So I have one of these in my humidor now, the humidor is 2080 CI and the thing is rated for 2000. It's holding 60 RH....for some reason no matter what I've put into the humidor it doesn't hold 65-67 RH. Does this really matter? Is this why my sticks go out halfway through for no reason? Well some of them... What's going on?

Could it be I'm just not letting the cigars rest long enough? I open my humidor probably once a day for about 30 seconds to a minute.
[Reply]

You must believe!
Image

Eventually things will stabilize. A drop or rise of 5-10% will not make any difference in how your sticks smoke in the long run. Just let them be for a month or two and everything will be fine. :-)
[Reply]

Sounds good, just got a bit worried about the inconsistent RH.
[Reply]

Its no big deal dont worry. I barely even look at my hygrometers anymore. I used to check them several times a day. 3 coolers, two Vinotemps and 3 desktop's. Now I just rely on how my cigars are smoking. If they smoke well, are not squishy or crackly then I assume the beads are doing their job. Cigars are much more resilient than expect. :-)
[Reply]

Bob is wise, Bill. :-)

Besides that, I would ask if your hygrometer is calibrated, and it your humidor is properly sealed.
[Reply]

Stupid question: Did you allow enough time for the humidor to be properly seasoned? I don't know if this is a new humi, or one you've been using for some time.
[Reply]

I haven't looked at a hygrometer in a year, I'm not even sure that they work still. My sticks are smoking great though.
[Reply]

Properly sealed....I think so, how would I check that?

Hygrometer calibrated....nope, paid $45 and it said that wasn't necessary. It was the same RH as the cheap crap one they gave me...EXACTLY the same so to me that said it's 99% correct.
[Reply]

Calibration- http://www.cigarmony.com/calibratinghygrometers.aspx
Humidor Seasoning- http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showth...ight=seasoning


To check the seal on your humidor, assuming its a desktop, lift the lid 3-4 inches and drop. You should hear the air "whoosh" out, the lid should not slam shut. It if slams shut, they you probably have a leak. You may be able to find the leak by checking with a flashlight inside and looking for light escaping. You can also put a dollar bill in various places around the edge. If it slips out too easily in one place that is where you are leaking. Apply some painters tape in small strips around the edge where you find the leak. :-)
[Reply]

It is necessary, Bill. :-)
[Reply]

:-)

The batteries in mine are dead and I would no longer look even if they had fresh batteries. I trust my 65% beads. They give me a near perfect smoke every stick except for those that are plugged with sticks and bad hard core rolled cigars.

In the summer I do freshen the batteries though in the stupid hot weather. The thermometer is needed as my computer room gets warm. If need be I move the humis and coolidor to the spare bedroom.
[Reply]

I'll try that dollar bill trick. But it doesn't slam shut at all, it closes very nicely.
[Reply]

Here's a seal test for you... courtesy of WaxingMoon... seal test
[Reply]

If it doesnt slam,then you are ok. Probably just needs time to stabilize, give it a couple of weeks. :-)
[Reply]

How long has your humidor been set up? The reason I ask is if its a stabilized humidor (properly seasoned, good seal, etc) then it may be the beads.

Heartfelt beads were not as solid as I would have liked as a newbie. The constant RH% swings + my inexperience = me with lots of agita! I switched to Shilala beads, and its like the "Showtime Rotisserie"... Set and forget!

I dont want to knock Vipers product, he makes a good bead. But for me Shilala beads worked better. :-)
[Reply]

Well I'm decently sure my humidor is sealed properly. The tube is 65% RH and my humidity is 59 right now....... I just soaked the tube in distilled water again. We'll see if that does anything if not I might just order Shilala beads.
[Reply]

Um... I don't have the Heartfelts, but i think I remember reading that the beads are not supposed to be soaked... something like a 50% wet, 50% dry...
[Reply]

Well I soak them and shake them out...... then dry them off. Tons of water comes out after it's done soaked for just a sec. Literally it's a dip....


I'm sure I am crazy it's just all the $$$$ and effort involved so far...and I've overspent my budget time after time. I just want to make sure my sticks are safe!
[Reply]

:-) if they are 100% wet then they can't absorb any humidity. Plus the beads will crack :-)
[Reply]

hmmm So explain how am I supposed to apply the distilled water to the tube? They shake and sound like beads in a tube....to me they shouldn't be 100% wet.....they took a dip and a rigorous shake then a wipe down.
[Reply]