Great advice here. Go sign up if you're just starting off with pipes. It's a perfect way to sample several different blends without having to purchase tins or large quantities. There are many great BOTL willing to help out.

Right before the other site came crashing down, I was a newb in the NST and got to sample many different blends, some of which I'd not even heard of. The experienced guys try and send a variety so you'll have not only different blends but different kinds of blends. You'll learn what you like and what you don't. Can't beat it.

Do it. You won't regret it.