UPG Classic – Standard Shisha head

The UPG Mini multi-hole is probably the best-selling Russian tape recorder in the world - and for good reason. Upgrade Form from Russia makes each bowl by hand from high-quality white clay, which, thanks to its open-pored structure, transports the aromas of the tobacco more intensively than any glazed bowl. Anyone who smokes Russian Dark Blends like Darkside or MustHave can hardly avoid the UPG.

The multi-hole version uses the classic Egyptian-style hole pattern - several small holes instead of a central channel, which results in more even airflow and more balanced heat distribution. Combined with a Kaloud Lotus or AOT construction, it delivers sessions of an hour and longer without burning the tobacco.

Design & workmanship

Classically unglazed, in the typical white-natural color of Russian clay. The open pores of the material absorb flavors over the sessions - if you consistently use the bowl for a certain type of tobacco (e.g. only dark blends), you will get an even more intense taste experience over time. This is intentional and part of the UPG philosophy.

The walls are thin, which shortens the heating phase to around three minutes. The UPG logo is embossed into each head - since each head is made individually by hand, the depth and sharpness of the embossing varies minimally from piece to piece. This is not a defect, but rather a feature of genuine handcraft.

Highlights at a glance

• Russian handicraft: Each head is made individually, not a machine product.
• Multi-hole drilling: Egyptian-style hole pattern for more consistent airflow than classic single-hole heads.
• Unglazed: Open-pored white clay intensifies flavor across sessions.
• HMD ready: Perfect fit for Kaloud Lotus 1+ and comparable heat management devices.
• Heating phase ~3 minutes: thin wall thickness = ready to smoke quickly.
• Dark Blend Specialist: the first choice for Darkside, MustHave and other Russian dark tobaccos.

Which tobaccos fit the UPG Mini Multihole?

The UPG is primarily for Russian Dark Blends developed - i.e. strong, dark tobaccos with a high nicotine content and an intense aroma profile. Classic recommendations:

• Darkside Tobacco — Core, Base and Tabacore line
• Must have tobacco — the complete range
• Aino Dark and other Russian Dark tobaccos

Using a dense pack method (tobacco pressed firmly into the bowl, just below the top edge), the bowl holds up to 15g and delivers long, flavorful sessions. 10-12g fluff pack for milder heat management.

HMD and attachment compatibility

The diameter of the UPG Mini is perfectly designed for common HMDs. Recommended combinations:

• Kaloud Lotus 1+ — the standard recommendation, fits with millimeter precision
• XKAH Pro — electronic HMD attachment, premium alternative
• Aluminum foil + AOT (Air over Tobacco): the traditional method for purists

Who is this head intended for?

The UPG Mini Multi-Hole is the workhorse bowl for ambitious smokers who value flavor intensity and work with Russian Dark Blends. Beginners benefit from the uncomplicated construction and the high tolerance for packing and heat errors. Professionals value the head for its consistency over thousands of sessions — a UPG will last for years if well cared for.

Care & Handling

After each session, remove the remaining tobacco with a wooden stick or a soft brush and rinse the head with warm water. Do not use detergents — the open-pored clay would absorb the surfactants and release them the next time you smoke. If there are stubborn residues, soak with pure oven cleaner and rinse thoroughly. Before using for the first time, soak the head in hot water for 5 minutes to dissolve any production residue.

That's why the UPG Mini Multi-Hole is the right choice

• Original from Russia: not a no-name replica, but directly from Upgrade Form in a Russian workshop.
• Handcraft: Each head is unique, not a mass product.
• Multi-hole advantage: More consistent airflow than single-hole heads, more forgiving when packing.
• HMD standard: Millimeter-precise seat for Kaloud Lotus and comparable attachments.
• Flavor intensity: Open-pored clay brings out the aroma of Russian dark blends to their full potential.
• Price-performance: With good care, it lasts for years - by far the cheapest way to get that authentic Russian smoking experience.

Note on handcraft: Since each UPG is individually made by hand, minimal deviations in shape, wall thickness and logo embossing are normal and are not grounds for complaint. These variations are characteristic of authentic Russian clay head manufacture.