Looking for some guidance

[Costa]

First post besides my introduction, I hope this is the right place to post this.

I currently have a 13"W x 9"L x 6"D Humidor (maybe a 50 count, not sure) that I have had for about 5 years. An Aristocrat is in my sites, but probably a few years away, as an addition I will be putting on my house will include a smoke room (can't wait!).

I use my Humidor for both short term and long term storage (more long term during the winters here in New England; if I hit a cigar bar, I like to purchase my stick from them, to help with their business). After reading about the beads, I am ready to order. Its been a nightmare trying to control humidity properly (too humid in summer, too dry in winter).

My questions is, should I go with 60%, 65% or 70%? I did some research through the forums, and most came down to long term/short term storage. As I stated, mine will be both for now.

This truly is an amazing place. So much information, so little egos. Thanks again in advance for all of your help and for my education reading all of the posts here.

[cigarlvr]

I have had mine for 7 years and was the best and only thing that lasted when it comes to cigars. Bob is a great guy and what he builds is way underpriced.

[Bigwaved]

A lot of which % you select comes down to preference as well as your purpose (i.e. long (years) vs. short term aging). I know you can sort of "hit the middle" with 65%. I use that without any issues of the cigars not smoking well. If you get serious with the long term aging, go with a cooler and get the 60% beads until the Aristocrat happens. That would be my suggestion from the information you have provided.

[icehog3]

I keep my Aristocrat between 62-63%...they smoke nicely, and it is a good RH for aging as well.

[mostholycerebus]

Preference really. I found that I had a lot of burn problems with 70%; uneven, runs, couldn't keep them lit, and a harder draw. 65% cleared all that up, and gives me a little leeway too. If I don't fill as often as I should, I don't worry about them dropping down to 60% before filling.

Just make sure you get enough. :tu

[uncballzer]

Preference really. I found that I had a lot of burn problems with 70%; uneven, runs, couldn't keep them lit, and a harder draw. 65% cleared all that up, and gives me a little leeway too. If I don't fill as often as I should, I don't worry about them dropping down to 60% before filling.

Just make sure you get enough. :tu

Definitely make sure you get enough either way; Need to reorder more myself; I would say 65% if you're unsure; leeway will be given for that 60-70% range. I've got 65 in mine and love em.

[Costa]

Preference really. I found that I had a lot of burn problems with 70%; uneven, runs, couldn't keep them lit, and a harder draw.

Wow mostholycerebus, funny you say that, I had a lot of smokes like that this summer, and it was riding a little high sometimes (70-73%). I am ordering the 65% beads now based on the cupic feet of my humidor. Thanks for all the excellent input.

I can't wait to get that Aristocrat. I always wanted more of a "furniture" humidor, something to pass down (to whom, I don't know, no kids...lol), but I found out about Bob here, and can't stay off his site, planning and plotting for that purchase.....