i like wood pipes but then i guess im an old guy now.
back when i first started you used to be abe to buy what was called a peanut.shaped like a peanut and cost about $2.used to keep basket full on the counter of the local head shop. they were more used as drop peices and had a tendancy to burn thru the bottom in a short time but in a pinch you couldnt beat one

differant woods will give a differant flavour also.