Feedback On Mya Saray Tempest

[avielth]

It's been a couple years since I ventured out and bought a new hookah. This will be my 4th hookah. I bought my first one from a little local shop for an outrageous markup price when I didn't know any better, which took a beating while I lived in a college dorm quad. This was a tiny little one that I remember smoking nicer than any hookah i've had since(probably just nostalgia), but it just didn't hold up all that well due to the environment. Since then I've had two stargates and a "custom" 3 hose hookah-hookah rig. I had the smallest version of a stargate that I also really liked, but it also fell victim to a party environment...after a year of getting knocked around it finally started leaking between the plastic and the metal. The hookah-hookah( large sahara stem and vase) one was really nice, but when I moved into a smaller dwelling with less people it seemed like it was a bit much with typically at most two people using it at a time. I ended up selling it to a friend who gave me well more than I was asking for it, so it made it easy to go out and get another stargate hookah.

I've had this larger 1-hose stargate for the last 3 years and over the last year it's finally on it's last legs. The threads wore off on the plastic last year and i've been keeping it "sealed" with a rubber grommet. Finally the other day after having to wedge the stem on-off the base for the last year..the plastic cracked and snapped completely(super glue has temporarily resolved this). I also had a problem where the tray somehow got stuck to the stem. The nozel at the very top where the bowl sits went too long without being cleaned and would not come off no matter what I tried. While the stargate always looked really slick and usually smoked pretty nice I always felt like it never carried the flavor as well as the glass ones I had. I liked how hard it was to tip over with the wider flat base.

I really don't have a set budget at all(preferably less than $200) and would like to get something nice that lasts when actually maintained and taken care of. I've been looking around for a while and I found one I think might be a decent compromise

Does anyone have any feedback on the Mya Saray Tempest?

I was looking at this model on southsmoke: [url="http://www.southsmoke.com/pd-the-tempest.cfm"]http://www.southsmok...the-tempest.cfm[/url]

I apologize if there is already a review for this in the review section. I browsed through there briefly looking for this or a similar model, but didn't see one.

I'd also be interested to hear any suggestions outside of this one too.

I'd also like to fix my stargate if possible too, but I haven't had any luck finding a replacement vase. I was browsing around here and it looks like most folks in a similar situation gave up.

[Chreees]

Anything Mya will treat you good. Personally, I'm not too crazy about that model. Are you looking for big or small? All Myas smoke the same, regardless of size. Take a look here:

Large Myas: http://www.hookah-shisha.com/c-241-mya-hookah-mya-saray-hookahs.html

Small Myas: http://www.hookah-shisha.com/c-16-small-mya-hookahs-mini-hookahs.html

I personally prefer the smaller Myas, and for big hookahs I like Khalil Mamoon. For Khalil Mamoon, look here:

http://www.hookah-shisha.com/c-522-khalil-mamoon-hookahs.html

http://www.hookahcompany.com/khalil_mamoon_hookahs_155_ctg.htm

http://hookahjohn.com/Khalil-Mamoon_c8.htm

Also, HJ has Nours, which are Syrian hookahs. I've heard nothing but good about them (Note: The Nawras hookahs on this page are all sold out, only the Nours are left): http://hookahjohn.com/Quality-SYRIAN-Hookahs_c22.htm

Most will agree with me that whether you go with Mya, KM, or Nour, you'll be getting a quality pipe. I'd say just choose whatever you find most aesthetically pleasing and is within your price range.

[rahl071]

^^ He knows what he's talking about. All his suggestions were good. if you narrow down the brand, we can help you choose what's right for you, but we need some things from you first:
budget
single-hose or multiple-hose
whether your budget covers just the pipe, or upgrades as well.
a style you may prefer (classic vs. modern)

Get this stuff for us, and we'll be happy to help.

[avielth]

[quote name='rahl071' timestamp='1294280042' post='493511']
^^ He knows what he's talking about. All his suggestions were good. if you narrow down the brand, we can help you choose what's right for you, but we need some things from you first:
budget
single-hose or multiple-hose
whether your budget covers just the pipe, or upgrades as well.
a style you may prefer (classic vs. modern)

Get this stuff for us, and we'll be happy to help.
[/quote]

I'm reviewing a lot of the links he posted before and matching them up with reviews on the review section. It's extremely helpful.

My budge is between 100-150 dollars for the pipe and vase. I have no problem bumping up to 200 to cover upgrades/additonal accessories. I could splurge and go 200 for the pipe and vase, I suppose, but looking into what is available.. I probably won't need to. I think I am probably set on accessories already. I have 5 different bowls from previous hookahs and more hoses than I know what to do with(kept getting free ones). I tend to prefer the vortex design for the bowls.

I'm looking for single hose hookahs. Definitely firm on this one.

I would say I prefer a modern style, but this is I'm flexible on for the right purchase. I really loved the design of the stargate hookahs and linked the tempest hookah partially because I liked the vase that appeared to have a wide base. I think this comes from the fact that I have some clumsy friends who really beat on my old hookahs. This is less of a factor now.

I'm looking for something in the small to mid range. The hookah-hookah one I remembering being about 48". The Stargate I have now is 22". The original stargate was 16". Based on that I probably don't want anything smaller than 22", but I also don't want something as big as 48". Sorry, not sure how helpful that is for you. It's somewhat helpful for me having to put it in writing haha.

[joytron]

Sounds like you are set on the tempest. To me there are enough good pipes out there that looks should be a top priority. If you love the look of this one, go for it.

[avielth]

[quote name='joytron' timestamp='1294281969' post='493515']
Sounds like you are set on the tempest. To me there are enough good pipes out there that looks should be a top priority. If you love the look of this one, go for it.
[/quote]

I wouldn't say I'm sold or set on anything just yet. I basically browsed around on the forum before I registered to get a vague idea of what makes were getting positive comments. That's how I started looking at Mya Saray. The tempest caught my eye for the base and I was wondering if anyone had any experience with it. Based on the feedback I have now I have a lot to look at and consider. I have a flexible budget and there really isn't any sense of urgency to make a purchase. I'll probably keep looking around/researching feedback through next Friday before committing to something.

[Genie]

That just seems like a lot of money for a Mya, but then, if you love it who cares? Have you looked at the Mya Mozzas? They're 21 inches and hit great, collapse easy for travel and cleaning. I've got the Mya Mozza but the Mozza II will probably be my next purchase. H-S has them. The price is fantastic. The vase on the Mozza is really solid and the hookah looks much better in person.

My only complaint about these is the dinky trays. My KM tray fits on the Mozza, resting on the tray that comes with it, if I'm using a Chinese phunnel or an Egyptian head. But if I use my Alien I have to use a disposable pie plate and turn the Mozza's tray upside down to hold it.

[url="http://www.hookah-shisha.com/store/pc/advSearch_h.asp?includeSKU=true&priceFrom=0&priceUntil=999999999&idCategory=0&idSupplier=10&resultCnt=10&SearchValues=&sku=&customfield=0&IDBrand=0&keyword=mya+mozza"]My link[/url]

[agunn1231]

Another good mya is [url="http://www.myasaray.com/store/item.asp?ITEM_ID=921&DEPARTMENT_ID=42"]this one[/url] the lounge i used to work at has one just like it. it's not huge, but not tiny either, and it smokes really well

[dizzbizz]

Check out the Mya Paragon. I bought one for 140 and it smokes great. It can also break down if you want it to be shorter. I think we also get a forum discount at Hookah Shisha.
[url="http://www.hookah-shisha.com/p-1761-mya-saray-hookah-paragon-1-hose-hookah.html"]http://www.hookah-sh...ose-hookah.html[/url]

[Genie]

The more I think about this, the more I want to encourage you to either buy a cheaper Mya or get an Egyptian hookah instead. If I'm going to spend that much, I want a pipe that's going to last a long long time, a stem with a nice wide bore, and a pipe and vase that aren't factory produced.

It's only an opinion, you should get what you like. Get what you are drawn to. Just throwing in my .02.

[ih303]

[quote name='avielth' timestamp='1294277157' post='493505']
Does anyone have any feedback on the Mya Saray Tempest?
[/quote]

I'm not a fan of the Mya Pipes with geometric bases. I've ordered in a few of them to sell at my lounge and have to say that they aren't nearly as cool in person as they look in the pics. For some reason the bases on them make them look really cheap - like you would expect to see them being sold at Spencers or something. IDK, I don't get them anymore because they don't move very fast.

Before you make a decision on what you want to buy, consider a few things.

First, different style hookahs have different pros/cons. In the following comparison, "Modern" = Mya and "Traditional" = Egyptian/Syrian pipes, i.e. KM, Temsah, etc.

[b]MODERN > TRADITIONAL[/b][list][*]Modern hookahs disassemble making them easy to clean and repair while Traditional Hookahs do not[*]Modern hookahs generally come with some sort of case or cage to carry the hookah while most traditional hookahs do not[*]Modern hookahs are dimensionally consistent (i.e. parts are interchangable) due to them being machine made while Egyptians are not (this can be a pain when trying to replace or mix & match grommets and vases)[*]Modern hookahs may generally be set up in single or multi-hose configurations whereas with Traditional hookahs, what you see is what you get[*]Replacement parts for modern hookahs are mass produced and easy to obtain. That's generally not the case with traditional hookahs[/list]

[b]TRADITIONAL > MODERN[/b][list][*]Traditional hookahs tend to have an easier pull due to larger diameter "plumbing"[*]Traditional hookahs generally have a much better purge design than modern hookahs (i.e. functional vs disfunctional, respectively)[*]Traditional hookahs generally give you more bang for your buck in terms of size and included accessories than modern hookahs (e.g. with most Egyptian/Syrian pipes, you'll get a large, unwashable hose & clay bowl vs. the throwaway hose and bowl you get with Mya's)[/list]
Second, when choosing a hookah, I generally encourage people to consider the pros/cons of each type and then make a decision based on 1) What features are most important and 2) What looks the best to them. (you'll notice I purposely left out subjective comparisons such as aesthetics focusing instead on obvious and/or measurable differences). After that, I'll also suggest sticking to name brands. I say this simply because in the hookah world, name brand is all we have on which to base quality. It's no guarantee, of course, but it's better than nothing.

Anyway, I'll assume this is probably more than you were after, but that's what I do.

Let us know what you decide on.

[avielth]

[quote name='Genie' timestamp='1294294173' post='493528']
That just seems like a lot of money for a Mya, but then, if you love it who cares? Have you looked at the Mya Mozzas? They're 21 inches and hit great, collapse easy for travel and cleaning. I've got the Mya Mozza but the Mozza II will probably be my next purchase. H-S has them. The price is fantastic. The vase on the Mozza is really solid and the hookah looks much better in person.

My only complaint about these is the dinky trays. My KM tray fits on the Mozza, resting on the tray that comes with it, if I'm using a Chinese phunnel or an Egyptian head. But if I use my Alien I have to use a disposable pie plate and turn the Mozza's tray upside down to hold it.

[url="http://www.hookah-shisha.com/store/pc/advSearch_h.asp?includeSKU=true&priceFrom=0&priceUntil=999999999&idCategory=0&idSupplier=10&resultCnt=10&SearchValues=&sku=&customfield=0&IDBrand=0&keyword=mya+mozza"]My link[/url]
[/quote]

I'm actually considering the Mya Mozza II now. I may pick up an additional tray if I do. I think if I got a mozza, i might end up buying another big one later though. This isn't necessarily a terrible thing.

[avielth]

[quote name='ih303' timestamp='1294327833' post='493557']
[quote name='avielth' timestamp='1294277157' post='493505']
Does anyone have any feedback on the Mya Saray Tempest?
[/quote]

I'm not a fan of the Mya Pipes with geometric bases. I've ordered in a few of them to sell at my lounge and have to say that they aren't nearly as cool in person as they look in the pics. For some reason the bases on them make them look really cheap - like you would expect to see them being sold at Spencers or something. IDK, I don't get them anymore because they don't move very fast.

Before you make a decision on what you want to buy, consider a few things.

First, different style hookahs have different pros/cons. In the following comparison, "Modern" = Mya and "Traditional" = Egyptian/Syrian pipes, i.e. KM, Temsah, etc.

[b]MODERN > TRADITIONAL[/b][list][*]Modern hookahs disassemble making them easy to clean and repair while Traditional Hookahs do not[*]Modern hookahs generally come with some sort of case or cage to carry the hookah while most traditional hookahs do not[*]Modern hookahs are dimensionally consistent (i.e. parts are interchangable) due to them being machine made while Egyptians are not (this can be a pain when trying to replace or mix & match grommets and vases)[*]Modern hookahs may generally be set up in single or multi-hose configurations whereas with Traditional hookahs, what you see is what you get[*]Replacement parts for modern hookahs are mass produced and easy to obtain. That's generally not the case with traditional hookahs[/list]

[b]TRADITIONAL > MODERN[/b][list][*]Traditional hookahs tend to have an easier pull due to larger diameter "plumbing"[*]Traditional hookahs generally have a much better purge design than modern hookahs (i.e. functional vs disfunctional, respectively)[*]Traditional hookahs generally give you more bang for your buck in terms of size and included accessories than modern hookahs (e.g. with most Egyptian/Syrian pipes, you'll get a large, unwashable hose & clay bowl vs. the throwaway hose and bowl you get with Mya's)[/list]
Second, when choosing a hookah, I generally encourage people to consider the pros/cons of each type and then make a decision based on 1) What features are most important and 2) What looks the best to them. (you'll notice I purposely left out subjective comparisons such as aesthetics focusing instead on obvious and/or measurable differences). After that, I'll also suggest sticking to name brands. I say this simply because in the hookah world, name brand is all we have on which to base quality. It's no guarantee, of course, but it's better than nothing.

Anyway, I'll assume this is probably more than you were after, but that's what I do.

Let us know what you decide on.
[/quote]
Thanks. I had a feeling that the bases looked way better in the sales photo than they look when you actually get it. I'm not going to get the tempest at this point.

A lot of the pluses involving the modern hookahs is why I lean towards them. I find the modern Pros more compelling than the Cons and the Pros for the traditional. I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with a Mya Saray product with whatever I pick. From what I've gathered in comments in this thread and others...people seem more or less satisfied.

[avielth]

[quote name='dizzbizz' timestamp='1294320516' post='493548']
Check out the Mya Paragon. I bought one for 140 and it smokes great. It can also break down if you want it to be shorter. I think we also get a forum discount at Hookah Shisha.
[url="http://www.hookah-shisha.com/p-1761-mya-saray-hookah-paragon-1-hose-hookah.html"]http://www.hookah-sh...ose-hookah.html[/url]
[/quote]

This hookah interests me. I'm also looking at the vortex. They seem pretty similar. It's only 10 bucks less, so if the paragon is significantly better in the make it'd probably make more sense to go with that.

[url="http://www.hookah-shisha.com/p-210-mya-vortex-1-hose-hookah.html"]http://www.hookah-shisha.com/p-210-mya-vortex-1-hose-hookah.html[/url]

[Genie]

[quote name='avielth' timestamp='1294528295' post='493812']
[quote name='dizzbizz' timestamp='1294320516' post='493548']
Check out the Mya Paragon. I bought one for 140 and it smokes great. It can also break down if you want it to be shorter. I think we also get a forum discount at Hookah Shisha.
[url="http://www.hookah-shisha.com/p-1761-mya-saray-hookah-paragon-1-hose-hookah.html"]http://www.hookah-sh...ose-hookah.html[/url]
[/quote]

This hookah interests me. I'm also looking at the vortex. They seem pretty similar. It's only 10 bucks less, so if the paragon is significantly better in the make it'd probably make more sense to go with that.

[url="http://www.hookah-shisha.com/p-210-mya-vortex-1-hose-hookah.html"]http://www.hookah-sh...ose-hookah.html[/url]
[/quote]

Just be prepared for disappointment with the dinky tray. You might want to get a wider tray for it.

[avielth]

How does this forum discount work?

[rahl071]

You enter it in as a coupon code. Personally, I just got a Mozza II in today, because I fell in love with an original Mozza, and I had a gift card that made it only cost me $20. Things to know about it:

It's really easy to clean.
It's the EXACT same height as my desk. Easy to reach/manage coals.
The tray that comes with it is AWFUL. Replace it with a Mya stabilizer ring and a 6" (medium) or 7" (large) Mya tray.
The pull on it is really good. the pipe is a straight shot, with no variations in ID.
The price is quite reasonable.
It can be loud; a diffuser or a screen/rubber band to break up bubbles would not be a bad choice here.

Honestly, I think the vase is... well... pretty ugly. but since it fits on some liquor/wine bottles, WHEN you break a vase, not if, it'd easy to replace.

It's probably up there with the QT for my favorite beginner pipe now, moreso simply because the vase, if it breaks, is easy to replace.

Most people will tell you, and it's true to a certain extent, that all Mya's smoke the same. I'm happy with the 3 I've owned and kept, and the 4 I've given/sold all have very satisfied owners as well.

[Woodsytheowl]

You might be interested in these if you're thinking about getting a MYA hookah:

http://www.hookahcompany.com/euphora_mya_bohemian_hookah_5277_prd1.htm

http://www.hookahcompany.com/socialite_mya_bohemian_hookah_5261_prd1.htm

The glass on these hookahs is awesome. You might also consider mix and matching your own hookah if you're OK with pink vases:

MYA stems:

http://www.hookahcompany.com/mya_hookah_stem_2244_prd1.htm
http://www.hookahcompany.com/cloisonne_mya_hookah_stem_4981_prd1.htm
http://www.hookahcompany.com/double_bubble_mya_hookah_stem_5235_prd1.htm
http://www.hookahcompany.com/mya_rocket_stem_5241_prd1.htm

Quality glass:

http://www.hookahcompany.com/medium_pink_bohemian_vase_4968_prd1.htm

Hose:

http://www.hookahcompany.com/hj_narbish_v4_washable_hose_4396_prd1.htm

Regardless, you will probably want a tangiers phunnel bowl http://www.hookahcompany.com/tangiers_small_funnel_bowl_2070_prd1.htm

[avielth]

I just want to say thanks for all the advice and information. I ended up buying a Mya Paragon from H-S. I ended up spending over $200 with all the supplies and got one of those free Nammor Azizi's with the order. My roommate is planning on getting the Mya Mozza II.

[Genie]

[quote name='avielth' timestamp='1295107118' post='494463']
I just want to say thanks for all the advice and information. I ended up buying a Mya Paragon from H-S. I ended up spending over $200 with all the supplies and got one of those free Nammor Azizi's with the order. My roommate is planning on getting the Mya Mozza II.
[/quote]

Congrats on your new hookahs! So, what supplies did you go with? Cool on the Azizi. Very cool. Does the Aziz come with a Nammor hose as well? Because THAT would rock. If that Azizi comes with the extra large Egyptian style clay bowl shown in the image, wow, that's one of my favorite clay bowls. Simple but I like it.

[avielth]

[quote name='Genie' timestamp='1295110299' post='494467']
[quote name='avielth' timestamp='1295107118' post='494463']
I just want to say thanks for all the advice and information. I ended up buying a Mya Paragon from H-S. I ended up spending over $200 with all the supplies and got one of those free Nammor Azizi's with the order. My roommate is planning on getting the Mya Mozza II.
[/quote]

Congrats on your new hookahs! So, what supplies did you go with? Cool on the Azizi. Very cool. Does the Aziz come with a Nammor hose as well? Because THAT would rock. If that Azizi comes with the extra large Egyptian style clay bowl shown in the image, wow, that's one of my favorite clay bowls. Simple but I like it.
[/quote]

To be honest I don't know what the freebie comes with. I'm really hoping I get the nammor hose, because I've read good things about them. I'll let you know when I receive it.

I picked up a vortex bowl head(2 actually.. I have really bad luck with people breaking them), an extra hose adapter, box of 3kings 33mm coals, 3 of the social smoke greatest hits tins, 2 packs of precut foil, 1 box chron natural coals, 1 bag f-line orange soda tangiers shisha. I already had a tangiers funnel bowl and a 4-5 different hoses. If I dont get the nammor hose i'll likely go pick one up later. I figured it was worth waiting to find out, so I can go place another order over 75 and get another free hookah.

[avielth]

I wanted to get a larger tray like you suggested, but H-S was out of the large Mya trays when I ordered.

[Epoch]

Free Nammor Azizi?? How do I get in on this deal?

[Genie]

[quote name='avielth' timestamp='1295107118' post='494463']
I just want to say thanks for all the advice and information. I ended up buying a Mya Paragon from H-S. I ended up spending over $200 with all the supplies and got one of those free Nammor Azizi's with the order. My roommate is planning on getting the Mya Mozza II.
[/quote]

[quote name='Epoch' timestamp='1295239786' post='494602']
Free Nammor Azizi?? How do I get in on this deal?
[/quote]

There you go, I didn't see it but I guess they have a deal

[Epoch]

Well, as soon as someone figures out the details, lemme know.