BBS

I used to have a couple boxes of Padron around, but IMHO they've changed over time and not for the better. And gotten terribly expensive. Or maybe my taste buds revolted, hard to say....😉 I had a box of Padron 64's that over a few years clearly went "over the hill"....like smoking air. Really surprising, very disappointing. I do like an NC now and then, just for a change in the rotation. There are some I like that I find very worthwhile. As they say, one man's opinion.

As I said, it was built to occupy an existing space....two houses ago. It's nice and deep, I just wish it was at least twice as wide. The contents vary as time goes on...;-) Doesn't show the three recirc fans (two in the top, one by the pelt coolers), three pelt coolers, two humidifier cans. One of the few purchases I'd make again on a moment's notice....if Bob was still taking orders. Really pleased with it.

I've had my Staebell for over a decade. I finally had to replace the hygrometer / thermal control unit, and Bob was on the mark with a replacement unit that hooked right up. New controller will run the re-circ fans every ten minutes (or whatever you set it at) so that's a nice feature. I swapped out the fans that Bob had installed (one died) with larger, more capable fans. I ended up with one of the recirc fans on the timer, one that runs when the humidifiers run. Interesting that some choose to not run the fans / hygro that's in the cabinet....I really like mine. I will confess to using three SensorPush wireless hygrometers / thermometers and not trusting the readings on the new controller. I salt tested all my SensorPush units, so I know they are accurate. The bottom of the cabinet runs a point or two higher than the main cabinet, so that's where long term aging takes place. Very happy with the performance and appearance of the cabinet. My cabinet was a custom, built for an existing space, three houses ago. It's relatively tall and thin (think phone booth). Sure wish I'd have gotten a bigger cabinet....?

You can buy 'em pre rolled in OR and WA and quite a few other states in the US.......

Leave the door open an inch or two, for a couple hours, then see where things are at. I do that with my Staebell occasionally when the ambient RH creeps up in the summer. Another forum I frequent has a great thread about humidor "Seasonal Mood Disorder" and it's effect on our cabinets. For any of us with a cabinet humidor, I can't recommend the little wireless hygrometers from Sensor Push highly enough. Salt test them when you get them, and then you have an independent and accurate way to check on things without opening the door. I have two in my cabinet (top and bottom). Another handy accessory is a cheap desktop humidor where you can "dry box" cigars for a couple days before you smoke them. Good luck..!!

Agree with the above....it's always mold. Always. Those little spots should wipe off easily with a little distilled water.

I have a Staebell but the guys I know with Avallo cabinets have nothing bad to say. Solid control unit, well made. I will say I've been using the SensorPush temperature and humidity sensors and really like them. Super accurate (easy to salt test / calibrate) and the data is nice to have. Reasonably priced, easy to recommend: https://www.amazon.com/SensorPush-Wireless-Thermometer-Hygrometer-Android/dp/B01AEQ9X9I I have one in the top, and one in the bottom of my cabinet. Really pleased with the info.

I have several boxes of Liberatadors, every one at risk of fire damage.....?

I've smoked some wonderful 40+ year old cigars thanks to CigSid, and can attest to his storage methods. They were, in a word...perfect. At least to my fried taste buds. Recently, I've noticed my cigars seemed just a bit 'off' and I discovered that the controller in my cabinet was off, by about 5 points (low). Frustrating, as this is the controller that went through a full calibration and rebuild by the manufacturer about four years ago. I'm currently installing a new controller and slightly larger circulation fans that will run on a timer rather than when the humidifiers kick on. I'm also going to be using a couple SensorPush monitors that have just been salt tested and calibrated to keep a watchful eye on things. Back on topic, my setpoint has been 65% / 68F for some time, and I have great results in the storage of my cigars. I dry box at 60-62% for a few days before smoking. Some have spent 15+ years in my cabinet. I won't pretend that I know all things but what I do know is how my cigars taste and I'm very happy with my results. Wouldn't store less than 65% long term, on a dare. As they say, one man's opinion.....

From another forum I frequent; I've had my cabinet for over a decade, and it's been perfect. The "Climate Monitor" went back to them for a rebuild, but I've heard from buddies that have retrofit newer controllers from Bob in their cabinets. Hard to find a more honest or nicer guy than Bob...he was a pleasure to do business with. My cooled cabinet was custom built to fit into a space between a safe and the wall....two houses ago. Wish I'd have gotten a bigger cabinet....?

...don't worry, be happy,,,,;-)

Only had that happen with any regularity when I was smoking Fuente Anejo's. Solved that problem quite easily....? Yes to all of the above; too small an opening, drawing too quickly, and sometimes just an oily batch of tobacco. I've had Anejo's that were a decade aged, proper humidity, and they'd tar right up. I was usually successful in using a clean, sharp cutter and removing a tiny slice of the end of the cigar....usually removed the tar and the obstruction as well.

Bought these for my wife last Christmas. So far, they've worked perfectly and with a refill, for the price, seems a very reasonable answer to the question: https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Lighter-Refillable-Windproof-Colibri/dp/B06Y6GW3QR/ref=pd_sim_121_5

Bob knows his stuff, but I've got one of his cooled units that's a decade old and is still working great. The hygro did go back to the manufacturer for calibration, but that, water, and wicks are all that's been required to keep things running wonderfully. One data point - B.B.S.

My Ruger Redhawk stainless steel revolver in .44 Mag. Now, I've got lots of other choices, even a few of the new polymer based pistols in whiz bang "new" calibers. But, I'll tell you, the heft of that slug of stainless steel and the seriously comforting 'THUMP' when that gun goes off is something that makes me smile, every time. Had it for almost 40 years, it's a very early one out of the factory. Freehand, I can hit a paper plate at 100 yards with the thing, all day long. It's a dandy.