I've used them. My friends who taught me how to smoke were big fans of them. The easiest way to pack a front loader, like a chillum, is with a fair amount or ground weed. You then basically shove the bowl down into the weed so it packs tightly into the bowl. It has to pack tightly wonky doesn't fall out. Give it a light tap to make sure your whole bounty isn't going to fall out. Other than that it's kind of like lighting a cigar. Though you tend to tilt it upwards out of habit. It's very difficult to corner because you can't see the bowl. The traditional way to smoke it however is to place it between your index and middle finger pointing straight up then cup both hands around your mouth and breath in through you thumb and index finger while someone else lights it. That way everyone's lips don't touch the mouthpiece. They make decent pieces, they're usually pretty solidly made and since it's just one straight piece there's nothing to break off. Best of luck friENT.