Couple More Question's

[aaron_cg]

So, I have smoked my hookah a few times now, and I have a few question's:

1. When I finish, typically the shisha is dry, with the top layer looking burnt, but its not. Is this typical?

2. Foil or screen cover, which is better?

3. When packing the shisha, should it be tight, or loss?

For those that don't know, I am using a 10 inch pumpkin hookah (crappy I know, but its what I have for now), Hydro-Herbal shisha, and quick light charcoal, split in half. Also using the ice trick in the bowl.

[fineout]

[quote name='aaron_cg' timestamp='1355156416' post='564431']
So, I have smoked my hookah a few times now, and I have a few question's:

1. When I finish, typically the shisha is dry, with the top layer looking burnt, but its not. Is this typical?
[color=#ff0000]-probably means that it is a little bit overheated, if the bottom layer is as if it was not smoked at all, then you have a problem.[/color]

2. Foil or screen cover, which is better?
[color=#ff0000]-foil, no comparison[/color]
3. When packing the shisha, should it be tight, or loss?
[color=#ff0000]-Depends on the bowl and the tobacco, my rule of thumb is the jucier the tobacco the fluffier it needs to be packed, but still always needs to be up to the top.[/color]
For those that don't know, I am using a 10 inch pumpkin hookah (crappy I know, but its what I have for now), Hydro-Herbal shisha, and quick light charcoal, split in half. Also using the ice trick in the bowl.
[color=#ff0000]-Whats an Ice trick?[/color]
[/quote]

[Bawhee]

generally at least the top layer of the tobacco will be pretty blackened after youve smoked the bowl generally I think foil is preferred to screens but some people like screens too, I guess see what you like better. Tightness of the pack depends on the type of tobacco, I dont smoke herbal so Im not sure, try a few different packs and you will see. Also try to switch to natural coals as soon as you can, much better experience overall. Oh, "ice trick" will actually make the smoke cooler but it will also make the flavor less intense the colder the smoke is so generally room temperature water is just fine, again though, it depends on your personal preferences

[king_lunchb0x]

im guessing,like bawhee, the ice bowl trick.meant to say ice base..?

[aaron_cg]

Thanks, and I meant that I put ice and water in the base

[mustang67n]

exactly what they said.. generally a fluffier pack works best for most tobaccos.. the herbal stuff, however, can be an entirely different beast. I've only tried it once so I can't help you much with how to pack it :/..

but try it fluffy, and try it a little denser (try to find a limit of density vs. air flow, you want the flow to be unrestricted no matter what) and find what works best for you
It's a lot of trial and error with this stuff

[xMooglyx]

1. thats plenty normal. if it is looking like that all the way through, then you smoked the bowl into the ground like a champ, if it isn't no big deal.

2. foil. screens dont really retain heat as well as foil. they are convenient, but if you are wanting to go the screen route just buy a kaloud lotus.

3. this depends on the bowl and the shisha. more info?

[mustang67n]

[quote name='xMooglyx' timestamp='1355359312' post='564767']
1. thats plenty normal. if it is looking like that all the way through, then you smoked the bowl into the ground like a champ, if it isn't no big deal.

2. foil. screens dont really retain heat as well as foil. they are convenient, but if you are wanting to go the screen route just buy a kaloud lotus.

3. this depends on the bowl and the shisha. more info?
[/quote]

in regard to answer number 2. When I tried a kaloud lotus, i was very displeased. The air flow was restricted and it took entirely way too long to heat up the bowl to a decent smoking temperature. For the price tag and lack of convenience, they aren't worth it in my opinion.

I say stick with foil.. the screens, too, tend to get a lot of tobacco burned onto the bottoms and cleaning them can be a pain the the ass. Foil is so much easier