Unpopular Opinion: I Don’t Like Cobs

[vates]

Prior to the 12 (or 13)-year hiatus I smoked mostly briars.
Ironically, it's a loaned corn cob that returned me to pipe smoking.
I loaned it as a prop for a dark-country gig with no intention to actually smoke it. But I had some free time while on tour, a loaned cob and a small zip-lock with a few drams of unknown flake. And those were the best 45 minutes of smoking I ever remembered.
Even more ironically is that although the number of my briars has tripled since the return, I still don't own a cob

 

[peregrinus]

I have a half dozen cobs. They’re handy for those times when I want to smoke something that may ghost,

+1

 

[pipestud]

I've always thought that pipe preferences are similar to tobacco preferences. Some hobbyists just can't find the appeal of Latakia despite many efforts. Some can't find appeal in Perique, or Burley, or Virginia, etc. I'm one who never got along with Meerschaum or clay pipes. Cobs are fun smokes to me - on occasion. That worn out old saying, "Smoke what you like and like what you smoke," is so true.

 

[timt]

I mostly smoke briars too but mainly for aesthetic reasons. The original cheap plastic stems on cobs are practically useless but throw a $20 forever stem on one and they become a different species. Can't deny that I love the wide open airway, have way fewer relights, much drier smoking with less dottle and practically no concern about the abuse or neglect it may receive. Other than that, I don't like them either and won't be caught dead smoking one.

 

[oldmansmoking]

I love cobs, think the legend is poor, but the Diplomat is great quality. They smoke great.

 

[gamzultovah]

They are not at the top of my list, that's for sure. I have a couple I enjoy, from time to time, but my mainstay is briar.

+1

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Cosmic is that you?

No, but it is good to see someone disagree with the whole "cobs are the best" notion, and not get curb stomped to smithereens by the cob lovers. Times have changed.

I don't like them either. And, I don't denigrate those who do... and, for you cob smokers out there... denigrate means to put down or "talk down to".

 

[prndl]

I like cobs.

I just don't like the way my favorite tobaccos taste in them.

 

[briarbuck]

What? you may as well say that you hate puppies.

 

[ray47]

COBS ARE MEANT FOR BURLEY.

 

[blues4goose]

Same, I don't really care for them either. I chewed a hole in the stem of mine in a few days, and I just didn't like how my tobacco tasted in it. Now I use it for what I call my 'chaos mixture', all the bits I dried to pack but didn't fit in the pipe. Love the shape though, a Devil Acorn

 

[rdoss16]

when i first started smoking i looked down on cobs. i saw them as cheap and ugly and I always held pipe smoking as a more regal, elegant way of enjoying tobacco which therefore necessitated a fancy smoking device. i of course spent lots of money on briars before circling back to the cob and giving it a try. i realized i absolutely loved them and wish i had not waited so long to dive into them. currently have a custom briar being built for me as we speak. however i completely understand your opinion and to each there own. as long as the pipe in your hand makes you happy thats all that matters.

 

[Mr.Mike]

They are my "walking the dog" pipes

 

[cosmicfolklore]

They are my "walking the dog" pipes

So... First welcome to the forum... second, I find it humorous that among your beater pipes that you've started a thread about, that it is a cob that must be used while walking the dog, ha ha.

 

[npod]

This is the most civilized Cob discussion (ever). Come on guys, where is the passion? The chest thumping? The bravado.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

This is the most civilized Cob discussion (ever). Come on guys, where is the passion? The chest thumping? The bravado.

After years of posting that I hate cobs, and having to fend off all of the "you're an elitist asshole" posts by the cob curb stompers... my work here is done.

 

[briarbuck]

After years of posting that I hate cobs, and having to fend off all of the "you're an elitist asshole" posts by the cob curb stompers... my work here is done.

You're still an elitist asshole....

 

[cosmicfolklore]

You're still an elitist asshole....

Of course, but there's nothing wrong with that.

 

[spartacus]

Love cobs for walking, hunting, and yard work.

 

[J.Henry845]

Some blends work better in a cob for me then my briars and meerschaums. I have a MM Diplomat that smokes Dark Flake Scented like a dream and a Mark Twain that I enjoy ropes in.

I don't think I could ever go strictly cobs, but certain shapes/models do have their merits.