Best value or bang for the buck

[jacko]

I highly recommend Luciano pipes ($80 - $120) They have unfinished bowls which, for me at least, makes for a better smoking pipe. I worry about pipe makers such as Peterson who coat the hell out of their bowls. They could be filling holes with who knows what junk. Clear bowls tell a lot about the quality of the briar.

 

[user 1862]

If it's simply return for your monetary investment, nothing can touch a cob. They are trouble free and there is no break in to worry about. However, for the money, Lepeltier clay pipes for myself are a bargain. They don't ghost in the traditional sense, and you can always wash them if you feel they are getting nasty. They are double-walled, so they smoke fairly cool, and I find that I like the weight they have. Oh, I have yet to bust one. They're just a pretty sturdy little smoking implement.

 

[jmwill]

If it's simply return for your monetary investment, nothing can touch a cob. They are trouble free and there is no break in to worry about.

You're right on that my man...I've only owned one cob, and it was awesome. I'm more of a briar guy, but I do find myself liking the General and Freehand look from MM.