The most valuable (literally and figuratively) part of a hookah is the shaft. It would seem - what's wrong with it? The coals don't burn, the tobacco doesn't evaporate, the water doesn't gurgle - it's just a vertical tube, that's all. But it's not just a tube. It is in the shaft is the main process of cooling and cleaning the smoke (for which, in fact, the hookah was invented). The better the quality of the hookah shaft, the higher quality and more delicious smoke we will inhale.
Hookah shaft height and diameter
The first thing to evaluate when buying a hookah is the height and diameter of the shaft. Let's say right away that the height of less than 50 cm is not serious. Such a shaft will not be able to cool and clean the smoke normally.
However, too high shaft also has its disadvantages - the smoke that goes a very long way, can lose some of the flavor.
Therefore, the ideal height for the shaft is between 50 and 70 cm.
The diameter is just as important as the height. If the width of the shaft tube is too small - it will be extremely difficult to draw. For those who like a light draft, mines with a diameter of 15 mm are recommended. Those who like a tight pull (there are some) can stop at the diameter of 12-14 mm. But not less - smoking hookah with a face red from stress - is a real pleasure ...
Material for the shaft
Once upon a time, mines were made of wood. But since wood quickly deteriorates with moisture and easily absorbs odors, it was long ago abandoned.
Today, the ideal material for the shaft is stainless steel. A stainless steel shaft is durable, does not absorb odors, is not prone to corrosion and can last up to ten years. If you have extra money, you can buy a mine made of noble metals - such as silver. But that's more of a show-off or a statement about your high status...
If you don't have money, there are mines from copper and brass. They are all good, except for one thing - with time these metals will oxidize. Therefore, their service life usually does not exceed two years.
Even cheaper mines from aluminum, but they last less - no more than a year. Aluminum rusts quickly, which immediately affects the taste of tobacco smoke.
So in the case of the mine, you can repeat the old adage - "the miser pays twice".
Thread or seal?
Hookah shaft connects to the flask in two ways. One is simply inserted into the flask hole, and the tightness and stability is provided by a rubber seal at the joint. Others are screwed onto the flask with a thread.
Of course, threaded connections are much more convenient. However, if you break the bulb, it will be extremely difficult to find a new one - ideally suited to this connection. You can also simply damage the threads, and the shaft will simply fall into disrepair. But rubber gaskets are inexpensive, and you can replace them at any time.
One-piece or prefabricated?
In addition to solid shafts made as a single monolith, there are prefabricated shafts. A prefabricated shaft consists of several parts, which are connected by means of threads.
Of course, a one-piece shaft is safer and more airtight. However, prefabricated allows you to adjust the height yourself. For example, if you want to take a hookah with you on a trip, you can build a smaller shaft for convenience.
Attention, cleanliness!
No matter how good your shaft is, it gets dirty over time - and more than other parts of the hookah. And no wonder - filtering the smoke is one of its main functions. So do not forget to regularly wash and clean the shaft (for this purpose special long and narrow hookah brushes are sold).