Hookah Issues

[buzz'd]

So when I was in Israel last summer, I picked up an egyptian style hookah off the street. If you know what the markets look like there, wherever you turn you can get one, its like a dime a dozen. So i brought this thing back to calgary, and the first time i smoked with it (nahkla strawberry) i actually tasted strawberries. As i continued smoking i have noticed that the flavors i am getting, are getting less and less. I purchased 24, 50 gram boxes of Al Amir, and I can't quite seem to get the desired flavor out of any of them. I have tried different foil combinations, different heat management, and i can get huge clouds of smoke but i cant quite get the desired flavor. I upgraded to a new bowl, one of the pre attached wind cover ones and still nothing.

I have been washing everything with plain hot water, and i think my hookah including the hose might not be washable. Would this affect the overall taste, and how bad is it for me. I will be upgrading to a MYA Acrylic soon, but for the time being i want to know how to maximize my flavor.

Also i have tried acclimating, seriously i have tried everything that has been suggested here. Please help.

[yashman19]

Well unless your hookah is made out of a un-finished wood, I think your hookah is fine to wash. But having a dirty hose can definitely impart some flavor. The coiled ring lining the inside of it should either be made of plastic, or stainless steel. If not, it will rust when it comes in contact with water, and other black little particles will ruin a session.

As for the flavor, just have to keep trying different methods. Try adding as much heat as you can until it starts to get harsh. Then just take a slight amount of coals off, and that should be your optimal smoking level ie: you're getting the most smoke possible and flavor possible because you are using as much heat as possible, without it being harsh.

Just some things to consider.

[Pieces]

Try using soap when you wash as well. The foam soap works great. Just get a little in there and run water through until there's no more soap suds, and then brush it.

[jonny_lech]

I replaced my hose and it cured this same problem.

[Thadeus]

Yeah, I would try replacing my hose before I do anything else. I had the same problem once, and a new hose made the problem go away. If you can post pics of your hookah, I'm sure someone here could tell if it's washable or not. Don't hold me to that, but the people here are very helpful with things like that, which I'm sure you've noticed. Hope that helps.