First Hookah

[Burning]

What up? I've been lurking here for a while, been studying up as much as I can, but this is my first post. I wanted to see what the opinions were on my findings.

A little bit of back story: I've never even smoked a hookah. Never even thought about it until recently, when I started smoking a pipe. I've been studying up on that and am going to pick up some nice McClelland blends and a good looking Savinelli shortly, but with winter approaching, I won't be able to smoke much outside, and I'm anticipating that SWMBO won't react to favorably to the aroma of some of the more flavorful blends of pipe tobacco I'll be smoking. So I was trying to come up with a way that the problem can be avoided, and as soon as a hookah popped into my head I was dead set on getting one (who knows why, that's the way my brain works ).

So, anyway, unless my girlfriend surprises me and takes up an interest in the hookah (she has never smoked [u]anything[/u]) this will be a solo hookah 99.99% of the time. For that reason, I'm not looking for a massive rig, and not looking to spend a lot of money on the device itself (rather spend it on shisha).

After reading countless forum posts and reviews, here's the rig I'm currently settled on:
[list]
[*][b]Mya Mozza[/b] - adding a large Mya tray
[*][b]Nammor Hose[/b] - probably small, in black
[*][b]Crown Micro Phunnel[/b]
[/list]
I'll probably also add a small windscreen, and it seems like quartered, flat coconaras will be the way to go with this bowl. I like the mozza for it's modern, non-traditional look. I'm hoping the crown micro will help with conservation of mu'assel and be small enough for 45-60 minute solo sessions.

Any suggestions on the rig?

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this forum so I can be confident in my first purchase without having to waste a lot of money on trial and error.

[Burning]

Whoa! I didn't see that Introductions forum all the way down there! Would a mod be kind enough to move this thread to the appropriate venue? Thanks.

[S3cretz]

First Hookah threads are usually in discussion group anyway
Good choices

And for starters id suggest you go with Romman and al twareg and then move up to Tangiers.
I suggest Fantasia for coals.
The phunnel is the way to go!

And thats meh input.
And your wife should like hookah everyone does(horrible exaggeration ).

[joytron]

The discount egyptian bowls although often overlooked are really quite good for short sessions.

[Burning]

Thanks for the reply's guys.

[quote name='S3cretz' timestamp='1315681317' post='523352']
And for starters id suggest you go with Romman and al twareg and then move up to Tangiers.
I suggest Fantasia for coals.
[/quote]

Those shisha suggestions are probably going to be the first brands I try, since I'm probably going to order from hookah-shisha.com and they throw them in the bag. Any suggestions on flavors? Ivory coast sounds good.

Fantasia coals? I don't think I've seen them.


[quote name='joytron' timestamp='1315683140' post='523356']
The discount egyptian bowls although often overlooked are really quite good for short sessions.
[/quote]

Hey, thanks for the tip. I didn't notice they had a "tiny" size. A 5-8 gram capacity sounds about right. It looks like a discount might not be available, but for $1.99 I can splurge and just add it to the list.

[mushrat]

It's cool where it is since you are doing more than just saying "Hi".
Good selection of stuff for a starter rig.

[SirBlue]

[quote name='Burning' timestamp='1315689746' post='523362']
Thanks for the reply's guys.

[quote name='S3cretz' timestamp='1315681317' post='523352']
And for starters id suggest you go with Romman and al twareg and then move up to Tangiers.
I suggest Fantasia for coals.
[/quote]

Those shisha suggestions are probably going to be the first brands I try, since I'm probably going to order from hookah-shisha.com and they throw them in the bag. Any suggestions on flavors? [b]Ivory coast sounds good[/b].

Fantasia coals? I don't think I've seen them.


[quote name='joytron' timestamp='1315683140' post='523356']
The discount egyptian bowls although often overlooked are really quite good for short sessions.
[/quote]

Hey, thanks for the tip. I didn't notice they had a "tiny" size. A 5-8 gram capacity sounds about right. It looks like a discount might not be available, but for $1.99 I can splurge and just add it to the list.
[/quote]


I thought it sounded good too, so I got it with my Mya QT. My friends didnt seem to mind, but my mind set itself so that it would smell and taste like asphalt or burnt tires to me.. Maybe I'm just crazy, but I ended up giving i away because I couldn't stand it.

[joytron]

[quote name='SirBlue' timestamp='1315874953' post='523601']
[quote name='Burning' timestamp='1315689746' post='523362']
Thanks for the reply's guys.

[quote name='S3cretz' timestamp='1315681317' post='523352']
And for starters id suggest you go with Romman and al twareg and then move up to Tangiers.
I suggest Fantasia for coals.
[/quote]

Those shisha suggestions are probably going to be the first brands I try, since I'm probably going to order from hookah-shisha.com and they throw them in the bag. Any suggestions on flavors? [b]Ivory coast sounds good[/b].

Fantasia coals? I don't think I've seen them.


[quote name='joytron' timestamp='1315683140' post='523356']
The discount egyptian bowls although often overlooked are really quite good for short sessions.
[/quote]

Hey, thanks for the tip. I didn't notice they had a "tiny" size. A 5-8 gram capacity sounds about right. It looks like a discount might not be available, but for $1.99 I can splurge and just add it to the list.
[/quote]


I thought it sounded good too, so I got it with my Mya QT. My friends didnt seem to mind, but my mind set itself so that it would smell and taste like asphalt or burnt tires to me.. Maybe I'm just crazy, but I ended up giving i away because I couldn't stand it.
[/quote]

Yeah I am not sure about the 5-8 gram bowl that sounds really small, but a lot of sites sell chipped egyptian bowls for like a dollar and they hold probably 15 grams or so of shisha and work quite well.

[dizzbizz]

I think they're being conservative when they say 5-8 grams. My mini Egyptian bowl holds between 10 and 15 and as far as I know, the mini ones are the smallest they make.

If you want a bowl that holed 5 grams you might want to look into the bowl the Mya Petite comes with. lulz

[Burning]

[quote name='SirBlue' timestamp='1315874953' post='523601']]I thought it sounded good too, so I got it with my Mya QT. My friends didnt seem to mind, but my mind set itself so that it would smell and taste like asphalt or burnt tires to me.. Maybe I'm just crazy, but I ended up giving i away because I couldn't stand it.
[/quote]

Thanks for the tip. I'll pass on that one.


[quote name='joytron' timestamp='1315879129' post='523607']Yeah I am not sure about the 5-8 gram bowl that sounds really small, but a lot of sites sell chipped egyptian bowls for like a dollar and they hold probably 15 grams or so of shisha and work quite well.
[/quote]

Too small for a solo session? Not having packed a hookah, I'm not really sure how much I'd expect to use in an egyptian for a 45-60 min. solo session.


[quote name='dizzbizz' timestamp='1315917042' post='523642']
I think they're being conservative when they say 5-8 grams. My mini Egyptian bowl holds between 10 and 15 and as far as I know, the mini ones are the smallest they make.

If you want a bowl that holed 5 grams you might want to look into the bowl the Mya Petite comes with. lulz
[/quote]

The one I was referring to was the "tiny" egyptian at H-S.com. This one: [url="http://www.hookah-shisha.com/p-7860-egyptian-clay-hookah-bowl.html"]http://www.hookah-sh...ookah-bowl.html[/url]

I'm already reconsidering the Mozza. I have some concerns about its stability, and I've read that the draw is relatively restrictive, and based on my experience with briar pipes I'm pretty sure I'd like something with as little draw as possible. So I'm looking at the KM's, I guess, for the wider bore. Their designs don't appeal much to me. I don't care for anything gold. I could get used to it as long as it didn't look cheap.

Also thinking about adding a heba diffuser and a Mystique Ice Tip. Worth the extra $35? I might have to make that a separate order.

Also considered going with a Nammor since the heba and hose would be included, but read that their build quality is second rate.

*sigh* I'll probably do another month's of research and change my mind a few more times before I pull the trigger. Edited September 13, 2011 by Burning

[S3cretz]

I Think 5star hookah has fantaisia coals
Tabbaco suggestions you asked for
Altwareg : blueberry ; cola
Romman : Summer crisp ; cherry

[Burning]

[quote name='S3cretz' timestamp='1315945344' post='523701']
I Think 5star hookah has fantaisia coals
Tabbaco suggestions you asked for
Altwareg : blueberry ; cola
Romman : Summer crisp ; cherry
[/quote]
Thanks for the tips man. The summer crisp sounded good. If I go with H-S.com, I'll definitely try it out. Edited September 13, 2011 by Burning

[Epoch]

[quote name='Burning' timestamp='1315945061' post='523699']

I'm already reconsidering the Mozza. I have some concerns about its stability, and I've read that the draw is relatively restrictive, and based on my experience with briar pipes I'm pretty sure I'd like something with as little draw as possible. So I'm looking at the KM's, I guess, for the wider bore. Their designs don't appeal much to me. I don't care for anything gold. I could get used to it as long as it didn't look cheap.

Also thinking about adding a heba diffuser and a Mystique Ice Tip. Worth the extra $35? I might have to make that a separate order.

Also considered going with a Nammor since the heba and hose would be included, but read that their build quality is second rate.

*sigh* I'll probably do another month's of research and change my mind a few more times before I pull the trigger.
[/quote]

If you want an open, easy draw on a hookah, then KMs and Nammors are both great choices. They aren't second rate at all, unless you don't like the welded hand-made look (which some people don't).

[atalanta]

You might want to check out the trades section. I bought my first Hookah there (arrived yesterday and can't wait to fire it up.) A couple people have Mya Bambinos listed. I heard they are really good little pipes. IF my BF I get into it, I may get him one for the holidays.

[vendetta_revived]

[quote name='Burning' timestamp='1315945061' post='523699']
[quote name='SirBlue' timestamp='1315874953' post='523601']]I thought it sounded good too, so I got it with my Mya QT. My friends didnt seem to mind, but my mind set itself so that it would smell and taste like asphalt or burnt tires to me.. Maybe I'm just crazy, but I ended up giving i away because I couldn't stand it.
[/quote]

Thanks for the tip. I'll pass on that one.


[quote name='joytron' timestamp='1315879129' post='523607']Yeah I am not sure about the 5-8 gram bowl that sounds really small, but a lot of sites sell chipped egyptian bowls for like a dollar and they hold probably 15 grams or so of shisha and work quite well.
[/quote]

Too small for a solo session? Not having packed a hookah, I'm not really sure how much I'd expect to use in an egyptian for a 45-60 min. solo session.


[quote name='dizzbizz' timestamp='1315917042' post='523642']
I think they're being conservative when they say 5-8 grams. My mini Egyptian bowl holds between 10 and 15 and as far as I know, the mini ones are the smallest they make.

If you want a bowl that holed 5 grams you might want to look into the bowl the Mya Petite comes with. lulz
[/quote]

The one I was referring to was the "tiny" egyptian at H-S.com. This one: [url="http://www.hookah-shisha.com/p-7860-egyptian-clay-hookah-bowl.html"]http://www.hookah-sh...ookah-bowl.html[/url]

I'm already reconsidering the Mozza. I have some concerns about its stability, and I've read that the draw is relatively restrictive, and based on my experience with briar pipes I'm pretty sure I'd like something with as little draw as possible. So I'm looking at the KM's, I guess, for the wider bore. Their designs don't appeal much to me. I don't care for anything gold. I could get used to it as long as it didn't look cheap.

Also thinking about adding a heba diffuser and a Mystique Ice Tip. Worth the extra $35? I might have to make that a separate order.

Also considered going with a Nammor since the heba and hose would be included, but read that their build quality is second rate.

*sigh* I'll probably do another month's of research and change my mind a few more times before I pull the trigger.
[/quote]

Briar pipes and hookahs are completely different by the way. A restricted draw is preferred on a briar pipe because you are letting the smoke just in your mouth (If I am not wrong), where as with hookah, you inhale the smoke in your lungs rather freely, so a good draw is preferred when you're smoking a hookah.

[Burning]

I've completely moved away from the Mya. When I first decided to get a hookah, I'm now full blown going for a full-size KM. Looking at a 32" Kafae. I'm not concerned about portability. The most I'm going to move it is about 50 feet from one room to another.


[quote name='Epoch' timestamp='1315953733' post='523726']If you want an open, easy draw on a hookah, then KMs and Nammors are both great choices. They aren't second rate at all, unless you don't like the welded hand-made look (which some people don't).
[/quote]

Thanks for the feedback. The Nammors are really appealing.


[quote name='atalanta' timestamp='1316010679' post='523812']
You might want to check out the trades section. I bought my first Hookah there (arrived yesterday and can't wait to fire it up.) A couple people have Mya Bambinos listed. I heard they are really good little pipes. IF my BF I get into it, I may get him one for the holidays.
[/quote]

For some reason (not a good one, I'm sure) I'm reluctant to consider a secondhand hookah. I guess I want the goodies that come with a new one, but I can probably hand pick my own goodies with the money I'd save. I need to look into it. Thanks for the suggestion.

[quote name='vendetta_revived' timestamp='1316015667' post='523828']Briar pipes and hookahs are completely different by the way. A restricted draw is preferred on a briar pipe because you are letting the smoke just in your mouth (If I am not wrong), where as with hookah, you inhale the smoke in your lungs rather freely, so a good draw is preferred when you're smoking a hookah.
[/quote]

That's an interesting point. The experience doesn't translate perfectly, but I know that I didn't like using a filter in my pipes because it decreased the draw. So I was thinking I'd rather have a more open draw on the hose. But you make good sense, man. Thanks for the tip.

[Epoch]

Good hunting for your new hookah! Make sure to post pictures.

[Fouda]

Go for the hens diffuser!! Makes way more bubbles thus creating thicker clouds. It also quiets it way down and helps filter put some of the tar and nicotine. (although none of my shisha has any tar but I like the fact that it filters out some of the nicotine). Good luck in making your final decision but honestly no matter which one you pick you will not be dissappointed I mean come on! It's your first hookah!!!!! It's gonna be amazing

[Burning]

[quote name='Fouda1122gbf' timestamp='1316610074' post='524685']
Go for the hens diffuser!! Makes way more bubbles thus creating thicker clouds. It also quiets it way down and helps filter put some of the tar and nicotine. (although none of my shisha has any tar but I like the fact that it filters out some of the nicotine). Good luck in making your final decision but honestly no matter which one you pick you will not be dissappointed I mean come on! It's your first hookah!!!!! It's gonna be amazing
[/quote]

Hey man. This is the first I have heard of the hens diffuser. I haven't had much luck digging up info on the forums yet. Who sells it?

You're totally right. From what I can tell, there's a lot of hookahs that I would be happy with. I'm already planning on getting a second one! I think I'll be more budget conscious with the first pipe and gets lots of extras on the first round. Shisha, accessories, gear and goodies and what not. On round two I'll have everything else I'll need and I can just get a monster pipe and some more baccy. I'm kind of obsessing over this.

Thanks, bro.

[vendetta_revived]

[quote name='Burning' timestamp='1316640127' post='524745']
[quote name='Fouda1122gbf' timestamp='1316610074' post='524685']
Go for the hens diffuser!! Makes way more bubbles thus creating thicker clouds. It also quiets it way down and helps filter put some of the tar and nicotine. (although none of my shisha has any tar but I like the fact that it filters out some of the nicotine). Good luck in making your final decision but honestly no matter which one you pick you will not be dissappointed I mean come on! It's your first hookah!!!!! It's gonna be amazing
[/quote]

Hey man. This is the first I have heard of the hens diffuser. I haven't had much luck digging up info on the forums yet. Who sells it?

You're totally right. From what I can tell, there's a lot of hookahs that I would be happy with. I'm already planning on getting a second one! I think I'll be more budget conscious with the first pipe and gets lots of extras on the first round. Shisha, accessories, gear and goodies and what not. On round two I'll have everything else I'll need and I can just get a monster pipe and some more baccy. I'm kind of obsessing over this.

Thanks, bro.
[/quote]

I think he means the heba diffuser. I haven't ever used one but the general consesus and common sense tells me that all it does is to quiet your hookah down, without affecting the clouds or the flavour, positively or negatively.

[Burning]

[quote name='vendetta_revived' timestamp='1316640523' post='524746']
[quote name='Burning' timestamp='1316640127' post='524745']
[quote name='Fouda1122gbf' timestamp='1316610074' post='524685']
Go for the hens diffuser!! Makes way more bubbles thus creating thicker clouds. It also quiets it way down and helps filter put some of the tar and nicotine. (although none of my shisha has any tar but I like the fact that it filters out some of the nicotine). Good luck in making your final decision but honestly no matter which one you pick you will not be dissappointed I mean come on! It's your first hookah!!!!! It's gonna be amazing
[/quote]

Hey man. This is the first I have heard of the hens diffuser. I haven't had much luck digging up info on the forums yet. Who sells it?

You're totally right. From what I can tell, there's a lot of hookahs that I would be happy with. I'm already planning on getting a second one! I think I'll be more budget conscious with the first pipe and gets lots of extras on the first round. Shisha, accessories, gear and goodies and what not. On round two I'll have everything else I'll need and I can just get a monster pipe and some more baccy. I'm kind of obsessing over this.

Thanks, bro.
[/quote]

I think he means the heba diffuser. I haven't ever used one but the general consesus and common sense tells me that all it does is to quiet your hookah down, without affecting the clouds or the flavour, positively or negatively.
[/quote]

I thought that might be the case, but I saw the same typo in a review on H-S and I wasn't so sure.

Yeah, I like that it's included with some of the Namoor hookahs. Pretty appealing.

[joytron]

Just buy a hookah already!

[omegaalpha22]

I have a Kafe and 7 other hookahs, but the only 2 I primarily smoke out of are my Kafe and my Admiral with Nizbor bohemian base.
It's a nice simple design with great draw.
I would get that with a Crown Micro Phunnel for sure.
For mu'assel recommendations, start off with Nakhla, Social Smoke, Al Fakher, and Tangiers Lucid.

[Fouda]

I did mean the heba diffuser. My bad stupid auto complete on iPod touch. But the heba diffuser do effect the amount of bubbles produced and I'm pretty sure it produces thicker clouds at least that's what their box told me

[atalanta]

[quote name='Burning' timestamp='1316640127' post='524745']
You're totally right. From what I can tell, there's a lot of hookahs that I would be happy with. I'm already planning on getting a second one! I think I'll be more budget conscious with the first pipe and gets lots of extras on the first round. Shisha, accessories, gear and goodies and what not. On round two I'll have everything else I'll need and I can just get a monster pipe and some more baccy. I'm kind of obsessing over this.
[/quote]

I didn't order enough extras, just the bowl, hose, and some shisha. Now I have to get tongs, wind cover, coal holder, the nitty gritty stuff. However, I have already planned improvisations - a tea infuser spoon for the tongs, sink strainer for heating the coals on my stove and a ceramic ramekin to carry them to my hookah, maybe an empty Arizona Ice Tea can for the wind cover (or judicious use of foil).