Product Review: Durable Tobacco Pipe HG-685

Today I'm writing up a quick review of the Haojue (how-jzue) Durable Tobacco Pipe, Model HG-685. We sells these as basic starter pipes for $5.

This was the first non-homemade, non corncob pipe I smoked from. The outer bowl, stem and mouthpiece are all plastic and held together via tension O rings, a metal bowl, and non removable inner smoke "filter". The inner filter is more a tar deterrent than anything else and is meant for tar build up to be easier to clean.

I opened to package to find a poking needle and 2 extra O rings, with I did end up using. I like to bowl base exterior design. Simple and made to look elegant with out the cost. the weight is balanced and does not feel like it is too stem heavy.

I packed a bowl and lit it up. Right away I didn't feel like the draw was very good. I realize the metal bowl was not seated properly and was letting air in around the side.I popped out the bowl with little force, reseated, and it puffed right up. Good draw, even burn. One thing I really like about the pipe is the 5 small holes in the bowl. It makes for a much more even burn versus the one hole like most other pipes.


The bowl is shallow so You can use up 100% of your tobacco easily. I personally dislike wasting good pipe tobacco.

Easy to hold and a never gets too hot. I label myself a "fast smoker". I puff pretty quick on my pipes and cigars, so my pipes get hot, with is irritating. I know that I'm the one causing the heat, but dang it, I don't want a burned hand!!

Many folks talk down at these Chinese plastic/metal combinations, sighting their cost and components. I disagree.for heat dispersion, these cannot be beaten. No, it is not a Butz-Choquin, or Comoy of London, but that is not what we've paid for. I always say that the definition of a good cigar or pipe is one that you enjoy.

I cleaned the pipe after about 6-8 bowls, and will point out that the inner filter holes are difficult to clean thoroughly with pipe cleaner alone. I  replaced the O rings after about 15-20 bowls. I expect this pipe to last about 6 months to a year based on usage. 



OVERALL

A good starter pipe to really get a feel for smoking.

Cost: $5
Quality: 3/5
Durability: 2/5
Worth Purchase: Yes
Re-Purchase: Maybe (based on budget)