Dipping the toes back in - Need a pipe/tobacco suggestion

As I'm venturing back into the world of cigars, with so many new brands and lines and all..I'm also tempting fate by dipping back into the pipe side of things.

I enjoyed breaking up the routine previously, especially in the bitterly colder months and rainy days, by sitting with something a little different and taking a little less time with a pipe. Always nice to pick up different flavors than a lot of my preferred cigars, too.

So, mostly I was wondering what a good small pipe would be to start back with. I'd rather get a good briar than just going back with cobb.. I had a couple before, and while I didn't mind them I'd just rather get something I can use more functionally. Also, I'm really looking for a pocket pipe. Nothing big, nothing too long. Short and sturdy, easy to hold and tough enough to take a few lumps when doing things and forgetting it's in the pocket.

I'd really like to keep it in the $50-75 range, or under if possible. Have to save some money for that tobacco. Speaking of, I wouldn't mind hearing some suggestions on what has come out in the last 4-5 years in this regard too. Anything new that's just great, or do standards stay as they were with few differences?

Should have kept my few pipes and tobacco from back then, I know, but moves and life has a way of not making one think straight in the moment. :updown:

Got my eye on a ONE Poker from Morgan Bones
https://www.morganpipes.com/store/p6...c_Bones.html#/

I have a Baraccini copper stack poker that makes a great little knockaround pipe. It rides in my hunting coat pocket rather nicely. Don't care much for the stack tho. With it was shorter like this one
https://www.pipesandcigars.com/mobil...pipes/1515815/

I like pokers... and any other 'sitter' designs. Whoever decided that a pipe should fall over without some kind of a stand was an idiot.

Can't really recommend a tobacco without knowing what you are looking for. If you're looking for aromatics I won't be of much help at all.
I can list a few of my standby blends but they may not be to your liking...
Sam Gawith Navy flake, St James flake, Chocolate flake, Full Virginia flake
Gawith Hoggarth Louisana flake, Rum flake, Brown flake vanilla, Rum twist, Happy Bogie, Cherry twist
Peter Stokkebye Bullseye flake, Navy flake
Newminster 400 va flake, 403 (?) Superior round slices
Almost anything by Dan Tobacco, even the aromatics.

To name a few...

Thanks for those. Actually really like the Hangin' Brandy and Fat Cutty so I may check those out. Any idea what the lightning finish is?

As for tobacco, like cigars I will try anything. I was fond of Latakia sometimes, and some aromatics at others. I dont mind a nice mellow sweetness but dont really want much in terms of artifical flavors.

Mostly just something smooth and easy burning. Getting back in I dont really want something I would have to fuss over or fiddle with a ton.

No idea what the lightning finish is.
I lean toward G&H flake mostly these days. Nobody can accuse those of being easy burning. About the easiest burning one is Rum Flake IMO.
Someone else will have to weigh in on easy burning. Bout the only ones that come to mind are blends I don't really like except for an occasional change of pace: Prince Albert, 5 Brothers, D&R Picayune etc...

Dont knock the cob man. Great freaking pipes for next to nothing. Cobs will out smoke some of my fave pipes.

Estates. I love em because I enjoy the thought of bringing back to life something that was enjoyed many many years ago.

Morgan Bones seem to be popular these days. I've never smoked them but if you look at reddit or other forums you'll see they have quite the reputation right now.

The easiest smoking tobaccos has to be drug store blends. Carter Hall is my go to but half and half, Prince Albert, and Amphoria are all good ones

Lane 1Q is notorious for being easy smoking and very sweet smelling.

@Horseshoe give your man Drez some tips

For that price range, don't forget estate pipes.
On smokingpipes.com they have a great selection of estate pipes and there are always quite a few around that price. Just sort by price low to high.
That's where many of mine have come from.