American Shishas

Shopping for an American-style shisha

American shishas come from makers such as Starbuzz, Regal, Kaloud and OverDozz. Many are sold as complete sets, which makes them an easy choice for a first hookah. Start with how you will use it: at home, on the move, or with friends.

Starbuzz models

• Carbine 2.0: made for home or travel. Take out the purge valve, fit a hose adapter, and it becomes a two-hose shisha.
• Challenger XS: a 28-inch shisha made in the USA, sold as stem, tray and Starbuzz Premium Vase. The Wood Line Challenger adds a matching wood mouthpiece and a removable diffuser.
• Mini models, such as the Mini USA: compact shishas for smaller spaces. The Mini USA stands about 21 inches and comes with a phunnel bowl, clear base and mini tong.

Other makers

Regal hookahs, for example the Cavalier, mix aluminium and wood and have no diffuser, so the draw is open. Kaloud Krysalis sets bring the hookah together with a bowl, adapter and Lotus III HMD; the Calix is Kaloud's portable one. The OverDozz Shisha Hookah SET stands 50cm, with a three-ball-bearing multi purge and a screw-on threaded base.

Look out for bundles too. The Carbine 2.0 Starter Kit, for example, adds a 200g flavour, coconut charcoal and pre-poked foil. You'll find more ready-to-go sets in Shisha Starter Kits, and the full Starbuzz line in Shisha - Starbuzz.

Questions

Can two people share a Starbuzz Carbine 2.0?

Yes. Remove the purge valve and fit a hose adapter, and two people can smoke at the same time.

Which American shishas are easy to take away?

Look at compact or portable models, such as the Carbine 2.0, which is made for home or travel, the Starbuzz Mini range, or the Kaloud Krysalis Calix.

What does an open draw mean on a Regal?

Regal hookahs have no diffuser, so the smoke is not broken up on its way through the water. The pull feels freer.