Everything is expensive these days. Many smokers are trying to reduce the cost of their habit by switching to pipes. I confess I don't know a single woman who smokes a pipe. But for the men, the choice of tobacco can defeat any cost savings over cigarettes.

My top choices are:

1. Sir Walter Raleigh Aromatic: This is a smooth tobacco without bite. Of course you need to use the in the stem filters and clean the pipe each day.

2. Captain Black Royal: Has a tendency to bite after a few bowls close together.

3. Borkom Riff extra lite: A weak tobacco and like the Captain Black tends to bite after a few bowls.

4.  Captain Black White Regular: Tough on the tongue if you smoke more than a few bowls a day.

The Cherry and other flavors are only for those who smoke very little.