Splitting Wrapper

I keep a well maintained humidor, but had a problem with a couple of cigars. While smoking my favorite Montecristo # 3 the wrapper started to split right above the ring. I have had a few cigars split the wrapper. They don't feel dry. Could swings in humidity do this? Any insight as to why, or what I may be doing wrong?

[AAlmeter]

too humid = swollen cigar = split wrapper = unhappy you

recalibrate or use a digital hygrometer. should help you keep better humidity. hope that helped

Yes , thank you! I am using a digital. I checked its calibration and it seems to be OK. Let me ask you. This was a new humidor. There were times when the humidity would get higher then wanted. Could this have had some long term effects on the cigars? The humidity now is staying around 68-69%

[AAlmeter]

If you gave them enough time to let off moisture, it shouldnt be a problem. but if not, they could still have a higher moisture content than the humidity level in the humidor, so they would still be a little swollen and prone to splitting. im sure there could be other reasons, and if there are, im sure one of the other guys on here will chime in. by the way, welcome

[drc]

I can't offer more advice about the splitting wrapper. But, welcome to the jungle.

[KevinS]

I found the same problem after I learned my hygrometer was messed-up. I'm beginning to beleive that 70% is too high for RH. My smokes had an easier draw at 63% with no splitting problems. At 69% the draw has tightened up and a few swelled and split just below the ash.

To early to be sure, but I'm thinking of shooting for an RH closer to 63-65% and see what happens.

Then again, it may just be a flaw in certain sticks.

K

[Lord Hammer]

I used to keep my Humidors at 70%+ all the time and have had the same problem especially with larger ring gauge cigars. I find that 63%-68% is much more cigar friendly. It's not rocket science, but it does involve alot of experimenting .

Thanks for all the great advice! I was considering trying a lower humidity. I will be experimenting! Thanks again all!