Premium Stratus Heat Management Device

I'm an experienced hookah smoker. ShishaBucks Stratus HMD without doubt offers the most range of control which is crucial to a great hookah session. ShishaBucks is innovating the game while adding aesthetics to the mix. There's no question that their products are one of the most modern looking products in the hookah world.Setup: Khalil MammoonBowl: ShishaBucks Sky BowlHMD: ShishaBucks Stratus Heat Management DeviceShisha: StarbuzzThe session lasted an hour which is a bit shorter than my normal but it was a smooth, low maintenance session. I had three coals with the HMD at room temperature and it took about 5 minutes for the hookah to get going. I also tried heating up the HMD itself and that definitely helped the start the session faster but it started the session slightly harsher which I personally don't mind. The coals were still lit up with absolutely no blackouts due to the airflow on the Stratus which I have not experienced in other heat management devices like the Ignis or the Lotus.The best thing about this HMD is the combination with the Sky Bowl. It offers the best range of heat control. Would definitely recommend.

I used to use the OG Kaloud Lotus, and I loved it, BUT I could only fit 2 coals in at a time unless I let them burn down quite a lot and hammered the third one in part of the way through my smoke session. I always kept the vents completely closed because otherwise there wasn't enough heat. I was getting tired of the coal situation, and the fact that it wasn't even so much of a heat management device when you always had to keep it closed. Plus, it would leave ash in my bowl any time I'd try to ash my coals, and half the time my coals would end up going out because they were being choked. After using that one for years, I debated between a few different HMDs and ultimately I decided to go with the Stratus since I use a cloud micro and the skybowl from shishabucks and I love both. It's great, it fits all 3 of my coals even if they're slightly larger (thanks cocourth..), and I can even take it off and shake it up to ash my coals without ruining my bowl pack since it locks in place. I also debated between this one (the premium one) and the cheaper one, but I liked the design of the premium much better because of the grooves on the inside that keep the coals from laying flat on the surface. Adjusting the vents actually makes a difference and I can fine tune my heat instead of always leaving it in one place. It lets more oxygen in so my coals don't go out, and it keeps plenty of heat in, even with them open. Honestly wish I had bought this one sooner. I still enjoy my Lotus, but for now I'm just gonna keep it as a spare for my second hookah rather than my main go-to. Worth the price, works excellent. I can't speak for the cheaper non-premium Stratus, but I imagine it works almost as well. I decided to splurge and just go all out since I don't like buying things twice. Definitely paid off and my smoke sessions are amazing.

For something so expensive it should be really good. But it’s not.It wastes so much flavor and doesn’t give heat properly. Aluminum foil is so much better tbh

I have a Cloud Micro and a Sky Bowl... Love them both and would 100% recommend them. I've had the original Kaloud Lotus since it launched, and wanted to upgrade to a Stratus.I dunno if it's a logistics thing, incorrect item number, or what, but I received the Regular Stratus... which wouldn't be a big deal had I not just shelled out twice the price for it. I put in a replacement request, and just opened up the shipper to find ANOTHER regular Stratus.Just gonna get a refund and order through the Shishabucks website. I would advise others to do the same to avoid the frustration for now.

Love this product. Makes the hookah experience much easier. Worth the money

Quickly has become my favorite heat management device, fits a lot of coals if that's your thing and the knob doesn't get as hot as others

after trying 10+ HMDs, including the overrated "NAR" by starbuzz, this HMD wins by Far. pretty much, anything from shishabucks is excellent. i ended up buying their skybowl and Cloud Micro and they are Great.

Doesn’t retain heat very well. The swivel/locking mechanism becomes jammed one heated up. If I were to order again I’d order the premium stratus since it is Cut from a aluminum block and not cast, also the locking mechanism design works better on the premium.