humi or beads, PLEASE HELP ME!

[gunsandcigars88]

I am trying to decide whether to go with a humi (the Toscana) shown in the cigarpass store, or with the beads in some type of well sealed container? I know the cost is a little higher with the humi but am not worried about it if that is what is best for my cigars. I have also noticed that some of you talk about using the humi and the beads. this stuff just gets a little crazy sometimes where I don't know what the heck to do!!! I would really appreciate some help from you guys.

 

[MX]

Humidor, Tuppidor, cooler-dor, Wine-o-dor, they all store your smokes.

The beads maintain the environment (RH) inside your preferred method of storage.

I have not purchased from the CP store, but I am certain that if it sold on the site it is top notch. Find what you want to place the cigars in, then get the beads that you want to maintain the RH. As a Noob myself, I understand the confusion. Keep reading, use the search, and everything will come to light.
Congrats on taking the first step in a new adventure.

Tim

 

[badhangover]

MX gave great advice.

You have to buy them one at a time? Okay, no biggie. In fact, good for you. Spread out your purchases. Ease your way, financially, into this hobby.

My suggestion is to get the humidification beads first. Proper humidification regulation is the most important storage concern in regards to cigars. (High) Temperature is another concern, but you can worry about that later. Again, ease your way into this.

Get the humidor second. In the end, they are all just pretty boxes. Yes, they help assist in the regulation of humidity and a well built box will act as a buffer against adverse climates, but nearly any airtight container will suffice for cigar storage. Oh, the spanish cedar smells pretty darn nice too.

This hobby can be hellaciously expensive or amazingly cheap. Particularly when it comes to its accessories. It's good to see you plan to take it slow and not dive in headfirst. Patience in procuring these items will allow you to scoop up the occasional amazing deal on them and allow you to learn as you go and make the right purchase the first time instead of acquiring useless junk along the way.

Enjoy!!! :thumbs:

 

[D-man]

Good post MX but if this guy is as clueless and/or curious as I was a few weeks ago, he might want it spelled out for him even more.

Any humidor/coolidor/tupperdor needs 4 things.

1. An airtight storage container. For this you can buy a cooler, tupperware or a wooden box aka humidor.

2. A method of generating moisture. Beads or "Sponge"

3. A method of reading moisture. Called Hygrometer you definitely want digital kind.

4. Wood interior to regulate moisture. Humidors are made from Cadar wood. For Coolidors you simply put cedar cigar boxes inside. (easily obtainable for cheap or free from your friendly neighborhood tobacconist.

I recommend the Coolidor option as it is a LOT cheaper. Here are two sets of instructions for Coolidors

http://www.cigarpass.com/build_a_coolidor.shtml

http://www.cigardiary.com/index.php?module...&PAGE_id=28

 

[MX]

Good post MX but if this guy is as clueless and/or curious as I was a few weeks ago, he might want it spelled out for him even more.

Any humidor/coolidor/tupperdor needs 4 things.

1. An airtight storage container. For this you can buy a cooler, tupperware or a wooden box aka humidor.

2. A method of generating moisture. Beads or "Sponge"
3. A method of reading moisture. Called Hygrometer you definitely want digital kind.

4. Wood interior to regulate moisture. Humidors are made from Cadar wood. For Coolidors you simply put cedar cigar boxes inside. (easily obtainable for cheap or free from your friendly neighborhood tobacconist.

I recommend the Coolidor option as it is a LOT cheaper. Here are two sets of instructions for Coolidors

http://www.cigarpass.com/build_a_coolidor.shtml

http://www.cigardiary.com/index.php?module...&PAGE_id=28

Make sure that you are not just using a "sponge" with just water, I would recommend the cheap oasis humidification devices, over just a sponge. Pretty sure that is what you were referring too. If using these and not the beads you need to make sure you get the PG Solution. It is called by many names, PG, 50/50, activator solution, do a search, you will find it. Beads cost more, but take all the guess work out of it.

Again, hope this helps
Tim

 

[StogieFarts]

Another point to add which is so common that we usually forget to mention it......do not use regular tap water! When using beads or other humidifying device, only use DISTILLED water (or a 50/50 PG solution like Tim suggested above).

Regular tap water can ruin your humidifier because of the added chemicals it has (and probably your cigars for that matter). I only use distlled water on my beads and humidifier, and it works great. You can easily pick up gallons of the stuff for a dollar at the local supermarket.