Large RG causing problems?

[NCatron]

So as a newbie, I started out smoking a lot of large ring gauge cigars, because when I started (around 2 years ago), the trend was toward larger RG and all the "newbie guides" recommended robustos.

I recently switched to smaller ring gauges and I have found that since I did this switch, my cigars are smoking MUCH better. With the large RG (50 and above) I tend to have a lot of burn issues, most notably tunneling. With those big 'gars I can never keep the wrapper/binder burning at the same rate as the filler.

But the worst problem I've had with larger ring gauge is this weird thing where the cigars almost always go "stale" or "sour" on me within a couple of inches. Some of the best tasting cigars I've had (Series X, Reo, ERDM, all over 50RG) started tasting horrible after 20 minutes or so. (I paid $7 for the ERDM at a B&M to ensure it wasn't my humi.)

I guess my point is, am I correct in connecting these problems to ring gauge? Has anyone else noticed issues like these that result from these new monster ring gauge sizes? Or am I just crazy?

[carbonbased_al]

Originally Posted by NCatron

I guess my point is, am I correct in connecting these problems to ring gauge? Has anyone else noticed issues like these that result from these new monster ring gauge sizes? Or am I just crazy?

I don't think so. I smoke plenty of large rg's and don't have these problems. Swelling is most likely a humidity issue. As far as burn goes, some people have a difficult time getting an even light, which can cause a poor burn. Sounds like you have gotten some tunneling issues. Do you toast?

[ShawnP]

Originally Posted by carbonbased_al

I don't think so. I smoke plenty of large rg's and don't have these problems. Swelling is most likely a humidity issue. As far as burn goes, some people have a difficult time getting an even light, which can cause a poor burn. Sounds like you have gotten some tunneling issues. Do you toast?

I agree 100% with what carbonbased_al said. No issues here and I prefer the 50 and above RGs. Explain to us how you have been lighting your stogie.

Toast?
Turn cigar while lighting?

Have you noticed a hard draw which caused you to suck really hard on the cigar?? (could cause an uneven burn bigtime)

[Da Klugs]

Sounds like overhumidification. Try leaving one out in an empty cigar box for a day or so and smoke it.

[NCatron]

Originally Posted by Da Klugs

Sounds like overhumidification. Try leaving one out in an empty cigar box for a day or so and smoke it.

I had considered that, but if that were the case, wouldn't the small RG cigars behave the same way? Or maybe the large RG cigars are more "prone" to be affected by the moisture...

The reason I was weirded out is because it was only for the large RG sticks.

As to the lighting issues, I have been continually improving in my lighting technique, so I don't think that's it. I toast the foot first, and rotate as lighting. Before I consider it "lit", I make sure the whole foot is glowing, including the wrapper since that was my burn issue.

[galaga]

Originally Posted by NCatron

I had considered that, but if that were the case, wouldn't the small RG cigars behave the same way? Or maybe the large RG cigars are more "prone" to be affected by the moisture...

The reason I was weirded out is because it was only for the large RG sticks.

.......

The larger RG sticks take longer to come to equlibrium b/c they are fatter. Also, different mixtures of leaves will absorb/desorb moisture at different rates and the same brand can have different blends through diffferent sizes. I suspect the ambient humidity plays a roll too, b/c Santa Annas seem to cause burn problems with some sticks. Bury the problem cigars and smoke them later--how much later..a month, three months, six or a year, who knows.

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by NCatron

Some of the best tasting cigars I've had (Series X, Reo, ERDM, all over 50RG) started tasting horrible after 20 minutes or so. (I paid $7 for the ERDM at a B&M to ensure it wasn't my humi.)

Might be smoking too fast. That can ruin the best of cigars.

[punch]

Originally Posted by NCatron

I guess my point is, am I correct in connecting these problems to ring gauge? Has anyone else noticed issues like these that result from these new monster ring gauge sizes? Or am I just crazy?

It depends.

I tend to smoke a lot of cigars "right out of the box". I have found that ring gauge does make a difference. That is why I smoke mostly coronas. I have had far fewer problems with burn and draw with the smaller ring gauges.

On the other hand, I have noticed that as my cigars age in the humidor, the performance differences between the smaller and larger ring cigars seem to be less.

[NCatron]

Originally Posted by galaga

The larger RG sticks take longer to come to equlibrium b/c they are fatter. Also, different mixtures of leaves will absorb/desorb moisture at different rates and the same brand can have different blends through diffferent sizes. I suspect the ambient humidity plays a roll too, b/c Santa Annas seem to cause burn problems with some sticks. Bury the problem cigars and smoke them later--how much later..a month, three months, six or a year, who knows.

Thanks, a very well thought out response.

If you are correct, Klugs' suggestion might help too, to let them sit out for a day before smoking them.

And punch, thanks for responding, at least I know I'm not crazy and/or the only one.

[Eichen]

It could also be the manufacturer's fault. I've had a few large RG Villazon sticks that were darned near hollow in the middle and tunneled like crazy. When it's a construction issue like that it can't be corrected unless you sit on those cigars for years and years (it's a crap shoot but I've had it work to some extent) or find some way to re-roll them. It could be the nature of the blend too. Slower burning tobaccos may be placed differently in the bunch to produce a specific flavor quality. If they're fresh off the rolling table, they'll also be "wet" since the wrapper must be moistened in order to make it elastic enough to hold together while being rolled over the bunch. I've had numerous burn issues from "fresh" cigars. Usually a couple of months of humidor time straightens this out (depends on how you like your cigars, bottom line). Jeff makes a good point about power herfing. That might be a cause. I agree with setting them outside the humidor for a while. Consider a relative humidity around 65-68% (unless you're smoking all Dominicans; I understand these like 70%RH the best). I haven't had many problems with burn since I reduced my RH several years ago.

I tend to agree with you in general about smaller RG cigars. I prefer RG 32--48. They're easier to light, more comfortable to chomp (yes, I do on occasion); they can be "zippier" than large RG cigars of the same blend, and I think they just look more properly proportioned. Smoke more small RG!

E