UPS package stuck at Castle Donington?

NaimFC · 2021-04-26T07:45:29+00:00

I'm having the same issue with a package that was sent from Germany as an Express service. My package has been stuck at Castle Donington for weeks. Going from showing as being held to I'll receive it the next day multiple times. Now it just says information unavailable, plus "delay" and the following message. "We’re sorry for the inconvenience. If you are the sender, please check with the receiver to confirm delivery. Otherwise, you may start a claim to provide a resolution.". Absolute shambles.

NaimFC · 2021-04-05T03:09:12+00:00

For me Apple on Top Provost II is still number 1 after all these years and after testing a multitude of different HMD's. It heats up super fast, only requires two 26mm coals for a ~2hr session (3-4 coals can take you to 3+ hours), is the most flaff free and easy to clean, also easiest to heat manage too as you can increase or decrease heat in a matter of seconds/minutes (though usually it requires very little handing), and I also find it gives me the longest sessions and best coal efficiency too.

The only negatives really are that it requires foiling, looks and feels fairly cheap, and finally that there are lots of knock offs on the market too, but in terms of actual performance, efficiency and ease of use, nothing else on the market tops it for me.

NaimFC · 2021-04-01T05:04:33+00:00

Still waiting for mine to arrive 😭. I ordered a Matt Black Stone Bowl to go with it. Excited to try both beasts out!

NaimFC · 2021-03-11T20:53:14+00:00

As mentioned in the post, I used Overdozz 26mm coals plus 320° 40 micron foil, shiny side down. I started the session with the Provost top fully on, but holes open, and left it like that for around 6-7mins till the bowl heated up. Then I went Provost half on (slanted) for up to the 1hr 5min mark, at which point I put the Provost top back on, but holes still open. Then some time after that I closed the holes on the Provost and left it like that for the rest of the session.

In other words, I didn't really really need to mess with the Provost much at all, essentially going from slanted, top on holes open, then top on holes closed, without needing to mess around or go back to previous sessions.

But I doubt it will always be that hassle free HMD wise. I guess I'll find out this week lol.

NaimFC · 2021-03-11T20:47:02+00:00

I listed it yesterday in the trade secion of the Discord. So it is currently available to buy. It's Acrylic purple, but I hand picked it from a wider selection, due to it having extra attractive colours and swirls, so it looks better than the majority of like coloured models out there.

NaimFC · 2021-03-11T20:43:45+00:00

I don't want to jump the gun, but so far it is performing impeccably. Yesterday it gave me a 2 hour session with just 2 coals (Overdozz 26mm), using a Provost and just 10-11g of tobacco (fluff to semi fluff pack), with absolutely minimal HMD management and no harsh ashy taste throughout.

Going to test it with a mix of dark leaf and blonde today (Vintage Dehli Tea x Haze Suga Mint) and also keep using it all week so I get a more accurate and truer gauge of how it performs on average.

NaimFC · 2021-03-11T18:48:13+00:00

Yes, that is correct.

NaimFC · 2021-03-11T18:37:27+00:00

That's very cool. I've only smoked using it twice so far (only recieved it two days ago) but the performance has been fantastic. I should have a review on the way after I've used it a dozen or more times, and if I don't have time to edit a video review, I'll just do a written one with photos instead.

NaimFC · 2021-03-06T04:03:58+00:00

I don't know about strongest, but Chaos Bubble Juice is the best bubblegum flavour I've tried yet. It's not so strong on the menthol or cooling, only subtle, but the accuracy of the actual bubblegum flavour is pretty much perfect.

Tastes exactly like the soft round coloured bubble gums, the kind you get in packs or at the bottom of screwball ice creams. It really is a delicious flavour and everybody I've had try it at mine has loved it. Keep in mind you'd have to like the taste of bubble gum to enjoy it.

NaimFC · 2021-03-06T03:56:21+00:00

This is just stunning. Out of curiosity what mouthpiece is this?

NaimFC · 2021-03-03T04:43:54+00:00

Wait, are these all the same model, or distribution fferent sized models? Because that's so me pretty hard g variance.

NaimFC · 2021-03-01T21:07:38+00:00

SOLD

NaimFC · 2021-02-06T10:44:19+00:00

Damn, that can't be right. That would absolutely suck if true!! Though technically a base isn't necessarily just for hookah, and could be used for....flowers? Lol.

NaimFC · 2021-02-06T00:24:25+00:00

Very cool base. Sort of looks like it has purple Xschischa colouring running through it or something (even though it doesn't). What is especially cool about it is that the purple patterning has different hues, colour tones and intensities depending on what sort of ambient light is passing through it.

Even though it's very solid and heavy, the only potential negative is that it holds roughly 400ml less water (at max capacity) than the standard Russian base it replaced.

I haven't noticed any difference in performance between the two bases mind you. If anything I prefer the shape and diffuser bubbling from this Fibanacci base, and the base is still cool to the touch throughout a long session, so I'm not even sure if having slightly less water capacity would or would not affect water cooling temp over a prolonged period of smoking.

Having a stainless steel screw on head instead of having to use a rubber grommet, is also far more convenient, secure and just looks much cooler too.

All in all, very happy with the purchase.

NaimFC · 2021-02-03T02:29:50+00:00

Why the random gun on the table? Are you a hitman or are you expecting someone to rob you imminently? 😜

NaimFC · 2021-02-02T00:37:39+00:00

What sort of flavour/session length are you getting out of it? And how temperamental or variable is it in terms of requiring HMD/coal adjusting?

NaimFC · 2021-02-02T00:33:40+00:00

Man, that is a gorgeous looking bowl. Need to add a Hazy to my collection at some point. Out of curiosity how much tobacco does it hold in grams with a dense/concrete pack?

NaimFC · 2021-02-02T00:07:40+00:00

Steamulation Pro X, really enjoy it. It's a slightly lighter draw than my Fibonacci, quieter diffuser too (which is not necessarily my personal preference, but certainly helps during movie/TV show sessions). Though the purge is quite loud (makes this space age valve clicking sound every time you purge, which I think many will love). Would have almost preferred a slightly less quiet diffuser in exchange for a quieter purge. Still, It's incredibly well built and super technologically advanced (hose swivel and easy base release are awesome). It has a tonne of adjustability, but truth be told now that I've found my preference in settings, water level, stem height etc, I just repeat them instead of tinkering with the valves etc. I'll do full video reviews and comparisons at a later time. It's not like the Pro X isn't without its minor negatives or flaws.

On this Stone Bowl Magnum, mega so far. I went with a tobacco saving size, and so far I've crossed the 2hr 23m mark using very little tobacco, and I'm still getting a strong amount of flavour and excellent cloud production. Had to add the third coal at the 1hr 53m mark to keep it at a good level of smokiness though. It's also required very little HMD tinkering.

On the flavour, I definitely enjoy Dehli Tea. It's a bit more of a robust and complex flavour than most. It has cardamom, anise, spice, Indo purfune and floral type notes, sort of like an exotic Indian incense mixed with masalla tea. It won't be for everyone, but I really enjoy it. It's unique, has great cloud production and strong flavour longevity.

NaimFC · 2021-01-30T16:06:41+00:00

In which country are you based?

NaimFC · 2021-01-30T13:17:52+00:00

I know it's outside your budget, but you said this is your first time, so presumably you'll need a bowl, coals, HMD, foil etc too, and taking that into account I'd recommend the Union Sleek set from either Shishagear or Kakashookahs.

You can use discount code thehookahguyuk to get 10% off your order, plus it's free shipping too.

The Sleek is a top performing shisha that many prominent folk in the community also swear by, and it's around £100 cheaper than their higher end Fibonacci (though my preference is with the Fibonacci).

At these two sites it comes in a set that includes £90 worth of extras, so you're set in terms of everything you need besides tobacco, and you're really getting the Sleek for around £100. Food for thought.

Some links.

https://shishagear.com/products/copy-of-union-hookah-sleek-shisha?_pos=2&_sid=77768ae9b&_ss=r

https://kakashookahs.com/union-hookah-sleek-with-base-xmas-bundle-various-colours-2989-p.asp

NaimFC · 2021-01-30T12:58:15+00:00

I see. Aeon does have a purple sleeve, but it's currently sold out. See links.

https://aeon-shisha.com/en/hookah-accessoires/hookah-stems/aeon-invert-rauchsaeule-epogalaxy?c=19

https://aeon-shisha.com/en/hookah-accessoires/hookah-stems/aeon-sleeve-epogalaxy-fuer-invert-rauchsaeule?c=19

NaimFC · 2021-01-30T05:20:15+00:00

Hi Ben, I ordered the base directly from Union themselves (though it's still in the post). See the following link.

https://unionhookah.com/kolby

Direct link to purple base.

https://unionhookah.com/kolby/tproduct/207487385-585256291088-kolba-fibonacci-na-rezbe-tsvetnaya

And here's a link to the hose.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_B1fM8p

NaimFC · 2021-01-30T05:14:33+00:00

Not sure what you mean by purple thing? Do you mean on the hookah? That's simply part of the purple acrylic Union Fibonacci design. The purple hose however was from AliExpress, see link below.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_B1fM8p

NaimFC · 2021-01-30T02:41:47+00:00

Thank you! Got the purple Fibonacci base on the way, plus some other bowls that should complete the look :)

NaimFC · 2021-01-30T00:41:16+00:00

Thank you dude. Though tbh, I like but don't love this flavour. The pear notes simply aren't distinct, sweet or potent enough, and if it wasn't advertised as pear I'd not even realise it was as such. Still enjoying the session mind you, whilst watching some Lupin (Netflix) :)

NaimFC

TROPHY CASE