Mike

Introduction to Mike:

Hey all, My name is Mike A.K.A Dragonfly Mike. I do quick one-minute reviews of different hookah brands and flavors. You can find me on Instagram @dragonflymike or TikTok @dragonflymike77. I do have an old YouTube channel that can offer insight into what was going on in the hookah world in 2010-2014ish at Dragonflymike77. Besides smoking hookah, you can find me at your local pool hall shooting for hours.

 

What is your hookah setup preference?


It's hard for me to narrow down what my favorite pipe is upon first thought; there are so many amazing smoking pipes nowadays. My daily hookah is the Retrofit Amalgam. It has an adjustable draw, allowing me to smoke in many different ways while still using the same pipe. I also really enjoyed smoking the DSH Nice. I've had the pleasure of smoking a DSH over several weekends and really enjoyed it. It's not incredibly open but not very restrictive. It hits that nice balance of being in between. It is a tough choice between the two.


What is your go to bowl?


My daily bowls are 1010makes, Ascent Phunnel Bowl, and the Darkside Shot bowl. It can really depend on what mood I am in. I don't smoke the same way every day, and these three offer a different smoke. Some days I use phunnel bowls; other days I use traditional bowls. I can't pick my absolutely favorite.


What is your favorite hose/hoses and why?


I love the Kaloud Aelios hose, but it doesn't fit with a lot of modern hookahs. Because of that, my favorite hose is a simple silicone tube and a stainless steel handle that can fit the Tangiers Mouth tip. The silicone hoses fit with any hookah regardless of being modern or ancient. They are incredibly easy to clean, and they don't get tangled up. A stainless steel handle rarely retains flavor, and if it does, a simple scrub and rinse with hot water and it's good to go. I like using the Tangiers Mouth tip because it restricts the draw. I don't always use it, but being able to restrict my pipe by putting on a mouth tip is great.



Top Mixes

  1. A Dark Leaf Cola, Basil and Cranberry. Cola is about as nostalgic as it comes for me, and I love them all. Adding a little basil tones it down just a tad and gives it a bit of a green herbal note. The dark leaf cranberry gives it just a bit of zest that really brings out the Cola notes. I'd like to do an honorable mention to adding Frosty or cooling to it. I don't do this too often, but sometimes adding that cooling on hot days really hits the spot. This mix was suggested by some of the members of Hookah University.
  2. Double Apple and Tangiers Foreplay on the Peach. I prefer using Nakhla Double Apple, but since it is harder to come by nowadays, AlFakher or Tangiers Kosmik are still excellent. This is a pretty old school mix for me as well. The peach and melon sweeten up the anise in the double apple without overpowering it. Double Apple is one of those flavors I'll add to just about any flavor out there. It's a comfort flavor to me.
  3. Tangiers 2005 Blueberry, Tangiers Cane Mint Alpha, and Musthave Milky Rice. If I want to smoke and don't know what to smoke, this is what I go for. The blueberry is a creamy blueberry that blends well with the Cane Mint Alpha. Add in the Milky rice, and you get a nice rich and robust flavor. The Milky rice adds even more creaminess to it that prevents the richness from becoming too much. There isn't really a time where this mix won't hit the spot. Special note: I love milky rice, and like double apple, I'll add the stuff to anything and everything.
  4. Darkside Darksupra and Musthave Cheesecake. This is a new mix for me. It tastes like rich, creamy Jasmine Tea Cheesecake. The Musthave cheesecake is sweet and blends perfectly with the bright and full-bodied flavor of the Darksupra. Sometimes, I'll add a touch of Needles to it. That adds even more herbal flavor to it that brings out the Tea flavor even more.
  5. Tangiers Kashmir Black and Tangiers Strawberry. This is a mix recommended to me by Neeve. I already love Kashmir Black and will smoke that stuff straight all day. But adding the strawberry to it gives it just a bit of sweetness that hits the spot perfectly. I always have Kashmir Black in my tobacco stash. (I try to at least!)

How I got into hookah!

Ages ago, I had a friend from boarding school show me a Syrian hookah. We smoked Nakhla Zagloul, no foil, coals directly on the tobacco, and I fell in love, even with that setup. I wanted to know everything there was to try and ventured into the hobby. From there, I found brands like Nakhla, AlFakher, and Tangiers. I took the hobby to YouTube and started to do reviews because of the members of Hookahpro.com I ended up leaving the hookah scene and stopping smoking around 2013-2014 and only recently got back into the community. I had lost a friend who happened to be my smoking buddy. I wanted to do something in his honor. I ordered a small starter kit with some Tangiers and loaded up a bowl. I had no HMD, and the session was subpar. I kept thinking to myself that I used to have a better experience. So I decided to get a Kaloud lotus, and next thing I know, I was back in. The market had exploded with so many new brands, hookahs, and accessories that I felt like I was brand new to the hookah scene. From there, I met some wonderful people that showed me the ropes. Next thing I know, I'm flying all over the country to hang out and smoke with these guys. While my return to the Hookah Community was the result of a negative life experience, it helped spawn a positive and incredible outcome and opportunity that has reminded me how important community and friendship are. Thank you to the owner of Kaloud, 1010makes, and the guys at Hookah University. Without them, I am not sure where I would be with hookah. You guys are why I met so many great people and find myself meeting and partnering with Hookahvault.

 

What do you like about the hookah community and how would you like to see it grow?


The hookah community is amazing at sharing their knowledge and experience. It's a rich and diverse group of people with different tastes or personalities. It's a community that not only wants to share what they know but are extremely willing. It's been a pleasure to get to know the community. I would like to see the many different world markets connect. So many countries have expanded their hookah community that it has brought so many new innovations. I would like to see those innovations and brands readily available to everyone around the world. We are starting to see that connection.


Follow and support Mike in his Hookah Journey!