Coolidor question good RH but cigars seem dry

[ScottyWed]

I setup a coolidor a few months back. I've got a pound of 65 beads in it split up on both sides and an Oust fan. My hrgro shows 70 degrees and 71% humi but I've noticed my cigars see a bit dry. I've got it almost full of boxes and a tray. What do you think?

 

[SkinsFanLarry]

Did you calibrate your hydrometer?

How big is the cooler? A pound of beads may not be enough.

Even though they appear a little dry, how are they smoking?

It also sounds like you have too much in the coolidor, you might not be getting good air circulation.

 

[PLUSH]

Yep, what larry said. Also, how many hygrometers do you have? As noted, the air movement may not be sufficient. Maybe you have 70rh on one area but not the other, that is if they are calibrated. Do a salt test.

 

[RonC]

check that hygro with a Boveda.

get rid of the fan.

 

[RonC]

let me touch on whay I said get rid for the fan.

First, I like fans in cigar cabinets. The fans that are used in Avallos are not super high output fans. The airflow design in the Avallos is well thought out, and the circualtion fans are there just to mix things up a little bit.

sometimes, people have major problems with airflow in "made in china" cabinets, and they need high output fans to fix a problem. so you use enough fan, and run the fan enough to fix the problem. no need to have the fan run any more time than need be. WHY? because its a bad idea to have a fan blowing air over your cigars. If tey are in a box, then no real problem. But air blowing over loose cigars is no good. so slight air circulation with a fan is no problem, but constant airflow can dry a cigar out.

a science guy I know gave me this example. put 2 wet towels on a clothes line. put a giant fan blowing on one towel, and no fan on the other towel. The towel with the air blowing on it will dry out first.

 

[dpricenator]

Pour a bunch of packing peanuts in there, tape the lid shut tight, go to the post office and send it to me. I’ll make sure they are all stored properly. If this option doesn’t suit you, just listen to these other guys. They know what they’re talking about.

 

[ScottyWed]

Did you calibrate your hydrometer?

How big is the cooler? A pound of beads may not be enough.

Even though they appear a little dry, how are they smoking?

It also sounds like you have too much in the coolidor, you might not be getting good air circulation.

Yes, I calibrated it with a Boveda when i purchased it.

The cooler is small. (See picture added)

They are smoking ok, but seem a little crunchy to the touch.

I really noticed it on the Tat Verocu Tubo Red's. I had to give up on it because it was too dry. Since then I've opened up the other ones and left them alone.