Brand New To The Forum And To Hookah! Advice?

[Skunkle]

I've been browsing the forum for a while now, just soaking up information - as much as I know getting into this will also take experience, it always helps to do a lot of reading, too.

After going with a friend to the (late, lamented) Rabbit Hole in Seattle - before I started smoking a pipe, so I just watched - and then recently trying another friend's mini Pumpkin and loving it, I decided I'd get my own. After missing by an hour (drat!) a large two-hose ice hookah with case and parts on local Craigslist for a stunning $25, I decided an ice model with two hoses would be fun, so I started hunting the sales sites, seeing who had what at which price. I know this isn't necessarily a beginner hookah, but it really held me. After hunting for a while, I found two ice bowl add-ons to hookahs, and one of them was bigger and had a nice drain plug on it. The best price I found was $55 or so on hookahshisha.com for a Junior two-hose; the site said their ice attachment fits "Modern hookahs" and the Junior is a Modern but, just to be sure, I phoned them. The guy I spoke with seemed a little unsure, but he insisted the ice bowl would indeed fit the Junior, and even checked to make sure it was in-stock. I'm on a low budget but shooting high - yes, yes, I know, not always a good idea, but...

My questions, though:
--What does the forum-at-large think of hookahshisha.com? I note the similarity to hookah-shisha.com (there's also shisha-hookah.com, are these all related? Or just many firms all trying to get a domain name including "hookah" and "shisha"?) which has the same ice bucket - but their lowest-priced two-hose Modern that the ice bucket fits fit is $72. It's the Mini-Tower, and it comes with slightly more swag, but all the sites seem to talk like "Look at all three free stuff ONLY WE include!!" They sell the Junior two-hose also, but claim the ice attachment only fits certain models and the Junior isn't listed among them - see below.

--Hookahshisha.com DOES note that the Junior is made in China, and has a painted glass base. Is it junk, or is it okay for a beginner? It also appears to have a slightly wider base than the Mini-Tower.

--Is this ice attachment useful, fun and sturdy? Will it even fit the Junior at all?

--Assuming I want to upgrade the Junior eventually... What other bases fit this, if I want to add a nicer one?

--Is there a better price out there on a hookah with two hoses that'll take this ice attachment? OR will take the other ice attachment available that looks like an inverted onion dome - if that one, too, has a drain plug and/or is better for some reason.

Hookah-shisha.com provides Romman shisha samples with theirs, Hookahshisha.com provides Layalina, which seems to get better reviews. Any comments? I understand that a lot of "Which shisha is better?" or "Here's my review of..." comes down to personal opinion/preference. Should I go with the latter site, I'm grabbing Blackberry and Apple Esk. (the latter is, I'm told, no-anise compared to Apple Bahrani - I love anise but none of my friends do, and I'm fine without it)

I haven't ordered yet, but am planning to in a day or two. Am I doing okay for a beginner with specific wants, or can I do better somewhere else? Edited December 5, 2008 by Skunkle

[Zinite]

Stick with a more reputable company (hookah-shisha.com), or other known vendors. You can see their reviews in the Vendor Review section. I have an Ice Bucket KM, and I can testify to the fact that the Ice Bucket is mainly for looks. It does almost nothing for the temperature of the smoke. Just add some ice cubes to the water and you're good to go.

If you want a solid 2 hose hookah, go with a Mya. I bought a mid prices 3 hose no-name chinese hookah as my first hookah, and it was a huge mistake. Wasted $80... the quality is very poor. Most Myas can be converted from 1 hose to up to 4 hose.

A couple popular vendors:

hookahcompany.com
hookahjohn.com
hookah-shisha.com
mnhookahs.com
thehookah.com
hookah-life.com
gothookahs.com

[Stuie]

okay first those sites are not related to each other. They are all independent stores.

Pass on the ice mod and just put it in the base.

Junior is not the best out there, there are a lot of people that have had problems with it after a few months.

Romman is much better than Layalina in my opinion. A lot of people like Layalina and hate Romman. But check out the review section for flavor recommendations on either.

I would suggest hookah-shisha.com for you order if deciding between the 3, mostly because i don't know anyone that's ordered from the other two.

Some other good reliable vendors to consider also:
hookahcompany.com
mnhookah.com
nazarhookah.com
gothoookahs.com
texashookah.com

[Kapten Kanel]

An icebucket DOES make a very noticeable change, i filled the base and bucket with LOTS of ice and the smoke got uncomfortably cold, now i just put ice in the base. I have tried this out several times and its always the same outcome, i really dont understand what you people fill your ice-buckets with But, then, the bucket possibly changes the experience negatively so it isnt really necessary (obviously.... damn, this post is getting cryptic )

[Tom1]

I don't think there is such a thing as a "beginner hookah". The smaller MYA's are recommended to beginners, people that want a cheap (decently made) hookah, and people that want something small.

I'd get a caged QT Make it a 2 hose and you should be set. You can always upgrade the hoses too if you want.

[indian_villager]

Seeing as you are a beginner invest in a MYA QT. Its a small pipe but it smokes like a champ. And while you are there invest in a small tangiers phunnel bowl. It will greatly improve your session. With all the money left over go buy a bunch of different shisha and find what you like!

[zachslusser]

I would recommended a MYA QT or a MYA Diva both some amazingly well and they are moderately priced.... and they have a brand name that everyone has heard of.

[ryno]

I second going from some of the known vendors from here. Also.. if you want a multihose, Mya is probably your best bet... Find a few you like and post links and we can let ya know

[Skunkle]

Ouch. Something closed the window and ate my ready-to-post reply.

I'll take that advice. I do like the Mya QT, looks like the base to one of those 1970s kerosene lamps that went along with the 70s trend in "Early American" stuff. Especially the dark cobalt blue, a favorite color of mine. I have some more questions, I hope they're concise.

First, are there any better deals from good vendors than Hookah-shisha's $54.95? Only that site, out of those recommended to me above in this thread, carried a two-hose QT, and I looked through a number of other hookah sites as well.

Is a Phunnel bowl really a 'must-have'? I'm a complete beginner - will I be totally good with the Mya bowl, or is this really something that's both amazingly good AND easy-to-use? I know it gets raved about on here and I'm sure I'll try one eventually, but is it really something I need right now?

Does any site sell a fitted box case for a Mya QT? The wire cage is cool, but I'd like something that holds hookah, hoses, everything and out of which the hoses have no chance of slipping.

As noted above, I understand that best/worst comes down to personal preference. That notwithstanding, I also agree that when something gets a fair number of bad reviews, that ought to tell me something, and Romman shisha seems to have them. Hookah-shisha.com provides Romman samples. That said, I'm a beginner, and I'm not (yet) all about getting the perfect huge pure-white clouds. I'm also not determined to get a buzz - that's not something I get or look for when smoking my pipe tobacco, either - in both cases, I'm after flavor. I prefer FRUIT flavor to fruit CANDY flavor. What flavors of Romman are my best bets, fruit or otherwise? If another website has a better deal on a two-hose QT, I'll be asking for good bets on whatever shisha they supply as samples.

Also noting the last question: Eventually I'll be looking for flavorful, rich, natural (i.e. not candy-like or chemical-sweet) flavors of cherry, blackberry, blueberry and red or green apple; a double apple with mild but noticeable anise; a good *hot* cinnamon; and a good anise/licorice. And, if I have to specify, low buzz. Suggestions? Here, I don't ask "What will I like?" because I do know it's personal preference - I'm asking "What do all of you prefer for these?"

I do have experience with the cheap foil-wrapped rolls of QL coals, which I used to use for burning resin incense like myrrh and dragon's blood. Are there any QL coals that don't add a lot of nasty flavors, as long as they're allowed to get good and hot/gray before being used? Also, I might as well note here that my intended smoking space is very well-ventilated.

I know what burning/hot aluminum smells like and I'd hate to smell/taste that, so I'll be using a screen. Screens have tabs. Are these just for support, or do you bend them over 90 degrees (down) to gently hold/center it on the bowl?

[Arpomatic]

welcome to the forum...whatever you do dont listen to ryno he doesnt know what hes talking about

haha

-arp

[AKammenzind]

A phunnel is by no means a must-have. Both myself and my friend have a phunnel and we use our standard egyptian/mya/modern bowls a good bit more often. A phunnel is nice to have with really wet shisha and if you want to smoke for a couple hrs without changing a bowl, but especially if you're starting out I wouldn't recommend it... get out there and try tons of flavors and brands with normal 45-60 minute bowls!

To carry my hookah I usually just either carry it in hand while I have all my shisha in a bag over my other shoulder, or if I'm gonna be carrying it a lot I'll put it in a duffel bag with cardboard on the bottom and sides for padding. Never failed me.

Honestly, there is no way in hell that you should be burning aluminum foil with coals, and foil is cheaper + MUCH easier in cleanup. Plus it'll fit all bowls, which can't really be said for screens.

I use all coals, as long as I've tried them and they work. I use mainly three kings, easy-lite japs, and any bulk naturals I can get my hands on. Non-QL's we light on a $10 coil burner from walgreens, works like a charm. Edited December 5, 2008 by AKammenzind

[coplinb]

I agree with everyone who says you should get a QT, its small, affordable but still a very good hookah from a very reputable manufacturer. Get one that has good reviews or else you will end up spending 20-30 bucks, only to end up buying another hookah in a month like i did. Good Luck!

[Tom1]

Ouch. Something closed the window and ate my ready-to-post reply.

I'll take that advice. I do like the Mya QT, looks like the base to one of those 1970s kerosene lamps that went along with the 70s trend in "Early American" stuff. Especially the dark cobalt blue, a favorite color of mine. I have some more questions, I hope they're concise.

First, are there any better deals from good vendors than Hookah-shisha's $54.95? Only that site, out of those recommended to me above in this thread, carried a two-hose QT, and I looked through a number of other hookah sites as well.

Is a Phunnel bowl really a 'must-have'? I'm a complete beginner - will I be totally good with the Mya bowl, or is this really something that's both amazingly good AND easy-to-use? I know it gets raved about on here and I'm sure I'll try one eventually, but is it really something I need right now?

Does any site sell a fitted box case for a Mya QT? The wire cage is cool, but I'd like something that holds hookah, hoses, everything and out of which the hoses have no chance of slipping.

As noted above, I understand that best/worst comes down to personal preference. That notwithstanding, I also agree that when something gets a fair number of bad reviews, that ought to tell me something, and Romman shisha seems to have them. Hookah-shisha.com provides Romman samples. That said, I'm a beginner, and I'm not (yet) all about getting the perfect huge pure-white clouds. I'm also not determined to get a buzz - that's not something I get or look for when smoking my pipe tobacco, either - in both cases, I'm after flavor. I prefer FRUIT flavor to fruit CANDY flavor. What flavors of Romman are my best bets, fruit or otherwise? If another website has a better deal on a two-hose QT, I'll be asking for good bets on whatever shisha they supply as samples.

Also noting the last question: Eventually I'll be looking for flavorful, rich, natural (i.e. not candy-like or chemical-sweet) flavors of cherry, blackberry, blueberry and red or green apple; a double apple with mild but noticeable anise; a good *hot* cinnamon; and a good anise/licorice. And, if I have to specify, low buzz. Suggestions? Here, I don't ask "What will I like?" because I do know it's personal preference - I'm asking "What do all of you prefer for these?"

I do have experience with the cheap foil-wrapped rolls of QL coals, which I used to use for burning resin incense like myrrh and dragon's blood. Are there any QL coals that don't add a lot of nasty flavors, as long as they're allowed to get good and hot/gray before being used? Also, I might as well note here that my intended smoking space is very well-ventilated.

I know what burning/hot aluminum smells like and I'd hate to smell/taste that, so I'll be using a screen. Screens have tabs. Are these just for support, or do you bend them over 90 degrees (down) to gently hold/center it on the bowl?

Its funny because I've nicknamed mine "Lantern" because with the cage it looks like a lantern.

Some sites sell large carrying cases.

A Phunnel isn't neccesary but I would get a cheap clay egyptian, I think they're much better than the ceramic MYA bowls.

I can't suggest too many flavors that are non-candy that you might like, but I can say just buy lots of 50g's and try everything out. Nakhla DA is Very good, not too much anise.

3 kings QL coals and Chronic hookah coals are the best, Golden rolls are a good second.

You should use tin foil rather than a screen, it wont burn it will just allow you to poke your own small holes rather than letting ash fall into the big holes. It's also easier to manage heat.

[Zinite]

...
Also noting the last question: Eventually I'll be looking for flavorful, rich, natural (i.e. not candy-like or chemical-sweet) flavors of cherry, blackberry, blueberry and red or green apple; a double apple with mild but noticeable anise; a good *hot* cinnamon; and a good anise/licorice. And, if I have to specify, low buzz. Suggestions? Here, I don't ask "What will I like?" because I do know it's personal preference - I'm asking "What do all of you prefer for these?"

I do have experience with the cheap foil-wrapped rolls of QL coals, which I used to use for burning resin incense like myrrh and dragon's blood. Are there any QL coals that don't add a lot of nasty flavors, as long as they're allowed to get good and hot/gray before being used? Also, I might as well note here that my intended smoking space is very well-ventilated.

I know what burning/hot aluminum smells like and I'd hate to smell/taste that, so I'll be using a screen. Screens have tabs. Are these just for support, or do you bend them over 90 degrees (down) to gently hold/center it on the bowl?

A good apple is Nakhla Double Apple. A good cinnamon is Al Fakher Cinnamon. Also, Tangiers offers a no-buzz line, and any of the flavors there will be delicious.

As far as the best QL coals, the Chron. Hookah Instant Lites on www.hookahjohn.com are the best. They are pretty much the same as Coconaras, but light fully in less than a minute by just holding a lighter to them.

When I first started smoking, I thought I'd be better off with a screen. I actually made my own screen out of sheet of tin. When I finally switched to aluminum foil, I noticed more smoke, better taste, and less of a coal taste. I've also tried the screens that most vendors sell... they're all crap.

[Rayneuki]

Everyone here knows what they're talkin about.

Romman is kinda candy-ish, but I'm sure if you don't like it someone you know will. :] H-S has one of the BEST deals with their thing... I think HookahJohn has a good deal on a QT though... hummmm
Also, you can mod the QT later for multiple hoses if you just want to get a one hose right now.
http://www.hookahjohn.com/product.sc?categ...mp;productId=59

HookahJohn is another reliable store. That's his QT deal. It's pretty good if you REALLY want to avoid Romman.

Romman ISN'T that bad, I thought it might be too much for me when I smelled my melon berry. It's nice, but still candy-like. Nakhal is supposed to have some of the best 'natural' flavors... Tangiers Lucid is supposed to be good too.

The foil should never burn. Just use heavy duity and poke holes in it. No biggy.

I would at least get a cheap egyptian bowl. The Mya bowl isn't glazed on the inside of it, so it will ghost flavors ever so often (it absorbs the liquid).

my phunnel is the best thing I ever did.

Another good deal from HookahJohn http://www.hookahjohn.com/product.sc?categ...mp;productId=60 if you would like to get a Mya Gelato.

I don't know how Fusion tobacco is though, so it's just another option.

[Toxik916]

I would also recomend a mini mya hookah as well. I have the Nou Nou that I bought from H-S and it smokes very well for a small hookah. If you Order from H-S i would get Romman Peach for one of your samples, and dont forget to use the hookah forum discount code to save 15 % on your order. Edited December 6, 2008 by Toxik916

[Skunkle]

I really prefer the QT's design and stability above other small Myas.

Foils: Do the precut round foils sold on these sites work well? I don't mean 'burning' aluminum - to me, HEATED aluminum has a smell, and it stinks. And is the wind cover that often comes with the hookah worth using, unless I'm smoking outdoors?

I really do want a two-hose right off the bat. I don't see ANY sites but Hookah-shisha.com selling a two-hose Mya QT. Anyone know of another? Here's theirs:
http://www.hookah-shisha.com/store/pc/conf...;idproduct=1726
Unless there's a really a much better deal out there price-wise, I've been told here that this is a good, reptable vendor, and I'm good with buying from them.

Will the cage hold everything? It doesn't appear that way. If I take this to a party, I don't want to have to stuff parts (except shisha) in a bag or in my pockets.

I've been told Autoseals often don't work. Any truth to this? And if I want to remove them and still use the unit, should that be easy?

Should I really buy a better set of tongs with it as well?

By the way, what is the purpose of the purge valve? Which, in the case of a two-hose, seems to be replaced by the second hose.

[mix_tape]

I wish I had done more research when I bought my first hookah. I bought a Junior from HS and it basically fell apart but I think a QT is a great first hookah. HS isn't a bad vendor plus they do include the samples of romman.

The cage does hold the QT, it'll come in the cage and you'll see how they position everything in it.

My autoseals work fine..

I personally just go with the tongs given but I'm on hookah number 3 and have tons of tongs but the choice is up to you.

I noticed this nice bundle if you're looking to try a few different tobaccos http://www.hookahjohn.com/product.sc?categ...mp;productId=86

[inino]

i also recomend a mini mya. like said before try out all different flavors and brands, you will soon begin to realize what you like and dont like. i wouldnt invest in a phunnel right of the bat. you can get a regular eqyptian bowl going for 1-2 hours if you pack it good. if you want a 2 hoser the mya vortex is good. http://www.hookah-shisha.com/store/pc/conf...;idproduct=1769.

autoseals dont work on shitty hookahs, but you are pretty safe with a mya.

you dont need a better set of tongs. i use my moms salad tongs lol.

[mattathayde]

HS is alright, great customer service, pretty good price, decent shipping, and a huge selection (thats the biggest plus for me). but they have a history of messing up orders and other issues but they usually make it right, just might take a little longer

-matt

[Giant Ninja Robot]

Nakhla DA is great as mentioned and a HOT cinnamon is not AF, which is great, but also Nakhla, "hot" but sweet. The drawback for you on this is that they give a large buzz, but the flavors are exactly what you asked for.

The QT can be purchased anywhere with a Mya autoseal adapter and extra hose added to the order however prolly not as cheap as the package deal.

A purge valve clears harsh smoke out of the hookah when needed however Mya's are notorious for purging poorly.

I own a QT and I love it. From a convenience standpoint I actually smoke it more often than my beautiful KM.

[Skunkle]

Going with Hookah-shisha.com, then. Thanks for all the suggestions and recommendations - I'm glad I didn't buy that Junior.

A local shop has a LOT of hookahs and, though they have none I want, they do also have a big shisha selection, including Al Fakhir. I'll be going there and getting some 50g packs of various things to try. They also sold bowls, including the two- three- and four-bowl types (are these even worth it?) but no phunnels *sigh* 'Course not. Oh, and a big surprise: this is what you'd call a 'head shop', Pike Place's 1960s-begun Pipe Palace, which sells a mix of hookahs, briar/meershaum, and glass for 'other' uses - and they had GLASS hookah bowls... for these 'other' substances - obviously and visibly not for shisha! Color me surprised, as much as I should have assumed someone made them. I'm not even sure they expect their meershaums to be used for tobacco, as I looked at a nice new calabash, mentioned I liked the one I have, and was asked whether I "use a screen in it". Uhm... no...? *shifty eyes* ...what's in YOUR calabash? Anyone gets near one of my good meerschaums with anything other than tobacco, and they'll be shown the door...quickly. I know the forum has an acronym for these other substances, but I can't remember it offhand (NHK?) nor do I know what the three letters stand for.

I found another shop in Seattle, near Pike Place, called Pyramid Imports - was Egyptian imports, and they had hookahs, which the woman behind the counter referred to as 'shishas'. I asked what was the lowest-end two-hose they had, and she said "There isn't a low-end two-hose". I asked about prices, and she told me to go "Look at the signs over there", as if I was being lazy by asking. She never did get up, or move much. All they had were at least two feet tall, some silver but most brass, and many had the ash trays bent and smashed up. All had thick, heavy glass bases, the one nice thing, but the bowls didn't seem to fit the grommets very well. They did have a few rotators. Prices were around $60 and up. None were displayed with hoses, I can only assume they're sold with them. They also had one gigantic (I'd guess at least eight feet tall) brass hookah, most of the outer shell made of that pierced-and-stamped brass made in Egypt or Saudi Arabia, bowl was brass as near as I could see, with three spots for hoses. About three feet up the shaft was a large section with faceted panels of colored glass, which must have contained a light/lights as it had a (typically-European) thin white cord with a European-style round-prong plug, and with what I assume was the water-holder - if this monster was even functional, which I doubt - above that. I'm going to guess it was meant as a display in a store or a lounge, and I did not see a price tag, only a sign reading "You break it, you bought it - Don't Touch". I got the feeling this was NOT where I wanted to buy, now or later.

Do the precut foils sold online in the hookah shops work well? Do you just lay them atop the bowl, or do you fold the sides down? I definately still don't want to use aluminum foil...

[Zinite]

Going with Hookah-shisha.com, then. Thanks for all the suggestions and recommendations - I'm glad I didn't buy that Junior.

A local shop has a LOT of hookahs and, though they have none I want, they do also have a big shisha selection, including Al Fakhir. I'll be going there and getting some 50g packs of various things to try. They also sold bowls, including the two- three- and four-bowl types (are these even worth it?) but no phunnels *sigh* 'Course not. Oh, and a big surprise: this is what you'd call a 'head shop', Pike Place's 1960s-begun Pipe Palace, which sells a mix of hookahs, briar/meershaum, and glass for 'other' uses - and they had GLASS hookah bowls... for these 'other' substances - obviously and visibly not for shisha! Color me surprised, as much as I should have assumed someone made them. I'm not even sure they expect their meershaums to be used for tobacco, as I looked at a nice new calabash, mentioned I liked the one I have, and was asked whether I "use a screen in it". Uhm... no...? *shifty eyes* ...what's in YOUR calabash? Anyone gets near one of my good meerschaums with anything other than tobacco, and they'll be shown the door...quickly. I know the forum has an acronym for these other substances, but I can't remember it offhand (NHK?) nor do I know what the three letters stand for.

I found another shop in Seattle, near Pike Place, called Pyramid Imports - was Egyptian imports, and they had hookahs, which the woman behind the counter referred to as 'shishas'. I asked what was the lowest-end two-hose they had, and she said "There isn't a low-end two-hose". I asked about prices, and she told me to go "Look at the signs over there", as if I was being lazy by asking. She never did get up, or move much. All they had were at least two feet tall, some silver but most brass, and many had the ash trays bent and smashed up. All had thick, heavy glass bases, the one nice thing, but the bowls didn't seem to fit the grommets very well. They did have a few rotators. Prices were around $60 and up. None were displayed with hoses, I can only assume they're sold with them. They also had one gigantic (I'd guess at least eight feet tall) brass hookah, most of the outer shell made of that pierced-and-stamped brass made in Egypt or Saudi Arabia, bowl was brass as near as I could see, with three spots for hoses. About three feet up the shaft was a large section with faceted panels of colored glass, which must have contained a light/lights as it had a (typically-European) thin white cord with a European-style round-prong plug, and with what I assume was the water-holder - if this monster was even functional, which I doubt - above that. I'm going to guess it was meant as a display in a store or a lounge, and I did not see a price tag, only a sign reading "You break it, you bought it - Don't Touch". I got the feeling this was NOT where I wanted to buy, now or later.

Do the precut foils sold online in the hookah shops work well? Do you just lay them atop the bowl, or do you fold the sides down? I definately still don't want to use aluminum foil...

There's no reason to not use aluminum foil... the metals in it don't vaporize unless heated to a much higher temp than the coals. I started smoking about 5 months ago, and I haven't spent more than 5 dollars on Reynold's Heavy Duty foil. The precut foils are going to be poor quality compared to Reynold's.

[slingham]

Definately get a roll of Reynolds Heavy Duty Aluminum foil. It has absolutely no smell and works perfectly with whatever you're smoking. I've had the same roll for the past 7 months and its still got a ton left. I've never had an issue with it burning or smelling.

[mustang_steve]

Hookah-Shisha is a fantastic vendor....I bought their Glyph single-hose and it's a fantastic hookah....given I had a newb moment and broke the bowl when I got it (pressed too hard)...so I hit up the locacl smoke shop to get a new bowl since I was dying to give it a run.

The Glyph smokes VERY well, but is a bit tempermental as far as water level goes...for mine, I go just a hair above the gold line at the top of the flare..that gives me a killer rumbling when smoking, as well as no water in the hose (this hookah kicks up water like mad).