Charcoal Problem....

[YelloSno84]

I just purchased a hookah online and a bunch of HH ma'assel in a
seperate order. Along with the hookah I ordered I threw in a bag of "Al
Manara" quick light coals. ANyone know if they are any good? I was
hoping they would at least get me started. From what I've been reading
ti was a mistake to buy quick light coals, so next time I'll buy the
real thing. But in the mean time any feedback on these coals would be
appreciated. I don't know if I should order new coals right now so that
my first smoking experience out of my new hookah isn't delayed yet
another week due to shipping. 

[Mathazar]

I know nothing about Al-Manara coals,  but I can tell you one
thing for sure,  avoid  buying Vivi Natural Coals,  which HH sells, if I'm not mistaken.  They
create A LOT of ash in the bowl,  and they burn-out quickly. 
Plus,  you have to light them on an electric coil stove,  and
they absolutely STINK up your room.

If I were you,  I would send back the Al-Manara coals for a
refund,  and then go over to:  www.Hookah-Shisha.com and buy
some Golden Coals.  Yes,  they ARE quick-lights,  but
they're completely flavorless,  they were made in Holland, 
and they last up to an hour and stay VERY hot.  I'm using one
Golden Coal for a bowl of Havana Lemon ma'assel,  and it's
absolutely FABULOUS.  I'm getting LOTS of smoke and no charcoal
flavor whatsoever 

[brother812]

the coals you use can make or break a smoke. Math has probably smoked more in the last week than i will in a year but i have to disagree with his opinion on Golden's. i think they add a distinct taste to your smoke and i don't get the heat i do out of my naturals.
i read in another post you are on a budget so i would recommend sticking with naturals. i am using Diamante finger style atm they run about 7 bucks for 1kg about the same as Nour coals. Nour coals are suppose to be good too i will tell ya in a few days when i get my order in.
like was said in another post everyone tastes different. you may not get any flavor out of the Golden's and love them as Math does. but being on a budget your best bang for the buck is to stick with the naturals. just put them on the burner of your stove or a hotplate let them get cooking and your good to go.

[YelloSno84]

Good to know, thanks for the info guys. I think I might pick up some of those naturals and give em a shot. Out of curiosity, How many bowls would a 1kg bag last about?

[brother812]

the bag i just opened tonight had 28 5.5 inch sticks in it. i break each stick into 4 pieces so that is 112 pieces. now as far as how many bowls it will last that really depends on the ma'assel you are smoking. i have not tried the HH but have read here it burns kinda fast so i would compare it to Al Waha in length of smoke. with Al Waha i use 2 chunks of coal and get a good 1 hour smoke with Romman i use 2 sets of 2 coals and get a good 2 hour smoke.
another thing is bowl size the bigger the bowl the more ma'assel the longer the smoke. i use a larger sized bowl but i only half fill it and get around an hour from each smoke. for me 1 hour is the perfect smoke long enough to enjoy the flavor but short enough to not get sick of it.