Re: Cheap alternatives to "cigar" beads?
 

thats it Cracked Ice is the one i used

Re: Cheap alternatives to "cigar" beads?
 

Why not just by some Cigar Beads and call it a day?

Re: Cheap alternatives to "cigar" beads?
 

Listen to Shilala, that is all

Re: Cheap alternatives to "cigar" beads?
 

Ok the one question I didn't see answered is what size is your humidor? From this we can better find you the cheapest option.

I use Shilala's beads and some Heartelt beads and they both work great, but Shilala's recover faster.

Also I noticed you are in Canton so PM me and I'll show you a sight for local guys that herf regularly...even though my busy ass rarely gets a chance they are worth getting to know.

Re: Cheap alternatives to "cigar" beads?
 

He said it was a 150 count, Albert. :)

Re: Cheap alternatives to "cigar" beads?
 

Well reading comprehension was never my strong suit :hn

And ow I see the question has been answered

Re: Cheap alternatives to "cigar" beads?
 

$9.95/ea

Re: Cheap alternatives to "cigar" beads?
 

I only ask because it seems that for the price of 2 humistat sticks you could have got an amount of beads that would meet your RH needs and you wouldnt need 5 humistat sticks.

too late now I guess. :D

Re: Cheap alternatives to "cigar" beads?
 

It depends on what type of humi you have. I wouldn't use beads in a desktop. The gel is too convenient and works wonders in anything less than a 300 ct.

For coolers and cabinets beads are a must along with an electronic humidifier. That way they can act as a buffer.

2 drymistat sticks isn't bad but they also make those in rectangular elements too which have a larger surface area.

Re: Cheap alternatives to "cigar" beads?
 

I'll back all the anti kitty litter responses. Paying for something that "regulates" humidity is of utmost importance when it comes to storing your smokes. I prefer 65% beads, I have them in both of my humidors in the perforated tubes. Everytime I open the lid, the digital reading is no more than +/- 1 point from the 65% level. Try that with Jonny Cat, it'll never work.

I use beads and a poly gel with distilled water and my smokes always burn well and don't have any undesirable tastes. Spend the money on the beads, you only have to buy them once and you'll always be glad that you did.

Re: Cheap alternatives to "cigar" beads?
 

I have beads in all four of my desktops and they work great. And no need for a elctronic humidifier in a cooler, a fan maybe but beads work fine by themselves.

Re: Cheap alternatives to "cigar" beads?
 

:tpd:
Im with Al on this. I have beads in all my desktops and in my vino. Set and forget.

Re: Cheap alternatives to "cigar" beads?
 

I have some Heartfelt beads and they're expensive. I've been doing research on the Kitty Litter. There are a lot of testimonials about Litter Pearls Kitty Litter. They are odorless, silica, and said to keep rH between 64-65% humidity. They are meant to absorb AND evaporate moisture. I haven't gotten any yet because I'm looking for more info on the micro version.

Re: Cheap alternatives to "cigar" beads?
 

Mario, just read Shilala's post. You need 9 to 17 times the amount of kitty litter and you need to replace te kitty litter every once in a while. In the long run beads are much cheaper and take less room in your humidor.

And btw, I don't think the beads are expensive at all.

Re: Cheap alternatives to "cigar" beads?
 

I've read so many posts about "kitty litter" vs "beads" that I can hardly believe that anyone wouldn't pay to have beads in their humidors. I bought a pound of beads over a year ago and they work perfectly and the only maintenance is that I spray them once a month. They are self regulating, they work, I only keep a hygrometer to keep my OCD under control. I'm sure there will always be this debate and for me I go along with the majority on here and say to buy yourself some beads and relax and you won't have to worry anymore.

Re: Cheap alternatives to "cigar" beads?
 

I know I'm in the minority here, but I'm not a big fan of beads. They take up a lot of space and are slow to release/absorb moisture.

I use plain old floral foam rectangular humidifiers in my coolers and 100 count, and a Cigar Oasis in each of my wine fridges.

Granted, neither one of them absorb humidity like beads, but I set the level on the Oasis lower than I actually want it, and when the humidity gets low in the coolers/100 ct I just put a little bit of water in the foam humidifiers instead of soaking them. I'm gonna take a quick peek at my readings.

100 count -- 63% humidity
Cooler #1 -- 66% humidity
Cooler #2 -- 69% humidity (gonna leave it open for a few minutes ;))
Fridge #1 -- 62% humidity (Cigar Oasis unplugged for over 1 month now)
Fridge #2 -- 67% humidity (Cigar Oasis unplugged for over 1 month now)


You can get the old school rectangle humidifiers on c bid for $3.

Re: Cheap alternatives to "cigar" beads?
 

I'm not getting consistent, constant average RH with floral foam and distilled water. Granted, it's probably my technique ... I should add less water and do it more often probably.

Anyway, I'll add water to the foam and my humi will go from 62% up to 72% or 75% overnight, then I'll take the foam device out and over the next two weeks it will creep down to 62% again and I'll add the humidification device and start the process over.

It seems that every time I smoke a cigar when the humi is between 70% and 75% I get a bad smoke; won't burn right, won't stay lit, is a little harsh tasting, burns hotter 'cause of the relights, touchups and harder drawing.

What I want is consistent 65% RH with low maintenance. I believe I need some beads. ;)

Re: Cheap alternatives to "cigar" beads?
 

From folks you trust?

I'm just sayin'

Re: Cheap alternatives to "cigar" beads?
 

I originally used the floral foam and had massive fluctuations, similar to the ones stated above, then I tried the kitty litter pearls and they worked a little better however still not very consistent (took a long time to get the RH up high enough) now I have a 1 1/3 pounds in my vino and a small container in my 100ct desktop and I rarely have to ever touch them and they rock a consistent 64%-66%.

For me it was completely worth the money, I am busy enough with school and work and family stuff to have to constantly monitor my RH. just my :2

Re: Cheap alternatives to "cigar" beads?
 

pnoon,
You've got a good point there. It's information I picked up here and there but nothing from anyone I know or any sources I trust. I did look at the information from the Little Pearls Kitty Litter website and the information there seems to point to it being okay. I may end up just getting some more Heartfelt myself though becuase th ones I have in my wineador just aren't enough.
Wouldn't it be nice though if the Kitty Pearls do work?