How To Pick A First Hookah

[Black Fox 13]

Ok, so I am brand new to everything regarding Hookahs, and have no idea where to start. Tonight was my third time smoking, and by far the best, and I have decided that I want to buy a hookah. I have many questions, where do I begin?

First, my price range is $40-$80 for all gear not including charcoal and shish (I am so sorry if this is the wrong term for tobacco, I am totally lost here), so obviously nothing too fancy. I spent some time looking online at different hookahs tonight, but have no idea what would constitute a fair or even good deal. This will really be for casual use, such as weekend, and so a simple rig will be fine. This may sound lame, but I'm also hugely into aesthetics, so something that looks nice is a big plus for me. What would be a good starter and where to buy it would be very appreciated.

Second, all of the smoking I have done has been with multiple hose hookahs. Tonight was a two-hose, and it was much better than the three hose units I have used before. If I am planning on using this with friends, say up to three people including me, would a one hose be sufficient, or would two be more appropriate? What about... auto-valve? Is that the correct term?

What are the real differences between charcoal, and what are your favorite types?

What about flavors?

This might sound sort of silly, but what's the deal with fruit juice? I keep seeing it referenced in the posts, but have NO idea why.

I know this was really long, and I apologize, but I'm trying to make an informed decision and figured you all could help. Anything you think I might have missed, and could add in, would be more than appreciated.

[Canon]

Ok, so I am brand new to everything regarding Hookahs, and have no idea where to start. Tonight was my third time smoking, and by far the best, and I have decided that I want to buy a hookah. I have many questions, where do I begin?

First, my price range is $40-$80 for all gear not including charcoal and shish (I am so sorry if this is the wrong term for tobacco, I am totally lost here), so obviously nothing too fancy. I spent some time looking online at different hookahs tonight, but have no idea what would constitute a fair or even good deal. This will really be for casual use, such as weekend, and so a simple rig will be fine. This may sound lame, but I'm also hugely into aesthetics, so something that looks nice is a big plus for me. What would be a good starter and where to buy it would be very appreciated.

Second, all of the smoking I have done has been with multiple hose hookahs. Tonight was a two-hose, and it was much better than the three hose units I have used before. If I am planning on using this with friends, say up to three people including me, would a one hose be sufficient, or would two be more appropriate? What about... auto-valve? Is that the correct term?

What are the real differences between charcoal, and what are your favorite types?

What about flavors?

This might sound sort of silly, but what's the deal with fruit juice? I keep seeing it referenced in the posts, but have NO idea why.

I know this was really long, and I apologize, but I'm trying to make an informed decision and figured you all could help. Anything you think I might have missed, and could add in, would be more than appreciated.

smart buyer you are imo

ok first 80 bucks is pretty much the minimum you can spend on getting a nice hookah and all accessories. after i make this post ill go shopping for you and show you what i find. (misread, i thought it was for everything, ill get you something that will make your friends jealous)

first its shisha, you say you dont want fancy but you want something that looks good, thats doable. 1 hose is perfect even for 3 people, the main point of smoking hookah is just to hang out and smoke occasionally, i use my 1 hose and have hung out with 5-7 ppl at a time with no problem.

coal is important, its important that you get a good brand, so i reccomend either 3 kings or golden quicklights, id say naturals but this is something your going to be using on a weekend basis and naturals take too long to light, and quicklights (QL;s) are much more convient.

as far as flavors. its like food, everyone has their preferences but there are favorites out there, ill let someone else tell you what type of tobacco to get cause i only use tangiers (not for the new smoker to pack)

juices in the base of the hookah add to the flavor of the smoke, its nice to experiment with them and put em in your vase. though water works just fine and thats what i use 99% of the time.

k, time to go shopping.. if you have more questions feel more then free to ask. we were all new at one point Edited April 6, 2008 by Canon

[Canon]

http://www.hookahcompany.com/hafa_khalil_m...h_2085_prd1.htm
http://www.hookahcompany.com/medium_pharoa...h_2515_prd1.htm

those 2 hookahs are good
you can add a 15% forum discount to the hookah just type hookahforum in the coupon/code slot when your checking out Edited April 6, 2008 by Canon

[Johnny_D]

Welcome to the forum Black Fox!

Canon's put you on the path of righteusness allready! I would also take a moment to look through the reviews, it's worth a read for an hour or two.

Coals and flavours are more tricky of course. Your own taste and palet will mostly dictate what you like and which way you go. But as a very rough guide I normally find that flavours I like to eat..... will normally be flavours that I will enjoy smoking.

JD

[mathuv]

welcome to the forums!

well in the USA, $80 doesnt really go far for hookahs. i would get a decent egyptian single hose, 1 hose is enough for 3 ppl.. and since you wont be doing it that much id go for some jap coals or rquicklites.. as far as shisha goes, try nakhla or al fakher. great brands.

[shisha fan]

you can get a magdy zidan horas http://www.hookahcompany.com/horas_c_stain...h_2502_prd1.htm. the draw is very is very easy and the build quality is perfect (no weld marks etc.)

and don`t forget the to use the discount code for hookahcompany (hookahforum).