New Hookah Smoker Here With Some Questions

[MyCleverSN]

Okay so I've smoked hookah a few times over the past couple years but just recently started to really enjoy smoking it often. My friend has a hookah and I go over to his house a couple times a week and smoke with him. So I've decided to purchase my own hookah. Even though I'm new, I've decided to go all out and buy a nice hookah so I won't have to buy another one for awhile. I found a complete large titan hookah online for $180USD which is the cheapest I found it, everywhere else they are $225-$300. The titan hookah looks awesome, the vase is colorful and large and the stem is very tall and looks cool because it spirals around the stem. The only problem I have with this hookah is that it only has 1 hose. I've been looking online for the same stem (extra large nar stem made by sarah smoke) that has 2 hoses but I can't find one anywhere! Does anyone know where I can buy this stem buy with 2 hoses? Is there a way to make it rotate as well?

My Dream hookah = 2 hose large titan hookah that rotates with diffuser.

Some additional questions.

Are the metal screens worth it? How long do they last for?

Vortex bowl, how is it?

Does a wind cover affect performance of smoking?

Thanks for reading.

happy smoking!

[gramps]

Welcome to the forum!

Check out some of the vendor reviews here. Some of them are even members and are very helpful.
A great hookah can be a lot less than $200. I recently bought a fantastic Elmas pipe for $150.

Never used a metal screen, so I can't help on that. Same thing for 2-hose hookahs.

I like the Vortex, but I must be one of the few. The Tangiers phunnel bowls are great. Everybody loves them.

A wind cover helps with heat management, which in turn affects the quality of your smoking experience.

[vendetta_revived]

First, welcome to the forums!

Please don't take it the wrong way, but I am glad that you joined here before making the purchase, as I've never heard of the brand, and chances are good that it's not really worth purchasing, otherwise we'd have people talking about it here. May be it is even a chinese model which will rust on you in a couple months time, and may not give you an enjoyable smoke for as long as it does manage to last.

Your decision to go with a good first hookah is sound, as it will last you for years if taken care of properly and really treat you well. Brands that you should go with imo are :-

KM - Really good egyptian hookahs, a favourite of most here. Beautiful and efficient.
Faridas: A new brand in US. Also egyptian hookahs and regarded well by the people who have bought them.
Mya: A good chinese brand, sporting a more modern look than the ones mentioned above. Good quality pipes, but I personally suggest those to people looking for a rig in the $50 price range, as their small hookahs perform very good and in my opinion are a better price/performance deal than the rest of their line.

If you are looking to buy online, the trusted vendors here are:-

nazarhookah.com
ultimatehookah.com
hookahjohn.com
hookah-shisha.com

There are a few others too I think, but they are lost on me at the moment, so wait for others to chime in while you check these ones out. Vendor reviews for all these can be found on the forum itself, so do check those out, for your own peace of mind.

What you should purchase depends greatly on what you want by the way. I personally don't suggest people to buy multi-hose hookahs, as I find them to be less sturdy than single hose hookahs, and anyway, two people can't take a pull from their hoses on a multihose hookahs at the same time, so why not just pass the hose? I find passing the hose to be better conversation wise too, because not all people have a hose in their hands at all the time, and Idk, that just seems like a more sociable environment to me. If you don't mind, why is it that you're looking for a 2 hose hookah? Do you smoke with many people at a time?

I've never used a metal screen, but from what I've read, I don't see the need to. Most people here prefer using foil...cheap, and efficient, as opposed to metal screens, where the holes are usually bigger than needed and that results in ash falling in your tobacco.

About rotators as well, my advice would be to stay away from them, as their are not many quality ones on the market and due to their rotatory function, they tend to break down easily than the solid sturdy ones.

And this may sound like I am just bashing everything you have asked about, but vortex bowls don't get much love here either, for several reasons, bad ceramics used (little to no heat retention, easily breakable), low quality control (holes of different sizes, holes that have not been punctured, holes on the spire not level with each other), bad airflow, and then some others, so it's definitely not something that I'd advise you to buy. Most tobaccos should smoke good in a clay egyptian bowl by the way.

I hope that answered your questions, if not, please ask away.

[Stuie]

gotta link for the titan? Love to see what you are looking at.

5starhookah.com is another good vendor.

[Hassouni]

$200 for a hookah is WAY too much. If i were just starting out, I'd probably get a Farida from Nazarhookah, or a Syrian from Kasbahbazaar.

Vortex bowls basically suck, metal screens aren't that good, and windcovers do more than just keep the breeze off your coals, they also keep heat in, so if you need more heat than your coals are putting out (say when they've shrunk), it's useful to pop the cover on.

Also, multiple hose hookahs are grossly overrated. Get a 1-hoser

[r1v3th3ad]

Sahara smoke hookahs I find attractive, smoke well, expensive, and problematic with mineral deposits...
Khalil Mamoon is popular Egyptian I own two...smoke great

Magdy Zidan is a popular Egyptian that stopped making pipes...I owned one and loved it.

Farida is a rising Egyptian brand that gets much love

Darwish I believe is Egyptian and hard to find...good pipes

Nour/Nawras popular, rare Syrians...heard they are small and a little restricted on airflow...

Elmas are popular beautiful Turkish pipes...no purge valve so not necessarily wise for a new smoker.

crown hookahs makes beautiful glass hookahs and accessories.

Mya-Saray popular Chinese made, only good Chinese made pipe

Hookah-Shisha, hookahcompany,hookahjohn, 5starhookah, ultimatehookah...are all great vendors...also kasbah hookah bazaar is great....avoid hookahset...they have great prices but always fuck up orders.

if you really want a rotator get a rotating stand from Sahara or social smoke...I forget which...
multihose you can get in Egyptians but gotta plug ports...Myas have Autoseal hose ports and are best option for multihose .

I have a vortex...they suck...better off with a phunnel or Egyptian head/bowl




welcome to the forum...hope this was of help

[Chreees]

Chances are the hookah you're describing, the Titan, is most likely not the best hookah out there. Got a picture?

I'd instead look into reputable brands we trust around here: Khalil Mamoon (Egyptian, very popular), Farida (also Egyptian, at NazarHookah.com), Al Nawras/Nour (hard to find right now, but some are due to hit the market soon I hear), and Mya Saray (as Pat mentioned, only Chinese worth buying, best selection for them is on Hookah-Shisha.com, I recommend the small ones because they're better priced and smoke just as well as the big ones).

Reputable vendors, Pat listed in the post just above mine. He was very thorough, so use that as a guide in your search.

I personally would go with an Egyptian (Khalil Mamoon or Farida) or hold out until the Al Nawras (sometimes labeled Nour, which is the importer, Nawras is the manufacturer) hit the market. The Syrians are my favorite, hands down. I appreciate the slightly restricted pull. One hose is all you need, trust us. Extra hose ports are just adding hassle to your hobby. Also, rotators I would never recommend. They tend to wear and tear easily, the rotating parts I mean. Want your hookah to rotate? Get a lazy susan.

I would recommend Elmas, but as mentioned above, the lack of purge will only hinder you right now until you perfect your heat management.

Avoid metal screens. Foil is and always will be best.

Forget the Vortex. Instead look into a Tangiers Small Phunnel bowl. The last bowl you'll ever really need.

Windcover I HIGHLY recommend. Not to just prevent the wind when you smoke outside, but as Hassouni mentioned, to use as a tool for heat management. I use a windcover everytime I smoke. Instead of three coals, I just use two and throw a windcover on when I need that extra boost of heat.

So yeah... Look around, see what you like, and post it up here so we can tell you what's what. Any additional questions, don't hesitate to ask. That's what we're here for.

[MyCleverSN]

Thanks for all the advice and answering my questions.

This forum has been very helpful so far and I appreciate all the feedback =).

Here is a link to the titan(I should have done this in the first place)
[url="http://www.hookahhookah.com/hookahhookah_com_-_store2/the-titan.html"]http://www.hookahhookah.com/hookahhookah_com_-_store2/the-titan.html[/url]
I found it for $180 though, I would never pay $300. My brother is pitching in half so I figure 90 each isn't bad to get a good hookah. This large vase is awesome and the colors are just what I've been looking for. The cheapest I found the vase for was $120 so I figure another 60 a complete would be better. The stem is very nice and elegant but I do have 1 question about it if some people can answer. Does the smoke go through the spiral part or is that just for looks and the smoke shoots down(Which i would think is more efficient). And if anyone can answer if there is a 2 hose stem like this?

Thanks for the advice on the bowl. I'm going to get a set of clay bowls in different sizes. I'm going to try the metal screens just to see how they are.

The reason I want a 2 hose is because I think if there are more then 3 people smoking at once then a 2 hose is perfect. I want to get a really nice hookah that I can take to my friends house or have here when there are a lot of people. I have also been looking at some small mya hookahs for my room for just me.


THANKS AGAIN!

[mustang67n]

the smoke goes down the straight part, the spiral is there just for looks.

2 hose pipes almost never smoke as well as single hose pipes. I'd suggest sticking with a single hose. It's not that difficult to pass the hose, and it also induces conversation and a better smoking atmosphere IMO.

Also.. $180 is expensive for ANY pipe. I'd suggest looking at Mya if you're looking into a modern pipe.

However Mya's too run a bit expensive. I've never heard of that brand you posted before, but that doesn't mean it's bad, but it could also mean it IS bad. lol I'll let others weigh in if they have experience with that pipe though.

[MyCleverSN]

I'm dead set on this vase because I just love it lol =). But the cheapest I can find it is $120 online.

I just ordered a small mya hookah because it wasn't too expensive ($60) and the reviews were good on a few websites. I don't really like the large myas vase design. The small myas vase looks awesome (I got it in blue).

Additional questions -

I was reading a thread on here about how often some people smoke here. Some smoke very often(everyday) BUT, how many bowls do you smoke and how long is the session?

COALS
I ordered 108 coco nara coals for $6 on amazon. The reviews were very good and I thought 108 for $6 wasn't bad. Do you have any suggestions on coals?

SHISHA
I bought Al Fakher Grape(heard good things) and hookah hookah hazlenut. Any suggestions?

Thanks again

[Chreees]

That's a Sahara Smoke hookah, and I'm not sure about now, but when I first joined the forums here all the talk was that they rust easily. I personally would avoid it, especially since you can find other hookahs for much cheaper. Sure it looks nice, but it's more about the quality AND looks I think (I'm sure others will agree with me on this).

If you have to have a multi-hose hookah, go with Mya Saray:

Small Myas: [url="http://www.hookah-shisha.com/c-16-small-mya-hookahs-mini-hookahs.html"]http://www.hookah-sh...ni-hookahs.html[/url]

Large Myas: [url="http://www.hookah-shisha.com/c-241-mya-hookah-mya-saray-hookahs.html"]http://www.hookah-sh...ay-hookahs.html[/url]

I recommend the small models since they're priced so well and smoke just as good as the big ones. The Mono and Vento actually will do up to four hoses. The QT and Bambino are popular models here on the forums, though. Whatever model you choose though will treat you right.

No need to get various sizes of clay bowls. The smallest one will work just fine, even for multiple people. I recommend the standard clay Egyptian bowl, even for use on the Myas: [url="http://www.hookah-shisha.com/p-7860-egyptian-clay-hookah-bowl.html"]http://www.hookah-sh...ookah-bowl.html[/url]

Instead of getting Mya hoses, though (I find them to be shit), get some Nammors, so you can order everything from Hookah-Shisha: [url="http://www.hookah-shisha.com/p-1574-nammor-hookah-hoses.html"]http://www.hookah-sh...okah-hoses.html[/url]

All of this will set you up right. Again, I'd avoid the metal screens, but feel free to try it out if you want.

EDIT: You posted while I was typing... Which Mya model did you go with? Average time for Coconaras is an hour. But that won't use up all the shisha in the bowl. Typically you can go several rounds of coals on one bowl of shisha, depending on the brand of tobaccy. I usually go two or three rounds each time I smoke (about three times a week).

Coals I'm really digging Razans right now (available at NazarHookah.com), but I also like Coconaras and Cocomazayas.

For brands of tobaccy, I recommend Nakhla and Al Fakher if you're starting out. Starbuzz is an easy brand to work with too. These are just the basics, as there are a LOT of brands out there that are at least worth trying. I'd avoid Hookah-Hookah, though.

[MyCleverSN]

[url="http://www.bnbtobacco.com/product/modern-medium-vibe-hookah"]http://www.bnbtobacco.com/product/modern-medium-vibe-hookah[/url]

Thoughs?

i love the nammor hoses.

I got the QT single. It won't be here for a few days so I'm going to go to a local smoke shop tomorrow and look at some clay bowls. Why do you say avoid hookah hookah? I've never tried it but I read good reviews on the hazlenut. I'm gonna pick up some mint shisha at the smoke shop too

[Hassouni]

[quote name='MyCleverSN' timestamp='1329600963' post='539497']

Additional questions -

I was reading a thread on here about how often some people smoke here. Some smoke very often(everyday) BUT, how many bowls do you smoke and how long is the session?

[color=#ff0000][b]Pretty much one bowl per session, anywhere from an hour to up to three (or more if using in a funnel). I would say average is between 1-2 hrs though.[/b][/color]

COALS
I ordered 108 coco nara coals for $6 on amazon. The reviews were very good and I thought 108 for $6 wasn't bad. Do you have any suggestions on coals?

[b][color=#ff0000]Coconaras (CCNs) are fine coals. Cocomazaya (CCM) are the same, but cubic. Razan coals are supposed to be very good too.[/color][/b]

SHISHA
I bought Al Fakher Grape(heard good things) and hookah hookah hazlenut. Any suggestions?

[color="#FF0000"][b]Al-Fakher (AF) in general is good, but AF Grape has gone really downhill. Good AF flavors: strawberry, melon, mint, lemon, orange, berry, guava. Avoid HH. Also investigate Nakhla[/b][/color]

Thanks again
[/quote]

[Hassouni]

[quote name='MyCleverSN' timestamp='1329602297' post='539500']
[url="http://www.bnbtobacco.com/product/modern-medium-vibe-hookah"]http://www.bnbtobacc...ium-vibe-hookah[/url]

Thoughs?

i love the nammor hoses.

I got the QT single. It won't be here for a few days so I'm going to go to a local smoke shop tomorrow and look at some clay bowls. Why do you say avoid hookah hookah? I've never tried it but I read good reviews on the hazlenut. I'm gonna pick up some mint shisha at the smoke shop too
[/quote]

Honestly you're better off with our recommendations.

[Chreees]

[quote name='MyCleverSN' timestamp='1329602297' post='539500']
[url="http://www.bnbtobacco.com/product/modern-medium-vibe-hookah"]http://www.bnbtobacc...ium-vibe-hookah[/url]

Thoughs?

i love the nammor hoses.

I got the QT single. It won't be here for a few days so I'm going to go to a local smoke shop tomorrow and look at some clay bowls. Why do you say avoid hookah hookah? I've never tried it but I read good reviews on the hazlenut. I'm gonna pick up some mint shisha at the smoke shop too
[/quote]

That's still a Sahara Smoke hookah, lol. Basically it's pretty, but isn't going to treat you as well as the other brands mentioned above.

QT is a great hookah. I've owned several of them over the years.

I say avoid Hookah-Hookah because once you try it and then try other brands, you'll be like, "Why the fuck did I ever bother with that crap?" Trust me, most of us made that mistake, so we try to help you out from doing the same. I started with a ton of HH "shots," and once I tried Al Fakher, it blew my mind in terms of the difference between the two. It only gets better from HH...

[mustang67n]

In agreement with Chrees and Hassouni. HH will seem good when you try it as a first tobacco (i thought it was good) but once you try Al Fakher or some other better brands. You notice a big difference. The flavor is cleaner, less chemically tasting. The bowls last longer, the smoke clouds are bigger and easier to maintain (without burning the bowl, which happens easily with HH)

But, I'm the type to learn from my own mistakes rather than just taking peoples word for it. So i'd suggest trying a couple little shot thingies, and deciding for yourself

[MyCleverSN]

Okay thanks people.

I'll smoke on my mya QT for a lil when it gets here while I research more into a big nice hookah. I will have plenty of coals for awhile but I'll try cocoamazaya and razan after these are finished. I'm getting Al Fakher and hookah hookah so when they come I will try the hookah hookah first and then Al Fakher and compare the two.

I'm still trying to find reviews on the titan vase. I would love to buy a 36" large mya but one that has the small vase design because I don't like the large vase designs.

[Hassouni]

[quote name='MyCleverSN' timestamp='1329604266' post='539507']
Okay thanks people.

I'll smoke on my mya QT for a lil when it gets here while I research more into a big nice hookah. I will have plenty of coals for awhile but I'll try cocoamazaya and razan after these are finished. I'm getting Al Fakher and hookah hookah so when they come I will try the hookah hookah first and then Al Fakher and compare the two.

I'm still trying to find reviews on the titan vase. I would love to buy a 36" large mya but one that has the small vase design because I don't like the large vase designs.
[/quote]

Re: CCN vs CCM, they're made by the same company and have the same consistency. the CCNs are a flattish slab, the CCMs are cubes. If you find the CCNs are burning your tobacco a lot, try the CCM since they run a bit cooler since there's less area per side. If you like the CCNs though, there's no real reason to bother with CCM.

[MyCleverSN]

okay i see. i am going to buy a windshield as well so hopefully the CCNS don't burn to hot with it. I will experiment until i find what I like...

[Pavo21]

Damn guys you killed this thread this poor guy had an information overload so lol.

Welcome to HF