Dan Benjamin

Okay, with a great start from PIF and a few hand-me-downs, I think I'm ready for my first "real" ($150+) pipe, and I'd love to hear your recommendations.

I'd rather save a bit and purchase a great pipe than purchase lesser pipes and be disappointed, so I'd love to hear your advice.

Tinsky's seem within reach for me, and so do Don Carlos, but what is *your* favorite reasonably priced pipe?

Mingkahuna

Hello Dan.  Assuming you're talking around $150, say up to $200, and a new pipe as opposed to estate, there are more than a few that I'd consider.  There's the old favorite Don Carlos. I'd also highly recommend something by German pipe maker Wolfgang Becker. You could also find something nice in a Tinsky or a Bonaquisti. Radice (Rind) is also a possibility (very nice pipes) as is a lower end Ser Jac and Ser Jac Geppetto. Be sure to check Lee Erck's Von Erck's Clasic pipes.  They're a hair over $200. And, don't forget to check out Steve Weiner pipes. He's making some dandy rusticated pipes that may be in your price range.

Here's some pipes that I have no experience with but are generally highly recommended around here: Cavicchi and Pipa Croci.

Jon Fia

I can vouch for a Cavicchi.  I got a 2c rusticated for 86.00.  Call skip at the briary.  You could get a nice cavicchi and a ton of tobacco to boot and still be under your price range.

Ed Hagan

I would give my highest recommendation to the wonderful pipes made by Maurizio Tombari. They are of extraordinary quality, beauty and value. I own 4 in the smooth finish and, if the lottery would cooperate, would own many more. This is the link if you would like to see Maurizio's offerings: http://www.pipe.it

Mario Persico

I would loke to add for your consideration.....a sandblast Tsuge Tokyo. Great pipes, lightweight, usually bamboo adorned, and available at most inline shops, including, among others: Gus's, Iwan Ries, Georgetown....more than I can remember now.

Tdavey

Don carlos for the money are VERY good pipes, I have three and each one of them smoke wonderful. However you can get a Tinsky which is also a great pipe so is von erck although the von erck is closer to the 200 range. If you are so inclined you can pick up estate pieces, Dunhills as low as 125 and Castellos as low as 150....they are out there. But buy the best you can afford....

Ashwani Kohli

Your first step into PAD boy you don't know as yet what's going to hit you, join the gang. Anyway, here are my choices if I were to spend 150/200 bucks on a pipe:

1. Ascorti

2. Caminetto

3. Becker & Musico

4. Cavicchi ( you can get 2 rusticated ones for 200 without silver work)

5. Don Carlos (you can  get 2 rusticated ones for 200 without silver work)

6. Il Ceppo

7. Pipa Croci

8. Radice Rind, Radice Nut, Radice Clear

9. Ser Jacopo

10. Stanwell ( You could get upto 3 of these + have money left over to try some new baccy)

11. Tinsky

All the above are great smokers, I have all of the above (okay the Radice I have only Rind)  every one of them is a great smoker if I want another pipe it would be from these above brands,  it just depends on what you like, there's a host of other brands too but I prefer Italians so that's why most of my, rather all but 2, choices are for Italian pipes.

firedancer

Something else occurs to me.  I love Nordings, especially if they are freehands.  I have several, and they smoke like the best dreams.  I have one that I'm particularly fond of, and I didn't have to spend more than eighty for it.  Believe me, you can find some wonderful pipes for less than one-fifty, in fact most of my best pipes cost me less than that.  I usually tend to be in the fifty to two hundred dollar range.  I feel a bit uncomfortable spending more for them.  I'll tell you, though, I just saw a Wiley for one sixty two days ago.  I have to have it, no matter what.  It's a freehand, and it's just super-gorgeous!

Stephen Disrud

Without any doubt, I'd vote for a Tinsky.  I by no means have a vast collection of pipes, but I do have a few within a $150-$200 price range and my Tinsky is by far my favorite pipe.  Smoking it was a new experience for me.  I am very happy with my Ashton Pebble Grain, Radice Silk Cut, and Cavicchi CCCC, but the smoking qualities of my Tinsky are impressively unsurpassed.

Joe Harb

Already some good recommendations, but one not included which I think should be is Ardor.  These can also be had estate for the same prices quoted for the other brands.

OTOH, if you're overwhelmed by the choices, go for the von Erck.

CRodri5569

You're definitely on the right track, Dan,  MT and DC pipes are my two favorites.  Just to throw in another name, I'll mention Ascorti.  Nearly as nice as the two you mentioned.  Please let us know what you get and your opinions of that pipe.

Andy Karp

You're definitely on the right track, Dan,  MT and DC pipes are my two favorites.  Just to throw in another name, I'll mention Ascorti.  Nearly as nice as the two you mentioned.  Please let us know what you get and your opinions of that pipe.

kfarndog

Tim West is one that hasn't been mentioned yet.  I have three and all smoke great with a nice open throat.  You could get a very nice West pipe with nice grain for $150.

Of course, Tinsky is an awesome choice, too.

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