Why do you prefer bigger ring gauges?

[MooseAMuffin]

I smoke a wide variety of ring gauges but prefer smaller. When I first started, I bought the bigger RG cigars: 52 or above. But after smoking a few lancers, I found them to be more flavorful. There are still some 50+ RG cigars I like, but majority I've enjoyed are below that.

I agree that marketing seems to show these fat sticks as a stature thing. And, like me, I think people starting out see that and go for those sizes first. 

[ayepatz]

2 hours ago, Buck14 said:

Having thought about it, I’d say at least 80-85% of the regulars at my local cigar lounge smoke RG of 52-60. I see very few 40, 42 or even Robustos 50 or Hermoso 4s at 48 RG.

I’m all over the place but would say right now whats in my Locker at the lounge are RGs 40, 42, 48 and 50. Along with a box of PLMC 33 RG. I am going to add some Belicoso types soon which are generally 52 and some coronas gordas which I think are 46 or so.

I really have a wide RG size profile

I took a look at my stock by RG and it seems to mirror what I wrote off the top of my head...

 

 

Great info, @Buck14! Love the stats. You’re WAY more organised than me. ?

[ayepatz]

2 hours ago, Wushy said:

I think if the blend is good, I've got no complaints other than it's so damn uncomfortable to hold and smoke. In my opinion, anything above a 52 gauge should have a tapered end so it doesn't feel so awkward.

A good point, @Wushy! I can deal with a larger RG if the cigar is a figurado. I have particularly enjoyed the recent 109s (Dip Bushido and SP Eslavo) for just that reason.

[ayepatz]

1 hour ago, MooseAMuffin said:

I agree that marketing seems to show these fat sticks as a stature thing. And, like me, I think people starting out see that and go for those sizes first. 

Like your Avatar. Who doesn’t like Ron Perlman? Love that guy. But how much cooler and more chilled would he look puffing on a Lancero? ?

[ayepatz]

38 minutes ago, FatherOfPugs said:

After seeing your chart, I went ahead and did the same thing to see where I'm at with my sticks and the percentages. Here's the current break down of what's in the humidors:

I’m really enjoying how organised you lads are! Very interesting info, thanks for posting. ?

[Buck14]

47 minutes ago, ayepatz said:

Great info, @Buck14! Love the stats. You’re WAY more organised than me. ?

Funny thing is there are only three things that I am very OCD on: Cigars, Guns, Guitars. Everything else is a shit show around here!

[MooseAMuffin]

53 minutes ago, ayepatz said:

Like your Avatar. Who doesn’t like Ron Perlman? Love that guy. But how much cooler and more chilled would he look puffing on a Lancero? ?

Gonna miss Ron not playing the Hellboy in the next movie. But at least they gave him an average RG, looks robusto-ish.

But if they gave him a lancero...his coolness would be an 11.

[cfc1016]

5 hours ago, fabes said:

I think one of the reasons people prefer bigger cigars has to do with their stature. A larger person may feel silly smoking a montecarlo. So perhaps the porportions are just better.

I dunno man. I’m not a giant man (5’11”/~180lbs) but i do have giant hands - Exactly 10” from the tip of my thumb to the tip of my pinky - and i LOVE small RG. 

[JohnInCleveland]

I don't prefer larger ring gauges.  

 

With that being said, some of my favorites of late are larger, Mag 56, Mag 54, Monte 80th.  In a perfect world, these cigars wouldn't be wider than a robusto, but I'm not going to miss out on an exceptional blend bc it's not the RG I'd prefer, for the same reason I enjoy the occasional panatela, which I also don't prefer.  

[awkwardPause]

I’m generally pretty open to smoking quality, enjoyable cigars in the range from ~33 - 56, though for me 48 is just about the perfect balance. Interestingly, sometimes I enjoy a larger RG or longer smoke just from the tactile/visual/olfactory aspect - there’s just something about opening up a 50 cab of DC’s or box of Mag 56’s and staring at them while taking in the aroma. I’d say for me, that would be more of a pre-smoking experience compared to cracking a box of RG Perlas, or similar. I mean, sometimes just opening the box and staring at and smelling those beautiful things is as much an experience as smoking them. I know that probably sounds odd, but hey, if I’m being honest it’s true! I think the whole “cigars as art” thing plays a big role when I’m selecting a larger smoke in general. Just more to admire!

 

So generally, bigger RG/longer is often preferred if I’m just in the mood to admire the smokes or to light one up when I’m not paying as much attention, but smaller is often a better smoking experience, IMO, if I’m sitting down to really pick through the flavors.

 

[nvrp813]

If you look at a lot of the cigar blog sites that are famous for reviews, most of the cigars reviewed are 50+ RG.  I'm sure this has a lot to do with the popularity.  

[Cigar Surgeon]

On 2018-03-22 at 8:38 AM, RazorbackFan said:

I went to a B&M in Atlanta yesterday and asked the proprietor if he carried any Lanceros. It was decent sized shop and there wasn’t a one in the house. 

In the industry there's a popular saying - 'Lanceros are the best vitola that never sells.'

For me it's Lonsdales, Coronas and Lanceros.

I have yet to smoke a large ring gauge cigar that isn't significantly better in a smaller vitola.

[NSXCIGAR]

I'm in the 52 max camp as far as my max comfort level. Anything more it distracts. I'm a 38-42 RG kind of guy but I have no problems with 50. I actually have a soft spot for a 44 RG but I've found 38 is really appealing to me however.

[Wilzc]

I think the large RG cigars are for those who WANT to be seen with a cigar, because like it or not....  it is a symbol of the good life...

Even better when it has shiny double bands!!! 

I know lotsa friends would save up a good large flashy cigar to smoke during big gatherings and events to hint at wealth and power.

 

 

Me on the other hand...   i like smoking cheap big long sticks at events because they're no brainers. Constant stream of something todo with the fidgety hands. And the large RG would allow the smoke to resuscitate itself after a quick triple puff. 

Dont you just love it when you're half drunk and you excuse yourself to the toilet, then come back and find that your cigar is still lit and waiting for you?

 

 

When I'm alone.... and looking to relax or just to enjoy a good puff, then the long skinnies come out. PLMC, Fundadores, Monte 1