Cigar Geeks

Members Lounge => Newbie Intros => Topic started by: West88 on 05/14/2017 09:37 PM

Title: Budget cigars
Post by: West88 on 05/14/2017 09:37 PM
Evening everyone out there, I being new to the cigar game haven't much of a clue of really where to begin. I have spoken with several generous people at a few local cigar shops and they were incredibly helpful but I was wondering what everyone out there smokes that they consider a budget cigar, since this isn't one of the cheaper things to get into. I'm still in the learning phase and haven't quite figured out my "flavor profile" since the name of the game for me is money, with limited amounts at times it's hard to buy quality stuff without breaking the bank. This is just a simple question as to what you would smoke that wouldn't hurt too much on the bank account but is still a quality smoke. So with yalls help and knowledge I believe I can narrow down what it is I like a little faster and somewhat cheaper. Thanks for the input
Title: Re: Budget cigars
Post by: Cap10_Morgan on 05/14/2017 10:34 PM
Unfortunately, I have not found a good way to get "budget cigars" AND find my flavor profile at the same time.  Seems like the only way to get cigars at a decent price is to buy in bulk or at least multiples of a cigar at once.  So in the mean time, I bought samplers from all the online retailers.  But if you are interested in budget cigars, check out all the good suggestions when I asked the same thing recently. http://www.cigargeeks.com/index.php?topic=46689.0
I was asking for both humidor and cigar recommendations, but there are plenty of suggestions. In that thread that I plan on checking out ASAP.
Title: Re: Budget cigars
Post by: ninfiction on 05/14/2017 10:40 PM
Great question, I think we all start out in the same spot you're in. Some may have more money than others but everyone loves a good budget smoke.

As Jeff said, check out the thread he linked, bunch of good suggestions. Ultimately it comes down to trial and error to find something you like in the price range you're comfortable...big help right...stick around, keep asking questions, check the reviews in the database, have fun and enjoy!
Title: Re: Budget cigars
Post by: klamm143 on 05/14/2017 11:43 PM
We have all been in your spot...and some of us are still there...I have tried many types of cigars, most thru sampler offers or specials run by the online shoppes. You can find deals from time to time - but for the most part (it's hard to find any really good smokes at the dollar a stick range). There is a "ton" of difference in dollar smokes and everyday 3 to 5 dollar sticks. It's your money and budget - so only you can set limits on that. I would suggest going online and signing up for maybe 8 to 10 different retailer sites - sign up for several different catalogs - and be vigilant in your shopping around and price comparisons. Refer to this site and what other Geek Brothers post as deals and recommendations.

Here's how I narrowed the field a little. I set out with a plan to allow 100 dollars a month for 3 months (300 total to the "experiment" - but it actually was more like 150 a month after taxes, shipping and handling charges...... First month I ordered sample packs of 5 to 40 cigars all by the same company / brand. I could then find a stick that I liked from a certain company and in my price range. Second month I ordered samplers with smokes from different companies in the same pack - but with higher ratings and higher price points. Thus comparing similar smokes but by different companies / makers / distributers. Smoking these higher priced sticks with better quality, flavor and construction helped me narrow down my "preferred tastes ". Then in month three I ordered 5 or 8 or 10 packs of "rated" cigars to establish my preferences for smokes on the higher end of my price point.

YUPP - I kept notes - and NOPE, you won't remember all of them unless you do keep some-type of records or notes while you are doing your trials.

GOOD LUCK on staying inside that Budget thingy - that's harder than deciding on your preference list........ENJOY THE BURN & ENJOY THE SITE.
Title: Re: Budget cigars
Post by: jagfandaddy on 05/15/2017 12:53 AM
What I have done, and still doing is buying samplers and trying different brands and types. I have found a few that I like that are my "yardgar" but what I like, you may not. Good luck in your search.
Oh, and welcome to the site!
Title: Re: Budget cigars
Post by: toby2 on 05/15/2017 06:12 AM
howdy! yup looks like you're in for the ride. have fun!
Title: RE: Budget cigars
Post by: appollo on 05/15/2017 06:31 AM
Enjoy the search for your yard gars,it will never be done.Also welcome to the site.
Title: RE: Budget cigars
Post by: Beegerply on 05/15/2017 07:27 AM
Welcome and enjoy the site, I don't have much to add that hasn't already been said.  :biggrin:
Title: RE: Budget cigars
Post by: sccrom1 on 05/15/2017 07:37 AM
To me the key is value Vs budget. As an example I have been a 601Serie fan for several years. I could pay $100-$140 for a box that works out to $5 or $7 a stick, but I don't unless it is a deal that you can't refuse such as buy one box get one free. Normally though I stay on top of the online deals. For example on friday a bundle/sampler sale was posted on bestcigarprices.com. One of the deals was a 20 count Espinosa sampler(4 601 blue, 4 601 red, 4 601 la bomba, 4 601 pennylvania and 4 Espinosa Laranja. The price was $42 or a whopping $2.10 a stick. If you priced the above cigars at box prices they would average around $7.00 a stick. I would say that this is both "budget" and "value".
Title: RE: Budget cigars
Post by: headfirst on 05/15/2017 08:52 AM
Quotesccrom1 - 5/15/2017  8:37 AM

To me the key is value Vs budget. As an example I have been a 601Serie fan for several years. I could pay $100-$140 for a box that works out to $5 or $7 a stick, but I don't unless it is a deal that you can't refuse such as buy one box get one free. Normally though I stay on top of the online deals. For example on friday a bundle/sampler sale was posted on bestcigarprices.com. One of the deals was a 20 count Espinosa sampler(4 601 blue, 4 601 red, 4 601 la bomba, 4 601 pennylvania and 4 Espinosa Laranja. The price was $42 or a whopping $2.10 a stick. If you priced the above cigars at box prices they would average around $7.00 a stick. I would say that this is both "budget" and "value".

This is a great point.  If you stay patient and let the online retailers put you on their email lists, you can find great deals on good cigars.  Some of the sites I watch:  holts, cigarpage, monster, cigar.com, and CI.  Oh, and thanks to sccrom1 I'm now watching bestcigarprices!  If you think you have some self control you can try cigarbid, but it ain't called the devil site around here for nothing, if you're not careful you start spending hundreds a month around there.

To answer your question though it'd probably be helpful to know what you consider budget.  Some think a $5 Arturo Fuente is a budget stick, others think of $2 as a budget stick.  What price do you consider it a budget stick?
Title: Re: Budget cigars
Post by: West88 on 05/15/2017 09:54 PM
Thank yall for the input, I'll have to check out some of the online stores. I would consider a budget cigar around 5-8 bucks. I have enjoyed illusione, tatuaje and padron but those aren't overly cheap. So I guess my next question would be what would yall recommend in under $10?
Title: Re: Budget cigars
Post by: headfirst on 05/15/2017 10:10 PM
Flatbed sticks all day in that range.
Title: Re: Budget cigars
Post by: Olddog on 05/16/2017 04:42 AM
Welcome to the site.  Started not that long ago either, and everything all have said is great suggestions.  Bought a lot of samplers at the beginning and now starting to go with the ones that i enjoy the most.  As for a good one under $10, to each his own.  Last night i smoked a Montecristo White Rothchilde which i like and that is under $10, but it may not have the flavor profile that you will like.  I am finding that some of the fun is in trying all the different ones out there.
Title: Re: Budget cigars
Post by: Vroomp on 05/16/2017 06:04 AM

 If you are looking for actual suggestions,

here's a few of the budget smokes I really enjoy smoking on a regular basis.

I am sure you could get 20-30 more from others here.

 

 

Alec Bradley K 147- $4.50/stick only available @ Thompson Cigars is a 4.5 star rated cigar  Medium Bodied

My Father La Reloba Seleccion Oscurro- Another Thompson exclusive is also a 4 star rated cigar for $3.05/stick Medium/ Full Bodied

Illusione Rothchildes- Around $4.00 is another great 4.5 star rated cigar Medium Bodied

Title: Re: Budget cigars
Post by: West88 on 05/16/2017 12:10 PM
Thank yall, looking into samplers right now.
Title: RE: Budget cigars
Post by: 05Venturer on 05/16/2017 12:14 PM
Tatuaje Series P   :bigthumbs:
Title: RE: Budget cigars
Post by: nirab on 05/16/2017 03:52 PM
Welcome West!  I had the honor of meeting West & his girlfriend Paige the other night at the Cigar Vault. Great folks, treat this newbie right!!

 :shy: