So, I break down and bought the Challenger Bread pan.
Wow. Simply put, wow.
I've used it several times and I've gotten spectacular success each time. I preheat my oven to 475 for 30 minutes. I load the bread using parchment. I immediately turn the oven down to 400 and set my timer for 20 minutes. I then remove the lid and set my timer for 15 minutes (at 400).
I should have remembered to take a picture. The most amazing oven spring I've ever had, and the ear... All along the cut in the dough.
Anyway, just thought I'd weigh in on my results.
Hadley