Heartfelt Beads, Frequently Asked Questions

[Viper139]

I have noticed recently that there seems to be a lot of questions about humidification beads. Some of the questions are repeated when new folks join this fine place. I was prompted by a fine BOTL, steamnjn23, to write up some information about the use, care and feeding of humidification beads so here goes.

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) in your humidor. The beads are generally available preset to a specific RH, in the case of cigars 60%, 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.

You will notice that every time I mention the fluid that is added to the beads I will state “distilled water”. This is extremely important, anything other than distilled water will ultimately ruin the beads. All the impurities in tap water will be drawn in by the beads and remain there. Ultimately the beads will get plugged up and not work anymore. The same is tru with any type of humidifier solution (also known as 50/50 solution) this will also ruin the beads in the long run.

The question I get asked the most is, “How much do I need for my ______?”

Here are some quantities for various containers.
5 cubic feet requires 1 pound of humidification beads.
1/3 pound of beads per 50 quarts (coolerdors)
1 ounce of beads per 50 count in a desktop humi (so a 100 count would need 2 ounces, 150 count 3 ounces etc.)
For our metric friends: Each pound of beads will condition 141,584.233 cubic centimeters.

Calculating the cubic area of your humi:
Measure the depth, width and height of you humi (example is 24” depth, 36” wide and 48” height)
Multiply the three; 24x36x48=41472 cubic inches
Divide 41472 by 1728 (number of cubic inches in a cubic foot) 41472/1728= 24 cubic feet
Divide the cubic feet by 5 (number of cubic feet per pound) 24/5 = 4.8
You would need 4.8 pounds of humidification beads for this humi.

Remember that these calculations and quantities are the minumum amount you should put in a given space for control of RH. You can however place more in your humidor than these amounts without the chance of harming your cigars or the humidor, the right RH will still be maintained. The additional beads will only increase the amount of stored moisture which will just extend the amount of time before any distilled water needs to be added. They will also help the humidor recover to the proper RH quicker after the lid or door is opened.

Another question that keeps coming up is; “How do I add distilled water to the beads when they get dry?”

There are a number of ways to do this but whichever method you chose only add enough distilled water to make 70-75% of the beads clear and the rest either opaque or white. This gives the beads the ability to absorb excess humidity introduced by more moist cigars you may add to your humidor.

The method I use and prefer is using a spray bottle. I purchased an inexpensive spray bottle at the grocery store and filled it with distilled water. When the beads need water I just spray them until they have absorbed enough distilled water. This method will work well if you have the beads in a bag or dish.

You can just pour distilled water on the beads and pour off the excess. A lot of folks do it this way but the beads can fracture when it is done this way. One thing to remember, fracturing will not affect the efficiency of the beads or ruin them in any way, they will still do their job.

You can put a container of distilled water, like a bowl, next to the beads and let them absorb the distilled water in this way. When they have absorbed all they can remove the bowl. This method is effective but takes a while for the beads to absorb the water.

A method developed by a BOTL at Cigar Utopia is very easy. Place a paper towel that has been wet down with distilled water on the beads. They will soak up the moisture and re-charge.

Another question is; If my beads are going white, should I add distilled water until they are all clear?

The optimal is to have about 70-75% of them clear. Don't try to get them all clear because if you do they cannot absorb any sudden rise in humidity in your humi.

Another question is; “What do I put the beads in?”

A great variety of containers are possible. You can use a drawstring mesh bag, place the beads in a shot glass or small dish, put them is a leftover container with holes drilled in the lid, nylon stockings (be careful stealing them from your wife or significant other), the aluminum cases I sell to contain the beads (replaces the black plastic rectangular humidifier that comes with alot of humidors) or any other container. The main point of whatever container you choose is to have the greatest amount of surface area as possible exposed to the air. If possible the beads should be no more than 1 to 1 ½ inches deep, this way they will work the best.

Lastly we will deal with; “How can I tell when the beads need water?”

This is very easy. The color of the beads is the dead give away. When they are full of distilled water they are pretty much clear and when they are completely dried out they are a bright white. Believe me you will be able to tell the difference.

As I think of other things or as questions rise I will edit this post and add that information. I hope this helps. One thing I do want to make clear is that I am still happy to answer any questions that you may have. This post is in no way meant to keep you from asking me.
_________________
Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws."
- Plato (427-347 B.C.)

[Texas Cop]

The most pressing question, where can I get them, and how much are they?

Andrew

[David]

TC,

Viper139 is a sponsored retailer of botl.org and he will most certainly be able to hook you up!

[David]

And...excellent info David!

[Viper139]

The most pressing question, where can I get them, and how much are they?

Andrew

Click the link in my signature and you will be there.

[Wasch_24]

Thanks for the excellent info and for gathering it all together in one place David.

[Texas Cop]

Wow! Beautiful work David! You and I are going to have to have a talk soon!


Andrew

[tripp]

As a satisied customer of Heartfelt Industries I must say...

Great info and might should be a sticky at the top of the top of the room.

All you need to know is right there. :smt033 :smt033

[ELDC]

Thanks for the info. I purchased beads from you but you answered a couple questions I had in this thread. Especially the 50/50 solution.
Thanks again!

[Jwrussell]

Nicely done David. Thanks for putting this together.

[smokem94]

Finally! All the info required for beads in one place. Thanks for the info.

[floydp]

Thanks, I just ordered 1/2 pound from you and when I get them I'll know what to do..

[floydp]

I have them now and they are great, Thanks David,an excellent product...

[rookie139]

Great info!...I had a few questions about them and after reading this sticky, they're all answered!

[Kurtdesign1]

For all those wondering; yes, these work wonderfully from a very un-biased user of the product.

[Bugs]

I just read the FAQs and found what I needed. My humidors for whatever reason all went dry at the same time. They were all rock solid at 65% since spring and recently dropped to 60%. I've been misting the inside of the humidor to try and bring up the RH with no success. I read the FAQ thread and saw where you could apply water directly to the beads (I didn't think that this was acceptable) until 60% of the beads were clear. I sprayed distilled water on the beads and now everything is perfect.

My little island friends are once again sleeping comfortably.

[The Searcher]

David I have a desk top humidor with a tray. Is it better to have 2 - 1ounce tubes 1 top and 1 bottem or will a 2 ounce work the same. Do I need to leave the tray open (not cover all the slitts)for the ait/humidity to transfer between layers? If one 2 oz works the same should I put it on the top or bottom?

[jcgoldner]

David I have a desk top humidor with a tray. Is it better to have 2 - 1ounce tubes 1 top and 1 bottem or will a 2 ounce work the same. Do I need to leave the tray open (not cover all the slitts)for the ait/humidity to transfer between layers? If one 2 oz works the same should I put it on the top or bottom?
Good questions! I been wondering that myself.

[Wasch_24]

Personally, I would put one on top of the self and one inside the main compartment simply because the RH will quickly dissipate every time the humidor is opened. In time the RH from below would replace it but it would recover quicker if you had a tube in the shelf too.

Like I told JCG, this is pretty much what I do with my Vicksburg and it's trays.

[Viper139]

I agree with Todd on all his points especially in the larger humidors. The balance in the humidor will be a bit better expecially if you go in the box often.

[The Searcher]

Just as I thought. It only makes sense to have two. I'll be ordering some beads soon.

[thebigo]

David, what's the best way of drying out the beads? I've been using a hairdryer but the beads go everywhere if they're not in the stocking. I saw that, well I forget who wrote it, someone put their kitty litter into the oven at 350 or something and that dried it out. What's your prefered method?
Also, when I used the hair dryer, I put the beads into a cigar box that was just lying around. What's going on when all the beads don't turn completely white? That mean that humidity doesn't want to come out? They get cloudy white, for the ones that don't go completely white, but not stark white. Normal?

[Viper139]

David, what's the best way of drying out the beads? I've been using a hairdryer but the beads go everywhere if they're not in the stocking. I saw that, well I forget who wrote it, someone put their kitty litter into the oven at 350 or something and that dried it out. What's your prefered method?
Also, when I used the hair dryer, I put the beads into a cigar box that was just lying around. What's going on when all the beads don't turn completely white? That mean that humidity doesn't want to come out? They get cloudy white, for the ones that don't go completely white, but not stark white. Normal?

The oven method works well but I don't set the oven any higher than 200 degrees. Don't want to have any chance of the water boiling. The hair dryer takes a while but does work but I prefer the oven. The color of the beads will vary while they are drying out but all will ultimately turn bright white when they have given up all their moisture.

[thebigo]

good stuff...thx

[caudio51]

Are the aluminum bead holders sold seperately?

[tobby4]

I might have to pick some of those holders up... Right now they are just sitting in a tupperwear containor but it is working....

[caudio51]

I might have to pick some of those holders up... Right now they are just sitting in a tupperwear containor but it is working....

The containers with the red ends work great. I need a nice aluminum one for my desktop. I emailed David in regards to just selling the aluminum container, if you already have your beads.

[tobby4]

yea I have the beads, I will look into them.....

[Viper139]

I generally do not sell the aluminum humis empty. If you really want one and already have the beads I guess we can work something out.

[caudio51]

I generally do not sell the aluminum humis empty. If you really want one and already have the beads I guess we can work something out.

Email sent :smokingme

[Viper139]

Email sent :smokingme

Re-send the email please.

[caudio51]

will do

[charloods]

has anyone tried the exquisicat kitty litter beads? they work identical to the heartfelt beads, except they are about 10 for 20 lbs. they are in my humis for about 4 months now and i stay rock solid at 65%. if you havent tried them, try em thay work like a charm.

[RonC]

Kitty Litter VS. Heartfelt beads. Been discussed many times. Not the same product. Can you "train" the kitty litter to perform like the Heartfelt product? some say yes, some say no. I say no, maybe yes in perfect conditions. Heartfelt gets my vote.

[caudio51]

I don't want kitty litter in my humidor even if it does work.

[MichiganM]

I don't want kitty litter in my humidor even if it does work.


Me either.

[caudio51]

Still loving my beads. They work great in Jersey in the summer for pulling out the extra RH.

[CWS]

Beads are great. I also love the bead box replacements for that crap they put in the hdesk humis. My office humi has never been so stable.

[AZsteelman]

the cool thing about the beads is they are kinda like Clay...they go both ways!

[Viper139]

the cool thing about the beads is they are kinda like Clay...they go both ways!

OUCH!!!!!!

[CWS]

the cool thing about the beads is they are kinda like Clay...they go both ways!
:rofl: :rofl:

[NYLaw]

I've had the beads for a couple of days now and, again from an unbiased user, they clearly work better than anything else I've tried: the crappy included foam non-Credo-credo; Humidistat tube; Madelaine's crystal gel puck/credo.

I'm farily impressed... A stable, solid, reliable 70%, no matter how many times I open the thing!

I can't wait to put them in my new 120 cigar humidor (coming today!!!)

[caudio51]

Another happy customer! The beads are great!

[Brian]

Got my order of beads today!:grin:
One question, If they're all clear(no dry beads) will they still release that moisture or does it have to be taken in by the white ones?

[Headbanger]

For best results, they should be about 75% clear (wet) to allow them to absorb excess moisture if there is any in the air or cigars as new ones come in over humidified often. Will not effect the RH % they are set at from how I know beads to be. Over-saturation of beads can cause other problems like that milky white issue someone had posted here this week. I'm not being smart here, but follow the directions that are in the site as to how much water to use. Good luck.

[Brian]

I added the 2 tsp. but I am looking at the tube and it looks like they're about 90% clear, it may just be the way they look in the tubde or something. I think I'll dry them and add water again more carefully this time. I was just wandering if they'd release that excess moisture on their own in time whether there were white beads to soak it up or not...

Thanks

[Headbanger]

Your good Brian, let them do their thing and release the RH into their environment. Unless your ambient RH levels are much over what RH % the beads are, you will be just fine what you did.

[caudio51]

Brian, just want to make sure you are using distilled water.

Also, throw the beads in the tupperdor and leave it alone for a few days. Then see what the RH is.

Do you have a good hygro?

[RedCloud]

I started with the beads about five months ago after using the 50/50method for years. I'm thrilled with the results!
Also, I use the spray bottle method. Works wonders.
Later, Bob

[Brian]

Brian, just want to make sure you are using distilled water.

Also, throw the beads in the tupperdor and leave it alone for a few days. Then see what the RH is.

Do you have a good hygro?

Yea I'll leave it alone for a couple of days and see what the beads look like then.
Only hygro is in my Humidor(analog,off by about 18...junk!) I need to get a digital hygrometer, haven't gotten around to it. Will soon though.

[caudio51]

I have a Little Havana Hygro (http://www.littlehavanacigars.com/proddetail.asp?prod=HY1062LT) and really like it. Very accurate.

[Viper139]

I have updated the first post with some things I have learned over the years.

[caudio51]

Thanks for the update!!

[acaffey]

My question may have already been addressed - sorry if I missed this in a previous post / other thread. Since the beads come in 60%, 65%, and 70%, what do you do if you like to keep your smokes between 65% and 70%? I usually keep mine around 67% - they seem to smoke and taste the best here. Any thoughts?

Why does it seem like this is a stupid question to ask...

[Wasch_24]

Get 65%...they seem to settle right in between 65 and 70 for the most part.

[caudio51]

What Todd said.

Unfortunately with the beads, you are stuck at the percentage that you buy. You can't say mix the 65 and the 70s to get 67%.

I use the 65% and find they smoke great there as well.

[Viper139]

Good advice gents.

[RX2010]

maybe this is a dumb question, but how long should I expect the beads to work? indefinitely? or a year or two...


just curious, mine should be here friday I hope

[caudio51]

I've never heard an exact time frame but they will last years. I think it also depends on if they split from getting water put on them or if you add water gradually.

I'm sure David will chime in soon enough.

[Viper139]

The beads themselves have an indefinate life span. The only reason they will go bad is if they absorb contaminates. This is the main reason to use distilled water since it is essentially comtaminate free.

[RX2010]

great, thanks

[metaz1947]

I just got my goods from Heartfelt Beads. David was great to work with, especially when it came to answering my questions (I had plenty of them).

It's nice to know that a newbie like myself can get all the help he needs from members of this forum and people like David.

Thanks,
Ron

[Viper139]

Thanks for the kind words.

As my wife will attest, I am a BOTL first and a business man second. Love to talk cigars and stuff.

[Boppa-Wasch]

Great info.....

[caudio51]

Thanks for the kind words.

As my wife will attest, I am a BOTL first and a business man second. Love to talk cigars and stuff.

and that is why you run a successful business :thumbsup:

[GoneDave]

Brothers,
I want to say Heartfelt really is the BOMB:yes: ..
I ordered some beads, a digi-hygro and a Bovida kit late late late Friday night, and I be darned if they were not there when I got home from work Monday!
SO I GIVE THEM A HUGE MONSTER:thumbsup: :clap:
I will go there now and buy more stuff!! and I mean right now!!
THANK YOU TO THE HEARTFELT GANG! Peace..

[Angry Bill]

Can u retrofit the credos, etc to work with the beads

[caudio51]

Can u retrofit the credos, etc to work with the beads

I took the foam out of mine and replaced it with some beads in panty hose. Does the trick for me!

[dpricenator]

Can u retrofit the credos, etc to work with the beads

I took the foam out of the rectanglar one and used a small screen to cover the holes in my rectangular one. The rest of mine are tied up in panty hose balls, no I did not steal my wife's, I bought new ones.

[Boppa-Wasch]

I took the foam out of the rectanglar one and used a small screen to cover the holes in my rectangular one. The rest of mine are tied up in panty hose balls, no I did not steal my wife's, I bought new ones.
What size and color?

[Volusianator]

Can the beads be stored while in use in a Spanish Cedar container? I thought David told me once that they couldn't, but I'm not sure if that's true or if I was dreaming. Not dreaming about David you pervs, just dreaming!

[dpricenator]

What size and color?

Since I like em a little bigger I got a Queen size in sheer black. Damn My beads look sexy.



Yes Wade They seem to work fine In all my humis, as long as the wood is seasoned, I don't see why they would not work. Of course a dry box would just suck up all the moisture in the beads.

[Boppa-Wasch]

Since I like em a little bigger I got a Queen size in sheer black. Damn My beads look sexy.



Yes Wade They seem to work fine In all my humis, as long as the wood is seasoned, I don't see why they would not work. Of course a dry box would just suck up all the moisture in the beads.

How difficult is it to see / tell if the beads are getting too dry?

[Mr. Sush]

Can cigars be placed in contact with the Heartfelt tubes like with a Humistat tube? Or does it need to be "shielded" from contact with the cigars?

[Volusianator]

Yes Wade They seem to work fine In all my humis, as long as the wood is seasoned, I don't see why they would not work. Of course a dry box would just suck up all the moisture in the beads.I thought I recall him saying that the oils from the cedar would clog up the pores of the beads. I'd really like to hear the definitive answer on this on.

[dpricenator]

How difficult is it to see / tell if the beads are getting too dry?

I would not be able to see just by looking. I do have to pick up the beads and streach it to see, but bLack just seemed like it would look better in the corner of the humi. I guess I'm just a "black goes with anything" kind of guy.


I thought I recall him saying that the oils from the cedar would clog up the pores of the beads. I'd really like to hear the definitive answer on this on.

Me too, I didn't hear about that possibility. If they did absorb the oils, and took years for the beads to "clog" then I think i'm fine, but if they clog in a matter of months, I would be bummed.

[Viper139]

Can u retrofit the credos, etc to work with the beads

Yep, take a look at a tutorial that someone did last year. He did a great job.

Converting a rectangular humidifier (http://www.heartfeltindustries.com/Conversions.asp)

[Viper139]

Can the beads be stored while in use in a Spanish Cedar container? I thought David told me once that they couldn't, but I'm not sure if that's true or if I was dreaming. Not dreaming about David you pervs, just dreaming!

I would not. If the beads sit in the wood container they will absorb the oils from the wood. It will reduce the storage capacity of the beads for distilled water, it is not a huge amount but it does have an effect.

[Viper139]

Can cigars be placed in contact with the Heartfelt tubes like with a Humistat tube? Or does it need to be "shielded" from contact with the cigars?

The cigars can touch the perforated tubes without any effect on the cigar. Just make sure that the tube itself is dry when you re-hydrate the tube before putting it back in the humidor.

[Viper139]

Sorry for the slow responses, I had a packed house for Thanksgiving and this is the first time I have been able to sit and browse.

[Mr. Sush]

OK, I must be the only person who cannot tell if their beads are hydrated or not. I purchased a 4oz tube of 70% beads and followed the instructions by spraying distilled water on the tube while slowly turning it. Due to the non-opaque plastic of the tube, I can't see the color of the beads - much less what percentage of them are clear or white. The beads and tube look the same after being sprayed as they did before. Am I missing something here. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

[Donk]

Sush, I just pull the end of of mine and dump some distilled water on them. I have one tube for wet beads, and one for absorbing additional moisture. I have never had any problems in my humi's at all.

[dpricenator]

Sush, I just pull the end of of mine and dump some distilled water on them. I have one tube for wet beads, and one for absorbing additional moisture. I have never had any problems in my humi's at all.

Same here...I keep mine in little nylon balls that I tied from some pantyhose. I keep them in sevral places throughout my HUMIs. I just dump some distilled on one when it seems to be running a little dryer.

[Scooby]

I recently purchased the 65% Heartfelt beads for my humidors and coolerdors --- they work fantastic at holding a steady 65% humidity level for my humidors.

With the 60% and 70% humidity beads also available, I'm wondering if anyone has multiple humidors which are kept at different humidity levels (for example, one humidor is kept at 60%, another at 65%, and another at 70%)?

If so, what is your reasoning for having more than one storage humidity for your smokes? Is it due to the cigar length, ring gage, wrapper type, filler, etc.?

In general, the humidity level used for storage is totally up to one's preference, but it would be very interesting to hear your reasoning if you do use more than one storage humidity level.

[tubaman]

I recently purchased the 65% Heartfelt beads for my humidors and coolerdors --- they work fantastic at holding a steady 65% humidity level for my humidors.

With the 60% and 70% humidity beads also available, I'm wondering if anyone has multiple humidors which are kept at different humidity levels (for example, one humidor is kept at 60%, another at 65%, and another at 70%)?

If so, what is your reasoning for having more than one storage humidity for your smokes? Is it due to the cigar length, ring gage, wrapper type, filler, etc.?

In general, the humidity level used for storage is totally up to one's preference, but it would be very interesting to hear your reasoning if you do use more than one storage humidity level.

Welcome to BOTL!

[RonC]

I recently purchased the 65% Heartfelt beads for my humidors and coolerdors --- they work fantastic at holding a steady 65% humidity level for my humidors.

With the 60% and 70% humidity beads also available, I'm wondering if anyone has multiple humidors which are kept at different humidity levels (for example, one humidor is kept at 60%, another at 65%, and another at 70%)?

If so, what is your reasoning for having more than one storage humidity for your smokes? Is it due to the cigar length, ring gage, wrapper type, filler, etc.?

In general, the humidity level used for storage is totally up to one's preference, but it would be very interesting to hear your reasoning if you do use more than one storage humidity level.

65% beads - great for storing thin ring gauge cigars. seems that using higher humidity levels will "swell" the cigar making a hard draw. also popular for storing cuban cigars. seems to be the most popular among experienced cigar board members.
70% beads - in my opinion, best for long term storage. this humidity level should be best at preserving the oils in your cigar.
60% beads - short term storage of cigars that are ready to smoke. in effect, this would be like dryboxing a cigar. would also help improve the draw on a tight smoking cigar. also, at 60%, you will be relighting a cigar less often.

[Smurf]

RonC, great reply, fantastik info, glad I just read this.

The 60% for qiuck storage dry boxing is pretty intruicing, i think i might get a 60% tube and put in the 10-15 count travel humi that i use for my upcomming smokes. Currently I had a 65% in there, but I like the idea of the dry boxing, and easing the darw, will give it a try.

[RonC]

RonC, great reply, fantastik info, glad I just read this.

The 60% for qiuck storage dry boxing is pretty intruicing, i think i might get a 60% tube and put in the 10-15 count travel humi that i use for my upcomming smokes. Currently I had a 65% in there, but I like the idea of the dry boxing, and easing the darw, will give it a try.

let us know if you see a difference. will take a couple of weeks

[Snowblind]

I purchased these beads from Heartfelt and they and the company are a disappointment, not only dont they work but they have a ZERO return policy (I wonder why?) this is a scam and awaste of money. Before you buy try and contact them with a supposed problem and you will see they will blame everything under the sun but their tube of crap.:gangfire: Heartfelt

[tubaman]

I purchased these beads from Heartfelt and they and the company are a disappointment, not only dont they work but they have a ZERO return policy (I wonder why?) this is a scam and awaste of money. Before you buy try and contact them with a supposed problem and you will see they will blame everything under the sun but their tube of crap.:gangfire: Heartfelt

You won't get alot of support for your statements on this site. I use these beads EXCLUSIVELY and have NEVER had a problem with them. You must not have any effin' clue as to what the hell you are doing.

[Scooby]

RonC - Thanks for your help!

[RonC]

I purchased these beads from Heartfelt and they and the company are a disappointment, not only dont they work but they have a ZERO return policy (I wonder why?) this is a scam and awaste of money. Before you buy try and contact them with a supposed problem and you will see they will blame everything under the sun but their tube of crap.:gangfire: Heartfelt

hmmm, first post. would love to know who you are.

[RonC]

RonC, great reply, fantastik info, glad I just read this.

The 60% for qiuck storage dry boxing is pretty intruicing, i think i might get a 60% tube and put in the 10-15 count travel humi that i use for my upcomming smokes. Currently I had a 65% in there, but I like the idea of the dry boxing, and easing the darw, will give it a try.


tell Dave to make sure i get my commision check

[SkyStorm82]

I purchased these beads from Heartfelt and they and the company are a disappointment, not only dont they work but they have a ZERO return policy (I wonder why?) this is a scam and awaste of money. Before you buy try and contact them with a supposed problem and you will see they will blame everything under the sun but their tube of crap.:gangfire: Heartfelt




I think it's a great company and the owner is a hell of a nice guy. I haven't had one problem with him or the beads.

[Angry Bill]

I purchased these beads from Heartfelt and they and the company are a disappointment, not only dont they work but they have a ZERO return policy (I wonder why?) this is a scam and awaste of money. Before you buy try and contact them with a supposed problem and you will see they will blame everything under the sun but their tube of crap.:gangfire: Heartfelt

Snowblind,

Why make your first something so negative? If you had a bad experience, maybe try and communicate it to Heartfelt. I figure, so many BOTL use their products and are completely satified. I personally know the beads work and work damn well.

The beads kick butt and work incredibly. David has great customer service and communicates in an excellent manner. That's why I have bought from him 3-4 times. That's why I buy from all our sponsors.

Heartfelt = Trust, excellent customer service.
Cigarmony = Trust, excellent customer service
Cigar Solutions = Trust, excellent customer service

I can't speak about Black Dog, Cuban Lous, as I have not bought from them yet, but I know they are to be trusted too! Famous is top notch too!

[Snowblind]

Sorry if that post (1st one ) upset you guys, Ive been smoking almost 20 years and have a few humidors. I heard about the Heartfelt tubes and wanted to try it, I followed the directions ( not that hard to figure out) and placed it in one of my boxes that was already rolling along at 70% RH it pretty much dropped to 60%. I wrote to Heartfelt and didnt get any help , anyways without going on and on about it, I spoke to Dave and he seems concerned about the problem.:thumbsup:

[dpricenator]

Yeah bro, these seem to work beautifully for me and the guys in the office. Dave at Heartfelt will take care of it, but of course he can't fix a leaky humidor, as that is most likely your problem.

[Boppa-Wasch]

I purchased these beads from Heartfelt and they and the company are a disappointment, not only dont they work but they have a ZERO return policy (I wonder why?) this is a scam and awaste of money. Before you buy try and contact them with a supposed problem and you will see they will blame everything under the sun but their tube of crap.:gangfire: Heartfelt


You blow much of that crap out your nose often..........you probably have issue's with condoms too......:nono:

[dpricenator]

Dude after the beating we gave this guy he is never coming back here. Seemed like he was just jumping boards to make negative noise about heartfelt. You know why they don't have a return policy? because no one ever wants to return the beads. So there was no need for a policy. I hope it works out Snowblind, this is a top notch product that works perfectly for everyone I know that uses them.

[Scooby]

Thanks again, RonC for your reply in #86.

Based on this information, I went ahead and placed an order with Heartfelt to acquire a half pound of the 70% beads and a few ounces of the 60%, to go along with pound of 65% I'm already using.

I figure I'll set-up a few humidors as follows:
60% RH - one small humidor for dryboxing those I'm planning to smoke within the next couple of days, and for those that have been drawing too tight.

65% RH - one big humidor for thin ring gauge cigars, and for those that are Cuban-like (wish I had some real ones, as I've never tried them before)

70% RH - one big humidor for singles of everything else;
plus one coolidor for boxes of sticks and odd shape cigars or containers.


I'd love to get the feedback of our fellow S/BOTLs if you see any holes in this strategy.

Thanks!

[RonC]

Thanks again, RonC for your reply in #86.

Based on this information, I went ahead and placed an order with Heartfelt to acquire a half pound of the 70% beads and a few ounces of the 60%, to go along with pound of 65% I'm already using.

I figure I'll set-up a few humidors as follows:
60% RH - one small humidor for dryboxing those I'm planning to smoke within the next couple of days, and for those that have been drawing too tight.

65% RH - one big humidor for thin ring gauge cigars, and for those that are Cuban-like (wish I had some real ones, as I've never tried them before)

70% RH - one big humidor for singles of everything else;
plus one coolidor for boxes of sticks and odd shape cigars or containers.


I'd love to get the feedback of our fellow S/BOTLs if you see any holes in this strategy.

Thanks!

i dont think its going to work

[RonC]

unless i get my commision check...LOL

[Donk]

I have never had any problems with any of the vendors on this site. I have had great service and experiences with them all. Even when I had an order in with Dave, and he was on vacation, I got my beads shipped as soon as he returned. Love heartfelt, Beads are the bomb.

[Lucius]

This is some fantastic info! I'm going to buy some beads now..

[charlie]

I just started a wine coolidor yesterday and so far the beads are great! Pretty unbelievable how well they work actually.

[charlie]

My hygrometer in the wine coolidor has dropped to 59% on 65% beads...should I add more water?

[Jwrussell]

What kind of cooler, dropped and stayed there? If you aren't dealing with a thermoelectric you are going to see swings in RH as the cooler cycles on and off.

[charlie]

It is a magic chef cooler. 8 bottles. It seems to be swinging. It ranged from 59 to 63 yesterday and was 64/65 when I left this morning

[Jwrussell]

Hmmm...just give it some time. It's Thermoelectric (assuming the one I found on the net is the same one) so it shouldn't swing your humidity too much.

[Tegu]

It is a magic chef cooler. 8 bottles. It seems to be swinging. It ranged from 59 to 63 yesterday and was 64/65 when I left this morning

try putting some spanish cedar in there, it seems to help keep the humidity more stable a block or 2 or some cigar boxes. More beads would probably do the same thing.

[dpricenator]

try putting some spanish cedar in there, it seems to help keep the humidity more stable a block or 2 or some cigar boxes. More beads would probably do the same thing.

:yes: :yes:

I made shelves out of cigar box tops and bottoms. I snapped off the wavy wire bottle slot pieces fron the wire frames shelves and zip tied some box panels to make shlelves. Then laid one on the bottom and velcro'd one to the top. I also bought the cedar trays to store my singles in, old cigar boxes will work also. The cedar will hold moisture and will help stabalize the environment.

[Jwrussell]

These are all good suggestions, but considering the size of your cooler (8 bottle) I really wouldn't bother getting too fancy. Check the cubic size of the interior, make sure you have enough beads for it and leave it at that. Give it a couple days, I'm sure it will even out.

[charlie]

I have a little over 1/2 lb of beads in there so without measuring I know I am fine. I also have 4 bottles of vino and 2 half full cigar boxes. I am just using the fridge to hold me over for now as I imagine I will need to upgrade to something larger soon...after I drink those bottles and fill the whole fridge with Cigars. I checked at lunch and it was still at 64% so I think I am good. Now I just need some better cigars to fill it up with!

[SGT13]

Just finished reading this thread. Outstanding info. A lot I have been looking for. I would like to mention that if you have an RO system at home for drinking water, there's no reason you cant use it for the beads in lieu of distilled. I know a bottle is cheap but if you've already got it.
Sarge

[oneaday]

Just finished reading this thread. Outstanding info. A lot I have been looking for. I would like to mention that if you have an RO system at home for drinking water, there's no reason you cant use it for the beads in lieu of distilled. I know a bottle is cheap but if you've already got it.
Sarge

RO systems take out impurities Sarge but not the minerals and over time those will render the beads ineffective, at least thats what I've read over the years. Can't say for sure because I've only used Distilled.

[rick12string]

My hygrometer in the wine coolidor has dropped to 59% on 65% beads...should I add more water?


What kind of hygrometer are you using and what are the temperatures when you're ckecking the RH?
Check out my thread "Possible answer to some humidity problems" in this forum. (Link below if it works).

http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php?t=19710

[SmokinOkie]

Excellent info on the beads for this newbie. I'm looking at getting a small humidor to keep a few sticks in and found this info pretty helpful. Anybody wanna make a good recommendation for my 1st humidor?? Nothing fancy yet, just want to keep a few sticks in as I develop favorites, eventually I can purchase something larger

[madSimon]

I noticed you can purchase multiple RH levels on the Heartfelt website. What magic makes the beads maintain a specific RH?

[CWS]

I noticed you can purchase multiple RH levels on the Heartfelt website. What magic makes the beads maintain a specific RH?

The beads are engineered to maintain a specific humidity level. Unlike silica that only absorbs moisture, these absoarb and release maintaining a constant level.

[madSimon]

The beads are engineered to maintain a specific humidity level. Unlike silica that only absorbs moisture, these absoarb and release maintaining a constant level.

Riiight, I can read the marketing myself.

I'm asking what "magic" makes that possible. They're not silica?

[CWS]

Riiight, I can read the marketing myself.

I'm asking what "magic" makes that possible. They're not silica?

I believe they were engineered for museums to maintain humidity in art work. How they work? Do a search on beads and there is a sceintific explanation somewhere.

[jakeemtrn]

Ask a chemist....

[madSimon]

I believe they were engineered for museums to maintain humidity in art work. How they work? Do a search on beads and there is a sceintific explanation somewhere.

Everything I can find says "silica is silica". Yet, viper says that his beads are different in that they release moisture, when other silica doesn't. Trying to figure out what makes them different.

Are they not silica?

Ask a chemist....

I'm asking the owner of the company that sells them.

[jakeemtrn]

I'm asking the owner of the company that sells them.

I know... sorry just being a smart A$$... I hope I have not offended.... BTW the woman who hooked me up with my wife is from Tulsa.

[Viper139]

The bead itself is made of silica. The beads are then treated with various chemical salts that allow the beads to maintain the various rh levels. Each rh level is treated differently and this is how the different rh levels are acquired.

[madSimon]

The bead itself is made of silica. The beads are then treated with various chemical salts that allow the beads to maintain the various rh levels. Each rh level is treated differently and this is how the different rh levels are acquired.

Thanks viper. That's what I was looking for.

[Soundwave13]

How does the Conservagel differ (other than being half the price) as advertised on http://www.bargainhumidors.com/bh/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=ACC-CONSERVAGEL
?

[Soundwave13]

This is some information that, so far, has informed me the most.

http://www.cigarpass.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=32045&mode=linear

I would really like to know what people's experiences are, beyond endorsing one thing or another. Where's the science?

[madSimon]

This is some information that, so far, has informed me the most.

http://www.cigarpass.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=32045&mode=linear

I would really like to know what people's experiences are, beyond endorsing one thing or another. Where's the science?

Interesting read, Soundwave, thanks.

If you want an in-depth discussion on other products, it might be a good idea to start a new thread. This one is focused on a specific product that the owner has graciously offered to answer questions about.

[madSimon]

Have had a bag of 65% beads in the coolerdor for several days and they're holding the humidity rock steady.

Unfortunately, they're holding it at 70% on the dot. What gives? They're definitely not over-saturated.

Also, had a ton of dust and not-spheres in my bag. Should the beads be cleaned before use?

[openendstraight]

Dave......

I just purchased some beads from you because I live in Las Vegas and I am having a hard time getting my Humi to get over 55%....

My question is .....Can you put too many beads in a Humidor?

[dpricenator]

Have had a bag of 65% beads in the coolerdor for several days and they're holding the humidity rock steady.

Unfortunately, they're holding it at 70% on the dot. What gives? They're definitely not over-saturated.

Also, had a ton of dust and not-spheres in my bag. Should the beads be cleaned before use?

no need or way to clean the beads. and the dust will work just fine. the beads will crack over time or if you add too much water at once. it is not supposed to affect their usefulness.

Dave......

I just purchased some beads from you because I live in Las Vegas and I am having a hard time getting my Humi to get over 55%....

My question is .....Can you put too many beads in a Humidor?

The more the better, only because you will recover the RH level faster after opening. I would spray the beads down with a bit more water if the RH is too low. Vegas is tough climate for cigars. you may have lost some of the seasoning in your humi.

[madSimon]

Thanks dprice. What about my RH issue?

[oneaday]

Have you calibrated or checked your hygro for accuracy. I have one hygro that reads 4% high cosistantly, I use it and just subtract 4%.

[madSimon]

Have you calibrated or checked your hygro for accuracy. I have one hygro that reads 4% high cosistantly, I use it and just subtract 4%.

Haven't tested it in several years, so it's probably a good idea to do it again.

[sportsmedjosh]

I bought a tube from you that just arrived earlier this week. My question is, it says to make sure 75% are clear but you really can't tell what is clear because its in the tube. Can you take the beads out and then put them back into the tube.

[Viper139]

I bought a tube from you that just arrived earlier this week. My question is, it says to make sure 75% are clear but you really can't tell what is clear because its in the tube. Can you take the beads out and then put them back into the tube.

Don't take them out of the tube, you'll be chasing beads around your floor for days.

Just add distilled water until you think most of the beads are hydrated. There is no real majic % of the beads that need to be clear just add enough so that jus a few are still white. You will get a feel for it after a while and you will be able to see if they are white or clear with experience.

[Viper139]

Dave......

I just purchased some beads from you because I live in Las Vegas and I am having a hard time getting my Humi to get over 55%....

My question is .....Can you put too many beads in a Humidor?

No you can't. Adding more beads jsut gives you additional moisture storage and the humidor will recover quicker when the lid has been opened. Add distilled water until 85-90% of the beads are clear.

[Viper139]

Have had a bag of 65% beads in the coolerdor for several days and they're holding the humidity rock steady.

Unfortunately, they're holding it at 70% on the dot. What gives? They're definitely not over-saturated.

Also, had a ton of dust and not-spheres in my bag. Should the beads be cleaned before use?

It sounds like they got a little beat up in shipping. Even though they are beat up they will still work just as well, there is no reason to clean them off.

[Viper139]

Haven't tested it in several years, so it's probably a good idea to do it again.

Oneaday beat me to it. Check the accuracy of your hygrometer to see if what it is telling you is correct.

[njstone]

I have some 70rh beads that were gifted to me. I use them in LARGE Tupperdors full of cigar boxes. No matter what I do, the rH in my bins ends up around 73% or so which is too wet for me (I'd actually prefer closer to 65%). I've tried putting more beads in, putting less in, etc.

Right now I have fewer beads in that I'd consider correct, but still have 73%. I'm just propping open the lids slightly to let some of the humidity out and keep it closer to 70%.

Any thoughts? I had been considering getting a bunch of 65% beads, but am hesitant at this point.

Thanks!

[uncelnino]

I have some 70rh beads that were gifted to me. I use them in LARGE Tupperdors full of cigar boxes. No matter what I do, the rH in my bins ends up around 73% or so which is too wet for me (I'd actually prefer closer to 65%). I've tried putting more beads in, putting less in, etc.

Right now I have fewer beads in that I'd consider correct, but still have 73%. I'm just propping open the lids slightly to let some of the humidity out and keep it closer to 70%.

Any thoughts? I had been considering getting a bunch of 65% beads, but am hesitant at this point.

Thanks!

How new are the cigars and your Tupperdor and have you calibrated your hygrometer recently?

[njstone]

How new are the cigars and your Tupperdor and have you calibrated your hygrometer recently?

The hygro is recently calibrated. All the cigars are 3 months old or less.

[madSimon]

Oneaday beat me to it. Check the accuracy of your hygrometer to see if what it is telling you is correct.

Tested the hygro and things are worse than what they first seemed. My hygro was reading 71-72% using the salt test.

That means it's actually 73-74% RH with my 65% RH beads.

[Everon]

Brothers,
Give
Please, how many ml of water, you wheel beads? For example how many ml of water goes to 2 ounces?
It is ml please

[Craig Mac]

Brothers,
Give
Please, how many ml of water, you wheel beads? For example how many ml of water goes to 2 ounces?
It is ml please

I don't measure how much distilled water I use. I use a spray bottle and wet them until 75% of the beads are clear and 25% of the beads are still white.

[Boppa-Wasch]

Just dampen paper towel, use the paper towel to add moisture to the beads. REMEMBER, Use only DISTILLED water. The beads should be clear when they have absorbed the proper amount of moisture. They should NOT be soaked or soaking wet at any time during this process. If using a "spritzing" bottle, make sure to rinse well with DISTILLED water before spraying the beads. The beads will give up moisture to maintain the humidity. When the amount of "cloudy" beads out number the "Clear" beads, it's time to add more moisture to them. DISTILLED water only.

[Everon]

As soon as I take the spray --
becomes wet throughout the apartment,
and glass beads are transparent all! So I want to know the exact dosage.

I don't measure how much distilled water I use. I use a spray bottle and wet them until 75% of the beads are clear and 25% of the beads are still white.

[Boppa-Wasch]

Just dampen paper towel, use the paper towel to add moisture to the beads. REMEMBER, Use only DISTILLED water. The beads should be clear when they have absorbed the proper amount of moisture. They should NOT be soaked or soaking wet at any time during this process. If using a "spritzing" bottle, make sure to rinse well with DISTILLED water before spraying the beads. The beads will give up moisture to maintain the humidity. When the amount of "cloudy" beads out number the "Clear" beads, it's time to add more moisture to them. DISTILLED water only.


I have also used a small plastic bottle with a "drip" or "Drop" spout. For a ten ounce(283 grams) tube I generally use 4 to six "drops" of DISTILLED water.

[Everon]

Excuse me please, and it is impossible to measure exactly how much it ml? For example syringe measure?
I have also used a small plastic bottle with a "drip" or "Drop" spout. For a ten ounce(283 grams) tube I generally use 4 to six "drops" of DISTILLED water.

[SmoknStyx]

Heartfelt Industries recommends to wet the beads with a spray bottel until 75% are clear and 25% are white.

Do a search on "hearfelt beads" and you will find a post by Viper139 with additional information on the beads.

Удачи

[Boppa-Wasch]

Excuse me please, and it is impossible to measure exactly how much it ml? For example syringe measure?

No syringe here......

[Everon]

Not able to find his theme ((

Heartfelt Industries recommends to wet the beads with a spray bottel until 75% are clear and 25% are white.

Do a search on "hearfelt beads" and you will find a post by Viper139 with additional information on the beads.

Удачи

[Everon]

I am not a man of rain - I understand it, but beads packed whatever syringes.


No syringe here......

[Boston Matt]

I am not a man of rain - I understand it, but beads packed whatever syringes.

Dude...post in Russian. A few of us can read Russian but no one can read the above. :grin: The above sounds like a very twisted ancient Japanese haiku - as translated by a methhead.

We really do want to help out out here... :thumbsup:

[Everon]

Я хотел узнать сколько мл нужно чтобы заправить одну унцию бусин? Просто хочу вливать в них определенное количество воды, потому что "примерно" у меня не получается - вскоре все бусины становятся прозрачными, а не 70 %.

Dude...post in Russian. A few of us can read Russian but no one can read the above. :grin: The above sounds like a very twisted ancient Japanese haiku - as translated by a methhead.

We really do want to help out out here... :thumbsup:

[SmoknStyx]

Everon, look at the 1st post in this thread. Viper has a lot of information there.

[njstone]

Any idea when the bulk 65% beads will be back in stock?

And one more question (forgive me if this is posted elsewhere already). I have a large tupperdor and am wondering WHERE to place the beads...does it matter? I have them in one of the mesh bags that you guys sell.

Thanks!

[Boston Matt]

Я хотел узнать сколько мл нужно чтобы заправить одну унцию бусин? Просто хочу вливать в них определенное количество воды, потому что "примерно" у меня не получается - вскоре все бусины становятся прозрачными, а не 70 %.

Translation:
"I wanted to know how many ml are required to charge one oz. beads. I just want to pour a certain amount into the beads, because "an approximate amount" isn't wokring for me - all the beads turn clear, and not 70%"


I think the problem comes from "pouring" the water, instead of "spraying." If possible, get a "spray bottle" (like you would use to spray a house plant)...that should work a lot better. I think that if you try to spray, you'll find that you get the 70% coverage that you are looking for.

Hope that helps...pm if not.

[unfairtoast]

Any idea when the bulk 65% beads will be back in stock?

And one more question (forgive me if this is posted elsewhere already). I have a large tupperdor and am wondering WHERE to place the beads...does it matter? I have them in one of the mesh bags that you guys sell.

Thanks!

I second that question

[sportsmedjosh]

I need to get a water bottle, and I think I need another humidor.

[SmoknStyx]

65% back in stcok later this week per Viper at Heartfelt

[CWS]

The humi devices for small humidors that Heartland sells used to come with a syringe to measure the amount of water. You injected just the right amount. I would think that based on that our bead man could tell him how many mil to put in X pounds of beads.

[Viper139]

I second that question

I'll answer both of your questions.

The 65% beads will be back in stock the end of this week.

As far as a tupperdor goes the location of the beads is not really important. The tupperdor is so air tight the box will be pretty even no matter where they are put.

[Viper139]

It takes approximately 25 ml per pound to get the beads to about 80% of them hydrated. The thing is there is really never an exact ml or ounces of distilled water to re-hydrate them since the amount of distilled water would depend on the hydration level of the beads when you start to add distilled water. This is the reason I state just add enough to make roughly 80% of the beads clear with some left white or opaque.

[Viper139]

Everon I have responded to your email and PM so you should have the answer there as well.