Newbie question about Beads and Solution

[kcmasterpiece]

I am wondering what are the pros and cons of using beads vs the Solution.

First tell me about the beads. How do they work and should I switch from the solution to the beads?

Would someone help me understand if the beads are worth the investment.

Thanx

[indymark]

I have used both. I prefer the beads because they take the guess work out of it. Solution, I feel IMHO, needs more careful monitoring.
Beads work by taking and giving moisture to keep themselves at a preset humidity. So if you put some in your humi and saturate them, while leaving the top bit exposed ,in theory, will regulate the surounding airspace. I feel that with a good humidor, beads do a great job of keeping my stogies fresh. I have to add distilled h2o about once a week, and walk away.
I think that it is a good investment.

You forgot about the "third" question. Do I use "Beads" or "Kitty Litter"?
You can use unscented cat box crystals with a PG solution to "tune" it to the desired humidity and it works ok too.
I am sure many others have thier own opinions on the matter.

Good luck

[Jughead]

It's a no brainier go with the beads.

[MaytagMan-cl]

Beads... no question!

[Marlboro Cigars-cl]

Beads better; solution not.

[Barnz-cl]

For ease of use go with the beads. I also use the pearl kitty litter as well, but that is more of an experiment then it is with the RH beads. I used a cooler that already had the beads in to 'condition' the KL. It works well for me and has for over a year, but I would not necessarily recommend it to everyone.

[SingleMaltScott-cl]

I have read a lot about the use of the 'kitty litter' and suffered the trials and tribulations of floral foam and PG and I am a die hard bead fan now.
The beads are not that expensive, especially considering the investment made in a)a good humidor and b) GOOD cigars.
I have two desk tops and all I use are the RH beads and the tubes. My cigars have never been happier and it's a lot less hassle.

[The Korean-cl]

Beads-Set it and forget it

[mauied1101]

Originally Posted by kcmasterpiece

I am wondering what are the pros and cons of using beads vs the Solution.

First tell me about the beads. How do they work and should I switch from the solution to the beads?

Would someone help me understand if the beads are worth the investment.

Thanx

Pros about beads: you get the suggested amount for your humi and then a little more, fill it with distilled water so that 70% ish (my tuning) is clear - the beads (which are sold at 60, 65, or 70% RH) will even the humidity in the humi by 1) either putting more humidity in the humi from the beads (leaving it more white in the long run) or 2) sucking humidity out of the air (leave the beads more clear in the long run). It's a no muss, no fuss solution that you can walk away from a week to a month depending on the amount of beads/size of the box.

Cons: It crumbles a little bit over time if you get the tubes it comes in - I don't think it makes it less effective, but it's just a pain in the :mumbles: when you open a humi and see little white specs. I use both the tubes in my humis as well as put beads in a small open container in my coolidor. Also, beads discolor over time (but hey, that's just "flavoring" from the cigars.

RH - it's a chemical that you have to put in, it's something that needs to be calibrated over time, multiple times. Folks use it, I don't - personal preference (and in my case, I'd forget to check).

Kitty litter - not made for it, not made to regulate a humidity as much as to suck moisture in and slowly evaporate it (like a water pillow).

It's worth the investment IMHO.

[Webmeister]

I used 50%/50% solution and beads in my humidors for about a year. Sticks in the humis with the beads seemed to fare better, so I just upgraded everything to beads. RH stays a lot more stable with the beads and less maintenance.

[jkim05-cl]

yeah, beads in general are easier to maintain. no need to guess, just add some distilled water and you're good to go.

[Kaybee]

Originally Posted by jkim05

yeah, beads in general are easier to maintain. no need to guess, just add some distilled water and you're good to go.

just make sure you follow the correct formula. the beads love to swell and you will have a mess once they swell all the way.

[CHRIS7891011]

I agree with most people here, the beads are easier and work better in the long run

[tekeeladude-cl]

Beads vs Foam with PG. Beads win every time. I have a problem of high humidity during the summer and low humidity during the winter. The beads work great to regulate both scenarios because unlike foam they absorb and release humidity.

One thing to point out: the beads can become oversaturated during periods of high humidity. Mark at Cigarmony suggested I dry them out by placing the beads on a cookie sheet and using a hair dryer to dry them out. After a couple of drying sessions, they are back to absorbing the high humidity and keep my cigars at a steady 65% RH.

[Webmeister]

Originally Posted by tekeeladude

One thing to point out: the beads can become oversaturated during periods of high humidity. Mark at Cigarmony suggested I dry them out by placing the beads on a cookie sheet and using a hair dryer to dry them out. After a couple of drying sessions, they are back to absorbing the high humidity and keep my cigars at a steady 65% RH.

Great tip - never thought of that! I have like 50% more tubes than I need for the number of sticks in the humi. I have been taking one out of rotation at a time and letting it sit in the room for a week. Not a bad idea in the winter, but it's been pretty humid in Charlotte lately.

Thanks!