Yes it is a subject that has been conversed to death but which way do you smoke your cigars? With the band on or off. I use to smoke off but yes I have seen the light and am a born again band on person. I have found no benefit other than letting those around you see what you smoke but I believe it is a issue of etiquete. Just wondering!

I remove the band only when I'm enjoying a really good cigar. And if it's that good, I'll smoke it down to a point to where I need a toothpick to hold on to it.

I smoke with the Band On. In fact, I keep the cellophane on as well. And I keep the price tag on all of my clothing hanging out so everyone can see. I also hand out copies of my paycheck to total strangers.
I think the smell of burning band adhesive is euphoric, and perhaps even medicinal.

I think the more precise question is this: Do you keep the band on regardless of the cigar brand, or only on the "big names"?

On many super-premiums the band is placed manually on the cigar, therefore this risk of it sticking to the wrapper is considerable. As the cigar is smoked and the wrapper warms, it will be easier to remove. I leave them on, for this reason...But do remove it as I progress. I like to look at what I'm smoking... It helps me better file the mental notes.....Additionaly, I am too sexy for unbanded cigars.....Unless it is a Cuban Hoyo..

Sorry...a little quick with the enter key:) I smoke mine with the band on until it gets down a bit and I can easily slide it off....

I always keep the band on, Uncle gave one reason, nothing worse than tearing the wrapper getting it off. But I also like to study my cigar while smoking it, and like to look at the band, and it is not for ego as I almost always smoke alone. I also like to hold the cigar over the band and keep my grubby fingers off the wrapper, after all the cigar band was created so Catherine the Great wasn't it?, wouldn't have to touch the cigars with her royal fingers.

I smoke my sticks with the band on because I don't want to tear the wrapper. When the burning head reaches the band, the adhesive dries out and I can then gently slide the band off and continue to smoke until the cigar gets harsh or I burn my fingers and lips (whichever comes first).

Ditto to Hegemonic style:)

....horse is on the respirator. GET ME SUGAR CUBES STAT!!!

wanyburger, you never cease to make me LMAO. Good chops kid, good chops 🙂

In the words of Cliff Claven, Postman and regular at Cheers:
The cigar band was in fact designed in the mid-1800's so that gentlemen of the day would not get unsightly stains upon their white gloves. Later an enterprising cigar roller in Philadelphia decided to advertise his brand on the band of the cigar. This caught on and became the accepted practice in the cigar biz. It must be pointed out that in the years 1820-1919 only cowboys and common laborers CHEWED tobacco and cigarettes were considered effeminate and suited only for women. This all changed after WW I, when the cigarette replaced the cigar in the trenches of France. Anymore questions? Oh, yeah....leave the damned band on! Especially if it is a Cuban Cohiba!!!!