Digital Hygrometer Reliability?

Chingas · 07-03-2010, 05:36 AM

I have a few digital hygrometers. Recently I bought a new one from a company called Taylor. I thru it in one of my coolers and checked in the morning for the accuracy against the one that was in there. However, I'm thinking this one is right and my old one is shot out.

I don't remember the name of my digitals in question but I think the package had a picture of a drawn character with a hat. I think the name started with an M.

So after this drawn out explanation my question is this. Have people found their hygrometers to be suspect a lot. I've historically replaced mine every 3 years or so just to be cautious. Did I buy crap? I've read in other posts that xicar and the acurite ones were pretty decent. Any other recomendations?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Barteur · 07-03-2010, 05:40 AM

I salt test them regularly (every 6 months), change the battery every year. When they are off more then a couple of % (-/+5%) I throw them out. That gives me clear conscience.

quantim0 · 07-03-2010, 06:28 AM

I just got a Xikar yesterday. I am sick of doing mental gymnastics every time I try and figure outnwhat my hygros are reading. So thenxikar calibrates easily and I'll be buying more as needed.

brigey57 · 07-03-2010, 07:47 AM

I purchased a cheap hydrometer at JR Cigars (under $10) and it was more reliable then the more expensive (> $50) one I purchased earlier in my cigar loving days. The expensive hydrometer can not be calibrated, I just need to know that it is off and by how much. When buying a hydrometer spend the money on one that can be calibrated or buy the cheap one that when it's time to throw it away it is no love lost, but calibrate both to ensure the accuracy of each device.

Enjoy

CigarNut · 07-03-2010, 11:35 AM

I like the Hydroset Hygrometers as they can easily be calibrated.

ckay · 07-03-2010, 11:51 AM

Beads are my main gauge. The hygrometers in there are all secondary. As long as they read in the 60-70% range after calibration, I am happy.

bobarian · 07-03-2010, 12:07 PM

If you are using hygrometers to check Rh, you will need to recalibrate about once a year. Using the salt test or a Boveda kit, check your hygrometers. Personally, I dont rely on my hygrometers, the Rh of the air is irrelevant. What's important is the Rh of your cigars, mine are all in boxes so how they are smoking is my check. Been using Heartfelt beads for 3 years without issues. Keep things simple and you will get more enjoyment out of this obsession.

07-03-2010, 05:36 AM	#1
Chingas Death Is Waiting Join Date: Jun 2010 First Name: Chingas Location: Slayerville, Jersey Posts: 5,295 Trading: (35)	Digital Hygrometer Reliability? I have a few digital hygrometers. Recently I bought a new one from a company called Taylor. I thru it in one of my coolers and checked in the morning for the accuracy against the one that was in there. However, I'm thinking this one is right and my old one is shot out. I don't remember the name of my digitals in question but I think the package had a picture of a drawn character with a hat. I think the name started with an M. So after this drawn out explanation my question is this. Have people found their hygrometers to be suspect a lot. I've historically replaced mine every 3 years or so just to be cautious. Did I buy crap? I've read in other posts that xicar and the acurite ones were pretty decent. Any other recomendations? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. __________________ ---Chingas--- ---Team Death Bomb Squad: Captain---

07-03-2010, 05:40 AM	#2
Barteur Golf is life Join Date: Feb 2009 First Name: Eric Location: Montreal Posts: 724 Trading: (18)	Re: Digital Hygrometer Reliability? I salt test them regularly (every 6 months), change the battery every year. When they are off more then a couple of % (-/+5%) I throw them out. That gives me clear conscience. __________________

07-03-2010, 06:28 AM	#3
quantim0 Feeling at Home Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: Andrew Location: Palm Bay, Fl Posts: 528 Trading: (20)	Re: Digital Hygrometer Reliability? I just got a Xikar yesterday. I am sick of doing mental gymnastics every time I try and figure outnwhat my hygros are reading. So thenxikar calibrates easily and I'll be buying more as needed. __________________ All animals are equal, but some are more equal then others. -George Orwell

07-03-2010, 07:47 AM	#4
brigey57 Smoke me if you can... Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Bri Location: Enjoying the weather here! Posts: 256 Trading: (0)	Re: Digital Hygrometer Reliability? I purchased a cheap hydrometer at JR Cigars (under $10) and it was more reliable then the more expensive (> $50) one I purchased earlier in my cigar loving days. The expensive hydrometer can not be calibrated, I just need to know that it is off and by how much. When buying a hydrometer spend the money on one that can be calibrated or buy the cheap one that when it's time to throw it away it is no love lost, but calibrate both to ensure the accuracy of each device. Enjoy __________________ There are five things that make life worth living: a good relationship with God, a good woman, good health, good friends, and a fine cigar." Just say NO to SCHIP and Cigar taxes!

07-03-2010, 11:35 AM	#5
CigarNut Fck Cancer! Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Michael Location: Clermont, Florida Posts: 18,038 Trading: (111*)	Re: Digital Hygrometer Reliability? I like the Hydroset Hygrometers as they can easily be calibrated. __________________ Need Beads? Need Five Finger Bags? 2 of 3 Requirements for use of the CA Rolodex: 100 posts/ 60 day membership/ participation in trade (trader rating). New members can be added at any time.

07-03-2010, 11:51 AM	#6
ckay Still Watching My Back Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 71 Trading: (0)	Re: Digital Hygrometer Reliability? Beads are my main gauge. The hygrometers in there are all secondary. As long as they read in the 60-70% range after calibration, I am happy.

07-03-2010, 12:07 PM	#7
bobarian Cranky Habanophile Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wine Country Posts: 8,869 Trading: (51)	Re: Digital Hygrometer Reliability? If you are using hygrometers to check Rh, you will need to recalibrate about once a year. Using the salt test or a Boveda kit, check your hygrometers. Personally, I dont rely on my hygrometers, the Rh of the air is irrelevant. What's important is the Rh of your cigars, mine are all in boxes so how they are smoking is my check. Been using Heartfelt beads for 3 years without issues. Keep things simple and you will get more enjoyment out of this obsession.