HemiSam

Here are my two bits. I have an offset smoker I had made for me 12 or so years ago by Pitts & Spitts when they were actually worth a shit. Offset firebox where the wood and charcoal go and I have a grate above that fire box should I want to grill over wood/charcoal. I have a propane log starter so it's easy to get going and I had it tapped off of and run to an industrial grade burner under the smoking area grate so the wifey can grill on it. There's a ball valve on one end and I fill the barrel with water up to the point where there's a cut out at the wall of the firebox...this allows more of a moist smoke and an easy drain of the remaining water and fat drippings. It gets the job done and is a true smoker but I had it customized to avoid two boxes behind the house. I thought about having a cold smoker box added on the opposite end of the firebox but I'm glad I didn't. I wouldn't have used it. My rig at the neighborhood Turkey Fry (we fry about 35 turkeys for the folks in the hood and I smoke ribs for everyone, jambalaya by a gent out of New Orleans, taco truck shows up for breakfast...big party). and of course...drinking games Back to the point... The Traeger type units are great in that they're very convenient and require a lot less work. They're basically ovens in many senses vs a true smoker. Nothing wrong with that, it's just a different animal and I certainly see their appeal just like I see the appeal of a Big Green Egg (porcelain smoker/grill that's great for chicken and ribs...fairly small grate IMO)....it's a specialty item that's highly dependent on what you want to cook and how much which is the moral of the story IMO. So I think the key is figuring out if you're going to grill mostly or if you're going to smoke mostly and how much convenience you like. The whole digital, remote temp thing is a game changer and it's wonderful for many as you don't have to mind the fire per se. Not how I cook, but how I smoke is an investment in time and is a lot of work (e.g. a bone-in pork butt of say 8-9lbs is easily a 9-10 hr job when cooking at 225 degrees (aka low and slow). A brisket can be a 12-15 hr affair. Then there's the clean out of the firebox. Can't beat the results if you really like smoked meat though....Texas will do that to one. So my recommendation is figure out how you'll cook and use the item and then if you plan on using it regular and/or keeping it long pay attention to the materials used (e.g. if they don't state what kind of steel they're using I'd be suspect even if it's a $2K unit). My boat anchor weighs about 450lbs and it's held up great uncovered under the eve behind my home. The stainless used is 304 grade. Best of luck and happy smoking... HS

RIP, Gregg. Eat a Peach...countless listens to that gem. This one seems befitting. Godspeed.... HS

The Daytonas are yummy. That Seiko is insane... HS

Oh no....two greats. RIP, Mssrs Hayden and Moore. And most definitely heartfelt thoughts to the victims of the concert. FUBAR. HS

I can't get there. Call me old school... HS

RIP, Chris. I recall listening to a lot of his music when I used to cycle and while driving around in my car (simpler life for me back then single and all...). Such a distinctive and amazing voice. And his eyes on the vids cycled on MTV were on the haunting side. Hope you find what you were looking for on the other side... HS

That's the one... Maroon. Hatchback. I wanted to buy a buddy's Chevelle but he wouldn't sell it to me worried it wouldn't hold up. He'd have done me a favor... My second car was a 1978 Datsun 280Z 5-speed....that was a car. Bought it with 59K miles and sadly sold it when I went to grad school with 140K miles on the odometer. It was still pulling hard. HS

1978 Buick Skyhawk. My first car. What a POC. I did get laid in it my first time so I guess it wasn't all bad... HS

Damn....too young. RIP, Mr. Boothe! You had a great voice and you carried your roles with presence. HS

It's mighty fine as far as I'm concerned. We all do it differently, and you're out there having fun. Bad ass!!! HS

LMAO Tires, brakes, suspension and not over driving your car...WINNING HS

That's a heck of a run. RIP, Mssr. Bayldon. HS

RIP, Colonel Hampton. HS

Very nice!!! HS

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I like that idea, Birgir, as it does serve a purpose. Thanks. HS

I have not, Birgir. It's so firmly planted up against my ear as my ear mostly fits inside the pad that I doubt it will make much difference, but that's an easy test I'll try tonight. Thanks for the suggestion. HS

I've noticed myself increasingly listening to my HD650 out of the GS-1 with Dynalo+ boards versus my 007A MkII out of my KGSSHV Carbon. For whatever reason the TH900 hasn't received much love at all but I figure it's the peaky treble.....anyhoo. It dawned on me. It's the damn spring in the 007A up against my ears that's figuratively a pain in my arse...fricken uncomfortable. Those damn springs are coming out. Undecided on the port mod. HS

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Wheels look great! HS

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Very nice. HS

Oh no. RIP Erin. Hope you are in a better place. So sad to see actors that slide after a great run. RIP Mssr. Scarponi. HS

Yeah...I thought it was fairly befitting... HS