Review - The Vicksburg

[stogie_kanobie_one]

I bought my first Vicksburg Humidor well over a year ago. I really don’t have any bad things to say about it. It is typically advertised as a 500 ct. humidor. We all know how those counts work. If you get creative I have no doubts that if you are looking for a large humidor that is not a cabinet, or are looking for a nice home for cigars until you can afford a cabinet…. This is the humidor for you. At $124 the size of this humidor is very nice.

http://www.bargainhumidors.com/bh/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=HUM-BH2

There are 4 Spanish cedar trays on two levels. The bottom bay is open for storage as well. Each tray comes with a Spanish cedar divider as well as the bottom bay of the humidor which comes with 3 Spanish cedar wall sized dividers. Each tray has slits in it that allow for air circulation but I further drilled holes above and below the slots to allow for further air circulation (and my impatience in the end I found this was not necessary).

http://www.clubstogie.com/photo/showphoto.php/photo/2116/ppuser/3261

Instead of using the dividers in the bottom I leave it open to allow for storing boxes/bundles. In the case of this Vicksburg (Vicky I) instead of all boxes I use larger Spanish cedar trays. This seems the most cost effective way to get more out of that space while at the same time storing different types of cigars (I’m a neat freak). The bottom will allow three yes three 12.5" long X 7.5" wide X 2.25" high trays and still allow room for one box as pictured. The middle level of trays will accommodate a single layer of cigars, perfect for singles storage. The top layer will hold two or even three layers of stacked cigars. The top level to me is perfect for 5er storage, 2 rows stacked up on each other then the odd man out on the third highest layer.

http://www.clubstogie.com/photo/showphoto.php/photo/2117/cat/500/ppuser/3261

http://www.clubstogie.com/photo/showphoto.php/photo/2118/cat/500/ppuser/3261

http://www.clubstogie.com/photo/showphoto.php/photo/2119/cat/500/ppuser/3261

My original concern with a humidor of this size and the tray layout was that the RH inside the humidor top to bottom would differ as much as 5 or more percentage points. I had tried initially an oust fan, then a converted PC fan. In the end all the humidor needed was time and of course beads spread around as opposed to placing them all in one place. This humidor typically now stays within 1 percentage point top to bottom with no effort at all. My second Vicksburg as a matter of fact did not get a single modification. I seasoned it with a cigar oasis and loaded it right up the day I got it. RH in it hasn’t moved from 65 since that very day. The Vicksburg comes with a large Western Humifier humidifier that is adequate if you wish to hold RH at 70. It also comes with the Western Caliber III digital hygrometer. These are the BEST hygrometers I have ever used. I have this one which is balls on accurate. My second Vicksburg’s unit is dead on as well. The Western Humifier casing is perfect for replacing with beads if you so wish, just use a nylon bag similar to the ones used to hold filter media for fish tanks.

http://www.clubstogie.com/photo/showphoto.php/photo/2120/cat/500/ppuser/3261

For those of you desiring some security this humidor has some weight to it. Pictures can be deceiving as the size of it to me in person is always much bigger than it appears in the pictures people post. There is a lock on this humidor as well so if you are in a somewhat public area this can come in very handy.

Overall after having purchased two of these for the price and potential to come as close as possible to advertised storage levels, it can’t be beat. It EARNS high honors in my inventory of cigar accessories. Any questions on this humidor feel free to PM me.

[diagft32]

Great review! I just got mine this week. It is already seasoned and consistant. I put my cigars in last night. It's functional and good looking. Great buy!

[scrapiron]

Nice Review.

I love mine too!

I must say I'm not as organized as you and it isn't stacked as well as yours.

?? Where did you get the trays in the bottom?

[NCRadioMan]

Thats a great review. I love my two as well.


:ms NCRM

[Baric]

Awesome review, the only thing that put me off one of these was i wanted lots of box space.

[TechMetalMan]

Thanks for the review and photos! I really want one of these and hopefully will get one for Christmas.

Where do you put the beads? Do you only have those two tubes up top or do you have a tube in each tray?

I'd also like to know where you got those specific bottom trays

[RockyP]

excellent review. i am ordering mine in the next couple of weeks

[RockyP]

actually i gave in. i just ordered it. how long does it take to arrive

[ShawnP]

Awesome review, spot on.


I need to know where you got those shelves for the bottom. I need those shelves badly :mn


Thanks for the review bro. Hopefully this will make it easy for people on the fence about this humidor.


Shawn

[xhris]

Haha, i ordered mine yesterday. Should be here on tuesday. Great review and pics!!!

I'm going to try the stock humidifier first then if i need, i will order beads. I know this is kindof a stupid question, but how do you use the stock humidifier? Do you just pour distilled water directly on to it? How much do you pour? How do you know it will stay constant?

[ShawnP]

Nevermind I found those trays :)


For all who asked

http://www.bargainhumidors.com/bh/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=ACC-TRAYS


9.99$ a piece, not bad.




Shawn

[orangehorse]

Thanks for the great review.

Mine is enroute, scheduled arrival on Tuesday! Just what I've been looking for.

[RockyP]

http://www.clubstogie.com/photo/show...00/ppuser/3261
in this picture there are 3 extra trays, do all of them fit? i hope i do not fill up that quicky but it is quite possible

[stogie_kanobie_one]

Nice Review.

I love mine too!

I must say I'm not as organized as you and it isn't stacked as well as yours.

?? Where did you get the trays in the bottom?

I bought them right from Bargain Humidors site as well. They are rare that they get them in and they usually go quickly I'm not sure if they have them in stock right now.

http://www.bargainhumidors.com/bh/category.aspx?categoryID=60

[stogie_kanobie_one]

http://www.clubstogie.com/photo/show...00/ppuser/3261
in this picture there are 3 extra trays, do all of them fit? i hope i do not fill up that quicky but it is quite possible

Yes all of those trays fit in the bottom of the humidor with room to spare on the side for 1 or two small bozes still depending on what they are. Two boxes of petit somethings or one fatter box. ;)

[stogie_kanobie_one]

Thanks for the review and photos! I really want one of these and hopefully will get one for Christmas.

Where do you put the beads? Do you only have those two tubes up top or do you have a tube in each tray?

I'd also like to know where you got those specific bottom trays
Hey bro, I used to put one set of beads in each of the four trays that came with the humidor but that was overkill. Now I put just the two two ounce canisters in the top tray and the stock humifier replaced with about 4-6 ounces of beads in the bottom bay. Buy a fish tank filter media mesh bag and put the beads inside it. Then you can take out the material that comes in it and replace. That should handle the humi fine.

[stogie_kanobie_one]

Haha, i ordered mine yesterday. Should be here on tuesday. Great review and pics!!!

I'm going to try the stock humidifier first then if i need, i will order beads. I know this is kindof a stupid question, but how do you use the stock humidifier? Do you just pour distilled water directly on to it? How much do you pour? How do you know it will stay constant?
The stock unit will work fine too, you just sometimes have to play with positioning. I kept mine in the bottom and it took a long time (to me) to even out up top. But a large portion of that was due to my incessant checking and not being patient. The computer fan helped a lot but requires you to drill a hole for wiring. As well you could just excercise patience and it should work fine until you get beads. I think the beads are really a no brainer for a humidor (IMHO).

[xhris]

Thanks alot stogie kanobie.

Heh, alot of guys are getting the vick. Diagft32, RockyP, pitmangeek and i are all getting ours soon (diag already has his but close enough :)) I'd say we are the new generation of vick owners.

[Kenpokrazi]

Great review. I have had mine for a few months now and I absolutly LOVE it. All my friends are very jealous of me ha ha. I agree it's a great buy.

[jovenhut]

Great Review!

[RockyP]

i might need to get some extra empty tubes from heartfelt

[TechMetalMan]

Hey bro, I used to put one set of beads in each of the four trays that came with the humidor but that was overkill. Now I put just the two two ounce canisters in the top tray and the stock humifier replaced with about 4-6 ounces of beads in the bottom bay. Buy a fish tank filter media mesh bag and put the beads inside it. Then you can take out the material that comes in it and replace. That should handle the humi fine.

Thanks bro!

Gonna look into that now!

[ShawnP]

Hey bro, I used to put one set of beads in each of the four trays that came with the humidor but that was overkill. Now I put just the two two ounce canisters in the top tray and the stock humifier replaced with about 4-6 ounces of beads in the bottom bay. Buy a fish tank filter media mesh bag and put the beads inside it. Then you can take out the material that comes in it and replace. That should handle the humi fine.

:tpd: I only have 2 4oz tubes in my Vicksburg and it holds RH perfectly fine. I have 1 in the bottom and one on the 2nd shelf opposite side of the bottom one.

Shawn

[luckybandit]

this humi has my mouth watering

[RockyP]

actually i gave in. i just ordered it. how long does it take to arrive


i got my tracking number this morning and it should be here tomorrow

[Tristan]

I just saw one of these over at Backwood's house on Saturday. It's super nice; I'm thinking I might be picking one up in the next few months. The amount of singles I have keeps getting more out of hand!

[Charles]

:tpd: I only have 2 4oz tubes in my Vicksburg and it holds RH perfectly fine. I have 1 in the bottom and one on the 2nd shelf opposite side of the bottom one.

Shawn

After it was properly seasoned and mostly full of sticks, my Vicksburg only requires a little bit of distilled water in a dish from time to time to maintain proper RH. Great buy for the money.

[ShawnP]

i got my tracking number this morning and it should be here tomorrow


Sweet, let us know what you think once it arrives.



Shawn

[billybarue]

Got mine in April, shortly after signing on here at CS. Like everyone says - they are great.

Was tempted to get another, but started my first coolador instead two weeks ago - it is now full. They are both full, as well as my original 100 count - this has gotten out of hand.

BillyBarue

[Mbraud4]

Thx bro for the info via PM. I like the idea of the extra trays in he bottom.

[etenpenny]

I loves these things, bad thing is I outgrew it too quick and had to switch to a coolerdor

keep in mind these things really dont hold 500 cigars, or as many boxes as stated

[Charles]

Got mine in April, shortly after signing on here at CS. Like everyone says - they are great.

Was tempted to get another, but started my first coolador instead two weeks ago - it is now full. They are both full, as well as my original 100 count - this has gotten out of hand.

BillyBarue

I have been thinking about buying a second Vicksburg or a cab, but think that I will go with the Coolerdor. Found some at Target the other day that should work out.

[etenpenny]

I have been thinking about buying a second Vicksburg or a cab, but think that I will go with the Coolerdor. Found some at Target the other day that should work out.

Smart idea, use the money you save to buy more boxes of cigars!

[RockyP]

Smart idea, use the moeny you save to buy more boxes of cigars!

by the time you buy the cooler, humidification, hygrometer, and put it all together you can buy another vicksburg. they only cost 125 bucks

[xhris]

Got my vick today!!!!

Initial impressions, NICE and HEAVY (the package was 22.9 lbs). There was sap on the trays which was odd, and also, VERY DUSTY!! I had to wipe the entire inside down with a slightly damp rag to get off the dust and also to kick start the seasoning. Don't worry, i made sure not to wipe too much, you could hardly tell the rag had any water on it.

One thing that pissed me off was on the glass, they stuck a "tempered glass" sticker on the inside corner and it looked like it melted onto the glass. I dunno what kind of glue they used to keep the sticker down, but it was everywhere around the sticker and very tough to get off. I didn't want to use any chemicals on the inside, but i was forced to use a tiny bit of goo gone because it would NOT come off. After i got most of it off with the goo gone, i made sure to clean it with distilled water. Even though i absolutely love it, i think bargainhumis could have done some stuff to make it cleaner before sending it out. The dust and sticker thing and also the glass looked it was quickly wiped with someones greasy shirt. I guess im just anal about buying something new and it not looking that way. I also got the nibo three flame torch for $7.99 and its also really nice, but as everyone has said it drinks gas like no other (you can hear how much it's using everytime you light out)

It's seasoning right now with the temp at 70 and the humidty at 67% and going up very slowly. I'm starting to get concerned that it's going up too slow. It's been seasoning since one and it's moved from 66 to 67 lol. I know i have to be patient but it's so tempting to speed up the process. Overall i think it's well worth the money and i can't wait to start putting cigars in!!

[NCRadioMan]

Got my vick today!!!!

Initial impressions, NICE and HEAVY (the package was 22.9 lbs). There was sap on the trays which was odd, and also, VERY DUSTY!! I had to wipe the entire inside down with a slightly damp rag to get off the dust and also to kick start the seasoning. Don't worry, i made sure not to wipe too much, you could hardly tell the rag had any water on it.

One thing that pissed me off was on the glass, they stuck a "tempered glass" sticker on the inside corner and it looked like it melted onto the glass. I dunno what kind of glue they used to keep the sticker down, but it was everywhere around the sticker and very tough to get off. I didn't want to use any chemicals on the inside, but i was forced to use a tiny bit of goo gone because it would NOT come off. After i got most of it off with the goo gone, i made sure to clean it with distilled water. Even thought i absolutely love it, i think bargainhumis could have done some stuff to make it cleaner before sending it out. The dust and sticker thing and also the glass looked it was quickly wiped with someones greasy shirt. I guess im just anal about buying something new and it not looking that way. I also got the nibo three flame torch for $7.99 and its also really nice, but as everyone has said it drinks gas like no other (you can hear how much it's using everytime you light out)

It's seasoning right now with the temp at 70 and the humidty at 67% and going up very slowly. I'm starting to get concerned that it's going up too slow. It's been seasoning since one and it's moved from 66 to 67 lol. I know i have to be patient but it's so tempting to speed up the process. Overall i think it's well worth the money and i can't wait to start putting cigars in!!

Put a small bowl of dist water in the microwave and get it hot, then put it in the Vicky. Works like a charm. Repeat in 12 hours. Then let the rh come down to 70 naturally. It can take up to a week but seasons perfectly.

:ms NCRM's :2

[etenpenny]

by the time you buy the cooler, humidification, hygrometer, and put it all together you can buy another vicksburg. they only cost 125 bucks

not quite,
40 bucks for a 70 quart cooler, 15 for beads for a total of 55 bucks

55 bucks for something that can hold twice the amount (or more) of the vicksburg. The vicksburg is about the best humidor buy you can get for the money but you are still going to pay more for the display aspects, and not the actual storage space/function.

but like I said if you are going to go with the humi route, the vicksburg is about the best that amout of money can buy.

[Charles]

by the time you buy the cooler, humidification, hygrometer, and put it all together you can buy another vicksburg. they only cost 125 bucks

True, and it looks great sitting on its own table next to my bar, but the 160 quart cooler will hold at least 20 boxes, maybe more and the Vicksburg maybe 8.

If you don't mind my asking, did you buy your from bargainhumidors?

[ShawnP]

True, and it looks great sitting on its own table next to my bar, but the 160 quart cooler will hold at least 20 boxes, maybe more and the Vicksburg maybe 8.

If you don't mind my asking, did you buy your from bargainhumidors?


That is the only place that sells them Charles :)

What is the going price for coolers now at Target?? I may scratch the new humidor idea and just finally get a damn cooler.

Shawn

[ShawnP]

Got my vick today!!!!

Initial impressions, NICE and HEAVY (the package was 22.9 lbs). There was sap on the trays which was odd, and also, VERY DUSTY!! I had to wipe the entire inside down with a slightly damp rag to get off the dust and also to kick start the seasoning. Don't worry, i made sure not to wipe too much, you could hardly tell the rag had any water on it.

One thing that pissed me off was on the glass, they stuck a "tempered glass" sticker on the inside corner and it looked like it melted onto the glass. I dunno what kind of glue they used to keep the sticker down, but it was everywhere around the sticker and very tough to get off. I didn't want to use any chemicals on the inside, but i was forced to use a tiny bit of goo gone because it would NOT come off. After i got most of it off with the goo gone, i made sure to clean it with distilled water. Even though i absolutely love it, i think bargainhumis could have done some stuff to make it cleaner before sending it out. The dust and sticker thing and also the glass looked it was quickly wiped with someones greasy shirt. I guess im just anal about buying something new and it not looking that way. I also got the nibo three flame torch for $7.99 and its also really nice, but as everyone has said it drinks gas like no other (you can hear how much it's using everytime you light out)

It's seasoning right now with the temp at 70 and the humidty at 67% and going up very slowly. I'm starting to get concerned that it's going up too slow. It's been seasoning since one and it's moved from 66 to 67 lol. I know i have to be patient but it's so tempting to speed up the process. Overall i think it's well worth the money and i can't wait to start putting cigars in!!

Got my Vicksburg back Feb and it came clean and without sap on the trays. I have been hearing a lot of folks speak of the sap on there trays. I know there was a thread here somewhere where the Gorilla contacted Bargainhumidors about it.

One thing I do agree with though is that damn sticker. I didn't want to use any chemicals so that damn sticky stuff is still on the glass. It kind of pissed me off to but now that I have smokes in it and it is seasoned I don't want to try to get it off. Now on the other hand my Gettysburg did not have a sticker that stuck to the glass like it was melted on, not sure why the Vicks are coming this way but the Gettys are not.

Over all it is priced well and I love mine to death. :)


Shawn

[RockyP]

True, and it looks great sitting on its own table next to my bar, but the 160 quart cooler will hold at least 20 boxes, maybe more and the Vicksburg maybe 8.

If you don't mind my asking, did you buy your from bargainhumidors?

yes i bought mine at bargainhumidors.com i hope mine does not come with sap inside of it or i am going to be pissed. i will deffinitly be giving them a call. it will be here today so i will let everyone know what the deal is with it

[Charles]

It is a big box with lots of cedar, so it takes a while to season. Don't be surprised if it takes a couple of weeks to stabilize at the RH you desire. Also, don't be concerned if the RH suddenly drops when you add sticks. This is also normal, unless the sticks have excess moisture, then the RH may actually go up.

Enjoy. :)

[Charles]

That is the only place that sells them Charles :)

What is the going price for coolers now at Target?? I may scratch the new humidor idea and just finally get a damn cooler.

Shawn

I may not have read the sticker correctly, but will go back and check then report to you. They were fairly large and if I remember were running at around $100.

I will confirm and pm you.

Charles

[RockyP]

I may not have read the sticker correctly, but will go back and check then report to you. They were fairly large and if I remember were running at around $100.

I will confirm and pm you.

Charles


that is quite expensive for a cooler. i saw some nice igloo coolers at home depot for under 60 bucks

[Tristan]

that is quite expensive for a cooler. i saw some nice igloo coolers at home depot for under 60 bucks
I agree; $100 for a cooler is crazy. I got a huge cooler at Walmart for around $30-40 that holds 14+ boxes

[RockyP]

I agree; $100 for a cooler is crazy. I got a huge cooler at Walmart for around $30-40 that holds 14+ boxes


that is the reason that i said the vicksburg is better. i think that 100 bucks is way to much for a cooler. that thing better be lined in gold

[Charles]

:w I agree; $100 for a cooler is crazy. I got a huge cooler at Walmart for around $30-40 that holds 14+ boxes

I checked the price this morning - yep $100, but it is a 150 qt job. That is pretty good sized. I remember that DaKlugs recently built one so I am going to look up his thread and find out where he got his. Those were some funny pics of him trying to climb inside the thing.:D

I found some less expensive coolers, but the were also half the size. I only want to build one of these. Yeah right.

[stogie_kanobie_one]

The 150's are great. Mine is a 120. Isn't 150 the biggest you can get? At least it is the biggest I've ever seen. I really really REALLY wish temperature was ont a problem for me. I'd use those coolers almost exclusively.

[RockyP]

The 150's are great. Mine is a 120. Isn't 150 the biggest you can get? At least it is the biggest I've ever seen. I really really REALLY wish temperature was ont a problem for me. I'd use those coolers almost exclusively.


i also have aproblem with the temp so that is why i can not use a cooler

[Charles]

i also have aproblem with the temp so that is why i can not use a cooler

What is the temp problem? My humi in the basement never gets above 75, so I thought that the cooler would do the same?

[omowasu]

by the time you buy the cooler, humidification, hygrometer, and put it all together you can buy another vicksburg. they only cost 125 bucks

+1, I am finding this out too - I was looking at spanish cedar to line a new coolerdor, and it is a relatively expensive wood. I was hoping to line the cooler bottom and sides with cedar, but by the time all is said and done (and assuming time is money to trim and fit the cedar), the larger humi is at least a wash with the coolerdor.

[stogie_kanobie_one]

What is the temp problem? My humi in the basement never gets above 75, so I thought that the cooler would do the same?

The cooler will do the same but I try to keep mine below 70. My basement is finished so I use a dehumidifier down there in the summer to avoid basement mold problems. The catch 22 is my basement use to stay cool as well all summer long hence the reason I finished it :D BUT the dehumidifier I now need to run heats it up by virtue of how it works.... Sometimes you just can't win!

http://www.clubstogie.com/vb/showthread.php?t=27274

[TechMetalMan]

+1, I am finding this out too - I was looking at spanish cedar to line a new coolerdor, and it is a relatively expensive wood. I was hoping to line the cooler bottom and sides with cedar, but by the time all is said and done (and assuming time is money to trim and fit the cedar), the larger humi is at least a wash with the coolerdor.

You don't need the cedar though as long as you store the cigars in their boxes you will be fine- and if the boxes aren't cedar than run to a local bm and ask for some cedar boxes- they generally hand them out or charge a buck or two- you can also order them from CI I believe.

And a cooler can usually run about 40 bucks for a large well sealed one- plus beads for 15 or 20 bucks and you're set- add a hygrometer to that list as well...

[omowasu]

You don't need the cedar though as long as you store the cigars in their boxes you will be fine- and if the boxes aren't cedar than run to a local bm and ask for some cedar boxes- they generally hand them out or charge a buck or two- you can also order them from CI I believe.

And a cooler can usually run about 40 bucks for a large well sealed one- plus beads for 15 or 20 bucks and you're set- add a hygrometer to that list as well...

I was thinking the same thing - my local guy will sell me the unvarnished boxes for 1.00 each (even the biggies). I already have beads and a hygro, so it may not be a huge step to get there. Something needs to be done soon as I have several boxes to store!

I think the moral of the story here is to always buy 2-3x more capacity than you think you need, Vicksburg or otherwise. I have 75ct burl + 75ct ebay cheapo + 75ct coolerdor and it is not nearly enough room! Thanks BOTL's!

[xhris]

Hey guys i have a small question. Can you over season your humi? The reason i ask is because i seasoned my vick using the "heat up distilled water" method, and got the humidity to 80%. I reheated the water every 12hrs for 2 days and then took the bowl out. The humidity then slowly fell to 75% but has stayed there for about a day. Should i just be patient?

[j6ppc]

Hey guys i have a small question. Can you over season your humi? The reason i ask is because i seasoned my vick using the "heat up distilled water" method, and got the humidity to 80%. I reheated the water every 12hrs for 2 days and then took the bowl out. The humidity then slowly fell to 75% but has stayed there for about a day. Should i just be patient?

Do you have the stock humifification element in it or beads?

If beads they'll bring it down assuming they are not saturated, once your target rh has been reached add cigars and enjoy. If it does not drop dry the beads out a bit (blow drier or just leave them ou awhile depending on your ambient RH) and proceed as above.

The stock element does not "take" RH out if it is too high, in that case remove it until your RH drops a little below 70% - reintroduce the element, add cigars and you should be good to go.

Hope this helps.

[xhris]

Do you have the stock humifification element in it or beads?

If beads they'll bring it down assuming they are not saturated, once your target rh has been reached add cigars and enjoy. If it does not drop dry the beads out a bit (blow drier or just leave them ou awhile depending on your ambient RH) and proceed as above.

The stock element does not "take" RH out if it is too high, in that case remove it until your RH drops a little below 70% - reintroduce the element, add cigars and you should be good to go.

Hope this helps.


Yeah, i had the charged element in, so i'll take that out and see what happens. Man, i really need to get some beads they make everything seem so much easier. Does heartfelt take ******?

[xhris]

Sorry for double post, but i've decided to purchase some beads. What combination would you guys recommend for the vick? The 4 ounce looks to be the obvious choice but i've seen alot of pics with multiple smaller tubes.

[NCRadioMan]

Go ahead and get a pound. You'll probably end up needing it. :r


:ms NCRM

[ShawnP]

Sorry for double post, but i've decided to purchase some beads. What combination would you guys recommend for the vick? The 4 ounce looks to be the obvious choice but i've seen alot of pics with multiple smaller tubes.

You will need more then just 1 4oz tube. I am running 2 4oz tubes in my Vick.

I have 1 4oz in my Gettysburg and I need to pick up a small tube to add to it because the 1 4oz isn't enough.


More beads will not hurt ;)

Shawn

[Charles]

Hey guys i have a small question. Can you over season your humi? The reason i ask is because i seasoned my vick using the "heat up distilled water" method, and got the humidity to 80%. I reheated the water every 12hrs for 2 days and then took the bowl out. The humidity then slowly fell to 75% but has stayed there for about a day. Should i just be patient?

Do you have any sticks in your humi? Add a box or two to the humi and see if the rh doesn't come down. Also, I quit using the humi device that came with the vick. When it gets lower than I like, I just put some distilled water in a glass bowl in the bottom of the humi for a day or so and that brings it right back.

Let us know how it works out.

Charles

[ShawnP]

Hey guys i have a small question. Can you over season your humi? The reason i ask is because i seasoned my vick using the "heat up distilled water" method, and got the humidity to 80%. I reheated the water every 12hrs for 2 days and then took the bowl out. The humidity then slowly fell to 75% but has stayed there for about a day. Should i just be patient?

You should be patient, it takes a while. It may not go down untill you throw some sticks in there to balance it.

If you are concerned about adding cigars then open the lid for a hour and let it drop a bit :)

Let us know how it turns out.


Shawn

[carbonbased_al]

You should be patient, it takes a while. It may not go down untill you throw some sticks in there to balance it.

If you are concerned about adding cigars then open the lid for a hour and let it drop a bit :)

Let us know how it turns out.


Shawn

very sage advice :cool:

[stogie_kanobie_one]

Yeah don't over worry. If I see mine dip a little high for a few days just open the lid ofr an hour or two. The two ounce containers are perfect for the vick, some use two some use more. I myself use approximaltely a total of four, the real case for the 2 ounce vs. the four is that you get to spread them around more to help keep things more balanced.

The emptier the Vick is due to it's size you will notice more fluctuations but the more full you keep it the more stable it will become. The good news is though that the beads really do take a lot of the guess work out of it.

The stock unit that comes with it.... PERFECT for holding beads. Just use a fish tank filter media bag. It is a nylon mesh. In one of my mods I have the nylon mesh and in the other I have a simple pair of nylons (the pet store was all out of bags) :mad:. The nylons don't seem to react as quick and the filter media bags just seem to be poifect.

Above all patience as the above have said. I've spent many a buck unnecessarily fussing over too high too low. In the end learn to feel safe within a range. A few days being a few points outside of your comfort zone won't wreck your cigars.

[ShawnP]

very sage advice :cool:


Thank you, That means a lot coming from someone like you :)


Shawn

[erab]

So I broke down and bought a Vicks as my first humidor (anyone want to take bets on how long it takes me to outgrow it?).

Any advice from the many Vicks owners (outside of what's already been said in this thread) for this newbie, besides buying more beads than I think I'll need?

Very excited about my purchase... should be here tuesday or wednesday!

Also: I notice the Cedar trays sold by bargain humidors are on back order. Is it a problem to season the Vicks when I get it, and then later add new trays as they get in stock and my collection grows?

[xhris]

Hey erab!! Welcome to the jungle! and you're gonna love your humidor, ive had mine for a couple days and i can't go an hour without looking at it.

I think the beads should season any new trays you put in very well. You might have to charge them more often during this time though. BTW, im not speaking out of experience, just out of my understanding of the beads, other BOTLs will know more.

I just broke down and bought 1/2lb of beads myself. I don't think i'll ever need 1lb, but you guys can quote me on this when im slipping full speed down the slope and buying another humi :D

[homeless_texan]

Great post Stogie. I've had the Vicksburg for about 6 months, but until I read your post I never realized it's potential. Thanks again.

[orangehorse]

Mine arrived last Tuesday (Happy Birthday to me). I seasoned it to 78% before adding the sticks. Now it is steady at 73%. I'll be patient to wait for it to get to 70%. Overall, I love the humi. Now I'm in the process of filling the thing. Just won 4 auctions over at CB, so I have 65 additional sticks enroute.

[mostholycerebus]

I bought one of these about 3 months ago, and I am absolutely in love with it. Incredible storage and beauty for the price, and the hygrometer is awesome. The only thing I would like is 2-3 more of the lower level dividers, so I could divide up my bundles and totally fill the lower level.

Mine is currently 1/3 to 1/2 full. It currently holds rock steady at 65rh with one 4 ounce tube of 70rh beads. I feel that this large humidor would be perfect with two tubes, one in each lower tray, so the humidity is better dispersed. Filling the plastic humifer brick with beads is also a great idea, I think i'm just gonna use a nylon though (maybe grab some of the free ones at a shoe shop).

I did have one problem with this box though, the humifer. After about a month I noticed mold surrounding the humifer. I took it off, tossed the green brick, wiped everything down with alcohol, sun-dried the box and shelves, and set it all up again. No problems since.

Stogie: BTW, if you aren't using your lower area large dividers, I would be interested in buying them off you. PM or email me if you like.

[Charles]

Mine arrived last Tuesday (Happy Birthday to me). I seasoned it to 78% before adding the sticks. Now it is steady at 73%. I'll be patient to wait for it to get to 70%. Overall, I love the humi. Now I'm in the process of filling the thing. Just won 4 auctions over at CB, so I have 65 additional sticks enroute.

I would bet that the rh will drop some when you add your additional winnings to your humi. Glad to see that you are happy with it.:)

[luckybandit]

My 120 count Pompeii humi is already overgrown. Should have listened to you guys before i made my purchase. This humi looks like the next step. The Pompeii with the glass top is a nice display humi, but this Vicksburg will work very well for long term aging. At a 300 count and i'm smoking about three or four cigars a week this should keep me off the devils sites for about a year!

[erab]

Well, the Vicks arrived today.... and there was some sticky sap on the trays and the inside lining -- not a lot, but there were spots.

Any advice on what I can do about this? Will a rag with some distilled water get the job done, or will I just end up having further problems in the future?

EDIT: Just found THIS (http://www.clubstogie.com/vb/showthread.php?t=27549) thread after wrestling with the search engine (it doesn't like three letter word searchs). Anything that any previously sapped Vicksburg owners want to add to the advice in that thread? I'll probably give it a couple days to dry up, and then go at gently with some distilled water on a rag.