As the owner of a Beams Custom Smoker (same guy - previous name: Now known as Greasy Hill Customs), I can say that I think they build a pretty decent offset smoker. I would NOT trade mine for anything less than a Jambo, and I would have to think real hard before doing that.
My smoker was actually one of his early builds, and it did suffer from some "first time builder" issues. Specifically, it needed better air flow on the exhaust - my model had two small exhaust pipes, and I cured the issue by adding a 6" inch (round) exhaust, which I now use exclusively. (The 2" square exhaust tubes were just way too small.)
I also made sure that my exhaust inlet was below the level of the cooking racks, which forces the smoke to somewhat pressurize the cooking chamber before it can escape. Bottom line: great smoke penetration in the meat.
My smoker is very easy to get up to temp and it will hold 225 with minimal input on my part. (Although, a big part of that probably comes with practice on a given unit.) The only really negatives I can give are the rough finishes in the firebox opening to the smoking chamber, and the paint finish is pretty basic. Also, you will want to add better thermometers than the originals, and they really should be mounted at the cooking level, not in the top of the chamber.
I am including of photo of my smoker in action down at Madison, IN last weekend at their Ribberfest contest. It will be used again next weekend at Connersville, IN at the Thunder in the Park BBQ festival. (Note: The tent was to keep the firewood in the back of the pickup dry.)
Thanks,
Carl.
