What small hygrometers is everyone using?

Sonic04GT · 10-08-2011, 10:54 PM

I have a Western Caliber III right now. Right on the money and requires no calibration. However, I need a second one, under $20, mainly for travel.

Looking at the Xikar:
http://www.amazon.com/Xikar-Adjustab...8135617&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/Xikar-Round-Di...8135617&sr=8-3

Or maybe the Hygroset II:
http://www.amazon.com/Quality-Import...8135617&sr=8-4

Or I could just get another Caliber III. Figured I'd maybe give one of the small round ones a shot though. Any recommendations? Can get another Caliber III or these for like $19 shipped.

Cigar Monster has the Hygroset II for $15 shipped fairly often.

Edit: Caliber III claims +/- 1% and most of these are +/- 2%

ktblunden · 10-09-2011, 02:04 PM

I have the round Xikar and it works well. I just recalibrated it after 6 months and it was only off a couple percent.

Sonic04GT · 10-09-2011, 03:05 PM

Well I jumped the gun and just decided to go with another Caliber III for $18.95 shipped.

Thanks for the response though.

I figure I'll stick with a known good, that advertises +/- 1%.

quantim0 · 10-09-2011, 03:26 PM

I use two of the small Xikars. I have had no issues but the batteries can be tough to find.

Luckily a local radio shack carries them.

jjirons69 · 10-09-2011, 04:08 PM

Caliber III

Spot on.

MurphysLaw · 10-09-2011, 04:14 PM

I have the small round Xikar in my desktop, was accurate out of the box, I've been eyeing one of the rectangular ones for my vino

d'am · 10-09-2011, 07:33 PM

I'm happy with my round Hygroset II. I salt-calibrated it to 75%, and it read 66% after a day in ziploc with brand new 65% Shilala beads. Close enough for me.

I actually passed up the Caliber III because it lacks any calibration feature. But it sounds like other people have good luck with them? I'd love a hygro that doesn't need calibration between battery changes.

Sonic04GT · 10-09-2011, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d'am

I'm happy with my round Hygroset II. I salt-calibrated it to 75%, and it read 66% after a day in ziploc with brand new 65% Shilala beads. Close enough for me.

I actually passed up the Caliber III because it lacks any calibration feature. But it sounds like other people have good luck with them? I'd love a hygro that doesn't need calibration between battery changes.

Yeah mine was spot on from the factory. We'll see how long it lasts. Seems to have good reviews.

MrClean · 10-09-2011, 08:49 PM

Just calibrated my HygroSet I, it was off by 1% with the Boveda 75% calibration pack. Put it in the humi before I left for work, it'll be interesting to see what it reads when I get home. I either have a really leaky box or the cheap analog that came with it is way off.

Bill86 · 10-09-2011, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrClean

Just calibrated my HygroSet I, it was off by 1% with the Boveda 75% calibration pack. Put it in the humi before I left for work, it'll be interesting to see what it reads when I get home. I either have a really leaky box or the cheap analog that came with it is way off.

Could be both.

I'd grab a digital Hygrometer and use that so you can be sure.

Calibrate that as well though.

Sonic04GT · 10-09-2011, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill86

Could be both.

I'd grab a digital Hygrometer and use that so you can be sure.

Calibrate that as well though.

I believe the Hygroset 1 he mentioned is a digital hygrometer, just rectangular.

He probably means he hasn't had a digital hygrometer in that box before and is curious about the accuracy of the analog that came with it.

CigarNut · 10-09-2011, 10:09 PM

One thing to do -- for all brands of digital hygrometers -- is change the batteries about every three months. You can usually get replacement batteries for a bout $2 on sale.

As the battery degrades so does the accurcy of the hygrometer.

CigarNut · 10-09-2011, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrClean

Just calibrated my HygroSet I, it was off by 1% with the Boveda 75% calibration pack. Put it in the humi before I left for work, it'll be interesting to see what it reads when I get home. I either have a really leaky box or the cheap analog that came with it is way off.

Just to clarify -- when the hygrometer was off by 1% did you adjust the calibration knob and hit the "reset" button to save the calibration change?

MrClean · 10-09-2011, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonic04GT

I believe the Hygroset 1 he mentioned is a digital hygrometer, just rectangular.

He probably means he hasn't had a digital hygrometer in that box before and is curious about the accuracy of the analog that came with it.

It is the digital one and you are correct, I'm wondering if the analog is accurate. I think the humi is going to need some sealing around the glass and the analog hygrometer that came with it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CigarNut

Just to clarify -- when the hygrometer was off by 1% did you adjust the calibration knob and hit the "reset" button to save the calibration change?

Yes sir

I got some HCM beads and once I know the box isn't leaking, I'll replace the "beads" that I'm using now.

MrClean · 10-09-2011, 10:21 PM

What I should probably do is put my sticks in a tupperware container for now, then seal around the glass and the hygrometer hole on my humidor. Let it air out for a couple days and reseason it. I just need to bite the bullet and get it done.

10-08-2011, 10:54 PM	#1
Sonic04GT Feeling at Home Join Date: Sep 2011 First Name: Chris Location: South Florida Posts: 643 Trading: (0)	What small hygrometers is everyone using? I have a Western Caliber III right now. Right on the money and requires no calibration. However, I need a second one, under $20, mainly for travel. Looking at the Xikar: http://www.amazon.com/Xikar-Adjustab...8135617&sr=8-1 http://www.amazon.com/Xikar-Round-Di...8135617&sr=8-3 Or maybe the Hygroset II: http://www.amazon.com/Quality-Import...8135617&sr=8-4 Or I could just get another Caliber III. Figured I'd maybe give one of the small round ones a shot though. Any recommendations? Can get another Caliber III or these for like $19 shipped. Cigar Monster has the Hygroset II for $15 shipped fairly often. Edit: Caliber III claims +/- 1% and most of these are +/- 2%

10-09-2011, 02:04 PM	#2
ktblunden Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Sep 2011 First Name: Kevin Location: Lancaster, CA Posts: 350 Trading: (6)	Re: What small hygrometers is everyone using? I have the round Xikar and it works well. I just recalibrated it after 6 months and it was only off a couple percent.

10-09-2011, 03:05 PM	#3
Sonic04GT Feeling at Home Join Date: Sep 2011 First Name: Chris Location: South Florida Posts: 643 Trading: (0)	Re: What small hygrometers is everyone using? Well I jumped the gun and just decided to go with another Caliber III for $18.95 shipped. Thanks for the response though. I figure I'll stick with a known good, that advertises +/- 1%.

10-09-2011, 03:26 PM	#4
quantim0 Feeling at Home Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: Andrew Location: Palm Bay, Fl Posts: 528 Trading: (20)	Re: What small hygrometers is everyone using? I use two of the small Xikars. I have had no issues but the batteries can be tough to find. Luckily a local radio shack carries them. __________________ All animals are equal, but some are more equal then others. -George Orwell

10-09-2011, 04:08 PM	#5
jjirons69 Haberdasher Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Jamie Location: Chucktown, SC Posts: 4,120 Trading: (94)	Re: What small hygrometers is everyone using? Caliber III Spot on. __________________ Somebody has to go back and get a chitload of dimes

10-09-2011, 04:14 PM	#6
MurphysLaw Anything can go wrong Join Date: Dec 2010 First Name: Brian Location: SoFlo Posts: 2,823 Trading: (19)	Re: What small hygrometers is everyone using? I have the small round Xikar in my desktop, was accurate out of the box, I've been eyeing one of the rectangular ones for my vino __________________ It's THIS easy to help our Troops.

10-09-2011, 07:33 PM	#7
d'am Still Watching My Back Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Midwest Posts: 96 Trading: (7)	Re: What small hygrometers is everyone using? I'm happy with my round Hygroset II. I salt-calibrated it to 75%, and it read 66% after a day in ziploc with brand new 65% Shilala beads. Close enough for me. I actually passed up the Caliber III because it lacks any calibration feature. But it sounds like other people have good luck with them? I'd love a hygro that doesn't need calibration between battery changes.

10-09-2011, 08:49 PM	#9
MrClean Bald Man Join Date: Sep 2011 First Name: Jeff Location: KC MO Posts: 2,229 Trading: (28)	Re: What small hygrometers is everyone using? Just calibrated my HygroSet I, it was off by 1% with the Boveda 75% calibration pack. Put it in the humi before I left for work, it'll be interesting to see what it reads when I get home. I either have a really leaky box or the cheap analog that came with it is way off. __________________ http://jeffcarrollphotos.com Not a photographer, just a dude with a camera. Proud member of the GMCGTPWHAFA

10-09-2011, 10:09 PM	#12
CigarNut Fck Cancer! Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Michael Location: Clermont, Florida Posts: 18,038 Trading: (111*)	Re: What small hygrometers is everyone using? One thing to do -- for all brands of digital hygrometers -- is change the batteries about every three months. You can usually get replacement batteries for a bout $2 on sale. As the battery degrades so does the accurcy of the hygrometer. __________________ 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.

10-09-2011, 10:21 PM	#15
MrClean Bald Man Join Date: Sep 2011 First Name: Jeff Location: KC MO Posts: 2,229 Trading: (28)	Re: What small hygrometers is everyone using? What I should probably do is put my sticks in a tupperware container for now, then seal around the glass and the hygrometer hole on my humidor. Let it air out for a couple days and reseason it. I just need to bite the bullet and get it done. __________________ http://jeffcarrollphotos.com Not a photographer, just a dude with a camera. Proud member of the GMCGTPWHAFA