Are we giving too much credit to the protective benefit of tubos in long-term aging?

[StoagieSnape]

Let's ruffle some feathers: If a cigar is presumably stored in a stable 62–65% RH environment, does the metal tube really enhance aging? What if it actually impedes proper aging by restricting air exchange and further slowing ammonia dissipation?

Final thoughts from a contrarian: Is the tubo an ideal preservation capsule…or just an aesthetic relic that collectors have mythologized that is at best a protective travel companion?

[Ford2112]

It has merit.

[Chibearsv]

It depends what you mean by “enhance aging”. There are a lot of members that vacuum seal their cigar boxes to slow the aging process and keep the cigars vibrant for a longer period of time. That’s enhancing the aging process for them. I think the tubos can have that same sort of benefit but probably not to the same extent as a good vacuum seal. They may be a good middle ground for retaining vibrancy while mellowing cigars for a longer period.

[zacca]

Yeah as @Chibearsv said, 'enhance' is a subjective term. What it does objectively is slow aging. Whether that is good or bad is up to who is doing the aging. 

[MrBirdman]

Tubes slow down aging and add a touch of cedar. Neither is really disputed. Whether that’s good or bad is up to you. 

[SUP8333]

In my opinion, it slows down aging but then it ages differently, compared to the same stick in a slide lid box. The taste is more muted and I always put it into a cedar humidor to freshen up. 

[Bagman]

If you are long term ageing (say 5+ years), tubos is the second best way to go after vacuum sealing. If I was at a store and saw the same cigar aged 10 years, I would always select the one in the tube over the one in the box. The tubo one will have aged significantly better. If you don't plan to long term age, and smoke with less than 5 years of age, go with the box version.