Brand new smoker!

[OMEGA5]

Excellent! Thanks for all the info guys! I already feel better off for joining this board! Now it's time for football and a nice smoke!

[mithril]

welcome to the board! if you are still interested in a coolidor, walmart has a 120 quart Igloo cooler online for 40 bucks, i'm not sure if they have them in the store for that price though. i'm getting ready to get it and start increasing my collection of cigars.

[JakeKnight]

Spend the money on a good humidor. At least 100-150 count. Of course, a good humidor may run you more than the car your buying, so if you aren't in a position to spend a grand or two, there are other options. The bottom line is that anything that can maintain temperature and humidity in the 65-70 range for both is just fine. Use what works.

As for a cutter, you'll find your own tastes. I prefer a punch, but you've got the horizontal bladed option (single or dual - always go with dual!). the scissors, and the v-notch. A cutter is simplest, a punch is neatest. Experiment with what you like. Some people hate the way a punch delivers the smoke to the palate ... I love it. It's up to you.

A Xikar cutter is fine way to start ... but any dual-bladed cutter sharp enough to do the deed is fine. Don't get too hung up on brand name as long as it works. Save the brand name snobbery for the cigars, where it matters

As for the light, stay away from regular butane lighters. A match is just fine ... and stylish, too .... but be sure to let the match burn for a little while, to burn off the sulphur and other chemical. You don't want to taste the match. And torch (a high-powered, jet looking flame) is fine. Colibri and Prometheus are great, but anything will work. Again, save the snob-bit for the cigars.

Bottom line: enjoy! A lot of people (including me) have their tastes and their prejudices. Find the best that you like best, and stick with it.