Humidity beads

[cohibaIV]

How do you find the beads Dean?
I am using the Crystles at the moment and get a steady 72%

[Deano]

Yeh brilliant, they're consistently recommended over anything else. Most people seem to prefer 65% too.

[cohibaIV]

Do you know of any websites I can look at regarding the beads?

[SmokinCohibas]

Hi CohibaIV,

Check this out:

http://heartfeltindustries.com/categories.asp?cat=11

[Deano]

Yeah thats where I got them from.
If you add up the prices + the final P&P to UK you'll get about the price I'm asking for.

[cohibaIV]

Cheers SmokinCohibas

Deano
don't need any at the moment, but will have some in a month or so as the Crystals are getting a bit tired..thing is a do prefer between 70% and 72% myself.

65% or 70% thats the question?? (new thread me thinks)

[SmokinCohibas]

Check this guy out in Dartford:

http://www.cigarpleasures.com/product/humidifier_tube_angelo_acryl_82114.html

http://www.cigarpleasures.com/product/humidifier_acrylic_polymer_crystals_small_99906.ht ml

I think he sells the same thing but instead of beads he calls it Acrylic Polymer Crystals.

[smokiejoe]

i ya everyone,im andy from exeter devon.

[Deano]

Nah polymer's are different to beads.

[cohibaIV]

HAHAHAHA
Thats where i got mine from....weired.
wonder what the difference is then??

[SmokinCohibas]

They both work with distilled water and keep your humidity level seady up to 3 months without maintenance so what's the difference?

[SmokinCohibas]

I meant steady...

[Deano]

The crystals do nothing to absorb exess humidity, whereas beads will.

This is fine in dry climates, but us in the UK, especially with our odd summer patterns, would be best off with beads.

[SmokinCohibas]

I think u'r wrong Deano.

The crystals are self regulating - keeping the humidity constant 70-72% So they absorb the excess humidity.

http://www.cigarpleasures.com/display/humidifiers.html

[Deano]

I have crystals in my new humidor - its currently at 90% and not coming down.

I'm only quoting from what I've been told, the crystals are good, much better than foam, but the beads are the best by a long shot, the yanks use nothing else.

[Deano]

Borrowed from another forum:



Let’s start with the basics.

Humidification beads are a moisture sensitive silica material which absorbs and desorbs moisture in order to offset changes in relative humidity (RH). The beads are generally available preset to a specific RH, in the case of cigars 65% and 70%. Opinions differ as to what is the “best” RH for cigars but most BOTLs seem to prefer 65% and that is my experience as well.

Humidification beads were first developed for the art and museum industry and are used extensively by that industry for the stable storage of priceless artifacts and art. The manufacturer I purchase the beads I sell also supplies places such as the Smithsonian and The National Archives.

A question that is often asked; “Are humidification beads the same as ordinary desiccant silica gel?” Definitely NOT! Humidification beads give off water vapor, as well as absorb it, to maintain a specific RH which is ideal for a cigars particular need. This is not the case with silica gel which can only absorb water then must be dried out after it is saturated. By nature silica gel is not meant to control humidity, only lower it. Humidification beads are the premier product for precise control in terms of performance, cost effectiveness, and simplicity.

One good point to remember is humidification beads have an indefinite life span. There is nothing to wear out and all that is needed to maintain them is either the addition of distilled water or the drying out of the beads if they become water logged.


http://www.clubstogie.com/vb/showthread.php?t=9483&highlight=beads


Q. Are Super Absorbent Polymers like Humidification Beads?
A. No. Beads have a set humidification point. SAPs do not. Beads are designed to regulate humidity, while SAPs continue to give off moisture all the time.

http://www.cigarpass.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=41380&hl=Polymer+Crystals


This isn't what you'd want to use with cigars. You're right in that they won't hurt, but these are not the same as beads. Beads are essentially the same material, but so is glass. Beads work because they present a substantial surface area, something like 400 square yards per ounce of beads. They will absorb and desorb moisture at a fast rate. The gel stuff presents only its exposed surface area. They will release moisture, but at a sluggish pace. Gel is only suitable for a very small space.

[Deano]

I know the ad *says* the crystals are self regulating, but everything I see on the web suggest they're not, and that beads are the way to go.

[SmokinCohibas]

You can get the beads on ebay too, for a great price incl.shipping:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=220256307546&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=012

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=320272555712&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=011

[Deano]

Damnit next time I buy something I'll have to check with you lot first.

Also seems I paid way over the odds, will have to reduce my asking price I reckon, was trying to pass them on at cost after I bought them bulk :-/

Ya can see my bill if you like!

Fuck it lol

[Deano]

Changed to ?15 inc P&P.

Would prefer to swap for cigars tbh

[SmokinCohibas]

You can delete my comment with the links if you want I did not want to step on your toes....

[Deano]

lol no, I don't want to rip people off, was only passing on what I had!

[cohibaIV]

If Deano prefers 65% and I prefer 72% can I ask what the other members thoughts are? As I do think something like this does come down to personnal preferance.

[Deano]

Well I've only gone by what I've read on the 'net. Seems most people try to get 65% beads.

[cohibaIV]

If you can get hold of them I Recommend Humidipak, I have had a couple and also Calibrated my digital humidifier reader with one.

http://www.humidipak.com/

[Deano]

Looks like I'm stuck with several pound of these then!

[cohibaIV]

hahahah sorry??