Tobacco Moisture

[Matty Ice]

Looking to get some advice on what the whole leaf tobacco moisture should be for RYO cigarettes?

Also does anyone know a good device for measuring it? Preferably somewhere in Toronto?

Matt

 

[2Baccy]

69% rh in your tobacco bag is my favourite. I use a boveda 69 humidity pack. Look up a caliber iv hydrometer.
This is just my preference.

 

[Jitterbugdude]

I use something similar to this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/LCD-Displa...h=item1a3a5e3578:g:IwcAAOSw0Pxa8QvD:rk:2:pf:0

I don't really use it much anymore because once you use the meter a few times you learn real quick how to make a ballpark determination of the moisture by just squeezing some in your hand. For pipe tobacco I like a moisture level somewhere between 14-18%. For cigarette tobacco I'm not sure but probably somewhere between 10-14%. Use the meter, play around and make your own determination as to what level you like.

 

[Matty Ice]

Thanks for the replies, i'll try out the meter and see what kind of moisture I like.
Lately i've been smoking a little more rolling tobacco (gift) and noticed a big difference in there moisture compared to my own so appreciate the advice.

 

[2Baccy]

The “rolls 50% more” or whatever it is called that is available in Canada at the convenience store is terribly dry garbage. Don’t try make it that dry it won’t be fit to smoke.
I found with my whole leaf that too dry and it’s too harsh and too wet and it won’t burn. So it’s not too hard to tell after a while. If it gums in the table top shredder and wraps around the rolls it’s too wet for sure.
If it shatters going through the rolls obviously it’s too dry.

 

[CT Tobaccoman]

Looking to get some advice on what the whole leaf tobacco moisture should be for RYO cigarettes?

Also does anyone know a good device for measuring it? Preferably somewhere in Toronto?

Matt

When I worked in Connecticut Shade tobacco we used to just grab a handful of leaves and squeeze. If the leaves stayed squeezed, they were too damp, If they returned to their original shape after squeezing, the moisture was considered to be correct. And of course, if it was crinkly or broken from squeezing, it was too dry.
Hope this is helpful. Good luck with your tobacco

 

[Matty Ice]

Thanks for all the advice, I decided to go with this to start out. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B017D6U2DS/ref=pe_3034960_236394800_TE_dp_1
I received my order yesterday so will update on how it went.

 

[Jitterbugdude]

I'd be interested in your results. I've never seen a moisture meter without a probe.

 

[deluxestogie]

I believe Mr. Spock used one all the time.

Bob

 

[Matty Ice]

I tried using the moisture meter and does not work with the tobacco. Unfortunately, i'll have to try something else, most likely with the probes.

 

[ChinaVoodoo]

You could weigh a leaf or two before and after drying it/them. ((W1 - W2)/W1) x 100% = %moisture by weight