What small hygrometers is everyone using?

[Sonic04GT]

I have a Western Caliber III right now. Right on the money and requires no calibration. However, I need a second one, under $20, mainly for travel.

Looking at the Xikar:
http://www.amazon.com/Xikar-Adjustab...8135617&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/Xikar-Round-Di...8135617&sr=8-3

Or maybe the Hygroset II:
http://www.amazon.com/Quality-Import...8135617&sr=8-4

Or I could just get another Caliber III. Figured I'd maybe give one of the small round ones a shot though. Any recommendations? Can get another Caliber III or these for like $19 shipped.

Cigar Monster has the Hygroset II for $15 shipped fairly often.

Edit: Caliber III claims +/- 1% and most of these are +/- 2%

[ktblunden]

I have the round Xikar and it works well. I just recalibrated it after 6 months and it was only off a couple percent.

[Sonic04GT]

Well I jumped the gun and just decided to go with another Caliber III for $18.95 shipped.

Thanks for the response though.

I figure I'll stick with a known good, that advertises +/- 1%.

[quantim0]

I use two of the small Xikars. I have had no issues but the batteries can be tough to find.

Luckily a local radio shack carries them.

[jjirons69]

Caliber III

Spot on.

[MurphysLaw]

I have the small round Xikar in my desktop, was accurate out of the box, I've been eyeing one of the rectangular ones for my vino

[d'am]

I'm happy with my round Hygroset II. I salt-calibrated it to 75%, and it read 66% after a day in ziploc with brand new 65% Shilala beads. Close enough for me.

I actually passed up the Caliber III because it lacks any calibration feature. But it sounds like other people have good luck with them? I'd love a hygro that doesn't need calibration between battery changes.

[Sonic04GT]

Originally Posted by d'am

I'm happy with my round Hygroset II. I salt-calibrated it to 75%, and it read 66% after a day in ziploc with brand new 65% Shilala beads. Close enough for me.

I actually passed up the Caliber III because it lacks any calibration feature. But it sounds like other people have good luck with them? I'd love a hygro that doesn't need calibration between battery changes.

Yeah mine was spot on from the factory. We'll see how long it lasts. Seems to have good reviews.

[MrClean]

Just calibrated my HygroSet I, it was off by 1% with the Boveda 75% calibration pack. Put it in the humi before I left for work, it'll be interesting to see what it reads when I get home. I either have a really leaky box or the cheap analog that came with it is way off.

[Bill86]

Originally Posted by MrClean

Just calibrated my HygroSet I, it was off by 1% with the Boveda 75% calibration pack. Put it in the humi before I left for work, it'll be interesting to see what it reads when I get home. I either have a really leaky box or the cheap analog that came with it is way off.

Could be both.

I'd grab a digital Hygrometer and use that so you can be sure.

Calibrate that as well though.

[Sonic04GT]

Originally Posted by Bill86

Could be both.

I'd grab a digital Hygrometer and use that so you can be sure.

Calibrate that as well though.

I believe the Hygroset 1 he mentioned is a digital hygrometer, just rectangular.

He probably means he hasn't had a digital hygrometer in that box before and is curious about the accuracy of the analog that came with it.

[CigarNut]

Originally Posted by MrClean

Just calibrated my HygroSet I, it was off by 1% with the Boveda 75% calibration pack. Put it in the humi before I left for work, it'll be interesting to see what it reads when I get home. I either have a really leaky box or the cheap analog that came with it is way off.

Just to clarify -- when the hygrometer was off by 1% did you adjust the calibration knob and hit the "reset" button to save the calibration change?

[MrClean]

Originally Posted by Sonic04GT

I believe the Hygroset 1 he mentioned is a digital hygrometer, just rectangular.

He probably means he hasn't had a digital hygrometer in that box before and is curious about the accuracy of the analog that came with it.

It is the digital one and you are correct, I'm wondering if the analog is accurate. I think the humi is going to need some sealing around the glass and the analog hygrometer that came with it.

Originally Posted by CigarNut

Just to clarify -- when the hygrometer was off by 1% did you adjust the calibration knob and hit the "reset" button to save the calibration change?

Yes sir

I got some HCM beads and once I know the box isn't leaking, I'll replace the "beads" that I'm using now.

[CigarNut]

One thing to do -- for all brands of digital hygrometers -- is change the batteries about every three months. You can usually get replacement batteries for a bout $2 on sale.

As the battery degrades so does the accurcy of the hygrometer.

[MrClean]

What I should probably do is put my sticks in a tupperware container for now, then seal around the glass and the hygrometer hole on my humidor. Let it air out for a couple days and reseason it. I just need to bite the bullet and get it done.