Help me decide which pipe to buy!

[morefifemusic]

Hey guys,

Being of relatively modest means, I am only able to buy one pipe to add to my collection at the moment. I need your help deciding.

Budget is capped at ~70 dollars. I have narrowed it down to the following choices. You are welcome to suggest other brands (Boswell, Stanwell, etc.) but I am specifically wanting a pipe by these makers and like these pipes. Help me pick between them. Click the picture for the link to the for sale page at various pipe dealers.

My main collection right now consists of a Bjarne Bent Brandy, a couple of straight Dr. Grabows and Kaywoodies, and a Savinelli Hercules 611EX (I think its a dublin shape iirc) coming from fleabay.

Thanks for looking.

- Tyler

Johs Bent Apple - $68 from smokingpipes.com
http://www.smokingpipes.com/images/products/002-392-0371.jpg (http://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/johs/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=47653)

Savinelli Hercules 316EX - $70 from cupojoes.com
http://www.cupojoes.com/images/savinelli/her316ex.jpg (http://www.cupojoes.com/cgi-bin/spgm?dpt=H&srch=KW&item=savher316ex)

Brebbia Rocciata Black Sandblast -$68 from pipesandcigars.com
http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/pipes-cigars-tobacco_2047_16071049 (http://store.pipesandcigars.com/brroblsa60pi.html)

Jirsa Rustic Dublin - $68 from pipesandcigars.com
http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/pipes-cigars-tobacco_2044_88103174 (http://store.pipesandcigars.com/jisapi14.html)

I plan to order some baccy as well, so I would like to order from either pipesandcigars.com, cupojoes, or smokingpipes.

[GreekGodX]

I say go with the Brebbia. I've never smoked a Brebbia but I love how it looks. My second choice would be the Savinelli but since you are getting Hercules I say you mix it up.

[md4958]

Im not a pipe smoker, but as far as looks go, I think the Johs is the most aesthetically pleasing. my :2

[TOB9595]

I like the looks of the JOHS BEST :)

I always enjoy a BREBBIA smoke. These are terrific pipes. I already know that it is an exceptional smoker.

Thanks for the links with the pics...well done.
Tom

[TripleF]

Dang nice lookin pipes bro......

I voted for the Johs.....just looks cool. I've never used any of the above so I don't speak from personal experience. :D

[Nick]

I like the Jirsa however one problem with it is that the stem is over bent pretty bad. This is why I've never bought a Boswell, he seems to like to bend the crap out of his stems.

[Slow Triathlete]

I like the Johs. The carving around the rim is really nice!

[morefifemusic]

Thanks for the input guys! I was leaning towards the Johs and everyone else tipped me that way. I will post some feedback on it in the reviews section and plenty are familiar with Bjarne, but Johs pipes are a little less known (even though he carved many "Bjarnes").

-Tyler

[morefifemusic]

I like the Jirsa however one problem with it is that the stem is over bent pretty bad. This is why I've never bought a Boswell, he seems to like to bend the crap out of his stems.

Interesting comment Nick, I see what you are saying. I have read (when working on my own pipes) that you can bend the stem by heating it in oven (the process was a little more complicated).

I am wondering if an over bent stem could be jostled back just a smidgen?

-Tyler

[TOB9595]

Interesting comment Nick, I see what you are saying. I have read (when working on my own pipes) that you can bend the stem by heating it in oven (the process was a little more complicated).

I am wondering if an over bent stem could be jostled back just a smidgen?

-Tyler

That opens up a whole can of worms.
It doesn't take much to decrease the air flow or mess up the smoke.

If I were to try this I would use the oven and use a coil spring tubing bender (http://www.managemyhome.com/mmh/ideas/ViewCategoryNavigationAction.action?level1=Topics&level2Index=15&level3Index=6&uid=490c4986-e337-11db-8a44-b57745f8a18d&contentType=Article)...
Available from HOME DEPOT type stores or a plumbing supply. Just a thought..

What's the worst?
Contacting the maker and getting another stem...
A thought .... ask the maker for a different bend...

Let us know how you proceed. This is interesting.
Tom

[shortstory5]

Im not a pipe smoker, but as far as looks go, I think the Johs is the most aesthetically pleasing. my :2

:tpd: I like how the crown looks...

[BigFrank]

Peterson or bust :r

[morefifemusic]

Peterson or bust :r

Haha, I am actually not a fan of Petersons myself. :D

Nothing against how they smoke, its just the only way they look good to me is with a little :al

[JaKaacH]

I say go with the Brebbia. I've never smoked a Brebbia but I love how it looks. My second choice would be the Savinelli but since you are getting Hercules I say you mix it up.

I like the Brebbia too!:tpd:

[yellowgoat]

I just bought a Johs Partially Rusticated Billiard and thats what I vote for!

[Requiem]

I like them all except the Johs.