Poll : Do You Really Think Its The Bes Idea To Suggest Phunnels And Tangiers To Beginners?

[mushrat]

yes. its not rocket science and phunnels are good for any tobacco.

[Coyote]

[quote name='ChicagoRSX' timestamp='1319762254' post='529178']

Actually, I'm pretty sure I admitted that my so-so experience was due to lack of experience on my part. And we are talking about newbies and their first experiences correct? I'm taking into account people who don't join this forum and get help from it's members.[b] But lets face it, most people in society today aren't going to try and try again, especially if they aren't a part of a community such as this, they will throw the shisha out, and smoke something they have always had good luck with.[/b]

[/quote]

For what its worth, the Tangiers packages have instructions, phone numbers, email addresses, street addresses, forum links, etc so that if one had any sort of questions/comments/concerns a knowledgeable source is accessible.

[ChicagoRSX]

[quote name='Coyote' timestamp='1319805681' post='529218']
[quote name='ChicagoRSX' timestamp='1319762254' post='529178']

Actually, I'm pretty sure I admitted that my so-so experience was due to lack of experience on my part. And we are talking about newbies and their first experiences correct? I'm taking into account people who don't join this forum and get help from it's members.[b] But lets face it, most people in society today aren't going to try and try again, especially if they aren't a part of a community such as this, they will throw the shisha out, and smoke something they have always had good luck with.[/b]

[/quote]

For what its worth, the Tangiers packages have instructions, phone numbers, email addresses, street addresses, forum links, etc so that if one had any sort of questions/comments/concerns a knowledgeable source is accessible.
[/quote]

That is a very good point Coyote, I didn't even look at mine, I just went off Chris's video on packing a micro phunnel and a tang phunnel and went from there.

[glider]

the question you are asking is making Tangiers seem like this almighty tobacco. its not. it has good flavors, a good buzz, good clouds and longevity. its also touchy with a lot of things. personally nakhla is my favorite brand. everything but the buzz and clouds(sometimes anyway haha) are better than tangiers.

phunnels are great bowls. they function very well and get the job done with all kinds of tobacco. is a tang phunnel>bowl XXX? maybe. its all about preference really.

most people already start out knowing how to pack and egyptian bowl or something along those lines. but who is to say you cant learn how to pack a phunnel first? the tobacco is a different story though. being that it has so many quirks, its not a good starter tobacco. even if you have a high nicotine tolerance.

so in conclusion i would recommend a phunnel, but not tangiers to a n00b.

and yes.... DM has a WAY stronger buzz than tangiers... its the only thing i buzz from now really..

[jorlyfish]

I would not recommend Tangiers to a [i]very[/i] beginning smoker for these reasons:

It knocked me on my ass the first couple of times I smoked it, even after having smoked a while before that (maybe 6-8 months of owning my own pipe and about a year of smoking in lounges total). If you don't have any tolerance or idea of what your limitations are and knowing things like you shouldn't be smoking dehydrated, you need to breathe in some plain ol' oxygen between hits, and so on, you could make yourself pretty sick I can imagine.

Like other people have pointed out, Tangiers isn't rocket science by any stretch of the imagination, but it's a lot easier to screw up heat management and packing than it is with other brands. If I had jumped right into it, I might have given up on trying to set up my own hookah at home. My first few sessions of smoking Tangiers sucked - I had had a hard time acclimating things, I still wasn't totally sure on packing and heat, and so on. But I already knew that I liked smoking, and that I could sucessfully set up other things like AF, Fantasia, and Nakhla at home, and that Tangiers was well-thought of, so I persisted.

Most pipes come with a standard Egyptian bowl. Tangiers is an investment. You probably are going to want a phunnel of some sort (either a Tangiers one or maybe a Crown bowl), Tangiers shisha seems to be more expensive on the outset (although for how long it lasts, it is cheaper per hour) and you can only buy it in 250g+ packs (when I was starting out, I liked buying a bunch of 50g packs and trying all sorts of stuff) - real bummer if you can't figure it out or don't like the flavor/s you got.


[i]On the other side though[/i], like Chris, I wish I had started smoking Tangiers earlier. I think it is appropriate to bring up the existence of Tangiers and say something like "Once you get the hang of having your own pipe, you might want to think about investing in Tangiers shisha and a phunnel, a lot of people find it to be their favorite shisha for these reasons" and so forth.

[bigpatvoodoodad]

I'm 2 months into the Hookah world. I am a self-admitted newb. I just recently bought some phunnel bowls and 250g of Tangiers Indian Summer. I have acclimated the Tangiers but not tried a session of it yet. I have used the small phunnel and the HJ mini I have with both AF and Starbuzz. I am still struggling with heat management for the small phunnel. The HJ mini I haven't used very much, but I've had pretty good results. So far I'm most comfortable using the Egyptian and Mya bowls I have. I will learn the phunnel bowls so I can take the Hookah experience to the next level with Tangiers.

[bigpatvoodoodad]

Concerning tobaccos, I bought AF and Nakhla to start with. But then I got curious about SB and Tang. I like SB for the incredible flavor. Nakhla was good for me from the start since I had poor heat management skills. I never get buzzed from tobacco, shisha or otherwise. I smoke cigarettes and used to smoke strong maduro cigars and I'm a big dude @ 6'3" 380 lbs. I've smoked tobacco in various forms for 16+ years. Of all the ways to smoke, hookah is by far my favorite. Killer tastes and cool looking pipes FTW! Now cigarettes and cigars don't taste nearly as good as I once thought. Once I had my first good hookah session I was hooked. Edited October 29, 2011 by bigpatvoodoodad

[mustang67n]

I feel that it's best to learn the basics with an egyptian/mod bowl and nak or AF

but I do think suggesting tang and phunnels is good, because then, when the beginner smoker is ready, they know what is a great option to maximize their smoking experiences. Definitely not as a first tobacco/bowl though.

If I had started with a phunnel or tangiers, I'd be lost when I tried to use an egyptian. Hell, even now, I sometimes forget heat management when using an egyptian lol

my .02

[twoapplesplease]

I agree with learning the basics first...get AF and nak down in traditional bowls..then branch out after finding out what kind of things you like to smoke.

Just because there is a collective of tangiers fans on any given forums, it does not make tangiers the greatest thing ever since sliced bread.
IMO less talked about brands like Afzal,Desi murli,Salloum,Ayam Zaman are all as good if not better then tangiers depending on what flavs we are talking about

[Floataround]

[quote name='grock' timestamp='1319762924' post='529180']
That video is so awesome, gonna have to try that method.



But on the topic of the thread, I didn't vote at all, on account of I don't agree on either end of the spectrum.

The part I agree with, is recommending phunnels to new users. They are simple to pack, and make the smoke so much more enjoyable on account of more flavorful, bigger clouds, and lasts longer. I think everyone should use one.

However, the part I disagree with, even though I am a fan of the product, is recommending Tangiers to beginners. Now I say this not because it is hard to pack, but just on account of[b] it can be a pain to acclimate properly. Its just a hassle that other brands have the convenience of not having to do.[/b]
Plus, there are far more flavors and brands besides Tangiers that are awesome to smoke. My stash of shisha doesn't comprise of only one brand, its a variation, because all have their pros and cons. I love Nak, Af, Tangiers, Social Smoke, and Romman. Its really had to go wrong I think.
[/quote]

This. New smokers are going to want to get their new flavor in, slop it in the bowl, and start smoking, for better or worse. Even with the learning curves like how to properly pack any bowl, heat management, etc, you will at least be able to get going as soon as your package arrives. I think most people would be turned off at first by the acclimation process to start their home hookah experience.

I think it all goes that way...why get a phunnel bowl when my hookah came with an Egyptian bowl that is just fine? Why get a Nammor when the little hose I got is ok? Why get coals that I need to put on a burner for 10 minutes when I can take a lighter to these coals and be ready in a minute? Why get the tobacco that I have to mess with for a few days , when I can get the kind where I am ready to go right away?

The examples go on and on..well, maybe not so much anymore haha, but I think you guys will get the point. Hookah is a learning process , and an investment. I know from a financial stand point, I would not want to shell out big bucks for something I might not even end up liking. To this day I am happy I bought a little Chinese pear hookah that allowed me to really explore what I wanted, and start learning the basics. If I was told from the start I needed to drop a few hundred dollars just to get started, I probably never would have. But...we learn quick

[Chreees]

[quote name='Floataround' timestamp='1319856031' post='529328']
This. New smokers are going to want to get their new flavor in, slop it in the bowl, and start smoking, for better or worse. Even with the learning curves like how to properly pack any bowl, heat management, etc, you will at least be able to get going as soon as your package arrives. I think most people would be turned off at first by the acclimation process to start their home hookah experience. [color=#ff0000]<--- Lucid doesn't require acclimation.[/color]

I think it all goes that way...why get a phunnel bowl when my hookah came with an Egyptian bowl that is just fine? Why get a Nammor when the little hose I got is ok? Why get coals that I need to put on a burner for 10 minutes when I can take a lighter to these coals and be ready in a minute? Why get the tobacco that I have to mess with for a few days , when I can get the kind where I am ready to go right away? [color=#ff0000]The phunnel is overall a better bowl. The Nammor is a wide-gauge washable hose, whereas the one that came with your hookah isn't.[/color] [color=#ff0000]Quicklites are horrible and shouldn't even exist (IMO); naturals are WAY better. Again, Lucid you don't have to mess with at all.[/color]

The examples go on and on..well, maybe not so much anymore haha, but I think you guys will get the point. Hookah is a learning process , and an investment. I know from a financial stand point, I would not want to shell out big bucks for something I might not even end up liking. To this day I am happy I bought a little Chinese pear hookah that allowed me to really explore what I wanted, and start learning the basics. If I was told from the start I needed to drop a few hundred dollars just to get started, I probably never would have. But...we learn quick [color=#ff0000]Thing is, you ended up wasting money by buying the Chinese hookah and other lesser-quality supplies when you started out. I wish someone had saved me money and said, "Hey man, get a Mya QT, Nammor hose, Tangiers phunnel, Tangiers Lucid, and Coconaras and you're good to go." [/color]
[/quote]

[Hellz]

I really wish i wouldave dove in sooner. Mind you, I've only nbeen smoking hookah since what.. may of this year, and only been smoking tangiers since late august. It's not rocket science, and if you can follow a hint of instruction, and use some common sense you'll be completely fine with a phunnel and tangiers. I've not tried lucid, yet. Plan to one day. But I personally started right off with Noir - sure my first bowl was meh, a bit overpacked. But by my 3rd bowl it was damn smooth sailing. I think it would be perfectly fine for newbs to get thier dick beaters on some packs of tangiers. As Katie said, there are instructions and tons of direction in the packing itself. If someone cannot figure it out after following all that direction and whatnot, Should they really be handling hot coals then anyway?

[S3cretz]

I feel I might Have entered into this thread with a level of arrogance, ok alot of arrogance. After Reading this thread I have no problem suggesting anything to beginners hookah is magical and it is a personal preference honestly in many aspects I prefer nakhla over tangiers but I do love tangiers aswell THERE IS NO BEST TOBACCO.

The main reason I started this thread is because I felt offended by the fact that alot of people treat tangiers like its the alpha and omega and the only real tobacco out there I was actually afriad to voice my opinion regarding this.

/rant
THERE IS NO BEST TOBACCO and theres nothing wrong with someone if they prefer starbuzz or hookah-hookah or any other brand.
its their choice not yours. Im fine with someone saying you should try tangiers.
But im not fine with someone saying no that shit is crap you must smoke tangiers if you smoke that other tobacco your not a pro.
Thats Bullshit even if the person smokes bullshit* its their preference and if they like it good on them at-least they are unique.
Im probably over exaggerating but please can we stop this?
/end rant

* Smoking NHT in your hookah can be dangerous if you decide to do so the author of this post cannot be held responsible

[vendetta_revived]

[quote name='S3cretz' timestamp='1319888715' post='529347']
I feel I might Have entered into this thread with a level of arrogance, ok alot of arrogance. After Reading this thread I have no problem suggesting anything to beginners hookah is magical and it is a personal preference honestly in many aspects I prefer nakhla over tangiers but I do love tangiers aswell THERE IS NO BEST TOBACCO.

The main reason I started this thread is because I felt offended by the fact that alot of people treat tangiers like its the alpha and omega and the only real tobacco out there I was actually afriad to voice my opinion regarding this.

/rant
THERE IS NO BEST TOBACCO and theres nothing wrong with someone if they prefer starbuzz or hookah-hookah or any other brand.
its their choice not yours. Im fine with someone saying you should try tangiers.
But im not fine with someone saying no that shit is crap you must smoke tangiers if you smoke that other tobacco your not a pro.
Thats Bullshit even if the person smokes bullshit* its their preference and if they like it good on them at-least they are unique.
Im probably over exaggerating but please can we stop this?
/end rant

* Smoking NHT in your hookah can be dangerous if you decide to do so the author of this post cannot be held responsible
[/quote]

I totally see where you're coming from and agree with you, but I personally haven't ever seen ANYONE on this forum do that? I mean I've seen people say "Hey! You really should try some tangiers" (which you don't have a problem with), but I am not sure if I've ever seen someone say "Just throw away what you're smoking bro because tangiers is the shit!"?

[S3cretz]

[quote name='vendetta_revived' timestamp='1319892094' post='529351']
[quote name='S3cretz' timestamp='1319888715' post='529347']
I feel I might Have entered into this thread with a level of arrogance, ok alot of arrogance. After Reading this thread I have no problem suggesting anything to beginners hookah is magical and it is a personal preference honestly in many aspects I prefer nakhla over tangiers but I do love tangiers aswell THERE IS NO BEST TOBACCO.

The main reason I started this thread is because I felt offended by the fact that alot of people treat tangiers like its the alpha and omega and the only real tobacco out there I was actually afriad to voice my opinion regarding this.

/rant
THERE IS NO BEST TOBACCO and theres nothing wrong with someone if they prefer starbuzz or hookah-hookah or any other brand.
its their choice not yours. Im fine with someone saying you should try tangiers.
But im not fine with someone saying no that shit is crap you must smoke tangiers if you smoke that other tobacco your not a pro.
Thats Bullshit even if the person smokes bullshit* its their preference and if they like it good on them at-least they are unique.
Im probably over exaggerating but please can we stop this?
/end rant

* Smoking NHT in your hookah can be dangerous if you decide to do so the author of this post cannot be held responsible
[/quote]

I totally see where you're coming from and agree with you, but I personally haven't ever seen ANYONE on this forum do that? I mean I've seen people say "Hey! You really should try some tangiers" (which you don't have a problem with), but I am not sure if I've ever seen someone say "Just throw away what you're smoking bro because tangiers is the shit!"?
[/quote]
Like I said Im probably over exaggerating those kind of things happen when I start to rant.

[Floataround]

[quote name='Chreees' timestamp='1319868197' post='529335']
[color=#ff0000]Lucid doesn't require acclimation.[/color]
[/quote]

Ok, you got me on that

[quote name='Chreees' timestamp='1319868197' post='529335']
[color=#ff0000]The phunnel is overall a better bowl. The Nammor is a wide-gauge washable hose, whereas the one that came with your hookah isn't.[/color] [color=#ff0000]Quicklites are horrible and shouldn't even exist (IMO); naturals are WAY better. Again, Lucid you don't have to mess with at all.[/color]
[/quote]

And I agree with you, on all of those things. This is from the prospective of a beginner, someone who gets a hookah, and then chooses to get online and sees everything else. Chances are until they know that this is something they will stick with, they wont want to go out and get all the other things from the start. You have my on the Lucid argument, its something I did not think about. But when you decided this something you are going to peruse, like I said, I think you learn quick. I used my Chinese set up for about a month before I ordered a real kit with all of the above. Maybe I was a little off topic, as the thread was "should you recommend" which is a yes, but I think we should look at the other side of the argument, will the new smoker actually listen and invest right away (after probably buying a cheap right, or will they want to get the nicer items right away for a hobby they are not sure they will even care about a month later)?

[quote name='Chreees' timestamp='1319868197' post='529335']
[color=#ff0000]Thing is, you ended up wasting money by buying the Chinese hookah and other lesser-quality supplies when you started out. I wish someone had saved me money and said, "Hey man, get a Mya QT, Nammor hose, Tangiers phunnel, Tangiers Lucid, and Coconaras and you're good to go." [/color]
[/quote]


Oh I wish I had too! Would have been a lot nicer in the short and long runs. But its a learning process. Keep in mind, my post was from the prospective of someone brand new to hookah, so I do agree with you on all your points. Just playing devils advocate a little bit.

[Chreees]

Yeah, I got you man. I'd say since I started smoking, EVERYTHING I buy now I research it as much as I can before I buy it. If I see something at the store, I go home and look it up, and find out if it's good. Then I shop price and if it's considerably cheaper online and I don't need it right away, I buy online. Otherwise I drive back to the store and get it. Since I bought a crappy Inhale hookah, I'd say I learned my lesson about buying.

[vendetta_revived]

[quote name='S3cretz' timestamp='1319893143' post='529352']
[quote name='vendetta_revived' timestamp='1319892094' post='529351']
[quote name='S3cretz' timestamp='1319888715' post='529347']
I feel I might Have entered into this thread with a level of arrogance, ok alot of arrogance. After Reading this thread I have no problem suggesting anything to beginners hookah is magical and it is a personal preference honestly in many aspects I prefer nakhla over tangiers but I do love tangiers aswell THERE IS NO BEST TOBACCO.

The main reason I started this thread is because I felt offended by the fact that alot of people treat tangiers like its the alpha and omega and the only real tobacco out there I was actually afriad to voice my opinion regarding this.

/rant
THERE IS NO BEST TOBACCO and theres nothing wrong with someone if they prefer starbuzz or hookah-hookah or any other brand.
its their choice not yours. Im fine with someone saying you should try tangiers.
But im not fine with someone saying no that shit is crap you must smoke tangiers if you smoke that other tobacco your not a pro.
Thats Bullshit even if the person smokes bullshit* its their preference and if they like it good on them at-least they are unique.
[color=#ff0000][u][b]Im probably over exaggerating but please can we stop this?[/b][/u][/color]
/end rant

* Smoking NHT in your hookah can be dangerous if you decide to do so the author of this post cannot be held responsible
[/quote]

I totally see where you're coming from and agree with you, but I personally haven't ever seen ANYONE on this forum do that? I mean I've seen people say "Hey! You really should try some tangiers" (which you don't have a problem with), but I am not sure if I've ever seen someone say "Just throw away what you're smoking bro because tangiers is the shit!"?
[/quote]
Like I said Im probably over exaggerating those kind of things happen when I start to rant.
[/quote]

How can we stop something that doesn't happen?

[S3cretz]

[quote name='vendetta_revived' timestamp='1319901786' post='529363']
[quote name='S3cretz' timestamp='1319893143' post='529352']
[quote name='vendetta_revived' timestamp='1319892094' post='529351']
[quote name='S3cretz' timestamp='1319888715' post='529347']
I feel I might Have entered into this thread with a level of arrogance, ok alot of arrogance. After Reading this thread I have no problem suggesting anything to beginners hookah is magical and it is a personal preference honestly in many aspects I prefer nakhla over tangiers but I do love tangiers aswell THERE IS NO BEST TOBACCO.

The main reason I started this thread is because I felt offended by the fact that alot of people treat tangiers like its the alpha and omega and the only real tobacco out there I was actually afriad to voice my opinion regarding this.

/rant
THERE IS NO BEST TOBACCO and theres nothing wrong with someone if they prefer starbuzz or hookah-hookah or any other brand.
its their choice not yours. Im fine with someone saying you should try tangiers.
But im not fine with someone saying no that shit is crap you must smoke tangiers if you smoke that other tobacco your not a pro.
Thats Bullshit even if the person smokes bullshit* its their preference and if they like it good on them at-least they are unique.
[color=#ff0000][u][b]Im probably over exaggerating but please can we stop this?[/b][/u][/color]
/end rant

* Smoking NHT in your hookah can be dangerous if you decide to do so the author of this post cannot be held responsible
[/quote]

I totally see where you're coming from and agree with you, but I personally haven't ever seen ANYONE on this forum do that? I mean I've seen people say "Hey! You really should try some tangiers" (which you don't have a problem with), but I am not sure if I've ever seen someone say "Just throw away what you're smoking bro because tangiers is the shit!"?
[/quote]
Like I said Im probably over exaggerating those kind of things happen when I start to rant.
[/quote]

How can we stop something that doesn't happen?
[/quote]
shy's away and hides

[Chreees]

Yeah, I agree with Vendetta... Although Tangiers is all I personally smoke, I still recommend a good many other brands when people ask what's good.

[Coyote]

[quote name='Floataround' timestamp='1319893889' post='529353']
[quote name='Chreees' timestamp='1319868197' post='529335']
[color=#ff0000]Lucid doesn't require acclimation.[/color]
[/quote]

Ok, you got me on that
[/quote]

Sometimes Lucid DOES require acclimation. Maybe not a formal extended hour or 4/20 acclimation like noir does, If you live in a climate that has a high dew point compared to where Tangiers is made in San Diego (hot and dry/low dew point) then your lucid MAY need a little time to adjust.

[Chreees]

[quote name='Coyote' timestamp='1319931411' post='529404']
[quote name='Floataround' timestamp='1319893889' post='529353']
[quote name='Chreees' timestamp='1319868197' post='529335']
[color=#ff0000]Lucid doesn't require acclimation.[/color]
[/quote]

Ok, you got me on that
[/quote]

Sometimes Lucid DOES require acclimation. Maybe not a formal extended hour or 4/20 acclimation like noir does, If you live in a climate that has a high dew point compared to where Tangiers is made in San Diego (hot and dry/low dew point) then your lucid MAY need a little time to adjust.
[/quote]

Yeah, true... but so far I haven't had to acclimate it at all. Only thing I've noticed is flavor has perhaps gotten a TAD better (more intense) if I did let it sit out a bit. But, then again, it may have just all been in my head... Overall, however, I have not seen any posts that I can recall where people were like, "My Lucid smells like soy or BBQ sauce, do I need to acclimate it?" or "I acclimated my Lucid because it smelled like soy or BBQ and now it's smoking great." Therefore, I believe it's safe to say that in general Lucid does not require acclimation.

[Coyote]

Yeah. I happen to live in high humidity so I have to let a few of the more sensitive Lucid flavors breath a bit.

[joelhookah]

Tangiers, no. Phunnel, yes.

[A13lackFish]

Yes to Phunnels no to Tangiers. Tangiers is a heavy brand to smoke from what i've heard. The last thing you need is people getting all uncomfortable with the buzz to begin, less getting sick over it.

Phunnels are gods gift to man, everyone should have 1, 2, 6 different phunnels on hand at all time. The best sessions i've had of most brands I can remember have been smoked in my phunnels for hours on end.