***This is an updated version of my 1st "Newbie Hints" post. I wanted to include Slim's link as I think it should not go unnoticed. I also had some more thoughts for those new to cigars***

I thought I'd start this thread with some of the standard suggestions for the newbies in order to save some time. Hope this helps.

First off, please read the "Forum Rules and Conditions" before posting. This could save you some heartache.

Use the "All Messages" search function before asking questions. Many of the old-timers are a little burnt on answering some of the standard newbie questions.

Bid Low, be patient and let some go. There WILL be more.

Keep Cigar International's site open for price comparison.

Contact Cust. Serv. with any problems before you post them here, they are excellent!

Build a Coolerdor or Tupperdor, you will fill it soon, believe me.

Do an "All Messages" search for...

Coolerdor

Coolador

Coolidor

Colemandor

Igloodor

Tupperdor

Sweaterdor etc.

PG

Propylene Glycol

50/50

Hygrometer

Humidity

Credo

Climmax (better than 50/50) ***Added (1/30/04)*** I can't believe I forgot about this stuff

Cello (cellophane) on or off, doesn't matter. They may breathe a little better and age a little faster with 'em off. They are delicate and prone to damage if handled improperly though, so use your judgment. The links below expand on this. Also, if you like, do a search.

Don't worry about over-bidding, zealous morons. They're the ones who pay to keep this site up and running for you and me to steal the rest.

***Update (1/25/04)***

Don't know what to buy???

Everyone has different tastes so it is extremely difficult to tell you what you are going to like. The best thing to do is to get some Ideas and begin sampling for yourself. Here's a recent excerpt of a response to a newbie by Slimboli...

***"The choices out there are so numerous (thousands of cigars and factories to choose from) ... it would be hard to narrow it down, without you first providing a few parameters.

1) Light, medium or full-bodied smokes ...

2) Lengths and ring guages you prefer ...

3) Particualr shapes your like, ie. Corona, Torpedo, Robusto, Perfecto, etc.

4) Wrappers that you prefer, ie. Sun-Grown (Shade Grown), Maduro, Cameroon, etc.

These are just a few ... and once you provide us with a few guidelines, it will be a lot easier to guide you in the direction of a cigar (or cigars) that would be more to your liking!"***

This should get you started...

Do an "All Messages" search for...

favorite

favorites

daily

everyday

special

premium

super premium

etc. etc. etc.

A little secret:

Keep an eye on the "Cigars and Related" forum. Once in awhile, one of us will post a favorable review of a cigar that they might not normally let slip for fear of bidding competition. Often times the prices will go up for a few weeks after. Be patient and get some when the gettin's good.

When you have an idea what you want, buy 5-packs.

Let them acclimate in your humi for 2 weeks or more if possible (especially boxes).

Sample at least 2 before critiquing.

Keep a journal.

Most of us here have been and will continue to buy 5-packs forever. Nothing like always having new cigars to sample.

A few informative links...

http://www.cigarsinternational.com/html/cig101_main.asp 

http://www.cigarbid.com/auction/forum/forum.cfm?action=list&forumID=1&messageDisplay=0000000009396 

http://www.cigargroup.com/faq 

EXCELLENT SITE!!!

***Update (1/24/04)***

http://www.cigarnexus.com/counsel/cigarstorage/index.html 

ANOTHER EXCELLENT SITE!!! ***Stolen from Slim***

***update (1/27/04)***

Watch out for E-Chick! She's a bad, bad girl! {;^ )

Above all, just have fun.

That's all I can think of for now.

Feel free to post a reply and top this thread for the next guy.

Thanks

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Up again one more time.

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Just thought I would put a new name on it. I think Slim burst a vessel.

EXCELLENT post sketcha (funny... to me, YOU'RE a newbie 🙂

invaluable information to those starting out.

Can't argue with you there, heg, especially compared to such a long timer like you. Comin' up on a year now so hopefully I can officially remove the "Newbie" title next month.

How's the acting thing? Any new gig offers since your Law and Order debut?

NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

NEWBS, FIGHT THE POWER!!!!!

DON'T LISTEN TO THEM, THEY MEAN TO EAT YOU!!!!!!

sketcha, I don't want to threadjack, but you can email me at my handle @ yahoo . com . I'll fill you in 🙂

sent

Sketcha, thanks for the info. Only been smoking cigars for about a year, but here are the ones I have tried and like in no particular order: (* denotes cuban)

Romeo y julieta*

Partagas* (liked the DR brand also)

Punch*

Indian Tabac Cuban Corrojo

CAO La anniversaire eXtreme

CAO La Anniversaire Maduro

El Rey Del Mundo Rectangulares

El Rey Mundo Choix supreme

H. Upman* (didn't like the DR brand)

Hoyo de Monterrey

Don Tomas Candela (mild, but good)

Arturo Fuente 858

Cuesta Rey Centennario Robusto #7

La Estrella Cubana Rosado (another mild good one)

Carlos Torano Exodus 1959

Carlos Torano Silver (didn't like it that much)

Carlos Torano Signature

Cu-Avana Robusto (didn't like it that much)

Okay, I like robusto's the most because they burn cooler but I also enjoy a corona. Don't usually like to go over 6" in length unless I am drinking, then I want a nice long smoke. I am going to Mazatlan next week and plan to smoke an ass-load of cubans while I am there. Those of you who are about to tell me cubans are over-rated obviously haven't had many. Now... any suggestions?

I also tried the CAO Cameroon and thought it wasn't that good.

I am not very computer savvy, in fact, my 15 year old son makes me look stupid frequently and he is on the damn thing more than I, so to reach me expeditiously, [email protected]

Be careful in Mexico. Lotsa phonies. I found a little store in Mazatlan that the locals prefer. I can't remember the name, but it's a short block up from The Shrimp Factory (ask them) in The Golden Zone. I think it's pretty hard to fake a tubo so I bought an RYJ#2 there.

Good luck