Yeah they're pricey. The starter kit I got its original price was $230 but I got it through a groupon offer for 60 bucks. It was rated #1 in High Times magazine for it's dry herb capabilites. I personally don't smoke any dry herb, legal or illegal, but my bf does so I initially got it for him since it's a little more discrete than a glass pipe. Due to some drug tests he has to take for a job he can't really use it so I've been using the e-cig function. Lol.