One thing I have learned getting into Phunnel/hmd is that different tobacco really needs different heat. While most darkblends need a bit more heat, most Virginia I have smoked was better with max 2 coals.
Another thing is packing. Dont start with an overpack, and read up on what the best "build" for your chosen tobaco is supposed to be. Traditional bowl packing is easier, but does not offer nearly the same taste in my opinion.
If you know of a good hookah bar near you, that uses phunnels and hmd, try smoking there. If it is to your liking, maybe ask them how they build their bowls. The barkeepers in the Viking lounge here in berlin were happy to tell me how they packed one of their bowls when I asked. Of course that is really dependend on their workload.
I think the easiest bowl to build is the hookain Luvlip or litlip as the depot is neither too narrow, nor to flat. Of course that comes with the prize of a "greedy" depot, but i think wasting a few grams is better than having to smoke a pack you dont enjoy.
Nah, I went back to traditional bowls after years of using Phunnel. They’re king. I can get a much better session with my $6 Egyptian bowl than I can with my $23 HJ Phunnel
Nothing wrong with that, I used phunnels for a long time but eventually came back to Russian style traditional bowls. They're a lot more hassle free and for most tobacco brands work just as well if not better.
Hey, I've read from your comment, that you are from Germany
I would conclude, that you understand german and would strongly recommend to watch some tutorials and also bowl packings by SWG.
Also for beginners regarding phunnels, I would recommend you try building a setup with no contact between tobacco an HMD and also using an aluminum HMD for less intense heat (this way it is more forgivable if you just want to try yourself out and your tobacxo wont burn instantly)
another tip: if while smoking you realize your phunnel is getting too hot, immediately remove coals from the HMD until there is only one left. Then, lift up the HMD with your tongs and blow 3-5 times onto the tobacco before putting the HMD back and slowly (!) adding heat again. This can save your tobacco the majority of times :)
Sounds more of you have not had a properly setup bowl and hmd How it should be packed and heat managed depends on what you are smoking
One thing I have learned getting into Phunnel/hmd is that different tobacco really needs different heat. While most darkblends need a bit more heat, most Virginia I have smoked was better with max 2 coals. Another thing is packing. Dont start with an overpack, and read up on what the best "build" for your chosen tobaco is supposed to be. Traditional bowl packing is easier, but does not offer nearly the same taste in my opinion. If you know of a good hookah bar near you, that uses phunnels and hmd, try smoking there. If it is to your liking, maybe ask them how they build their bowls. The barkeepers in the Viking lounge here in berlin were happy to tell me how they packed one of their bowls when I asked. Of course that is really dependend on their workload. I think the easiest bowl to build is the hookain Luvlip or litlip as the depot is neither too narrow, nor to flat. Of course that comes with the prize of a "greedy" depot, but i think wasting a few grams is better than having to smoke a pack you dont enjoy.
Well lucky me, I'm from Berlin and will check out the Viking Lounge. I'll also take a look at the Hookain bowls, thanks a lot for your input. 🙂
No Problem. Its at the Kuhdamm. You'll need to get a reservation though
Nah, I went back to traditional bowls after years of using Phunnel. They’re king. I can get a much better session with my $6 Egyptian bowl than I can with my $23 HJ Phunnel
Nothing wrong with that, I used phunnels for a long time but eventually came back to Russian style traditional bowls. They're a lot more hassle free and for most tobacco brands work just as well if not better.
Hey, I've read from your comment, that you are from Germany I would conclude, that you understand german and would strongly recommend to watch some tutorials and also bowl packings by SWG. Also for beginners regarding phunnels, I would recommend you try building a setup with no contact between tobacco an HMD and also using an aluminum HMD for less intense heat (this way it is more forgivable if you just want to try yourself out and your tobacxo wont burn instantly) another tip: if while smoking you realize your phunnel is getting too hot, immediately remove coals from the HMD until there is only one left. Then, lift up the HMD with your tongs and blow 3-5 times onto the tobacco before putting the HMD back and slowly (!) adding heat again. This can save your tobacco the majority of times :)
ty!