Cheap alternatives to "cigar" beads?

[Thrak]

I need some beads but dont look forward to spending that much money at this time. I've been using google and notice that people use kitty litter beads in their humidors, claiming that they do the same basic thing, even saying you can find specific Rh beads at the pet store! :confused:

Anyone know anything about this, or can lend some insight? This will be used in a 150ct humi, that is full and the 4 drimystat sticks just cant keep up during winter.

Thx!

[md4958]

do you really want to loose those 150 sticks because you want to save a couple dollars?? its not worth it in my opinion.

Contact Shilala, he will set you up with what you need and you wont regret it.

[bobarian]

I dont get it. You are willing to spend hard earned money on your cigars, but not willing to spend $10-20 for an ounce or two of beads? Just doesnt make sense to me.

[dunng]

do you really want to loose those 150 sticks because you want to save a couple dollars?? its not worth it in my opinion.

Contact Shilala, he will set you up with what you need and you wont regret it.

:tpd: :ss

[Thrak]

You get a few oz of beads for $40 + shipping

or a few pounds of beads for $15.

Its quite a difference, especially if they do the same thing.

[bobarian]

You get a few oz of beads for $40 + shipping

or a few pounds of beads for $15.

Its quite a difference, especially if they do the same thing.

THEY DONT DO THE SAME THING! Kitty litter is meant to absorb cat pee! :rolleyes: I think you need to do a bit of research. 2oz bead tubes are $15.99. If you are looking at something other than Heartfelt, Cigarmony or Shilala's beads you are looking at the wrong stuff.

[md4958]

You get a few oz of beads for $40 + shipping

or a few pounds of beads for $15.

Its quite a difference, especially if they do the same thing.

I really dont think they do. I dont have a cat, so I cant say first hand... but I dont think kitty litter RELEASES humidity?? Perhaps Im incorrect.

http://www.heartfeltindustries.com/products.asp?cat=14

Heartfelt beads cost around $18 for half a POUND, and Im sure you would only need a fraction of that! Shilala beads are similarly priced.

You can use the calculator on the Heartfelt site to get an idea of how many beads you need... just enter in your humi's dimensions and voila.

[Thrak]

I didnt expect the intense negativity here... just looking for an alternative. bobarian, cat pee = liquid = humidity.

they are made of the same stuff, what is the difference? Please educate me, nicely. :)

[roughrider]

do you really want to loose those 150 sticks because you want to save a couple dollars?? its not worth it in my opinion.

Contact Shilala, he will set you up with what you need and you wont regret it.


+1. Pay the few bucks for the best beads out there and protect your investment.

[md4958]

I didnt expect the intense negativity here... just looking for an alternative. bobarian, cat pee = liquid = humidity.


absorbing humidity is one thing. being able to absorb and release is entirely different, wouldnt you agree?


they are made of the same stuff, what is the difference? Please educate me, nicely. :)

Are they?? Shilalas beads are made from clay, not sure what Heartfelt beads are made of, but they are totaly different

[Don Fernando]

I didnt expect the intense negativity here... just looking for an alternative. bobarian, cat pee = liquid = humidity.

they are made of the same stuff, what is the difference? Please educate me, nicely. :)

they are not made of the same stuff. Cat litter only absorbes humidity, humidity beads absorb and release humidity depending on the RH of the humidor.

[14holestogie]

I didnt expect the intense negativity here... just looking for an alternative. bobarian, cat pee = liquid = humidity.

they are made of the same stuff, what is the difference? Please educate me, nicely. :)

I don't think anyone is trying to be negative, I think they are speaking from experience. Cat litter absorbs humidity, it does not release it.

If you have only a few dollars invested in cigars, then cat litter may work for a short while. If you have a more sizable investment, all we're saying is protect that investment by spending a few bucks more to do it right.

I experimented with the crystal cat litter (unscented) a year or so ago. It does not remotely compare to a quality bead. We are not trying to line anyone's pockets here, but go to a reputable dealer for a reputable product.
I myself am the pround owner of 3 pounds of Shilala beads and will go nowhere else when I require more.

Do what you think is best, but I think the comments you see are the voices of experience.

[bobarian]

I may have yelled, but I see absolutely no negativity in my statements. Do what you want. You are not the first person to have thought up this "solution" There are reasons most use beads, if you choose to use an alternative that is up to you.

[shilala]

Kitty Litter is not "the same thing" nor does it "do the same thing".
Funny thing is that not only does kitty litter not work in humis, it doesn't work as kitty litter. That's why it's discontinued. :D (It sizzles when cats pee on it and most refuse to use it.)
I've done tons of tests on all sorts of humidifying media and all the results have been posted at Club Stogie in the past.
It takes more than 9 times the volume and 9 times the surface area for kitty litter to even begin to compare to the efficacy of Mark's or Dave's beads.
It takes more than 17 times the volume and 17 times the surface area for the kitty litter to compete with my HCM beads.
The kitty litter costs about 15 bucks for 7 lbs. That's about $35.00 for 17 pounds. Shipping on 17 pounds is definately going to be at least 10 bucks.
A pound of my beads runs $45.00 shipped and they come in their own permanent bags.
So for the same price, you can either use 17 pounds of kitty litter or 1 pound of my beads.
You'll also have to arrange the kitty litter to bear enough surface area to be effective. You could use 2-8 ounce bags of my beads, or 34-8 oz. bags of kitty litter.
So I guess, if you want to generalize, silica gel kitty litter does do the same thing.
I've tried it, tested it, and found it worthless to me for the way I do things.
I use 5-8oz. bags of my beads in my winadors. I can't fit 42 bags of kitty litter in there. :)
Hope this helps you understand what "does the same thing" really means. :tu
Good luck with whatever direction you choose!!! :)
Scott

[WyGuy]

You might want to take a look at watersorb, here's the link http://www.watersorb.com/prices.htm

I bought two pounds of it, and it seems to be doing the trick for the moment. However, I do plan on buying some of Shilala's beads eventually.

[shilala]

You might want to take a look at watersorb, here's the link http://www.watersorb.com/prices.htm

I bought two pounds of it, and it seems to be doing the trick for the moment. However, I do plan on buying some of Shilala's beads eventually.
Watersorb is just SAP. It simply gives off and absorbs water, there's no control over RH levels. It won't adsorb water from the air once it's wetted, either. It only works in one direction, and that's to give off water.
If you hydrate it with a 50/50 propylene glycol solution then you can keep your RH at 70% in your humi.
You gotta supply ample surface area though, and that's tough when you have a big humi. It takes up a lot of floor space.

[MedicCook]

I will be needing to get some of your beads soon Scott.

[gettysburgfreak]

you could always pick up a few drymistat tubes at 10 bucks a piece. I used them before I picked up some beads and they worked well. You do not want to skimp on humidification as others have said. Why spend all that money on cigars and have no adequate way of keeping them humidified?

[Mugen910]

just go to the devil site and get some beads on the cheap if you're worried about $$ but keep in mind that if your sticks don't maintain RH then you will eventually have to invest in some real beads.

[ChINaMaN1472]

I'm with the rest of the logical people in here.
You've already spent plenty of money on the cigars, what's another $20 bucks for beads to keep your cigars properly humidified?

It's like buying a Ferrari then asking around for the cheapest oil and tire change shop.

[KidRock]

I'm with the rest of the logical people in here.
You've already spent plenty of money on the cigars, what's another $20 bucks for beads to keep your cigars properly humidified?

It's like buying a Ferrari then asking around for the cheapest oil and tire change shop.


Off the record....Oil change in the new ferrari is 450 dollars. The point goes to show...If you have 150 cigars and there at least lets say 10 dollars each thats 1500 dollars worth of smokes. You would want the best.


Do you put a 12 pack of bud in the trunk during August and open one up 3 weeks later? No, because it will taste like pee.

[Sauer Grapes]

Oddly enough, a 12 pack of Bud tastes like pee without sitting in the trunk.

[AD720]

I actually tired using the Kitty Litter silica beads in my cooler a while ago. I put them in and the humidity jumped up to over 80% in a matter of minutes. Just not enough control IMHO.

[Les Nessman]

I recently made the switch to heartfelt beads and have no regrets. To help keep costs down I purchased a half pound of beads for $18 + shipping and made up my own containers for them. Used an old humigel jar, modified the old humidity device (with the foam) that came with the humi and poked holes in couple of mini mm candy canisters to hold the beads. I lose points for looks, but I am holding steady at 65%.

[md4958]

I recently made the switch to heartfelt beads and have no regrets. To help keep costs down I purchased a half pound of beads for $18 + shipping and made up my own containers for them. Used an old humigel jar, modified the old humidity device (with the foam) that came with the humi and poked holes in couple of mini mm candy canisters to hold the beads. I lose points for looks, but I am holding steady at 65%.

and old set of pantyhose would also make a nice bag allowing plenty of surface area

[MedicCook]

and old set of pantyhose would also make a nice bag allowing plenty of surface area

For ease of use, have your wife/gf take them off first.

[markem]

Someone will possibly chime in with the brand, but there is one kitty litter that has roughly the same properties as beads. That is, it gives up moisture below about 65% RH and absorbs above that. Can't recall if it was here or at another site that the posting was made, but it was made within the last 6 or so months.

I've always used Heartfelt beads. Scott's beads have the same high respect as the one's from Heartfelt. I have 8 lbs of the heartfelt in 4 large storage units (2 vinos, 2 100 qt coolers) and one 1 oz tube in my 150 count Savoy humidor (new addition and the difference is amazing).

The funny thing is that I've always considered beads to be a cheap and safe alternative to other humidification devices, but everyone has their threshold, especially in a down economy.

It would be cool if the litter info gets posted and you are able to run some tests with it. For "humidify and forget" however, beads are my personal choice.

[chippewastud79]

If it is worth doing, it is worth doing right. Get yourself some real HCM or rH beads :2

Oddly enough, a 12 pack of Bud tastes like pee without sitting in the trunk.

:tpd::D

[Tio Gato]

If you feel that beads are too expensive, take a look at Humi-Care jars that are sold on C-Bid for a good price. I've had great results with these jars, especially in my tupperdores. Water Pillows may work for you too.
Good Luck.

[SeanGAR]

Pretty much anything will absorb and release water, as will kitty litter and that old wool sweater you received for Christmas in 1986. The key is getting something with enough moisture absorptive capacity so you don't need to recharge once a day and the proper hysteresis curve so you maintain the humidity you seek. I use and recommend beads, the humi care jars get moldy on me after a few months unless I spike them with benzoate or something.

[Thrak]

Thanks for the info guys... I got some more drimystat sticks.

Put them on the credit card though. :-/

[yitlin]

If you've never had a DPG Blue label that tasted like Fresh Step, then you've never truly lived.

[shilala]

Pretty much anything will absorb and release water, as will kitty litter and that old wool sweater you received for Christmas in 1986. The key is getting something with enough moisture absorptive capacity so you don't need to recharge once a day and the proper hysteresis curve so you maintain the humidity you seek. I use and recommend beads, the humi care jars get moldy on me after a few months unless I spike them with benzoate or something.
I have no idea why that made me laugh, but you got me. :D
I think it's cause when you said kitty litter I thought of my cat's litter box.
He ain't much of a house cleaner.

[tobii3]

:lv

I guess I've just been around way too long.....

I still use a chunk of PG soaked oasis foam in a small tub in my cooler-dor....been doing that for many years now

[bobarian]

:lv

I guess I've just been around way too long.....

I still use a chunk of PG soaked oasis foam in a small tub in my cooler-dor....been doing that for many years now

Nothing wrong with PG, as you said its been used for years without problems. But some say they notice a slight taste difference. I suspect that is because their singles may be directly exposed rather than in boxes.

The thing with PG is that is regulates at 70%, many find their smokes to be tight or have irregular burns at 70%. I try to keep my sticks between 62-65%. :2

[fuubar]

I vote for buying sticks off the internet if humidity starts to drop. My vino has been in the range of 60-65 for the last 8 months. I even had to open the door for a couple hours to get it down.

Oh and get beads as a backup. My solution only works until you run out of money or space.

[maddman]

If their is a craft store by you go their and get poly gel for crafts, they come in a small bag used in pots to put fake flowers in. I have used them before getting the RH beads, they work alright and i still use them in a small humidor.

O and they only cost a few bucks

[md4958]

Thanks for the info guys... I got some more drimystat sticks.

Put them on the credit card though. :-/

Thrak, do you mind me asking how much you paid for your drimystat sticks?

[karmaz00]

go to michaels, and get some water jewels, or cracked ice....there used for floral arrangements.....they work great.

[doctorcue]

I say Heartfelt. Been around the longest (I think; don't kill me if wrong) and I have yet to hear of any major probs. Not dissing Mark or Shilala; just my personal experience.

Yitlin... that cracked me up! :r

[maddman]

go to michaels, and get some water jewels, or cracked ice....there used for floral arrangements.....they work great.



thats it Cracked Ice is the one i used

[Yazzie]

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

[ucubed]

Listen to Shilala, that is all

[awsmith4]

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.

[icehog3]

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.



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

[awsmith4]

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

Well reading comprehension was never my strong suit :hn

And ow I see the question has been answered

[Thrak]

Thrak, do you mind me asking how much you paid for your drimystat sticks?

$9.95/ea

[md4958]

$9.95/ea

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

[pmp]

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.

[Flatsix]

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.

[awsmith4]

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.

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.

[md4958]

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.

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

[mariogolbee]

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.

[Don Fernando]

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.

[Cigary]

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.

[borndead1]

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.

[TheTraveler]

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. ;)

[pnoon]

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.

From folks you trust?

I'm just sayin'

[eber]

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

[mariogolbee]

From folks you trust?

I'm just sayin'

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?

[pnoon]

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?

Of course the "information there seems to point to it being okay". They want you to buy it.

:tu to the Heartfelt beads

[mariogolbee]

Of course the "information there seems to point to it being okay". They want you to buy it.

:tu to the Heartfelt beads

Heartfelt it is!

[Skywalker]

http://blog.wasteindustrysite.com/the_heap/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/funny-pictures-you-always-get-the-cheap-litter.jpg

;s

[bobarian]

Kitty litter will absorb moisture(humidity) that is what they were designed to do. But they WILL NOT regulate or release moisture at a set level. Though they are both the same product chemically. Kitty litter has not been treated to regulate at a specific RH. I believe kitty litter will work well in high humidity areas, but out here in Cali. Heartfelt beads are the best way to go. :2

[T.G]

Kitty litter will absorb moisture(humidity) that is what they were designed to do. But they WILL NOT regulate or release moisture at a set level. Though they are both the same product chemically. Kitty litter has not been treated to regulate at a specific RH. I believe kitty litter will work well in high humidity areas, but out here in Cali. Heartfelt beads are the best way to go. :2


This was my experience with the Exquisicat (sp?) from PetStupid.

Very erratic moisture release, I ended up having to use about five times more of the stuff than what I would be using for heartfelt beads, and it still sucked. This pretty much jives with what shilala posted earlier in this thread.

Oh, and the stories about "training the beads" by putting them in a 65% environemnt then removing them, then putting them back... LOL. Basic understanding of chemistry on so much as a highschool level should tell you that such theories are nonsense.

[mariogolbee]

This was my experience with the Exquisicat (sp?) from PetStupid.

Very erratic moisture release, I ended up having to use about five times more of the stuff than what I would be using for heartfelt beads, and it still sucked. This pretty much jives with what shilala posted earlier in this thread.

I'm still getting Heartfelt just to keep it simple. But did you use the Pearls or the non tracking kind? If it wasn't the pearls then it wasn't the right kind anyway.

[T.G]

I'm still getting Heartfelt just to keep it simple. But did you use the Pearls or the non tracking kind? If it wasn't the pearls then it wasn't the right kind anyway.

It was the pearls.

http://video.zootoo.com/prod/146000/thumbs175/prod_146665.jpg

[shilala]

Watersorb is just SAP. It simply gives off and absorbs water, there's no control over RH levels. It won't adsorb water from the air once it's wetted, either. It only works in one direction, and that's to give off water.
If you hydrate it with a 50/50 propylene glycol solution then you can keep your RH at 70% in your humi.
You gotta supply ample surface area though, and that's tough when you have a big humi. It takes up a lot of floor space.
I just read what I wrote, and left out a biggie.
"Propylene/water hydrated SAP doesn't adsorb water" is a large point.
If for some reason the ambient RH around a humi is greater than 70%, there's great potential for problems, especially if a humi is leaky.
If someone lived in Arizona or the desert or up in Siberia, it's an excellent choice because those humis require a lot of available water.

The reason Mark and Dave's beads work so well is that they have a component that regulates the water output (via principles you can see in a lot of papers, including those written about hydrated aqueous salt solutions and denatured alcohols), as well as an adsorbative component, which is the unhydrated silica gel.
When cared for properly, they'll regulate humidity in both directions, as they're intended to, and they'll do it very well.
That's why it's so important not to "overwater" the beads. If you do, you've effectively turned the beads into the same thing as a SAP/Glycol combination or worse. Too much water on the beads and you've basically created a bowl of water. That's why it is SO important to read the directions, follow them, and ask questions.
If we don't understand "how they work", it leaves a large margin for error, and we can easily undo the bead's efficacy.

My beads don't work quite like Mark's or Dave's. There's no salt or chemical component in them that regulates evaporation.
They rely on the principle of equilibrium, tons of math, and a well sealed humi. They also rely on a "care" regimen that's designed to remove human error. They also take advantage of an adsorbative capacity that's far in excess (greater than 800% per volume) that of Mark or Dave's beads.
By not having any additives, there's just more room. The structure of HCM beads is much different, too. That allows for a far greater amount of water to be present in them.
Their structure also allows a much higher covalency (electrical charge) that pushes water back and forth between the beads and their surroundings.
Another think is that HCM bead's internal structure allows for a much higher level of depracation, meaning they won't crack or break down over time. There's no reason why they won't last forever when maintained properly.
Add to that, the pores in the beads are too small for free hydrocarbons (cigar smells) to enter them, plugging the beads and reducing their effectiveness. The holes are just the right size to gather and store free ammonia, and they have an almost infinate capacity per volume to do so, making them ideal for aging cigars.

Which brings me around to a point...
There are tons of things that work. Some very well.
An individual's choice should involve where they live, how well their humi seals, how well they can (or want to) follow instructions, and education.
Sean made excellent points earlier. I could use his sweater and control the RH in my humidors using it, a bowl, some water, and salt.
I use my beads because it's easier.
If I weren't using my beads, I'd be using Mark's or Dave's. :tu
I hope this helps!!! :)
Scott

[mariogolbee]

Shilala,

I have some Heartfelt beads in my wineador right now but I don't think there are enough. I open it daily at least once per day. I kind of want to keep my humidifcation devices uniform. Since I'm opening it daily do you think using your beads or more of Heartfelts will be better. What do your beads even look like? I haven't found them anywhere.

[dogface_313]

Shilala,

I have some Heartfelt beads in my wineador right now but I don't think there are enough. I open it daily at least once per day. I kind of want to keep my humidifcation devices uniform. Since I'm opening it daily do you think using your beads or more of Heartfelts will be better. What do your beads even look like? I haven't found them anywhere.


I have Scott's Beads, and they work excellently. They are extremely simple to use. Put them in your Humi and forget they are there. If you want to change the RH that they are calibrated for, he provides instructions. Many people on CA use the beads and swear by them.

[MrOneEyedBoh]

Yeah as they all have said, I was looking for alternatives on cigar beads. Just front the money now and be set for life. Its NOT that much when you think of it. Sure if you can use a cheap water pillow in a mini humidor do that, but when it comes to vinos, coolers or larger humidors I would get beads. Cigarmony is running a deal now, and their lb beads come with a free mesh bag.

[mariogolbee]

Yeah as they all have said, I was looking for alternatives on cigar beads. Just front the money now and be set for life. Its NOT that much when you think of it. Sure if you can use a cheap water pillow in a mini humidor do that, but when it comes to vinos, coolers or larger humidors I would get beads. Cigarmony is running a deal now, and their lb beads come with a free mesh bag.
Thanks for the heads up. I checked them out and they're more expensive than Heartfelt for oz and about the same for a lb. They look cool though.
I couldn't find the right kitty litter pearls at any of the local pet shops until a few minutes ago. I stopped by a new shop on the way to a store across town and they had the 4lb bags of Litter Pearls Kitty Litter for $10.99. I grabbed one for the hell of it and I'll try and run some tests later on in the week. For $10.99 it's worth an experiment.

[shilala]

Shilala,

I have some Heartfelt beads in my wineador right now but I don't think there are enough. I open it daily at least once per day. I kind of want to keep my humidifcation devices uniform. Since I'm opening it daily do you think using your beads or more of Heartfelts will be better. What do your beads even look like? I haven't found them anywhere.
You can never have too many beads.
Dave's (or Mark's) beads will do the job for you. You just have to follow his directions.
Depending on how old they are and how you have them distributed, and how often you've added water, and what size your winador is, and whether you have your drain plugged (you better), you can make a decision on what to do.
If you want to talk, send me a pm and I'll send you my cell number.
You can also start a thread and the guys will help.
Most of the guys here know more about my beads than I do. I just invented them. :) Literally, it's all the guys here and at our old home (Club Stogie) that helped me create them. They did all the field testing and gathered data and reported back to me, and it's honestly been a group effort from day one. Without all the guys, I'd have never been able to create them.
I usually do suggest that you keep your beads uniform. If you're using Dave's (or Mark's), I'd strongly suggest you keep using them.
The reason for that is that I've never done any tests to see how the two beads work together. Add to that, they are both brothers of the finest order. I do believe their beads are the identical product and directly interchangable, but you'd have to ask them to know for sure.
A side note...
Mark has supported me and helped me all along the way, too. It's not often you'll find a guy who's so decent and kind that he'll help someone who's creating a competitive product. Show's what kind of person he is.
He's far more interested in his brothers than making money.

The point of all my "blah" earlier is that I (or we) need a lot more info about how you are "doing things" to help you make an informed decision. It's what I was blathering about earlier. :D

[T.G]

Thanks for the heads up. I checked them out and they're more expensive than Heartfelt for oz and about the same for a lb. They look cool though.
I couldn't find the right kitty litter pearls at any of the local pet shops until a few minutes ago. I stopped by a new shop on the way to a store across town and they had the 4lb bags of Litter Pearls Kitty Litter for $10.99. I grabbed one for the hell of it and I'll try and run some tests later on in the week. For $10.99 it's worth an experiment.

Suit yourself...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcAOwP2MFP8&NR=1

:banger

[mariogolbee]

Suit yourself...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcAOwP2MFP8&NR=1

:banger

Cute. Real cute. Nice vid either way though.

[shilala]

Thanks for the heads up. I checked them out and they're more expensive than Heartfelt for oz and about the same for a lb. They look cool though.
I couldn't find the right kitty litter pearls at any of the local pet shops until a few minutes ago. I stopped by a new shop on the way to a store across town and they had the 4lb bags of Litter Pearls Kitty Litter for $10.99. I grabbed one for the hell of it and I'll try and run some tests later on in the week. For $10.99 it's worth an experiment.
I could have dug up all the test data and saved you eleven bucks and a lot of time. :)
You have to precondition the beads prior to using them, too.
You can do that by putting them in an ambient RH that's the same as whatever you wish your setpoint to be, it takes time.
You can also do some mathematical calculations to figure out roughly how much water to add to them to yield a specific RH, but it takes them forever to equalize and become usable.
Simply put, they're a real pain in the butt. :)
I know where you're coming from though. You'll have fun messing around. :tu

[mariogolbee]

I could have dug up all the test data and saved you eleven bucks and a lot of time. :)
You have to precondition the beads prior to using them, too.
You can do that by putting them in an ambient RH that's the same as whatever you wish your setpoint to be, it takes time.
You can also do some mathematical calculations to figure out roughly how much water to add to them to yield a specific RH, but it takes them forever to equalize and become usable.
Simply put, they're a real pain in the butt. :)
I know where you're coming from though. You'll have fun messing around. :tu
Thanks Shilala. I still want to try out your beads some time I think. I'd also like to see what they look like. I heard something about clay? Eventually I'll need more of somebody's beads after the multiple expansions I'll inevitably do.

[T.G]

I could have dug up all the test data and saved you eleven bucks and a lot of time. :)
You have to precondition the beads prior to using them, too.
You can do that by putting them in an ambient RH that's the same as whatever you wish your setpoint to be, it takes time.
You can also do some mathematical calculations to figure out roughly how much water to add to them to yield a specific RH, but it takes them forever to equalize and become usable.
Simply put, they're a real pain in the butt. :)
I know where you're coming from though. You'll have fun messing around. :tu

Heck, I could save Mario the $10 and still give him the joy of playing around, by giving him a the half to two-thirds full container of the Excussicat LP's that I have out in the garage. Back from when I listened to some moron who said they were the same.

Mario, LMK if/when you're coming to one of the area herfs, I'll bring them for you if you want to play. I've got no use for them.

[mariogolbee]

Heck, I could save Mario the $10 and still give him the joy of playing around, by giving him a the half to two-thirds full container of the Excussicat LP's that I have out in the garage. Back from when I listened to some moron who said they were the same.

Mario, LMK if/when you're coming to one of the area herfs, I'll bring them for you if you want to play. I've got no use for them.
Thanks TG. I might just take you up on that.:tu

[MrOneEyedBoh]

Yeah man, I'm hard headed about not searching enough. But dont be hard headed about these beads. They are deff worth the money up front for something that will last... well forever. your cigars are expensive, why settle for something inferior to what is needed to maintain their beauty?

[mariogolbee]

Yeah man, I'm hard headed about not searching enough. But dont be hard headed about these beads. They are deff worth the money up front for something that will last... well forever. your cigars are expensive, why settle for something inferior to what is needed to maintain their beauty?
I hear ya and I already have a half pound of the Heartfelt beads. Just imagine if you can get 4 lbs for $10 instead of 1/2 lb for $20+sh? The brand I got looked almost identical to the Heartfelts. It's just a thought. I don't think I really need any more beads now that my Humi is semi-stabilizing, It's great to hear all of the good comments about this subject though. I've certainly learned a lot from all of you in like a day.:D

[T.G]

Thanks TG. I might just take you up on that.:tu

Just LMK when you're going to one of the area herfs, and if I'm going to be there too, they are yours. :tu

[bonjing]

I have a pound of Scott's beads in my little 9qt and once they stabilized they have been holding steady ever since. after a couple of months if think one of my hygros from the other humi is off I just place it in the cooler and it reads what the beads are rated at.

sooooo, Scott, when you gonna be making some more beads (nudge, nudge) :D :tu

[mariogolbee]

I have a pound of Scott's beads in my little 9qt and once they stabilized they have been holding steady ever since. after a couple of months if think one of my hygros from the other humi is off I just place it in the cooler and it reads what the beads are rated at.

sooooo, Scott, when you gonna be making some more beads (nudge, nudge) :D :tu
I keep asking about Scott's beads. Can someone show me a friggin' pic or throw mw a link or something?! Please?:rolleyes:

[bobarian]

Scott=Shilala, he is a member here. You can drop him a PM. :tu

[MrOneEyedBoh]

Cigarmony is good to. When I contacted scott he said he was out of beads for now:(

[gorob23]

Been using the EXQUISITE CAT unscented for years and works ( holding at 65) just fine. Mayeb it's cause I live by an ocean ..I just knw it works

Rob :tpd:

[Easy]

Isn't anyone into the cigar oasis anymore?

[bonjing]

I keep asking about Scott's beads. Can someone show me a friggin' pic or throw mw a link or something?! Please?:rolleyes:

here ya go Mario :tu, this was the FS thread he had a few months back.

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=19160

[mariogolbee]

here ya go Mario :tu, this was the FS thread he had a few months back.

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=19160
Thanks Greg. This is exactly the info I was looking for. Very nice stuff this seems to be. Very nice indeed...

[Darrell]

I like Heartfelt Industries beads. Dave Asp is a great guy to deal with and his products are legit. :D

[Cyclone]

I like Heartfelt Industries beads. Dave Asp is a great guy to deal with and his products are legit. :D

Ditto! :tu:tu

[NeuRon]

ive been using kitty litter for 2 years in my vino's, and i have had ZERO problems.. and my cigars taste FINE :)

interesting discussion though..

I will attest that the kitty litter RH can either be really high or really low, but have some patience, add some beads/take away beads, or add water/take away water. its a learning curve; but in the end, it "works"

[roughrider]

I keep asking about Scott's beads. Can someone show me a friggin' pic or throw mw a link or something?! Please?:rolleyes:


He made a fresh batch. Get 'em if you want 'em.


http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=25949

[icehog3]

Why have patience and suffer through a learniing curve when the beads will give instant gratification?

[longknocker]

Why have patience and suffer through a learniing curve when the beads will give instant gratification?

:tu

[mariogolbee]

He made a fresh batch. Get 'em if you want 'em.


http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=25949

Thanks for the heads up. I now have 3 of his 8oz bags and a bunch of HF beads too. I'm still interested in the KL beads thing though. TG gave me 1/2 a jug of the Equisicat pearls and I'll try them out eventually when I get a bigger cooler. This way I can transfer all of the contents to the bigger cooler and use the smaller one to experiment with.

From what I've seen so far, Scott's beads need no maintainance, whereas the HF beads do. I have Scott's beads as the primary humidifying source in my vino's and the HF beads to recycle any drippings from condensation. I use HF in my cooler.

I don't think there is anything out there that can duplicate Shilala beads. Silica is a different story though.

[bobarian]

You need a bigger cooler?:hb:r

[NeuRon]

Why have patience and suffer through a learniing curve when the beads will give instant gratification?


because i needed a good amount of beads..

id be lying if the main cause wasnt money.. i rather pay $12 than $150.. Call me cheap, but i rather spend it on cigars (and trust me, i do)...

my storage has been perfect, and many will attest to it....

Say whatcha want guys

[mariogolbee]

You need a bigger cooler?:hb:r

Bob!!!!!!!!!!!!!:mad: I'm still recovering from the last cooler you guys got me! I also have pics and still need to post a thread about your little ambush...

[T.G]

My cigars deserve better than something cats piss and sh!t in.

[BFallehy]

My cigars deserve better than something cats piss and sh!t in.

I don't know about that. I have seen the cigars you smoke Adam. ;s


:fu:fu J/K