Is This Possible?

[MechAnt]

So, my friend was interested in buying a Mya Vortex and while looking at their site, he saw that Mya sells stuff piece by piece. They sell many different styles of bases and what not and stems too. Being a cheap-skate he is any penny saved would make him happy. I took a look with him and saw that a Vortex-esque vase and a medium sized stem would be a shade under $90(w/out shipping) and the purchase of a bowl, tongs, plate, and hose would be somewhat negligible. The total of everything would be a little bit cheaper than what a Vortex would retail for. Is this setup possible?

I'm assuming the saved money is because of the lack of a case and other freebies that retailers offer. Edited June 23, 2007 by MechAnt

[Calcartman]

Dont forget you're paying shipping, and not getting freebies. Buying a stem, base, tray, hose, and bowl, seperately usually doesn't end up being cheaper, but if it is, more power to you. You can definitely custom order one that way without a problem.

[Sonthert]

Yeah, the freebies on on-line sites are a rip-off. They throw $4 of stuff in and charge $20 more. Get the basic hookah, buy what you want. Disregard the freebies, and consider the price based on the hookah. Thats my advice.

[mrmonk7663]

Look around locally too. I got my Mya Stem from a local Arabic Store. He sold me the stem only. I use it on a Blue Genie Vase with Gold trip, and with the Gold color of the stem, the hookah looks amazing. Also, at the shop, I had them swap out the Lebanese stype lule for the Egyptian style lule so I was able to use existing bowls with it. If you don't have local shops, then please disregard this suggestion :-)

[Rani]

Look around locally too. I got my Mya Stem from a local Arabic Store. He sold me the stem only. I use it on a Blue Genie Vase with Gold trip, and with the Gold color of the stem, the hookah looks amazing. Also, at the shop, I had them swap out the Lebanese stype lule for the Egyptian style lule so I was able to use existing bowls with it. If you don't have local shops, then please disregard this suggestion :-)

I second that motion...... There are middle eastern owners of tobacco shops in most medium to large cities. Make friends with the owners and give them your business on a regular business. If you're a regular customer, they often will offer you discounts and make special orders for you. There's a shop where the owners are Egyptian right around the corner from me and they will order anything I want for me. Because they not only sell hookahs and shisha themselves, they're also a great source of advice to those new to hookahs. Don't hesitate to find and tap into that expertise. It can be invaluable. Not to mention that it just plain makes you a better human being in my book to get to know and appreciate those from other cultures.

[Sonthert]

Look around locally too. I got my Mya Stem from a local Arabic Store. He sold me the stem only. I use it on a Blue Genie Vase with Gold trip, and with the Gold color of the stem, the hookah looks amazing. Also, at the shop, I had them swap out the Lebanese stype lule for the Egyptian style lule so I was able to use existing bowls with it. If you don't have local shops, then please disregard this suggestion :-)

I second that motion...... There are middle eastern owners of tobacco shops in most medium to large cities. Make friends with the owners and give them your business on a regular business. If you're a regular customer, they often will offer you discounts and make special orders for you. There's a shop where the owners are Egyptian right around the corner from me and they will order anything I want for me. Because they not only sell hookahs and shisha themselves, they're also a great source of advice to those new to hookahs. Don't hesitate to find and tap into that expertise. It can be invaluable. Not to mention that it just plain makes you a better human being in my book to get to know and appreciate those from other cultures.

Good call. Well said.

[MechAnt]

Yes, thank you everyone. I live in an area that is about 35-40% middle eastern descent. Mostly Armenian with a few others. Hookah is very prevalent and local tobacco stores are a plenty. Thanks for help, will forward to my friend