Peterson 303/Zippo

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by neuromancer

$70-$75 you'd still be getting a good deal, and the lighter has a pipe chimney, not the old everyday cigarette chimney...couple that with a can of the new Zippo fluid made from parafin (doesn't smell like the old naptha-based fluid) and you're off...

Reference to this combo on ebay came up in a Frenchy Starter Kit thread and I wanted to hear more thoughts on the 303. I found the 303/Zippo package marked down to $70 at JR about a month ago and had at it. I was as interested in trying a system pipe and a P-lip stem (just because I could?). I was pleasantly surprised with this Peterson "volkspipe".

• the 303 has a slightly smallish bowl, but there's always a time for a slightly smallish bowl. After a dozen more smokes I might pack higher and harder and rethink how small the bowl "really" is;
• the 303 smoked pretty good outta the box and, after a dozen bowls, is starting to look like it'll have a long future with me;
• the P-lip is not exactly for me but we have made peace and will go on together (this one time);
• the grain is not a vision of perfection but it isn't shabby for a $70 pipe and lighter combo;
• the air passge enters the chamber a tad high but it's still taking a bowl to within a few millimeters of solid ash - I think I'll fill it a little;
• the "System" works - even with very moist tobacco this pipe has refused to gurgle or produce any more than a hint of moisture at the bit;
• I like a military pipe and this is a nice, if somewhat robust, example. "It won't break easily." might be an understatement.
• It smokes cool without paying much attention to careful slow-puffing.
• if you light up any pipe in a breeze the Zippo pipe lighter is good, especially considering the newer low-stink fluid.

They could have come up with something cooler than "Zippo" to stamp on the band - that's my biggest criticism. I owned a sailboat called a "303" and it reminds me of this pipe: robust, production, conventional with a few slight twists, great performance for the price.

I'm thinking this could be anyones first pipe that they'd still be smoking 25-years later. Is this true?

[Alpedhuez55]

Great review!!! I bought one of these packages in the spring. I like it. I think the pipe smokes cool and dry. THe P-lig does talk a little getting used to, but I like it. THe bowl is very small though. But you do not always have time for a big pipe. This works nicely for those times.

The Zippo lighters are not my favorites. THey sork OK, but Fluid LIghters can be a pain. I like butane better. But it is a classy lighter!!

Mine has been dedicated exclusively to Frog Morton blends. I have gone through a 100g and almost done with a 50g tin.

And they can be had for under $60 shipped on Ebay. Mine cost me about $50 shipped.

[ShawnP]

Thanks for the review Mr M. I have been on the fence with ordering one of these and well now I think you pushed me off the right side


Shawn

[Alpedhuez55]

Originally Posted by ShawnP

Thanks for the review Mr M. I have been on the fence with ordering one of these and well now I think you pushed me off the right side


Shawn

I bought mine here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Zippo-Lighter-Pe...QQcmdZViewItem

They are asking for $60 shipped free. I got mine within 2 days using priority mail.

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by ShawnP

Thanks for the review Mr M. I have been on the fence with ordering one of these and well now I think you pushed me off the right side


Shawn

(Disclaimer) Beware my review, Shaw'p - I am barely more than a novice who recently picked up a pipe after a 25-year layoff. I posted the review partly as a sounding board to find out, from more experienced puffers, if I am in the ballpark or talking trash. You might wait til a few FOG-types, if any, jump in here. Don't rate me as having expertise -just a laptop and one Peterson.

(Get one - you won't be disappointed. Very nice with Squadron Leader.)

[ShawnP]

Originally Posted by Mister MaDuroo

(Disclaimer) Beware my review, Shaw'p - I am barely more than a novice who recently picked up a pipe after a 25-year layoff. I posted the review partly as a sounding board to find out, from more experienced puffers, if I am in the ballpark or talking trash. You might wait til a few FOG-types, if any, jump in here. Don't rate me as having expertise -just a laptop and one Peterson.

(Get one - you won't be disappointed. Very nice with Squadron Leader.)

You sound like you know a good pipe experience to me brother. I read that & hear your confidence in that pipe.

Don't worry you did good

Shawn

[Nooner]

I am nowhere near a pipe FOG - but I do know lots of folks love their Pete's!!!

I love that particular style(the 302, 303 or 304 or more preferably an 02 Spigot), though I've never gotten around to purchasing one...

I think Peterson pipes are definitely made for Latakia blends - the more Latakia the better!!! Nightcap is ideal(IMHO).

Nice review Dan!