Widow Hookah - Review -

[Louis]

A few fellow enthusiasts asked for a review on the Widow Hookah. I have no  experience with other hookahs although I can point out several observations as far as the quality of this piece. I ordered the hookah from HH.com.
Here are the specs on the Widow:
Height: 11.5"Hose: Single - 41"Vase: Painted GlassCase: small metal caseMade in China (sticker on the case)
This hookah is comprised of 5 parts, the [b]vase[/b], [b]stem[/b], [b]bowl[/b], [b]smoke release valve[/b], and [b]hose[/b]. I also received a [b]case[/b] for the Widow.
The[b] vase[/b] is glass which has been painted. The vase stands at 3.75" tall with a 1.5" mouth. After about 10 uses I have noticed that the paint has faded and chipped in a few small places. This is probably from the small case, more details about that later.
The [b]stem [/b]is chrome plated metal. The ash tray is attached to the stem and does not appear to be removable. The stem does not fully seal to the vase which is easily fixed with tape. The only time I can tell that the seal is not perfect is when I clear out the vase and notice a small leak in the seal.  The stem itself has shown some wear as I can see and feel spots that have blemishes where the plating is chipping.
The [b]bowl[/b] is ceramic and from what I can tell pretty standard. HH also included a clay bowl with my purchase. Both work well and make for easy changing of flavors.
The [b]smoke release valve[/b] works the way it is supposed to. It sticks in the closed position on occasion but is easily cleaned by unscrewing the cover and cleaning the ball bearing.
The [b]hose[/b] is 41" with wooden ends. I have had no issues with "new hose" taste and have had a good experience out of this hose. I do wish it was just a tad bit longer but would not want to compromise the stability of a short hookah with a larger hose.
The [b]case[/b] is a gold-like metal with decorative stamping. The size of the case is just big enough to squeeze in the hookah, 1 bowl, tongs, coal screens, some coals, a lighter, and the hose. With care you can get the two pipe cleaners to fit but its a tight squeeze. I think this is probably how I chipped some of the paint on the vase.
But how does it smoke? Well I'd have to say its pretty good. Having such a small vase you would not want to take monstrous drags which may bring water through the hose, but you can easily fill your lungs using smooth steady drags with no problems whatsoever. The smoke is always cool with no harshness.
The Widow is very functional, its easy to assemble, clean, and smoke. Being only 11.5" it is extremely portable. The components are what you would expect for a hookah in the $40 dollar price range. I know this will not be the only hookah I purchase but it will get many many uses before it's retired. If you're wanting to try hookah smoking for the first time and want to do it affordably this is definately the best buy I have found.
I am more than happy to answer any questions I may have left out in the review.
Take care,Louis

[MrGuy]

Thanks a lot, this is just what i've been looking for!
when funds are treating me a bit better, i might have to invest in one.
Thanks

[Donkeema]

just dont ever go for the Abyss hookah from hookah-shisha,  peice of worthless sh*t!Mya hookahs IMO are the best.

[Alqoshnia]

yea I was thinking too, why not just put an extra $5 (or less from other sites) and get a QT instead of babying the hell out of the widow. You have to clean ball bearing, paint chipping off, many blemishes, not long enough hose, etc. I say this because I GOT ME A QT yesterday! That thing smokes like a champ! I actually got Tangiers to smoke superbly (FINALLY) with the 14" BEAST. But I guess whatever works, works

[mushrat]

hmm..thought I had a post here, the mysteries of the Forum...
Not to be overly suspicious or anything..but that sure looked like a canned/press relase kinda post. While extremely detailed, it reads sorta like a company post if you know what I mean....
If I'm being a tad paranoid, I appologise to you louis, but after some of the recent problems we're had..i have to ask.
Do you work for, or are you in any way associated with, Hookahhookah.com in either an official or unofficial capacity or the manufacturer of this hookah?
Again, if this just happens to be an extremely eloquent and well put together post from a new member, I do most officially and humbly beg your pardon.
 

[Louis]

Mushrat, I'm glad the post reads that well, all those years of schooling paid off!
I am not affiliated with any hookah company or manufacturer, although I am enjoying them very much. I thought a detailed review was in order and since I did not have a guideline to follow I just made up the layout. I haven't seen any other hookah reviews, just lots of tobacco reviews.
I did borrow a little information from HH's website because I didn't know the total dimensions, the vase height and opening I measured myself.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the review, when/if I purchase another hookah I will make sure to review that one also. Keep in mind this is the only hookah I own and I've only been smoking for a few weeks.
Had I known about the MYA for only $5 more I would have grabbed that one instead!
Take care,Louis

[mushrat]

Thats cool Louis....
Ya, it did read that well, and we have had some problems in the recent past with people not revealing company affiliations...
So glad to have you aboard...and no offense intended.

[Louis]

None taken

[Skimo]

i just got picked up a widow hookah about 2 days ago and its not a bad choice at all. the amount smoke i got was pretty decent, wasnt sure if the base would effect it but i got the same amount of smoke i got from a 24 inch one at the hookah bar so not bad at all. the only thing i dont like about it is the damn case, its tiny and hard to fit everything into it, but besides that not a bad hookah to pick up if your new to smoking or if u want one thats easy to travel with