So here's the deal-
I'm shopping for my new pipe. I'm a bit enamored of the Peterson "system" pipes, both for looks and because of the whole reservoir, dry smoking thing.
After reading most of the threads in this forum I'm under the impression that Petersons (along with Stanwell and Savinelli and a couple of others) are a good value, but Peterson have some quality control issues. Since I'm buying off the Internet there's no chance to check out the pipe in person before plunking down my money, so I'm starting to think maybe I should go with a maker that doesn't let lemons off the shop floor - Savinelli was mentioned as one such.
On the other hand there's been a couple of posts to the effect that nobody has ever been unhappy with the Peterson 303. If that's true I'm thinking that's the pipe for me - except I don't really understand the nomenclature - the 302 looks the same as the 303, at least from a cursory inspection of tiny online photos. Plus, I don't understand why the 303 would be a better pipe than other system pipes. Is it an easier shape to make correctly or something?
On top of that, while the 303 is a very attractive shape the 999 is even prettier to me, but if the QC isn't so hot on them I'm probably not getting a non-system Peterson. Iwan Ries has a very similar Nording "bent rhodesian" in a smooth natural finish (which I like a lot) for $76. I understand Nording is a good maker - but, again, rumor of inadequate QC rears its ugly head.
So...
Do I buy my 303 new, get another Peterson system pipe new, wait for an estate pipe, buy the Nording or look for a bent rhodesian natural from another, more reliable brand?
And don't get me started on meers - the simple, smooth ones get more attractive every time I look at them.
EDIT: Edited for clarity.
I'm shopping for my new pipe. I'm a bit enamored of the Peterson "system" pipes, both for looks and because of the whole reservoir, dry smoking thing.
After reading most of the threads in this forum I'm under the impression that Petersons (along with Stanwell and Savinelli and a couple of others) are a good value, but Peterson have some quality control issues. Since I'm buying off the Internet there's no chance to check out the pipe in person before plunking down my money, so I'm starting to think maybe I should go with a maker that doesn't let lemons off the shop floor - Savinelli was mentioned as one such.
On the other hand there's been a couple of posts to the effect that nobody has ever been unhappy with the Peterson 303. If that's true I'm thinking that's the pipe for me - except I don't really understand the nomenclature - the 302 looks the same as the 303, at least from a cursory inspection of tiny online photos. Plus, I don't understand why the 303 would be a better pipe than other system pipes. Is it an easier shape to make correctly or something?
On top of that, while the 303 is a very attractive shape the 999 is even prettier to me, but if the QC isn't so hot on them I'm probably not getting a non-system Peterson. Iwan Ries has a very similar Nording "bent rhodesian" in a smooth natural finish (which I like a lot) for $76. I understand Nording is a good maker - but, again, rumor of inadequate QC rears its ugly head.
So...
Do I buy my 303 new, get another Peterson system pipe new, wait for an estate pipe, buy the Nording or look for a bent rhodesian natural from another, more reliable brand?
And don't get me started on meers - the simple, smooth ones get more attractive every time I look at them.
EDIT: Edited for clarity.