Went pipe shopping today and left the store disgusted. Every sub $100 pipe was drilled WAY off. If the hole in the bowl wasn't a 1/4 inch above the bowl the stem hole was drilled way off center. These were some brand name pipes too. If I order a 50-100 pipe from a well known online vender is it too much to expect it to be drilled correctly?
Why is it so Hard to Find a Sub $100 Pipe That is Drilled Correctly?
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Unfortunately, pipes are like everything else, you get what you pay for. More money usually means more attention to detail and more handwork. You will get more for your money buying a $100.00 estate than a $100.00 new pipe. A $100.00 estate probably started off life as a $250.00 new pipe.
I think Nording pipes are nice pipes for under 100 dollars and have never had a problem with any of mine.Also you can't go wrong with a Boswell once in a while I see some for around 90 dollars on the pipes for sale page but you have to be quick to get one. 
Unfortunately the sellers of these pipes do not return them to the factory like they should. Instead they try and pass off these inferior defective pipes to the uninitiated consumer. In my opinion it is a disgrace. You should be able to buy a 100.00 pipe that is drilled properly. I have not heard of Savinelli having this issue in their lower end pipes. I have seen with my own eyes numerous Petersons that are defective. It is up to the consumers to not settle for a pipe that has been improperly drilled. Never except one, if you get one return it before smoking it. We are the only people who can change this. If people continue to buy these defective pipes, then why should the mfg stop sending them to the retailers. Obviously certain mfgs care nothing about their name any longer and continue to pass off this garbage.
I have been watching the Sebastian Beo pipes lately.I don't own one yet but it is the next pipe on my list to pick up.I just haven't seen the right one yet.
Well, I guess I have to cast a negative vote for a Nording. I have one (only one) and it is without comparison the worst smoker I have. Personally, I would not go to that well again. I have 5 Petersons and they all smoke great. Now, I grant you they are the higher end of the Pete range, but they all do very well.
I have seen pipes costing more than $100 with the same issues. I have around 20 Savinellis in my collection and had never seen one improperly drilled until recently. I bought a Sav for almost $200 and was disappointed to see it was drilled slightly off center and had a large and very obvious fill. True, at that price I did not expect the pipe to be entirely free of fills, but this was near the top front of the bowl and perhaps 1/4 inch long.
Fortunately the vendor, who is a sponsor here, took it back with no difficulty.
Fortunately the vendor, who is a sponsor here, took it back with no difficulty.
I picked up a Nording at the local B&M here a few weeks ago. The inside at the top of the rim and the bottom of the bowl had a slight imperfection in the bowl coating, so they knocked $25 off the price and I got it for a mere $50. It is drilled just fine, I have come to find that it is a teeny bit harder to get a cleaner through it than I would like but it doesnt affect smokability at all and I am actually quite pleased with my purchase. I too have about 5 Savinellis now and have no issues with any of those either. Sounds like this could just be a matter of quality control more than anything else.
I just picked up a cheap Briar pipe at my local b&m because it had a small bowl, which is perfect for this time of year. It's called JC Briar pipe and it was my best smoke by far so far! I have a couple of $100 Brigham that I love as well but I wasn't expecting anything out of this pipe and it smoked incredibly for $25.
"Quality. Less than a $100 your best bet is Savinelli"
Absolutely agree. I used to rate Savinelli lower than Pete or Stanwell, but things have changed - positive for Sav, negative for the others imho.
It's not to say they are perfect or flawless, but they are a pretty good pipe.
I also agree it's up to the retailers somewhat - they should just box up the junk and send it back to the manufacturer as defective. I can't believe what's getting passed off as acceptable or "expectable" these days.
Absolutely agree. I used to rate Savinelli lower than Pete or Stanwell, but things have changed - positive for Sav, negative for the others imho.
It's not to say they are perfect or flawless, but they are a pretty good pipe.
I also agree it's up to the retailers somewhat - they should just box up the junk and send it back to the manufacturer as defective. I can't believe what's getting passed off as acceptable or "expectable" these days.
I have a couple of Sav's a Stanwell, Brebbia, Aldo Velani, Cassano, Karl Erik, Peterson, Cellini, Kaywoodie, BC, Jobey and a couple of no names... all of them were had for under $100 with all but two for under $50... the only two that have improper drilling are the Brebbia and the Karl Erik.
So with that said... I believe (like so many have already stated) you can get a nice decent pipe for under $100
So with that said... I believe (like so many have already stated) you can get a nice decent pipe for under $100
Lol, you get what you pay for??? For $80 the dam thing should be drilled right!!! That should not be that hard to get right!! A hunk of wood with two holes in it. I understand paying more for the quality of the wood, craftsmanship, finish ect. But I would expect a $10 pipe to be drilled properly, it's not rocket surgery!!!
+1 on Savs and Stanwell brands, and also Boswell...you can get
new/unsmoked for just under $100./mark and have all been dead-
on drilled for me...some other well name brands (won't play name calling
but that pipe I got was slightly over $100./gift for friend) but good
thing I looked it over before giving the gift...drill hole on this bent-
came out almost halfway up the bowl....WTF...was returned without
issue a wonderful Stanwell Golden Danish Pot was ordered...great
looking pipe for $98.
new/unsmoked for just under $100./mark and have all been dead-
on drilled for me...some other well name brands (won't play name calling
but that pipe I got was slightly over $100./gift for friend) but good
thing I looked it over before giving the gift...drill hole on this bent-
came out almost halfway up the bowl....WTF...was returned without
issue a wonderful Stanwell Golden Danish Pot was ordered...great
looking pipe for $98.
I'll agree with that. Both my Baronet 510EX and 121EX were under $50 and they are perfectly symetrical.
A lot of pipes at your local B&M have been picked through, just like you did, leaving behind the pipes of less than desirable construction. They can't see them before they buy them and many have fill, inaccurate drilling and other minor acceptable defects. Ask when a new shipment is coming in and be one of the first to inspect the new lot. It is the same with guitars, you play 5 identical looking setups but one plays outstanding. I used to just look at a pipe and buy based on looks. As time goes on, the more you learn and the more picky you become. Some of the pipes I own now I would never buy again, but another newb would. Just be glad you know what to look for.
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