[Terry The Toad]

If you have a new Lang - then you have a fire grate on legs. (I make this assumption since my 2011 Lang has a fire grate on legs.) I think you already figured out the issue - it's with the wood. If it's hissing - it's definitely not ready for prime time. Even with seasoned wood, you have to be careful that the splits are not too big. It's hard to say what the "right" size is, but after that big boy heats up, you really don't need to add a ton of wood. Smaller pieces will do the trick.

I see from this thread that even among Lang owners - there is variation in technique. I use charcoal to start my fire (like "Lake Dogs"), but only about 1/4 of what he has in his photo. Then again, I use more wood. Sorry I don't have a pic.

Good luck - and as was said above: after you figure it out, you will love your Lang. (And you'll probably wonder how you ever had any problems with the smoke.)