Where Do I Start?

[Bowtech4ever]

Traveling a lot lately, without much time to smoke a good cigar. Thought a good bowl might be an answer to limited time, and desire for quality tobacco. I would greatly appreciate Piper input on: 1st. Pipe, and a couple Pipe Tobaccos to start out with. Thanks in advance!

[Desertlifter]

Noob pipe trade and a cob!

[Ropey]

Lotta people might suggest starting with a cob but I think they're a bit advanced. Since the draft hole is quite large you'll end up sucking in ash if you're not careful. Plus the cob can and does burn, etc. They're fun but a tad fiddly IMHO.

I'd go with a decent yet inexpensive briar with a big enough bowl that it won't be cramped. And I wouldn't buy it on eBay.

[mooster]

Watch out, Ropey; the cob lovers will get you! To tell you the truth, the main advantage I see to a cob is that you learn faster because of the drawbacks; this "best smokers in the world" stuff I see others peddling is malarky to me. But that's piping for you; different strokes for different folks.

[LandonColby]

Dr. Grabow pipe (I like the Omega) and order some bulk samples of whatever sounds good. I can recommend loads of things but it might narrow it down if you tell me what "genre" or flavors you're hoping to get from your smoke.

If you want to take a step up on the pipe I'd recommend a Savinelli. Decent price and very good quality pipes.

[Branzig]

Cob lover reporting for duty!

Cheap, easy to smoke, and darn near impossible to smoke wet. You can smoke multiple bowls in them without getting swampy, and if you want a 3 pipe rotation, you'll be out less than the cost of 1 ok briar.

Not to mention if you decide pipes aren't your thing, you're only out 5-7 vs. 30-100 for a new briar.

Just my 2 cents. And standing up for the cob! Add Carter Hall or Prince Albert for the ultimate cheap starter kit.

[OnePyroTec]

Since it is partially a time thing, start with the Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, Pony Express cobs from http://corncobpipe.com/smokingpipes.html A filled large pipe will take just as long to smoke as a cigar would. What tobacco to start with? For $0.25 I'll send ya a wide variety to sample.

[Cigars4Troops]

If you want to start with a cob and a few baccy samples PM me, send me $6 to cover shipping and I can get you started.

[Haebar]

Get a Savinelli or a Stanwell briar and a Missouri Meerschaum and join the Newbie Pipe Tobacco Trade.

[GWBowman]

Scott, you've all ready received good advice And I think you have a good idea. I'm in and out of the work van several times a day. I smoke the pipe while driving, set it on a bean bag when I get out, and relight when I get back On the road.