Do you hookah?

[Codex Gigas]

Having switched over ages ago, I now find myself occasionally in hookah bars. I'm not certain if it's because my social circle has changed or because they've become more popular, but suffice it to say that I've been in a few and more lately. The first so many times I went, I didn't try the hookah, and found it only vaguely interesting. And, to be honest, I got a laugh out of being the guy in the hookah lounge with a PV.

I did ultimately give it a shot, and it's rather pleasant, and it turns out that some of my favorite flavors (though they aren't marketed on the strength of or with any reference to this) have a distinctively shisha-like flavor. It's certainly not the same as vaping, but it's not smoking either. Just like vaping, there's a texture, a taste and a rhythm to it, as well as a messy little set of rituals.

What's funny (especially if you've been following the "vaping is the best corny word we've got to describe what we're doing" thread) is calling my PV an "electric hookah" in some places, just in order to get the idea across rapidly.

In any case, I'm not likely to buy a hookah setup, vaping is already enough of a hassle, and I'm definitely far more likely to order coffee and pastries in hookah bars when my friends want to stop in one than I am to stop in one by myself just to use a hookah, but I was surprised to learn that I'm not nearly as adverse to it as I'd assumed, given that I encountered it well after switching over.

Do you hookah? Tried it and hate it? Think it tastes good but avoid it on principle?

 

[Kahuna]

I've owned and enjoyed hookahs for over 2 decades. I still have 3 elaborate kits and 2 "daily drivers". I use numerous brands of shisha from more popular brands like StarBuzz and Social Smoke, to more traditional brands like Naklah and Al Fakher, to more hardcore brands like Tangiers (my personal favorite). I even have the new Shisha "stones" (basically porous stones soaked in e-juice). All my hoses are large gauge with wide bore tips, all my bowls are phunnel or vortex style, and only use natural wood coals. So yeh, been an experienced enthusiast for a long while and tried it all. I even have a box of failed gimmick and obsolete items I've tried over the years (like my vaping failed/old/useless box).

The main distinction I feel between the hookahs and vaping gear is the amount of time I have. Yes, setting up a hookah takes time. It's referred to having a "session" because there is a preparatory ritual that one goes through, from heating the coals, packing and wrapping the heads, and the eventual clean up. Vaping is more immediate, press the button and inhale. But a hookah session is a pastime, something you do with visiting friends, a relaxing night out, something that people can share and gather around. Vaping isn't as communal. I don't get the same communal feeling passing around one or more mods.

Vaping is more personal. I control the temp, nic level, ingredient mix, etc. It's all contained in my hand. So if I'm alone, working, watching TV, whatever, I like to vape.

As a side note, no vaping gear comes close to what you get from a properly set up hookah with the right hose/tip and shisha. Some come close, like a low res genny tank on a mech mod.

 

[prochobo]

Not me. I don't like hookahs since they don't give the throat hit. Same reason I don't like Black and Milds and the like.

 

[Codex Gigas]

Not me. I don't like hookahs since they don't give the throat hit. Same reason I don't like Black and Milds and the like.

I sometimes wonder if I would have become a hookah user if I'd encountered one before e-cigs, particularly given that my setup is oriented toward mild TH. I was expecting a more unpleasant TH from the hookah than my PV setups, and the opposite turned out to be true.

I smoked Camels, but I vape low, low nic and prefer almost no TH these days.

 

[Unforeseen]

Moved to the Lounge

 

[Abracastabya]

I still have 2 hookahs but never use them...double apple used to be my fav...vaping is so much easier plus I think it tastes better...I love technology and gadgets and PV's in my opinion are exactly that, so it's like I'm literally breathing in technology! Haha so geeky


Orion 2.1, 69 Mod with Cobra Atty, 28ga Kanthal, 5/6 wrap.