Buying A First Hookah

[Razz]

Hey guys... I've pretty much been a lurker here for the last couple of months, reading all your posts and collecting all the information while I decide on which hookah I want to buy as my first one. After hearing all of the rave reviews for Khalil Mamoon, I've finally decided to indulge myself and buy one.

I've decided to go with the Khalil Mamoon ICE Hookah mainly because I've heard a lot of people say that it's the best smoke they've had. I've been smoking at Hookah lounges for about 3-4 years now, practically every week in the last year, and I think it's finally time I bought my own.

I've had a range of experiences at the hookah lounges but mostly they give me a faint buzz at the beginning before it goes away. I'd like a buzz that lasted longer and came more frequently if possible.

The things I consider important when I'm buying a hookah are as follows:
- How long the taste lasts
- How much of a buzz you get and how long it lasts
- How thick the smoke is

How does the ICE hold up to these factors? Would you guys suggest some other hookah that would fulfill these criteria better?

Also, I'd like to know which company you think is the best that would ship to Canada (Montreal specifically). I've heard the horror stories about customs tax and would like to try my best to avoid it. I was thinking GotHookahs or HookahCompany but what do you guys suggest?

Thanks for all the help guys, I really appreciate it.

[Stuie]

The things I consider important when I'm buying a hookah are as follows:
- How long the taste lasts
- How much of a buzz you get and how long it lasts
- How thick the smoke is

Those results are all factors of your tobacco, packing technique, and heat management.

KM's will smoke great, but your concerns you should focus on tobacco, coals and technique, and possibly bowl.

Can't lose with a phunnel but it's not necessary when starting.

Pick a good tobacco like Al Fakher, Romman, Nakhla, Tonic or Starbuzz.

Get some good coals and practice heat management. There are tons of threads on this and packing techniques.

[drabin]

listen to what stuie says except about the shisha/tobacco. If you are looking for a buzz you will want to stick with unwashed shisha imo. Some people get there ass kicked by washed shisha but if you want a guaranteed buzz its from tangiers or nakhla. Nakhla is easy to smoke, deosn't take to much heat. However its a traditional smoke. Flavors won't be as sweet, juicy or smooth as starbuzz, AF, Fantasia and so on. I've had ridiculous buzzes from Nakhla and it's a favorite brand of mine. Go with nakhla mandarin and melon, mint is pretty good as well. Tangiers is a whole different story... They have a line called Tangiers F-line which is caffeinated and can probably knock a light weight out... be warned tangiers is tricky to get right. watch videos on how to pack and smoke Tangiers and you should be ok.

[Stuie]

I didn't say tangiers, cause it's tricky and I know when I was getting started that would have frustrated the crap out or me.

As far as buzz the only thing I can get a buzz from now a days is Tangiers and Nakhla and Romman. 3 Cocos and smoke like a villian and I get a buzz, but n00bs get buzzes from AF and SB all the time. I never have but that's just me.

[drabin]

I didn't say tangiers, cause it's tricky and I know when I was getting started that would have frustrated the crap out or me.

As far as buzz the only thing I can get a buzz from now a days is Tangiers and Nakhla and Romman. 3 Cocos and smoke like a villian and I get a buzz, but n00bs get buzzes from AF and SB all the time. I never have but that's just me.

but he says he has been smoking for 3 or 4 years so unless his lounge was a total crap shoot that serves only like king moassel or soemthing he has had sb or af or something like that. Listen to Stuie. Hes a genius!

[mattarios2]

fusion is good too. Some flavors are odd but overall I think they are a great brand. Ttheir pear and guava are hands down the best. No buzz to a slight to medium buzz. I think the old fusion is unwashed (buzz) and the new stuff is washed(none to light buzz).

[inino]

just dont get quicklight coals. and in about a month maybe less you wont get a buzz from anything if you smoke on a regular basis, so i wouldnt focus too much on the buzz factor, just get some good tobacco. all the above listed stuff is good, except tangiers for beginners, you will waste more than you actually use.

[Razz]

What is it about tangiers that makes it so difficult?
And as for shisha brands, I know that the local lounge I visit uses Nakhla. Whether I get the buzz or not is hit or miss... sometimes I get a huge buzz, sometimes nothing.

Going to hit up the lounge in the next half hour or so - I'm looking forward to it!

[Capt. Morgan]

Tangiers has to be packed a certain way otherwise it sucks. You could try starting Tangiers Lucid. Its washed so not as much nicotine but you pack it the same as most other Shishas.

[inino]

ya its just tricky for beginner smokers. ive been smoking for 4+ years and when i got introduced to tangiers recently it kicked my ass for a while. tangiers if packed right can give you an amazing buzz, but if packed wrong can have you running to the bathroom to throw up.

[Stuie]

Listen to Stuie. Hes a genius!

Thanks for the sarcasm. I was just giving my opinions. I kinda remember my lounge to home transition. Way before the forum. Took a month to get a great session. Just trying to be helpful, I know I come off like a know it all. Sorry guys.

[inino]

I kinda remember my lounge to home transition.

i went from home to lounge. then back to home. and sometimes back to lounge. but home is where the heart is.

[drabin]

Listen to Stuie. Hes a genius!

Thanks for the sarcasm. I was just giving my opinions. I kinda remember my lounge to home transition. Way before the forum. Took a month to get a great session. Just trying to be helpful, I know I come off like a know it all. Sorry guys.

No dude that was serious. your always there for advice and its often exactly right!
take pride don't be so humble!