Stems = poor construction?

[rguinn]

I’m sure you’ve all been there. A tight draw so you turn to your perfectdraw and/or pulling bits of leaf out to try and loosen things a bit. Then next thing you know you pull something like this out, stretching all the way from the other end. Sometimes it’s just what you needed and the stick really opens up. Other times it tunnels out and ends up tasting like burnt tabacco. 

Is it poor construction, completely normal or a sloppy roller that you just have to expect sometimes? I’m interested to know what everyone’s level of tolerance is and how you handle stems in your sticks?

[El Presidente]

...that is more of a shrub  

[Reuben]

wow!  I havent had one that long yet

[NSXCIGAR]

Not poor construction but poor QC in the leaf sorting/deveining areas. Rollers typically work too fast to check leaves for stems. They grab and roll. They rely on the leaf brought to their stations already being good to go. 

[Nevrknow]

I pulled not 1 or 2 but 3 like that from a plugged Lusi. After that? Best freaking cigar of my life. Bar none. Pullem and smokem. And hush. 🤣🤣

[chris12381]

That's a broom bristle. 

[Greenhorn2]

3 minutes ago, chris12381 said:

That's a broom bristle. 

More like a saw log. 😁

[Bigkahuna]

Geez. What’s the technique to extract that in one piece. I’ve pulled a few smaller ones but never that long. Tweezers ?

[Bijan]

47 minutes ago, Bigkahuna said:

Geez. What’s the technique to extract that in one piece. I’ve pulled a few smaller ones but never that long. Tweezers ?

Yeah I learned from @Nevrknow to use a hemostat (tweezers that lock).

[NSXCIGAR]

It always amazes me how many times I pull out a gnarly stem with the PerfecDraw and the problem is solved. Stems really can cause major problems.

[riderpride]

2 hours ago, El Presidente said:

...that is more of a shrub  

You might be on to something.  The roller must be a Monte Python fan

 

[Nevrknow]

1 hour ago, Bigkahuna said:

Geez. What’s the technique to extract that in one piece. I’ve pulled a few smaller ones but never that long. Tweezers ?

Hemostats. Use the tip of your finger to find the stem. Then grab the hemps and lock on. Firm grip and gently pull. I personally have gravitated to the non locking ones. Or I grind off a tab so it doesn’t lock. Makes it easier to re grab a stem. Most times they will come out. If not, probe deeper until you get a good grip. Pay attention to the “feel” of where the tips are. To close to the wrapper and you will split it. If you do, get some natural rolling papers and seal it up. Eventually you will get the hang of it by touch. Has saved me a lot of cigars from being thrown away. 
 

But then again, I smoke to enjoy not to impress, so if it’s buggered a little but still smokeable, I’m all in. 👍🏻

[Cigar Surgeon]

For NCs stems are actually a part of a lot of blends. But they shouldn't impact the draw. 

[GoodStix]

@rguinn yep it’s par for the course.  Good advice above.  Pick and feel with your thumbnail to identify stem.  Then tweezers, small needle-nose pliers, whatever tool is best for your hands, and wow can the draw suddenly open up nicely!  Other times — rarely for me, thankfully — results in small tunnel and hotter, poor experience, or I make the mistake @Nevrknow points out above of going after a stem too close to the wrapper and I f-up the cigar — ignore those stems 

 

Btw, bad draw, stems, whatever, used to piss me off until I read a comment @El Presidente made — words to the effect of expect 3-5 lesser sticks in a box off CCs and just enjoy.  Made a good difference for me.  Perspective

[rguinn]

Thanks for the input all. This was one of the thicker ones I've pulled. I like the tweezer recommendation, I usually just use what finger nails I have to try and pry it out. After I got it out, it started to burn hot so I smashed it flat and that helped a bit. I was able to finish it. 

[Blakes]

I found 2012/2013 production was terrible for stalks/stems, I was forever puling them out.