Cat Litter Source

[badhangover]

Also I did explicitly say in the topic description that I did not ask this to generate an argument between whether or not I should use namebrand beads that have been conditioned or the kitty litter version. The topic is for anyone who HAS used kitty litter or knows enough about the namebrand beads to know if the link I posted was equivalent to those more expensive ones (based on actual use). Thank you for the time.

But, alas, it's not that simple. Dissension always arises when the topic of silica media as a humidification system for cigars is raised. Always has and likely always will.

I don't understand the naysayers. I really don't. Many people have tried it and found it to work. Some of those people have shared that information on various internet cigar communities. And then the naysayers chime in with the litany of: They're more difficult to effectively use than pre-conditioned humidity beads; One can (and often suggested that one should) support a fellow "BoTL" instead of saving money; That it is preposterous to entrust one's cigar inventory to a cheap product marketed for the unsavory use of cat pee and dumps. But nobody ever points fingers and giggles at the rampant use of ice coolers as makeshift humidors. Them cheap plastic containers marketed for use as beer and sandwich storage devices. They sure weren't made to be used as humidors of our individual cigar inventories - and yet I bet nearly everyone on all the internet cigar boards has used a "coolidor" or two at least once in their run in this hobby. Heck, a quick search can yield a bunch of threads proudly proclaiming how cheap they can be found. All this while there are other equally admirable BoTL's who craft and sell magnificent cabinet humidors designed specifically for cigar storage. Coolidors are not and are not nearly as "set and forget" (to borrow a phrase) effective.

I just don't understand the hatred on kitty poo beads. Somebody took a flyer on them, did some experimenting with them, and found them to work at dirt cheap prices with only just a bit of tinkering required. That's one of the things I like these cigar boards for - learning from others. Someone is always figuring out a better, cheaper or just plain different kind'a mousetrap and is happy to share their results with the rest of us. Then we individually decide which methods work best for ourselves. Beads, Cigar Oasis, a good ol' fashioned Credo saturated with propylene glycol solution, etc..... it's all cigars in the end. It's not rocket science. As long as the cigars smoke well, then all is well.

Oh, and the kitty litter linked to in the original post appear perfectly suited for this amended purpose. The preference is to avoid brands with perfume scented granules.

 

[Bsneed51]

Also I did explicitly say in the topic description that I did not ask this to generate an argument between whether or not I should use namebrand beads that have been conditioned or the kitty litter version. The topic is for anyone who HAS used kitty litter or knows enough about the namebrand beads to know if the link I posted was equivalent to those more expensive ones (based on actual use). Thank you for the time.

But, alas, it's not that simple. Dissension always arises when the topic of silica media as a humidification system for cigars is raised. Always has and likely always will.

I don't understand the naysayers. I really don't. Many people have tried it and found it to work. Some of those people have shared that information on various internet cigar communities. And then the naysayers chime in with the litany of: They're more difficult to effectively use than pre-conditioned humidity beads; One can (and often suggested that one should) support a fellow "BoTL" instead of saving money; That it is preposterous to entrust one's cigar inventory to a cheap product marketed for the unsavory use of cat pee and dumps. But nobody ever points fingers and giggles at the rampant use of ice coolers as makeshift humidors. Them cheap plastic containers marketed for use as beer and sandwich storage devices. They sure weren't made to be used as humidors of our individual cigar inventories - and yet I bet nearly everyone on all the internet cigar boards has used a "coolidor" or two at least once in their run in this hobby. Heck, a quick search can yield a bunch of threads proudly proclaiming how cheap they can be found. All this while there are other equally admirable BoTL's who craft and sell magnificent cabinet humidors designed specifically for cigar storage. Coolidors are not and are not nearly as "set and forget" (to borrow a phrase) effective.

I just don't understand the hatred on kitty poo beads. Somebody took a flyer on them, did some experimenting with them, and found them to work at dirt cheap prices with only just a bit of tinkering required. That's one of the things I like these cigar boards for - learning from others. Someone is always figuring out a better, cheaper or just plain different kind'a mousetrap and is happy to share their results with the rest of us. Then we individually decide which methods work best for ourselves. Beads, Cigar Oasis, a good ol' fashioned Credo saturated with propylene glycol solution, etc..... it's all cigars in the end. It's not rocket science. As long as the cigars smoke well, then all is well.

Oh, and the kitty litter linked to in the original post appear perfectly suited for this amended purpose. The preference is to avoid brands with perfume scented granules.

So, by your logic of saving money vs. quality, do you pass up the Opus to only purchase Curly Heads? :laugh:

 

[badhangover]

Nope!

The point wasn't about waving the banner for skinflints and saving every nickel, but rather about personal choice and preference. If one is aware of the various options available to them, and for whatever reason chooses a particular proven method out of many, then they made the right choice for themselves. In the example of my previous post, "coolidors" work well and so do "custom" cabinet humidors - just at opposite extreme price points. To each our own.

 

[DePasta]

So, by your logic of saving money vs. quality, do you pass up the Opus to only purchase Curly Heads? :laugh:

IMHO, there is no difference in "quality" between the beads from one of our fine BOTL and KLH, the silica is just in a different format and KLH takes a bit more work to get going. I myself buy the same unconditioned beads that our BOTL sell and condition them myself because I like to do it myself. If I happen to save a bit of money, then that's even better, more cigars for me.

Again, it is my preference to control it myself.....

Here are a couple links for ya:

Conditioning Silica Gel

Talas Rhapid Silica actually the sheets are pretty cool to line a cabinet with and buffer active humidification. While they sell them in certain RH levels, they can be conditioned easily. Even have instructions how to do it.

Artsorb

And of course there are the fine BOTL Viper and Cigarmony who do all the work for you.

 

[T2P]

So, by your logic of saving money vs. quality, do you pass up the Opus to only purchase Curly Heads? :laugh:

IMHO, there is no difference in "quality" between the beads from one of our fine BOTL and KLH, the silica is just in a different format and KLH takes a bit more work to get going. I myself buy the same unconditioned beads that our BOTL sell and condition them myself because I like to do it myself. If I happen to save a bit of money, then that's even better, more cigars for me.

Again, it is my preference to control it myself.....

Here are a couple links for ya:

Conditioning Silica Gel

Talas Rhapid Silica actually the sheets are pretty cool to line a cabinet with and buffer active humidification. While they sell them in certain RH levels, they can be conditioned easily. Even have instructions how to do it.

Artsorb

And of course there are the fine BOTL Viper and Cigarmony who do all the work for you.

Sheets, very interesting concept. I will probably look into these for future endevours to see what benefits/drawbacks they hold.

Also, in case anyone is wondering, I wanted to get the coolidor started more quickly than I could conditioning anything so I ordered heartfelt beads. The turnaround time was 3 days and I am very satisfied with the consistancy thus far (67-68% across a 24 hour period).

 

[wanlail]

If you go the route of buying from PFD, there is a free ship coupon good until 9/30/2009 . PET3683 .

Good luck whichever route you go.