Regal Hookah's Melech

[Matto]

First off I'm sorry it took me so long to get to this review. I've had the pipe for a month or so now, so at least all the newness awe has worn off
I should tell you that I got this directly from the guys at Regal, they knew I was looking at opening a lounge and wanted me to consider their pipe for my business. Know that this in no way effects my review. Being a test pipe,however, it didn't come with the pre-packed things that retail hookah's do, most important of these was a tray.

Form:
Pros:
It's a wonderful looking pipe, the mix of wood and metal is beautiful. I think the smooth and natural looking wood juxtaposed with the modern and sleek aluminum is a striking combination. The base is intricately decorated and merges with the stem almost seamlessly. It really is a conversation starter and a great pipe to look at.
Cons:
There were a few flaws in the wood of my pipe, scuffs and gouges toward the bottom of the stem, they weren't major and not even noticeable from a couple feet away.
The tray: Mine didn't even come with a tray, as I stated above, but the ones pictured on the retail pipes seem to clash.

Overall the appearance is great. One of the most beautiful pipes I have ever seen in person. It's a mix of old and new, a sleek new take on one of the oldest pastimes in the world.




Function
Pros:
The stem of the Melech is very well made. It's extremely light, even being over 30" it only weighs a couple of pounds. Even so, it's solid as a rock. Surprisingly it's even more sturdy while smoking than my KM. This thing feels like it will last forever, there's no connection that seems weak, and really there's only one or two connections on the whole thing (the purge valve, and the wood to metal bonds). The quality of the smoke from it is equal to (if not a tiny bit better than) a KM. The draw is just as open, and the smoke just as pure. One of the most unique features of the Melech is it's lack of a hose port. This feature works amazingly well. With a good size modern grommet my Nammor fits like a glove directly into the heart of the stem.
Cons:
The purge does not work quite as well as a KM purge, it's definitely better than a MYA purge though.
The tray rest is dropped down much like a KM, I know a lot of people like it that way but not me particularly.

Overall the Melech has amazing performance. The drawbacks are tiny compared to it's positive attributes. I guarantee in a blind test against a KM this pipes smoking quality would be as good or better.



THE VERDICT:

What a pipe. For being Regal's first commercially available hookah it is a remarkable achievement. I would recommend this pipe to my friends, and if I can find a way to make the price point work then I will be using it in my lounge when we finally get everything rolling there. The question I think most people will have is not "Is this a good pipe?" but rather "Is this pipe worth $200." Honestly, I can't answer that for everyone. In my opinion I would rather have this one unique "form meets function" pipe than two so called "traditional" pipes.


Please let me know if you have any questions or want to know something specific, I know I couldn't have covered everything!

(Mods feel free to make a review section for the Regal Melech and move this there! Thanks )

[king_lunchb0x]

good review. but i would not feel comfortable serving these the any random joe of the street. TO many things could happen to a nice 200$ hookah

[Matto]

I would agree, but really the only thing that will break on it if knocked over would be the base and bowl, which would happen with any hookah unless it was a cheap acrylic.

[king_lunchb0x]

that non-hose port trips me out. Seems like it wouldn't hold in to well but from you review sounds nice and snug

[MrMoodz]

The hose port on the Regal Melech fits my KM Pro nicely, better than my KM Kamanja. I'm loving my Regal Melech. Excellent review Matto!