Total pipe Noob and I don't even know where to start

[Desertlifter]

Thanks for the info so far guys. I appreciate it and I'm gonna start doing some research. It sounds like the corn cob pipe is the place to start. I will definitely pick up a couple to get me started.

Why does everyone recommend starting with the cob? Is it simply because it is a cheaper way to get started in the hobby or are they easier to use than the others?

Keep the suggestions coming fellas. I don't know anything about it so nothing is to trivial for me. Haha.

Reno

Cobs are stupid cheap, costing less than your average dog rocket. Meanwhile, they are great and forgiving smokers. Cheaper briars may or may not smoke well, which can be frustrating and steepen the learning curve. They are also good to keep around to try different blends in case of ghosting - when a blend leaves an aftertaste, if you will.

[c.ortiz108]

From one total noob to another: it seems a lot of advice to pipe noobs on the various websites and forums assumes that it's better to start with aromatics (i.e, flavored in pipe lingo). I'm not sure that's the case for people who already smoke cigars and are used to the various natural flavors of the devil's weed. I still know nothing about pipe smoking but so far am not quite loving the aromatics and have not smoked one that didn't make me feel, "hm, I could've had a cigar instead".

[Lostmason]

From one total noob to another: it seems a lot of advice to pipe noobs on the various websites and forums assumes that it's better to start with aromatics (i.e, flavored in pipe longo). I'm not sure that's the case for people who already smoke cigars and are used to the various natural flavors of the devil's weed. I still know nothing about pipe smoking but so far am not quite loving the aromatics and have not smoked one that didn't make me feel, "hm, I could've had a cigar instead".

That's interesting. I myself like some of the areo's , not in the cigars though.I really enjoy the natural burley blends the most though.Then again , when I think of
areo's I'm thinking of those blends with fruit toppings, the ones I enjoy have chocolat or coffee, or nut flavors added.I would say start with a lite burley or virginia.

[RenoH414]

From one total noob to another: it seems a lot of advice to pipe noobs on the various websites and forums assumes that it's better to start with aromatics (i.e, flavored in pipe lingo). I'm not sure that's the case for people who already smoke cigars and are used to the various natural flavors of the devil's weed. I still know nothing about pipe smoking but so far am not quite loving the aromatics and have not smoked one that didn't make me feel, "hm, I could've had a cigar instead".

So, do you not enjoy pipes or is it just the aero's that you don't enjoy? It'll be a new adventure for me so I'm going to give them all a try and see what I do/don't like.

Reno

[Lynn]

So, do you not enjoy pipes or is it just the aero's that you don't enjoy? It'll be a new adventure for me so I'm going to give them all a try and see what I do/don't like.

Reno

push..push..gona need another ashtray I feel it in your bones...ppppuuuusssshhhhh

[RenoH414]

push..push..gona need another ashtray I feel it in your bones...ppppuuuusssshhhhh

You don't have to push bro. I can feel it's gonna be a downward slope already.

Reno

[c.ortiz108]

So, do you not enjoy pipes or is it just the aero's that you don't enjoy? It'll be a new adventure for me so I'm going to give them all a try and see what I do/don't like.

Reno

No, I do enjoy pipes, but so far not as much as cigars, generally speaking. I haven't had a blend that's knocked me over yet, but have enjoyed the non-aromatics more. Another factor is how much attention pipe smoking requires - a little more prep, relights, and cleaning. Not a big deal and it's all an enjoyable part of the ritual, but if I'm doing other things or rushed a cigar is just simpler. I'm guessing that will change with practice, though. Keep in mind this is all coming from a guy who's smoked like 4 or 5 bowls in my life!

[Lynn]

No, I do enjoy pipes, but so far not as much as cigars, generally speaking. I haven't had a blend that's knocked me over yet, but have enjoyed the non-aromatics more. Another factor is how much attention pipe smoking requires - a little more prep, relights, and cleaning. Not a big deal and it's all an enjoyable part of the ritual, but if I'm doing other things or rushed a cigar is just simpler. I'm guessing that will change with practice, though. Keep in mind this is all coming from a guy who's smoked like 4 or 5 bowls in my life!

well step right up..wanna make a deal.....

[Haebar]

Welcome to the pipe side Reno! The others have pretty much covered the field with their suggestions. I also recommend the Newb Pipe tobacco trade; it is a good way to sample lots of different tobaccos without spending tons of money. Some places online that I like to do business with are:
http://www.pipesandcigars.com/
http://www.smokingpipes.com/
http://www.tobaccopipes.com/
http://thepipeguys.com/
http://www.iwanries.com/home.cfm
http://www.milantobacco.com/index.htm

There are many others but these are my favorites.

[c.ortiz108]

well step right up..wanna make a deal.....

Ha ha, not just yet.... maybe once I get through all the stuff Tobias bombed me with in his pipe quotes contest! Just like with cigars, half the fun is in experimenting and trying new stuff.