Oh wow! Thank you so much for your interest. I'll do my best to catch up here...
Mr. CPHo and JEBIV - I can see what you mean. As much as I appreciate the charcoal baskets included with the 26er, they just aren't big enough for a true indirect cooking in such a large kettle. They're probably perfect (if not too big) for the 22er, but in the 26 all vents have to be wide open to even hold 325F at the grate. Now, if you used 2 of the SnSXLs, that would be the bomb-diggity.
Also, did my first snake burn last Sunday for the Packer game. 20F and snowing when I started at 5:30 am, I smoked a 7.5lb pork shoulder on a 2x3 snake that ran 3/4 way around the grill and water pan. It was my first pulled pork that didn't need any additional sauce - delicious.
HoosierKettle - You might be too light on fuel and trying to burn what you have too hot to make up for it. Try a 2x3 and use about 10 ashy coals to get the snake lit. Let the whole system (w/o meat) hit 390F 'ish before putting the meat on, then run with your bottom vent 1/2 open and top vent 1/8 open. I like having the fuel there and control the oxygen.
michaelmilitello - It's the newer design. Just bought it a couple weeks ago. Can you suggest any good threads that discuss the benefits/issues of the new style? I want to learn more.
Thank you again to all,
wingnutt