I'm thinking between $50-$90 and if it matters, I do enjoy the look of freehands and would prefer a slight bent type. I don't care for rustics that look like termites ate them or sandblasts that look like testicles.
I kinda like rugged plateau rims but I'm not sure if those are a good idea for a newbie or not. I'd love some recommendations!

 

[pstlpkr]

You can get a decent Peterson for that.... Arthur? Can you help out?

 

[unclearthur]

Yep. Right here. Darn nice pipes and decent price.

http://www.cupojoes.com/cgi-bin/dept?dpt=H&srch=KW&search_text=Peterson+Aran

 

[unclearthur]

Another option is having made by an incredibly handsome older fella living in Wisconsin.Say the one on the Left here!

 

[bubbadreier]

I think option two is the best!

 

[timmay]

Didn't know you were in WI Arthur. I'm over in the Twin Cities. Whereabouts in WI?

 

[papipeguy]

Very good options above. Other to consider are Savinelli, Stanwell and Butz-Choquin. Good luck and welcome to the forum.

 

[unclearthur]

I am a bit south of Eau Claire. Humbird.

 

[hobie1dog]

Peterson all the way for you my son. ::

 

[lordofthepiperings]

I love my Peterson Aran B5. Have two more Arans on the way. The Aran is one of a few lines of pipes Peterson does at prices within your range. Others include the Shannon, Killarney, and Shamrock to name a few. Savinelli has a nice line the Caramella line, which I plan on getting one of eventually at right around $110.

 

[unclearthur]

A B5 is on my to buy list. Nice shape!

 

[pstlpkr]

I think you'll need your snow shoes to get to Arthur's this weekend. :D

 

[unclearthur]

LOL!!

 

[lyst36]

Personally, I think Bjarne makes some nice pipes. Can't go wrong with a Peterson or Savenilli though.

 

[wallbright]

I would check out Marty Pulvers website. He has great deals on estate pipes and you can often find premium pipes for great prices. I bought four pipes, a Savinelli Antique Shell, a BBB Bulldog, a Danish Sandblasted, and a Wally Frank White Bar Second for $45 shipped. Here is a picture of them:

The only "issues" were the Danish needed to be reamed a little more (you can see some of the cake in the picture) and the BBB had some spots on the side but nothing affected the smokeability. Also, the Wally Frank was a second but everyone I have shown it to has agreed that there is no reason it should be a second. These pipes would have cost much more than $45 but Marty often buys groups of pipes and keeps the nicer ones to sell individually and then unloads these for great prices.
Anyways, just check out his special page I am linking here and if you have some patience you can snag some great deals. You might also want to check the rest of the categories as well. http://pulversbriar.com/specials.html

 

[puffintuff]

Peterson, Savinelli or Uncle Arthur. That's my vote, and not necessarily in that order.

 

[bigvan]

If Uncle Arthur can make you a pipe, you should jump at it. My next choice would be something from Marty Pulver's web site. Anyone can buy a Peterson but you have the opportunity here to get a really special pipe.

 

[krgulick]

I am sure unclearthur would make you a very fine pipe for the price range you are looking at.

 

[westcoastrich]

If I had to make the choice I would opt for a custom made pipe from unclearthur, you don't often get the chance to order a pipe made to your specifications from such a talented carver, and at a discounted price he will charge a Pipe Magazine member. Have fun with it and enjoy what ever you chose.

 

[recoilrob]

For that kind of money you can get yourself a couple of nice older English made pipes, broken in already, Comoy's, Hardcastles, or a nice Dane. I wouldn't worry about the rim. Just try to find out what they were smoking in it first. Don't want an estate pipe that has been used for years with Peach Cobbler if you like traditional blends.
OTOH a nice meerschuam can be smoked daily and should be in your range.