Starter Set

[pbpredator]

If you were a company and decided to set up a starter hookah set what items would you include...

[tj154906]

Probably a smaller, single hose hookah, a sample set of tobacco (5x50g boxes, all different popular flavors), 2 rolls of 3 kings quicklights, tongs, a medium sized egyptian bowl and a medium sized funnel bowl, a mya washable hose, and a grommet set.

[pbpredator]

Probably a smaller, single hose hookah, a sample set of tobacco (5x50g boxes, all different popular flavors), 2 rolls of 3 kings quicklights, tongs, a medium sized egyptian bowl and a medium sized funnel bowl, a mya washable hose, and a grommet set.

That sounds like a great starter set, anyone else have any good ideas for a starter set?

[pbpredator]

Probably a smaller, single hose hookah, a sample set of tobacco (5x50g boxes, all different popular flavors), 2 rolls of 3 kings quicklights, tongs, a medium sized egyptian bowl and a medium sized funnel bowl, a mya washable hose, and a grommet set.

That sounds like a great starter set, anyone else have any good ideas for a starter set?


^^^ sorry for the repost must have been browser issue ^^^ Edited June 18, 2007 by pbpredator

[socr4life22]

one thing i would suggest putting in there would be a nice little step by step with drawings of how to set up your first hookah. I dont know about the rest of you but it can be kinda intimating to put the hookah together the first time, everything from what goes where to the tobacoo and coals would be helpful.

[KillZedKill]

Maybe a soft padded case, and a drawing of how to set up your foil.

[Scheetz]

Probably a smaller, single hose hookah, a sample set of tobacco (5x50g boxes, all different popular flavors), 2 rolls of 3 kings quicklights, tongs, a medium sized egyptian bowl and a medium sized funnel bowl, a mya washable hose, and a grommet set.

Thats too generous. Need to stick to the days of some of the long time smokers.

1 hose hookah
NON washable hose
2 x 50g Al Waha
2 x 3 kings
tongs
Small Clay Bowl
Grommets



you kids these days, with your snazzy Phunnel this, glass that, washable things here and ummmmm......ah Tangiers.

[pbpredator]

Probably a smaller, single hose hookah, a sample set of tobacco (5x50g boxes, all different popular flavors), 2 rolls of 3 kings quicklights, tongs, a medium sized egyptian bowl and a medium sized funnel bowl, a mya washable hose, and a grommet set.

Thats too generous. Need to stick to the days of some of the long time smokers.

1 hose hookah
NON washable hose
2 x 50g Al Waha
2 x 3 kings
tongs
Small Clay Bowl
Grommets



you kids these days, with your snazzy Phunnel this, glass that, washable things here and ummmmm......ah Tangiers.

lol yeah screw making things easier in the long run for a new hookah user... make it hard... it will make them appreciate innovations later...

[Calcartman]

lol yeah screw making things easier in the long run for a new hookah user... make it hard... it will make them appreciate innovations later...

Which is easier? Tossing the shisha in a standard egyptian bowl, poking holes, and tossing a coal on; or trying to figure out how to use the funnel bowl?

My first hookah is my red egyptian, it came with 2 bowls (a female and male one, along with both adaptors), a non-washible Ba Bakir hose (thats what it was called on HS or HC), tongs, and a picture of what it looks like when its done.

I think the things that are a must for a starter kit:
Hookah (dur): A small egyptian, A small chinese, or a taller acrylic.

Bowl: I think the standard Mod bowl is perfect, maybe in a matching color to the base.

Shisha (dur): i think 5 packs of shisha is a bit much, but on the other hand giving the option of lots of flavors is very nice especially before going out and trying new ones. I think Al Waha, Al Amir, Layalina, or Nakhla are al good cheap starting brands. Nakhla is what i started with, and its hard to mess up.
As a rule, i think 5 X 50g packs is far nicer than 1 X 250g pack, at least to start with.

Coals: Instant lights, simply because there is already enough going on trying to figure out how to start a hookah the first time, instant lights are easy. 3 rolls, just because sometimes they blow up.

Hose: washable or not really doesn't matter, but if its not washable please include on the instruction sheet (read lower) something indictating it shouldn't be washed.

Tongs, Grommets, and Mouthtips all need to be included.
I think including some precut foil isn't a bad idea, but most of the sheets ive used arent big enough for me. I like the foil to go completely over the bowl and about an inch down the sides.
A carrying case to me is kinda an optional accessory, i dont have one for any of mine, certainly not for my first.

INSTRUCTIONS
I think that the biggest problem with starting off is the lack of information they come with. The internet is a great tool to learn, but having a piece of paper with it that says what goes where, and how, and what it should look like, would be much appreciated.

1. Diagram of how to assemble hookah (including the gaskets), how much water should go in the base, how to test for airtightness, etc.

2. Instructions for packing bowl. Stir shisha with fork or tongs, pick up small clumps and place in bowl, lightly tamp down, place foil over bowl tightly, blow through the bottom with hand holding foil tightly to fluff, and poking holes.
2a. I suggest diagram of what hole-poked bowl should look like. Hell, take a piece of foil off your bowl, and make an image of it on the paper so they can use it as a guide to start.

3. How to light coals (with match/lighter), and to wait until it is fully ready before placing on bowl

4. Heat management, and to start by rotating coal around the sides.
4alternative: Essentially instruct everything to be so foolproof that all they have to do is light a coal, drop it dead center on the bowl, and smoke until the coal dies. That was how my first smoke session went and i could not have been happier.

5. Information about the hookah and cleaning. How to clean base/stem/bowl using lemon juice, baking soda, or cleaning solution. If the hose is washable instruct how to wash and dry it properly before using. If its not washable, make that very clear so that they dont end up with a rusty hose.


Okay, this post ended up far longer than anticipated. Deal with it haha.

[ezie]

calcartman give you all the information about how to setup your hookah now that a great starter pack. Well if i were to sell a hookah i'll give them a carrying case so it's eazy for them to carry their hookah.

Here's the list for a 18" starter pack

1 base

1 stem with ball bearing

1 standard egytian bowl (small or medium size)

5 pack of 50g Alfakher/Layalina/Nahkla shisha [pick your choice of flavor]

1 72" Leather Hose [not washable]

1 tong

Gromet set

1 Insruction set manual

3 rolls of 3 kings QL coal

50 pieces mouthpiece.

[[Elmo]]

For a starter set I would also include cleaning brushes/ instructions on how to properly clean your Hookah. Mine didn't come with any instructions, and I didn't know what to do till I found these forums.

Also, especially for a starter kit, how about "The Guide to Not Tipping Your Hookah Over and Spilling Coals Everywhere"