I keep 70% beads in my humidors. I have spent so much time reading about what the "perfect" RH is for cigars and it seems every expert has a recommended avg. and that is between 68-72. Any lower than 65% and they say you WILL lose oils in the cigar over time. This is part of an article that seems to make more sense in this area of what is the right RH:
Tobacco should be kept at a relative humidity which just keeps the leaves pliable without swelling them. Since that pliability is based on the interaction of the cellular membranes with the air surrounding them, *relative humidity*, not absolute moisture content is what's important. This isn't chemistry, it's mechanics - on a cellular level. Ideally, the correct point is 70-73% regardless of temperature. At 70% relative humidity (a measure which by definition is independent of temperature) cigar leaves become pliable without swelling. at 75% or higher, the cells begin to swell. at 68% or lower, they can become brittle. These points are regardless of the ambient temperature or the absolute moisture content.
It's like the "chicken and egg",,,,my humidors are pegged at 69% which gives my OCD a break and I love 70% beads. I use to run myself ragged before beads and quite frankly made the whole cigar storage one big PIA. For anyone who is still trying to maintain their humidors or storage area without beads,,,,pay the money and get the best thing out there. After all look how much you have already spent on your sticks, your hats, clothes, accessories and you want to skimp now on what is the best thing for them? No Brainer,,,BEADS!!