Banded or Unbanded?

[Ginocide]

Before cutting, I take the band off my cigar. I don't like feeling the band in my fingers as I smoke and I also read that taking the band off is good (olde thyme) etiquette as one wouldn't want to embarrass his fellow smoker by having a cigar that's far superior. One doesn't want to show off, if you will.

So, what are everyone's opinions on this? Banded or unbanded?

(P.S. Sorry if this has been discussed before. I did a search and couldn't find anything on this subject within the first 15 pages or so of the search results.)

[publicspeakingnerd]

I unband because I like to save the name in case i forget, and it's just habit.

[cman78]

Unbanded. For most of the same reasons. I don't like the feel of the paper between my fingers is the main reason. I have started taking a few puffs off the stogie first. I have torn a couple wrappers peeling the band off before it was lit. I have found (Thanks to CS) letting some heat get under the band lets the glue seperate better.

[Mr.Lordi]

No bands for me. I like to glue the bands into a notebook and review them so that I can always see them again later. Also, I'm never sure how far I'll smoke the cigar so I take off the band so I don't end up smoking it.

[livwire68]

I go naked, I mean with my stick, What I really mean to say is no band! I save them or I could imagine they are any cigar I want them to be. I know what I am smoking and I am not out there to impress someone else and I will eventually have a nice little project going with all the bands.

[wharfrathoss]

unbanded once it hits the 1/2 way point-i've been saving bands pressed in a book for the last 3 yrs, just ain't figured out what to do w/them yet!

[Commander Quan]

I always cut the cigar and then take the band off before lighting. No particular reason why, I guess it's just one of those anal-retentive things.

[Snakeyes]

I usually wait till the first third to half is done then take the band off. I read somewhere it's good to wait a little to let the glue warm up, supposed to be easier to take the band off and less chance of pulling the wrapper off. Not sure how true that is but it's what I do

[WoppA]

I take it off before I cut, I'm saving them for something, not sure what yet. All the same reasons basically, I definitely like the feel more without the band.

[TMoneYNYY]

I keep it on for half the smoke, then take it off (I save all my bands). I don't like to show off, but I also like to keep the band on if it's a premium stick, just so I can fit in and so people will believe me!

I don't take offense if someone leaves their GoF band on, it's fun to look at!

[Smoked]

Originally Posted by Snakeyes

I usually wait till the first third to half is done then take the band off. I read somewhere it's good to wait a little to let the glue warm up, supposed to be easier to take the band off and less chance of pulling the wrapper off. Not sure how true that is but it's what I do

Same here.

[Stonato~]

I have this weird ritual of smoking the cigar until the very edge of the band starts to discolour before I take it off. Don't ask me why. So all the bands I keep (which are only the brands I've never smoked before), have a little burnt piece on the edge.

[Cheeto]

I smoke with the band on, just because I don't like to mess with trying to take it off, as sometimes it can tear the wrapper.

[Ski1215]

Like everyone else. The first couple I smoked with the band on. Then I figured what better way to keep track of the sticks I liked than saving the band. Now I just do it out of habit. Cut it and take the band off.

[mikejh]

always smoke with the band on, just personal preference