Going to take the plunge on my first REAL pipe...

[Royale Duke]

I just had a couple questions about a pipe I was considering on buying.

I was perusing the more expensive pipes(40+ dollars) at my local pipe shop and there were a few pipes that I had the clerk get that I handled and examined(two Petersons, a Paykal, A Savinelli and two Molinas).

I found a really, really nice full bent Molina with a large cauldron-style bowl, I picked it up and I absolutely fell in love with it. They also had another REALLY nice Molina that was a 3/4 bent with a very large bowl that was somewhat octagonal in a sort of Dublin style shape, both Pipes are 50 bucks. I did a bit of research and the Cauldron style one is normally around $60-70 and the octagonal Dublin was usually around $130-150.

All the pipes had their proper markings, the Savinelli, Pertersons, and Paykals were in the proper price bracket(the most expensive being the Petersons).

So, My question is are Molina Pipes good, quality pipes? The Sales rep swore by them, said he sells tons of them and he's never had a complaint. He showed me his as well, a rather nice Dublin style straight pipe.

I feel ready to move onto a nice briar now that I've been tinkering around with that Corn Cob pipe. I should have the money for it tomorrow or the next day, or sometime next week(hopefully they will still have my pipe! There was some guy I thought was eyeing the one that I exclaimed was the one I was assuredly going to buy) so I am excited to say the least.

Also, some general advice on care(I already have pipe cleaners, A pipe nail tool, and a lighter/matches to light the pipe) would be most excellent.

Also I just picked up 1.5 ozs of the following:

Old St.Nick
Voodoo Queen
Rum Runner

Falling down ANOTHER slippery slope!

[MarkC]

Make sure to examine them for a proper drill! It's obvious to me in hindsight, but it's amazing how much easier it is to smoke to the bottom and build that bottom cake with the hole at the bottom of the bowl rather than part way up the side...

I just made the 'jump up' myself about a month ago, though I went with Stanwell, so I can still relate to your excitement! Believe me, this pipe will be special.

I wish I was familiar with Molina, but unfortunately I'm not.

[dmkerr]

Originally Posted by Royale Duke

So, My question is are Molina Pipes good, quality pipes?

Ha ha - very timely question! I don't own and have never smoked a Molina but a friend of mine just last night said his was his favorite pipe... over all his Savinellis, Stanwells, Grandis, Petersons, etc. It's the one I always seem to see in his jaw. He swears by it. Based on what I know about my friend's taste in pipes, I'd say go for it.

[Royale Duke]

Aha! Thanks for the advice everyone, I am almost ready to go buy myself that pipe! Which is good, since the tobacco's I bought yesterday are calling out my name.

[MasonM]

While I don't personally own one, I know of them to be good quality pipes. In my experience, when a pipe calls to you and just feels like "your pipe", it's a good match and you should buy it.

I recently bought a Bjarne Giant that just felt like my pipe. I wasn't even looking for a new pipe at the time, but it just seemed like the right pipe for me.

[Royale Duke]

Thanks everyone! I love the new pipe, as you can see by the other thread I made that has pics of it.