Pipe Talk - all makes, models, and designs
- Thread starter Absintheur
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Those are some very handsome pipes in your collection! One thing I'm curious about is the cost of a fully custom made pipe vs the cost of a production pipe such as the Jazz or a semi-production, semi-custom pipe such as those offered by ePipeMods.
Generally, production e-pipes sell in the $125-$150 range and the semi-production /semi-custom pipes range up to $300. These prices usually don't include any clearomizer/tankomizer upgrades or VV/VW options.
I've got two semi-production e-pipes (an 18350 and an 18500) with a VV upgrade. Haven't figured out how to post pics on my computer yet (don't have a web-cam on my antique set-up).
One thing that that I've noticed about pipe pics is that it's hard to get a sense of scale from them. The array of half bent pipes are obviously all of matching size - probably 18350's. It's hard to tell if the full bent pipe is also of similar size, or larger. I often think that a pic of a pipe in the owner's hand might be very useful for conveying the size of these pipes.
Doc
Generally, production e-pipes sell in the $125-$150 range and the semi-production /semi-custom pipes range up to $300. These prices usually don't include any clearomizer/tankomizer upgrades or VV/VW options.
I've got two semi-production e-pipes (an 18350 and an 18500) with a VV upgrade. Haven't figured out how to post pics on my computer yet (don't have a web-cam on my antique set-up).
One thing that that I've noticed about pipe pics is that it's hard to get a sense of scale from them. The array of half bent pipes are obviously all of matching size - probably 18350's. It's hard to tell if the full bent pipe is also of similar size, or larger. I often think that a pic of a pipe in the owner's hand might be very useful for conveying the size of these pipes.
Doc
I almost hate to say it but my Meerschaum, Figural, and Calabash were all under $150, one was closer to $100 and that includes shipping and 1 or 2 included stems.
I haven't done quite as beautiful and the sales price of these and with the batteries, it was about the equivalent of $ 100 ...
I like lower prices, but my wife brought up an interesting point. Matt has an entire operation to pay for, with multiple workers and things of that nature. It's not just one or two guys in a wood shop doing this as a hobby, so I can understand the cost of business to a degree. Gotta buy materials, pay employees, cover overhead and still turn a big enough profit to pay bills.
Well I finished this one up on Friday evening and spent Saturday and Sunday vaping it. It felt odd to me at first but after a while I found it's sweet spot and have been enjoying it since.
Totally! I have no problem with their prices, especially considering the work that goes into a handmade pipe from natural materials. It would be hard to turn a profit in this game and keep prices below $100. I think Mycroft's are so cheap because they mod preexisting estate pipes.
If I had a problem with Matt's prices I wouldn't own 3 of his pipes.
Turner...that looks great!
Turner...that looks great!
This, my friends, is where it's at! Vaping bliss.
Finally got my switches today. Turned down a $5 churchy in the meantime.
I also received my Siam tips adapter, Ab. That baby plugged right into the tenon hole of the Royal Meerschaum replacement. Perfect fit. The actual 510 connection is a little wobbly, but manageable still. Thanks for the heads up!
Finally got my switches today. Turned down a $5 churchy in the meantime.
I also received my Siam tips adapter, Ab. That baby plugged right into the tenon hole of the Royal Meerschaum replacement. Perfect fit. The actual 510 connection is a little wobbly, but manageable still. Thanks for the heads up!
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The wobble issue is why I burr out the stem so the stem actually fits over the top of the slim tanks I am using. These Royal Meershaum I just got may be too narrow which is why I am think carto cover for them.
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Yup, good idea for thicker, saddled stems. With the RM replacents, they're only 1/2" in diameter. There looks to be enough play though, where I can open it up another 1/32" to make it slide over the base of the stem adapter and have it sit on the beveled area of the A7 or IGO-S. That may stabilize it a tad. We'll see.
I am also playing with stacking 2 mega carto 510 adapters for use with the eGo mega cartos. The 1.7 single coil megas vape great. Should be very stable.
Regarding the cost of e-pipes, I think any sensible manufacturer/retailer will keep an eye on the market and determine the best price point for his (or her) market. Just as you can buy cars for $15,000 to $150,000+, different e-pipes will be targeted for different segments of the market.
For an ex-smoker like myself, there's a rather wide latitude in the price point that I find comfortable. I have to consider that I was smoking ~2.5 packs-a-day at a price $5.75 per pack. This works out to ~$100 per week in consumables. Even if I spend half of that on cartomizers, e-liquids and batteries, I would still have $50 per week to invest in "gadgets". By this calculation, I can easily afford to spend $2600 every year on vaping devices.
There are many ex-smokers whose habits were not as extreme as mine, or who are determined to reduce their costs. Even so, they still have a sizable budget within which they can justify their new "e-habit".
I don't have any interest in paying exorbitant prices for a designer label, but I am willing to pay extra for merchandise that is durable, well-made and uniquely crafted. So far I think the price range of e-pipes is probably a good fit for the market. The more expensive e-pipes that are available seem to include a concomitant level of quality, service and uniqueness that justifies their cost.
Doc
For an ex-smoker like myself, there's a rather wide latitude in the price point that I find comfortable. I have to consider that I was smoking ~2.5 packs-a-day at a price $5.75 per pack. This works out to ~$100 per week in consumables. Even if I spend half of that on cartomizers, e-liquids and batteries, I would still have $50 per week to invest in "gadgets". By this calculation, I can easily afford to spend $2600 every year on vaping devices.
There are many ex-smokers whose habits were not as extreme as mine, or who are determined to reduce their costs. Even so, they still have a sizable budget within which they can justify their new "e-habit".
I don't have any interest in paying exorbitant prices for a designer label, but I am willing to pay extra for merchandise that is durable, well-made and uniquely crafted. So far I think the price range of e-pipes is probably a good fit for the market. The more expensive e-pipes that are available seem to include a concomitant level of quality, service and uniqueness that justifies their cost.
Doc
I agree completely, I was spending about $450 a month on cigarettes...doesn't faze me in the least to drop a couple hundred on a pipe. But at the same time I enjoy all kinds of pipes and while I could happily limit myself to Matt's products I really enjoy the figurals and meerschaums from some of the hobby makers. The pricing from some of the hobby guys is a bonus...
. I liked the nearly vertical connector on Matt's Balrog and hope he does more of this style. Balrog- 26500- Elemental - Free Hand Pipes - Steam Pipes
. I liked the nearly vertical connector on Matt's Balrog and hope he does more of this style. Balrog- 26500- Elemental - Free Hand Pipes - Steam Pipes
Very nice, beautiful artwork, pipes for us such options are not so musímě be yourself ...I agree completely, I was spending about $450 a month on cigarettes...doesn't faze me in the least to drop a couple hundred on a pipe. But at the same time I enjoy all kinds of pipes and while I could happily limit myself to Matt's products I really enjoy the figurals and meerschaums from some of the hobby makers. The pricing from some of the hobby guys is a bonus...
GREAT work, Puma! 
Very well done. I love the firing switch on the side, it looks very comfortable.
Very well done. I love the firing switch on the side, it looks very comfortable.
Is that a demand? Or are you just as excited as the rest of us?
From the looks of your sig, I must ask: What the heck are you waiting for?!?
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