Baraccini pipes.

[jirohen]

Has anyone here tried one of these pipes? I've been smoking for about 4 months now, and I want to get my first briar pipe so I want to know if they are worth it. I don't have money for more expensive pipes, and looking for a specific shape on ebay is usually difficult since they are either very expensive or I get sniped at the last second. I want the poker pipe they have.

 

[George Kaplan]

I bought one of these on a whim a few months ago. Honestly, I can't say I was all that impressed. It had varnish inside the (very narrow) bowl and a chip on the edge of the mortise. Also, it came with a poorly-designed stinger, which was removable, but taking it out only revealed the off-center drilling in the stem. The draw was OK, I guess. I've smoked worse in my day, but it tended to gurgle early with or without the stinger in, and it was really hard to get a pipe cleaner down its throat. Of course, mine was a quarter bent, so you might have better luck with a poker. Was it worth it? I don't know. I guess that's what 23 bucks buys you these days.
I hate to shoot down your hopes, jirohen. Everyone's gotta start somewhere, and many of did with pretty cheap pipes. (I did, once upon a time.) Look at it this way: if you want an intermediate pipe between your hardwood cobs and a "real" briar, this would be an affordable choice. Just remember there are MUCH pipes out there in the 50-80 dollar range. You might want to save your money wait for something you'll really like.
I hope this didn't sound to discouraging. I hate to come off like some kinda pipe snob, but "buyer beware", ya know? Hell, now I wish I'd kept that pipe. I'd send it to you so you could see for yourself without spending your hard earned cash. Sorry about that.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
-G

 

[jirohen]

Well, Thank you for the reply George, and for the offer too. I guess I'll start saving my money now so I can get a good briar in the future.

 

[nogbert]

I dont know anything about the pipe brand in question, but i do endorse the message of saving up a few more bucks for a better pipe.

Savinelli makes some very affordable pipes, and i think nearly every BoB member would agree that they are consistently good smokers.

there are a few lines in the $40-$50 range that are absolutely worth the money!

whatever you decide, good luck and enjoy!

 

[George Kaplan]

I second the Savinelli suggestion; I've never been disappointed by them. By the way, I meant to say there are much BETTER pipes in the 50-80 dollar range. I know you're eager to step up to a briar, but I really wouldn't recommend that Barracini. Ever heard that old saying, "buy cheap, and you'll buy twice"? Well, now you have. Think about making your first briar a good one that you'll enjoy for years to come.
Another word on Savinellis: pipesandcigars.com has a few left in their "natural" range for 40-50 bucks. That's a damn good price! I just bought one myself and it's pretty nice. I haven't smoked it yet, (waiting for my birthday next month) but I've never had a Sav that didn't smoke well. These are "naked", with no finish on the wood at all. As I smoke it, it should gradually pick up color from the smoke and the oils in my hands, becoming something totally personal over the years. Maybe that's something that would interest you. Just a suggestion.
-G

 

[jlong]

The funny thing about pipes and prices.

We start at the bottom of the scale with $5 cobs. Most will agree, including me, they are great smokers.

You move up a notch to the $25 briar basket pipes. They are a crap shoot and often smoke worse than the $5 cobs. Some on the other hand smoke great.

You move up another notch to the $50 variety such as suggested here and you have a good smoker. Bjarne Vikings are another good $50 pipe.

If I wanted to spend $25 or $30 on a pipe, the safe bet for me would probably be a Lorenzo. But, I feel I'm sticking my neck out if I were to recomend one.

 

[George Kaplan]

Dang Nabbit, jlong! Now you've got me drooling over Bjarnes, and I've already spent my pipe allowance. The little devil on my left shoulder is saying "C'mon, George, you've never had a Bjarne before, and jlong says they're good smokers for the price." Then the little angel on my right chimes in. "Now George, you set your limits for a reason. You'll feel better if you stick to your guns." Then the devil: "But look how pretty they are. And they're on sale this week."

 

[pipeman1947]

I have a poker Baraccini and it is a very nice smoke.however buying from the cheaper end of the market is a bit of a lottery.You mentioned buying on Ebay , 3 sellers to watch are Irishlefty, Pipesbywhitney and 4570dp.They sell recondtioned and sanitized pipes usually from the lower end of the price range,but I have never had a bad one from them irate: irate:

 

[ArleighBerg]

I bought a bent dublin from Baraccini as my second "real" pipe purchase. I did it because it was cheap (I think under $25 on sale) and I wanted something quick to try separating aromatics from non-aromatics. I have found that I have a love/hate relationship with this pipe.

Pros - it is very light and sits well in my teeth. In fact it is the most comfortable pipe I own in terms of the shape of the bit fitting my mouth. It was cheap.
Cons - it has a weird finish that seems poorly made. In fact it doesn't really even seem like briar in grain and finish. It tends to collect moisture more than my other bents. It heats up much faster than my other pipes.

I think this one will become a bottom of the barrel pipe in my collection, reserved for fishing, working outside, or other activities which I'd rather not subject a good pipe to.

 

[Ocelot55]

As far as I'm concerned Baracinni is a basket pipe with a name. Now, that's not necessarily a bad thing, but don't go expecting something high quality.