Switching over to beads? Humidity pointers anyone

tjp

I have had a 500 ct humi chest, with close to 200 sticks inside inside, some stored in various boxes, some on trays. I currently am using the blue himi gel larger one, and 3 smaller clear humi gels, along with 4 or 5 of those humi pillows. With 2 digital humi gauges and 1 analog im holding 67 humidity, and when you open the chest the humidity instantly drops, or when I add sticks. Im trying to bump it up to 70%, but those humi gels are taking up space. So im curious to switch to beads, but which ones are better to go with? And I have heard when you switch over the Humidity is not to stable. Or should I try something else to get the humidity to where I would like it. thanks

JCizzle

I use the Heartfelt beads but I've read that the Conservagel beads are the same thing and cheaper. The humidity is very stable with the beads, in my experience, it rarely varies +/- 1%.

docbp87

Unthought_Known

I've used kitty litter gel beads for a couple years and they do the trick. Lifetime supply for about $10. I like to keep my humidor in the mid-60's though. If you've had your humidor at 70% in the past and you've liked it, then feel free to go for it. But if you're doing it just because you read 70% is 'perfect', then I'd recommend keeping it in the 60's. I get the best results when the humidor is a little under 70.

docbp87

Unthought_Known:

I've used kitty litter gel beads for a couple years and they do the trick. Lifetime supply for about $10. I like to keep my humidor in the mid-60's though. If you've had your humidor at 70% in the past and you've liked it, then feel free to go for it. But if you're doing it just because you read 70% is 'perfect', then I'd recommend keeping it in the 60's. I get the best results when the humidor is a little under 70.

I agree with this. Different cigars, for different reasons, will smoke better or worse when stored at different humidity levels. For instance, densely packed Cuban cigars burn and draw better at lower RH%, while for instance, I have some AB Family Blends with somewhat fragile wrappers, that have been smoking better, and having less issues with wrapper tears and pops at a slightly higher RH%. You'll notice differences, and start to figure out your preference in time.

Fourtotheflush

I went with 70% beads and my humi has benn pegged at about 68% ever since! so I highly recomend the bead, no matter what RH you settle on!

mfotis

I recently switch to beads and I was having all kinds of RH issues but you should let it ride a week or two to allow things to settle. It took a little while for my beads to kick in and level out but in the end every thing was good. I'm in Budapest Hungary and tho the local humidity is usually high, they use gas on water heaters and it tends to dry things out. I bought the 70% beads and both my coolidor and humi are about 65% and 67% respectfully. One tip I would add is dont be afraid to wet down the beads (use a spray bottle) if the RH is to high you can always add some dry beads to the mix. This isnt professional advice but it worked for me. Hope this helps.

RaschNuts

I have the heartfelt in my 50ct. granted right now i am recharging every couple days it seems do to the NH weather. they worked great before winter hit.

xmacro

I have a 300-count and use a cigar oasis II, along with a few tubes of beads in the top racks to absorb any excess humidity.

kuzi16

RaschNuts:

I have the heartfelt in my 50ct. granted right now i am recharging every couple days it seems do to the NH weather. they worked great before winter hit.

over charge them a bit. get 90-95% of them clear. it should last longer.

crzydimnd68

Beads are the way to go.Cigar Mechanic serves them up in containers we are used to.Pucks etc.

AQUADGIO1200

Ever think about using an electric humidifier? They have small, med and large ones. for a 500ct you can get one for 80 bucks (med one)....it will bump up your humidity instantly once it drops below your set point. I recommend the Humi-Care brand.