Humidification Beads: FAQs

[zackly]

Great info, thanks!

Are these considered beads? They seem to function the same way but they looked like diced Jello and do not turn white.
CI Crystal Gel Humidity Bead Jar 2-Fer - Cigars International

Your answer for hassle free humidification!

The CI Crystal Gel Humification device unit is a convenient little 2oz jar of 50/50 activator crystals. Add distilled water and watch the crystals quickly absorb it, expanding to fill the entire jar. The 50/50 solution of proylene glycol will slowly release moisture as needed to maintain a relative humidity of 65-70% inside your humidor. And refilling is just as simple. Once the crystals shrink to their original form, add more distilled water. Easy!

[Viper139]

Originally Posted by zackly

Great info, thanks!

Are these considered beads? They seem to function the same way but they looked like diced Jello and do not turn white.
CI Crystal Gel Humidity Bead Jar 2-Fer - Cigars International

Your answer for hassle free humidification!

The CI Crystal Gel Humification device unit is a convenient little 2oz jar of 50/50 activator crystals. Add distilled water and watch the crystals quickly absorb it, expanding to fill the entire jar. The 50/50 solution of proylene glycol will slowly release moisture as needed to maintain a relative humidity of 65-70% inside your humidor. And refilling is just as simple. Once the crystals shrink to their original form, add more distilled water. Easy!

No they are no the same thing at all. The Crystal Gel is a super absorbent polymer that has been hydrated with propylene glycol and water.

[Callaway29]

So I charged 90% of my 65% beads and placed in my humi last night...and this morning my humi is reading 69%. I know 69% is in the range of desired RH, but since they are 65% beads....I assume this means that I didn't leave enough beads white to absorb excess moisture. Am I good, or is this an indication of a problem?

C_

[Viper139]

Originally Posted by Callaway29

So I charged 90% of my 65% beads and placed in my humi last night...and this morning my humi is reading 69%. I know 69% is in the range of desired RH, but since they are 65% beads....I assume this means that I didn't leave enough beads white to absorb excess moisture. Am I good, or is this an indication of a problem?

C_

You are fine, give it time.

[wrapper23]

Hi, I received the 70% small puck beads, digital hygro and hygro calibration kit. Thanks for the quick shipping.

I have some problems...

I didn't have time to season my 50 ct humi. When I got it, I put two shot glasses of distilled water in it for 24 hours. I had about 30 cigars sitting in plastic bags so I figured putting them in the humi with a humi-care pillow was a better thing.

That worked well. The cigars tasted and smoked great.

When I got the beads and hygro, I calibrated the hygro for 30 hours. I think I charged the beads too much. They were mostly all clear because I forgot for a minute they were in face down in a plate of distilled water. On the package, it says to charge them until 80-90% of the beads are clear but here you say 60-70%.

Anyway, I adjusted the hygro reading from 72% to 75% by turning the wheel 3 ticks and put in the beads and hygro.

After two days, the hygro reads 61%. I'm smoking a Perdomo Habano Corojo (one of my favorite cigars, btw) and it's far from tasting up to it's usual brilliant self.

Will this correct itself over time? Should I put the water pillow back in? I have 12 cigars in there now.
Thanks.

[Viper139]

Just keep the beads as hydrated as you can for a little while until the humidor has time to season. Right now the humidor is drawing in most of the moisture but things will stabilize in not too long.

[cp478]

just wanted to say i just got some heartfelt beads and couldn't be happier.

these things are awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SMOKE20]

Originally Posted by cp478

just wanted to say i just got some heartfelt beads and couldn't be happier.

these things are awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!

YES YES YES YES, I love my beads

[GoonerMD]

I gotta agree with you guys...these beads are fantastic. I've got a large puck of them (70% RH) for my small (25-50 ct) humi and a pound of 65% RH tucked into 8 pieces of nylon for my coolerdor. I would recommend these to anyone!

[WaxingMoon]

Good Information!