At first I found this pipe a bit fiddly to hold and put together, now I am used to the weight(it is heavier than it looks) and can hold the pipe properly. As for the smoking experience it is a very cool smoke not hot as I might have expected and quite a large bowl. It is a very simple pipe cleaning it won't be a problem as it all comes apart, it comes with gauze so you can use it right away. It comes in a nice box for storage although you seem to have to put the box upside down to open or everything falls out.