Let me start by saying I've burned through my fair share of incense cones (pun intended), and the Hosley Backflow Assorted pack is a mixed bag of zen and frustration. The 240-count variety pack with Dragon's Blood, Myrrh, and Frankincense smells absolutely divine when it works - but there are some quirks you should know about.
The GOOD: That Dragon's Blood scent? Heavenly. It's like walking into a mystical apothecary without the overwhelming intensity of cheaper incense. I use these during my evening meditation sessions, and when they burn properly (about 20-30 minutes), the subtle woody aroma creates perfect ambiance. The backflow smoke effect is mesmerizing - watching the smoke cascade down my burner never gets old.
The NOT-SO-GOOD: About 1 in 5 cones refuses to stay lit without babysitting them. Nothing kills meditation vibes faster than playing firefighter with relighting stubborn cones. Also, some burn unevenly - you'll get charmingly lopsided smoke plumes instead of perfect waterfalls.
PRO TIP: Keep a candle lighter handy for stubborn cones, and place your burner on a completely level surface for best smoke flow. At this price point (about 5 cents per cone!), I can overlook some imperfections for the quality fragrances that linger beautifully after burning.
Final verdict? If you want affordable, great-smelling incense with occasional pyrotechnic drama, these deliver. Just don't expect perfection from every single cone in the massive 240-pack.