Sahara Smoke Company has revised their popular specialty bowl, known as the Vortex. The bowl retains its classic funnel shape, with the air holes drilled uniquely around the sides of the spire.

The revised bowl retains most of its classic qualities, and gains a few improvements. But, the really important question is, how does it stack up against the classic Vortex bowl? In a word, great.

How The Vortex Bowls Compare

The the Vortex bowl is slightly larger, though it appears to hold roughly the same amount of tobacco. The neck of the bowl is a bit thicker and the construction feels sturdier, although I haven’t put the new Vortex bowl through much trauma so it’s hard to say for sure.

One significant change is the size and placement of the holes. around the spire. The holes are a bit bigger, providing a wider draw. Although it’s a change from the original Vortex bowl, the draw is not as wide as true phunnel bowls. If you’re someone who values an effortless draw, this still may not be the bowl for you.

The placement of the holes was also revised slightly. The holes now rest a tad closer to the top of spire where they are less likely to be clogged with tobacco, which could cause the draw to suffer. This was a problem with the original Vortex bowl if not packed carefully, but is far less of an issue with the revised Vortex bowl.

It should be noted that Sahara Smoke produces Vortex bowls in mass quantities and there will be a few with manufacturing defects, such as one or more holes that aren’t completely clear. The quality of the bowl shouldn’t be graded based on this. In this situation, the vendor you purchased your bowl from should offer a replacement, and if not, you may wish to speak to Sahara Smoke directly. They will surely be happy to do what they can to help. Or, if you’re daring like me, you can carefully clear the holes yourself with an electric drill. But I’m still going to recommend the first option.

The bottom of the bowl has also seen some revisions. The opening which attaches to the hookah stem has been modified with a slight lip which is more narrow than the original Vortex bowl. This solves issues some people experience where their Vortex bowl may not fit properly on their hookah, or may rest unevenly. The revised Vortex bowl fits more snugly and it’s angle can be adjusted without breaking the seal.

In the interest of combating counterfeit  Vortex bowls, Sahara smoke has also added its own insignia, and the word VORTEX to the base of the bowl. This is one manner of ensuring your getting a genuine Vortex Bowl. Though it should be noted that unless you purchase your bowl directly from Sahara Smoke, you may still receive the original Vortex bowl until vendor’s stock is replenished.

Sahara Smoke also claims the bowl is made of higher quality material, sturdier construction and double walled for better overall performance.

How does it smoke?

Great. In general, the revised Vortex bowl smokes nearly identically to the original, with the added improvement of an easier draw. Though I don’t think that the changes are significant enough for you to run out and buy a new one if your classic Vortex bowl is still kicking, if you’re in the market for a new bowl, for whatever reason, the revised Vortex bowl is a great option.