Jump to content

Exotica Square Finger Charcoal


Recommended Posts

Anyone used these before? Just bought a box for $18. Guy at the hookah shop said it was some of the best...but I figured I'd ask the real experts on here. I went ahead and bought them anyway so hopefully they don't suck. I like the fact that they are square and won't roll off (problems I've had in the past).
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Exotica's good, certainly, but it's about half the price you paid for it from web vendors. Unless you're in dire need of coals, probably best to stick with them from now on.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Exoticas use to be the number one coal out there. But in the past they have had some Quality Control issues, then Coconut coals emerged and a lot of people have left Exotica for Coconut Coals. Just got a few boxes. Decent coals, slight taste but not bad overall. Unless you get a bad batch.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

They're pretty decent coals--they smell a little more when you are heating them than coconut coals, but that's no big deal. I like them enough that I always have some in my stash, they can be pretty handy. But, Rah is right, you totally got ripped off on the cost.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

exotica natural is my current fave. the ash is ash, not granulated sand like the coconut coals. I dont notice any smell, specially now im having stuffy nose xD *cough*
Link to comment
Share on other sites

im with everyone else. exoticas are super cheap. i recently got 4 kilos for 20 bucks. their heat output isnt as strong as coconut coals but that makes them good for tangiers i think. they light quicker than cocos but ash quite a bit and do give off a slight smell when lighting. after they are fully lit you are golden though. they also dont last as long but over all very good coals. i have a stock of them and a box of coco-naras as well. when my cocos run out its back to exoticas but that doesnt bother me a bit.

Alex
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Exoticas are alright I guess. I used to use them back when they first popped onto the scene, and stopped about the time they began having quality control issues, and ironically about the same time I discovered how awesome Japanese Coals are.

I picked up 5 boxes out of curiosity a few weeks ago, and I have to say, the issues are pretty much gone.
Low heat output is good believe it or not.....a lot more forgiving when you accidently scorch a bowl.
Yes they do produce quite a bit of ash, but in my personal experience, ash is never a problem no matter what brand I'm using. Just knock them in the tray every now and then to dust them off, then throw them back on.
[b]For the price[/b] (not the crazy ridiculous amount that you paid haha) they are awesome coals!
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well, besides paying double what you should have....

They are all I use. I've dabbled with coconut coals and the like but as much as I dislike the company, the coals are back to decent quality and they are all I use.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

They are my goto coal. Like everyone said they had some quality control issues awhile back, but they seem to be gone, As like others said, you payed over double what they cost online.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think they are great for tangiers, but they dont last as long as the coconut coals. I've never tried them with other shisha brands. They smell horrible when you light them though.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Exoticas are my only choice when it comes down to coals. Don't get me wrong there are some other good coals out there but personally, I think Exoticas are the best. But the price he sold it to you for is horrible, you can definitely get a better price. Probably for less than half of what you paid.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='wesclrg' timestamp='1294717629' post='493955']
are you guys all talking about the regular exotica finger coals or the different versions they have. i was interested to try their "5th anniversary edition" coals but i am not sure if anyone has reviewed them yet.
[/quote]

As far as I know the 5th anniversary edition boxes are just the normal coals, the only difference is that they are scored so you can break them a little bit easier.....don't quote me on that though.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='wesclrg' timestamp='1294717629' post='493955']
are you guys all talking about the regular exotica finger coals or the different versions they have. i was interested to try their "5th anniversary edition" coals but i am not sure if anyone has reviewed them yet.
[/quote]

I think all Exoticas are scored, although the first ones I tried, bought them a few months ago, claimed to be new and improved--for all I know they weren't scored before that. My guess is the 5th anniversary edition is the same as all the others just boxed up differently. This is only a guess.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='mushrat' timestamp='1294753172' post='494016']
correct. they are all scored. the 5th anniversary editions just have a different box.
[/quote]

I should bookmark this thread, "Hey, y'all, remember that time I was right about something?"

I really wanted to order some Exoticas yesterday since they were marked down and were in the fancy new box (okay, the box wasn't actually a factor) but I was trying so hard to order the bare minimum--I don't need more coals right now. But I really love having a stockpile of Exoticas! And my stockpile of them has run low.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wait, isn't this the same coal that has always set off CO detectors and made people sick? Then why all the praise?

The last time I smoked Exoticas was at a shitty lounge in SLC ("The Huka"), and we actually had to leave early because my girlfriend got sick off their coals after about 10 minutes. I tried sticking it out because I wanted to give the place a chance, but it was just way too gross.

So maybe all the Exoticas I've ever tried over the past few years have fallen within the "quality issues" period, I don't know. All I know is that they taste like chemicals, are a hassle to break (my perforations have always been only slight indentations that I had to go over with a Dremel tool), and don't last that long at all.

Advantage coconut coals in my book, hands down.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My ONLY complaint about Exoticas is a slight odor while lighting them, other than that, I find them to be excellent coals. No discernible smell or taste during a session, and I've certainly never gotten sick from them. And chemicals? Never noticed a chemical smell from them. Perhaps the lounge you went to used the quick-lite version? I've only ever used the natural version.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The water damaged exoticas were a big issue. When they went to more filler, there was an issue, at the moment (and this may change tomorrow) in the finger coal department they are still the best coals i believe. They are dense, low ash, burn a decent time, and are relatively cheap. ALL coals release CO, even the coconut ones. Its from the carbon burning ;)

Folks gotta realize when you start up a lot of em you'd better have proper ventilation. Just like any other coals.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='mushrat' timestamp='1295005806' post='494319']
ALL coals release CO, even the coconut ones.[/quote]

Sure, but some seem to put out more than others. I always considered Exoticas to be some of the worst in terms of CO release based on my experience. I guess that's what's confusing me. I may have to order another box sometime to see if maybe my bad experience in the past has been batch related.

Question: What would the reason(s) be to use Exoticas over a coconut coal like Coconara or CH?
Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='ih303' timestamp='1295018298' post='494329']

Question: What would the reason(s) be to use Exoticas over a coconut coal like Coconara or CH?
[/quote]

Price!!!!! You can often get Exoticas cheaper than Coco's or CH. They last longer too, at least for me.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...