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Factory Made Taste

While MYO is a taste experience unto itself, a lot of folks are interested in finding tobacco similar in taste to their favorite factory made brand (Marlboro, Winston, Camel, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, etc.).

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Re: Factory Made Taste: Posted by James Cameron on Tuesday, 04-Jun-2013
It took me a really long time to find a custom smoke flavor that I love. It is extremely rich and complex with a deep chocolate flavor and lightly spiced. After a heavily meal it really helps digest the food, paired with a class of JD. I highly recommend you try it from customtobacco.com.
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Marlboro Light Alternatives

Posted by MN91311 on Tuesday, 25-Dec-2007

I am new to RYO and looking for tobacco suggestions. I have been smoking Marlboro Lights for many years, and need to know which currrent offerings might be acceptable substitutes.

Some brands I have seen mentioned here in the forum are Golden Harvest, Rowland, Windsail, and H&R, all in light versions. Some of the posts are pretty old, hoever, and maybe the info is outdated by now.

Also, are there any all-natural, no additive RYO tobaccos which might satisfy a Marlboro Light smoker ? Something like Smokin Joes 100% natural or American Spirit Natural, but in the light strength ?

Thanks

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Re: Marlboro Light Alternatives: Posted by Jeffo on Tuesday, 25-Dec-2007
See what people say about these two: [link]
[link]
I think these might be a good choice.
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Re: Marlboro Light Alternatives

Posted by Johnny Jentle on Wednesday, 26-Dec-2007

You might try one or more of the D&R light blends [link], available in 3.5 OZ cup: Vengeur Light, Windsail Light, and Penhooker Light.

Experiment and find a tobacco you like, instead of trying to re-create a pre-made taste.

Don't think American Spirit makes a light tobacco. You could try it with a light tube, though.

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Re: Marlboro Light Alternatives: Posted by KL on Wednesday, 26-Dec-2007
Vengeur Light is my fav out of this group. I'm not really a light tobacco smoker but Vengeur Light in a FF (full flavor) tube is a very tasty tobacco for a full flavor smoker
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Re: Marlboro Light Alternatives: Posted by Paul on Wednesday, 26-Dec-2007
Welcome to the best smokes you'll ever smoke. The one's that you make. I have been stuffing my own for almost four years now and still have not found an acceptable substitute for the premades that I used to smoke. Couldn't even tell you exactly what they tasted like. I do remember that I was at the point they tasted so bad I was about to quit. I smoke a little less now, I don't cough as much and I enjoy my smokes more than just a nicotine fix. I think you'll find from reading here that it's better, you'll find a better tobacco whatever it may be. I read one post where Mike C makes a great recommendation to call and make an appointment to talk to Mark from D&R Tobacco about your needs. I think you could even e-mail him and get a response. Even the ladies of D&R give me great advice when I call for an order and ask questions. You can find the info you need at;
[link]
You'll also get great recommendations from other participants here. And the reviews, you have to listen to them when they write, "this tobacco has a distinct chocolate flavor". It's true. Reading the reviews of the tobacco here I have not purchased a tobacco that I did not like. My smokes are stronger to a degree compared to premades but I don't think so. I must have grown accustomed to them. I almost always have my own smokes with me but every once and a while I have to ask a co-worker for a smoke. It does not matter to me what brand it is because I think they all taste the same, like smoking paper shopping bags. Dave L, post's here, that the tobacco's humidity content, amount of tobacco stuffed into a tube, the tube itself and the filter can affect a good tobacco. It's all simple but it's a never ending journey here. There's so much to read here so much good tobacco to try. Man, it's an exciting tobacco world out there.
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Re: Marlboro Light Alternatives: Posted by Tracy on Thursday, 02-Dec-2021
I also smoked marlboro lights, i currently use a mix of golden harvest, i use the red, or robust and the blue or mild with light filters and sometimes the regular filters. You can also use the golden harvest mild by itself with light filters. The golden harvest has no additives and is a pretty good blend
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Re: Factory Made Taste

Posted by easymo on Wednesday, 09-May-2007

I am about to give up on SYO. I have tried a fair variety of tubes, and tobaccos. Many tasted good, from very mild through quite harsh. None of these where a problem. I just cannot seem to find a tobacco brand that does not have something unpleasant in the after taste. They either leave my mouth feeling like I just swallowed a spoonful of molasses. Or like my tunge and throat feels like it was sandpapered. little pin pricks of "burn" in feeling. I don't know, or care much, what they do to packaged smokes to avoid these two effects. But if there is a SYO tobacco that eliminates them I am willing to get use to whatever the smoke taste like.

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Re: Factory Made Taste: Posted by Kizer Sosa on Thursday, 10-May-2007
Try the Sagamore Platinum Gold. Super smooth. Honestly, I can't find a single fault with it... it's almost TOO good, if that's possible.

It's pricey at $30/lb, but even so, it's still way cheaper than premades. They have a couple options for buying smaller quantities (1 oz. and 6 oz), so you can try it out without tossing a bunch of money at the problem.

Go here: [link]

Good luck!
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Re: Factory Made Taste

Posted by Dave L on Thursday, 10-May-2007

The sandpaper feeling/burning on the throat has come up a few times and I've attributed that to folks ending up with stronger smokes than they are used to (stronger tobacco and/or less filtered tubes).

This is the first I've heard of a generalized taste issue, of MYO tobaccos having an unpleasant aftertaste. Personally I find most cheap and/or heavily flavored 'American' blends unpleasant. As a whole, I find MYO tobaccos much more interesting/flavorful and less likely to have unpleasant aftertastes than factory made (e.g. IIRC, Marlboro Lights).

It would help to know what your best and worst experiences have been, tobacco and tubes.

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Re: Factory Made Taste

Posted by easymo on Thursday, 10-May-2007

I would say the closest I have came would be Stokers #2, with a Premier light tube. It is cleaner in aftertaste, although the the "pin pricks" on the tongue are still there. The worst
for me would be the American Spirit stuff, very harsh regardless of tube. Hillside light smoked nice, but the after taste was like a mouth full of syrup. Again which tube did not matter.

FWIW, I started smoking Winstons back in the 60's. Have switched through the years to Vantage, Montclair lights, then Liggett select Lights (this was more to save money. They are not bad, but I preferred the Montclair lights.

I am limiting myself to what is available locally, as opposed to ordering from the Net. I realize this cripples my choices to a very large extent. But, I want to be able to just go get what I need. Plus use the old "squeeze the bag trick to check for freshness.

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Re: Factory Made Taste

Posted by easymo on Thursday, 10-May-2007

By the way. I have no gripe with SYO people that want to find
the perfect smoke. I am just not a connoisseur myself. I just want to smoke something as close to a premium packaged cigarette as I can get, and be done with it. Also I don't want to spend a lot of money on the tobacco.

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Re: Factory Made Taste: Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Thursday, 10-May-2007
Sadly, if you're gonna rely on most local shops, you're not gonna find much in the way of quality tobacco in anything other than pouches. I've been to a few that carry tins of Peter Stokkeby and McClintock, but they're rare for some reason. Most local shops seem happy to offer the cheapest, lower-tier stuff they can get...little wonder most give up on SYO after trying all the dross and wondering "What's the big deal?"

The sad truth is, if you want the good stuff you'll likely be forced to go the online route. It's certainly no big deal to have your goods delivered right to your door instead of wasting time and gas puttering up to to the local shop.
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Re: Factory Made Taste: Posted by Dan S on Saturday, 12-May-2007
Personally I think the MacBaren American Blend tastes alot like a premium packaged cigarette. You might want to try it with the Rizla Cigarette size tubes. I think it would damn close to what your looking for.
DS
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Re: Factory Made Taste

Posted by Dave L on Thursday, 10-May-2007

Stokers and Old Hillside qualify as a cheap and heavily flavored 'American' blends. American Spirit is at the opposite end, the lack of any flavoring/additives makes it a bit harsh (its also pretty potent stuff).

For the most part, you get what you pay for. Compare the cost of even the most expensive tobacco to the cost of factory made smokes. Have you tried Peter Stokkebye (the Danish and Norwegian being the lightest), Bali (the Red would be my pick) or McClintock? I mention those three because they seem to get pretty good distribution in brick and mortar stores. Try pouches/samples of whatever you can get your hands on.

Premier lights are a relatively mild short filtered tube. Light tubes with perforated filters will be lighter. My preference is longer filters/better filtration (smoother smoke IMO). You won't find Ramback/Vera Cruz lights (the shorter filtered Zen, same manufacturer, may be worth a try) and I don't know how well distributed Gizeh Charbon's are.

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Re: Factory Made Taste: Posted by scott johnson on Friday, 11-May-2007
I will also say to try the Bali Shag Golden blend (red pouch or can). I like this in a Rave or Zen tube. Also goes good in the Ramback tubes. Getting it to the exact humidity is a bit tricky and takes a little practice, but I think it's worth it.

I also like Rave Full Flavor in Rave light,Zen light, or Windsail tubes. It's got a factory made taste (to me) and you might like it. It's rather inexpensive also. It is medium strength but you might need a really light tube like a Zig-Zag or Premier.

sj
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Re: Factory Made Taste: Posted by Ralph on Saturday, 12-May-2007
I started smoking Kools. Went to Newports. Those were the early years. My girlfriend got me off menthol (go figure) and tried to get me on Marlboro light. I could never adapt. I went to Vantage and she didn't have a problem with that. We married and smoked those for many years. As the price rose, we eventually went to Basic lights which are big step down from Vantage.

There are plenty of tobaccos out there that smell like manure when you open the bag. All that portends for a bad smoke. I was a big fan of Stokers #2 Light. They stopped selling it here in Michigan. Given your smoking preferences, there is no way you should be buying full strength tobacco. Try a light or ultra-light. Light tubes make a difference as well although not as much as the tobacco itself. I used Supermatic light tubes for a good while and I'm using El Rey light tubes now. The El Rey's aren't all that "light" but I like them. I have gone to Rave Light tobacco which I think has a nice aroma, nice taste and little after taste.

I was watching the History Channel and they had a ciggie episode. 50% of a manufactured ciggy is actually made from a slurry and I think that is the "washed out" effect that you seek. I suspect you will have to set up some sort of lab to create that slurry in order to reproduce that effect. I can't imagine doing it and I don't like the taste of manufactured smokes as much as I used to.

My nephew smokes Camel Lights and that is a pretty good smoke. If all things were equal, would I choose a manufactured ciggy like Camel Lights or a manufactured ciggy like the ones I create today? That's actually a tough call.

I smoked cigars for a while and I must say that tobacco can be extremely nuanced and some of the "meaty" cigars I smoked were some of the best tobacco experiences I've had in my life. That said, stepping out to smoke a cigar in public is problematic at best. Given that I'm back into the 9 to 5 world, I don't think I'll go back to cigars until I retire and only then if I have enough money. A decent cigar is actually an expensive proposition.

Those 70 cent packs of little cigars are brutal IMHO. I'll never jump on that bandwagon.
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Re: Factory Made Taste

Posted by KentC on Thursday, 10-May-2007

Most everyone's tastes are different, but for me the only tubes that don't interfere with the tobacco are the Vera Cruz Nocturnes and Rizla+ DeLuxe (red box). ZigZag has no bleach taste but I can taste the paper. All the other white tubes I've tried have a bleach taste.

I don't taste anything, any flavor, other than menthol on premades.

D&R's Windsail, Ramback, are tasteful but a bit less smooth than my current blend - Rowland Light mixed with McClintock Light, which has good flavor and is not harsh. I've been mentholating that 3:1 mix with the 'seedman' menthol mentioned in another thread.

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Re: Factory Made Taste

Posted by easymo on Thursday, 10-May-2007

I realize that RYO MYO has been a niche market for decades. It has catered to the customers they have had for years. But, with the sky rocketing taxes a lot of people must be looking to use MYO as an alternative to what they are use to in packaged smokes. Maybe I am being naive. But it seems like someone would have said, lets make a SYO that taste like that. The exsistance of this forum, and others that I have seen, clearly points to a market for something like that.

Reading through some of them I keep seeing how ALL the brands, and tube combination "taste just like a Malboro" :). No they don't. I have tried a few of them. I am willing to order off of the net. If the product taste for sure like a packaged smoke. Preferably, a light, since that is where American taste has gone to a large extent.

The funny thing is, I don't even like Malboros. Never did. But I would smoke something that really is like that if I could find it.

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Re: Factory Made Taste: Posted by Smokin n Jokin on Thursday, 10-May-2007
It's expensive, ($32.00 a pound) but try blend #1 or #3 from custom blends.
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Re: Factory Made Taste

Posted by Kizer Sosa on Friday, 11-May-2007

When I got into MYO about 8 months ago, I also was operating on the assumption that I could find a combo that produced a "premade" taste. I found out quickly that it wasn't in the cards.

With all the chemicals and processing that they put into premades, it's impossible to create the same thing at home. To draw a comparison, it's like trying to make your own Big Macs at home... you might come close, but you're never going to exactly match the ones you get at Micky D's.

That said, that's not a bad thing! With a bit of experimentation, I found a 'baccy/tube combo that suits me perfectly, and I wouldn't switch back to premades for anything.

Regarding cost, I'm not sure what a pack of Liggetts go for, but I'm going to guess that it's a budget brand... if that's true, and if cost is the sole factor in your cig experience, then I think you'll have a hard time justifying MYO. No offense, but if you don't mind smoking super-cheap premade crap, there's no point in wasting the time to make-your-own super-cheap crap. At the end of the day, there's little cost benefit, and you're still smoking the same rotten stuff that you could get with a quick trip to the corner gas station.

Reference the recent thread where the guy says he's quitting MYO and going to "little cigars" for less than a buck a pack... Fine, that's cool..no prob... if all you need is a cig stuck in your face and a quick shot of nicotine, there are easier and more convenient avenues than MYO.

If I may make a suggestion, I'd say to set your sights a little higher. Obviously, smoking is a high-risk activity... if you're going to do it, you might as well do it right, and in a way that gives you the most satisfaction.

When I started MYO, I immediately went the cheapo route, and hacked a lung out because of it. Then I tried a few different "premium" MYO tobaccos and hacked the other lung out. But I stayed with it, did my research, experimented, and eventually discovered a tobacco/tube combo that I believe is the best in the world (for me, anyway). True, I pay a bit more for that Platinum Gold stuff, but pack per pack and carton per carton, it's still many hundreds of dollars less than premades over the course of a year...and when I light up, I do it because I ENJOY IT, not because I'm a premade-smoking robot.

And that's what's important... Smoke because you like to smoke, not because you have to. Spend the time to find the price point and the taste that's best suited for YOU, and take it from there.

That's what MYO is all about.

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Re: Factory Made Taste

Posted by easymo on Friday, 11-May-2007

Your "choking up a lung" comment struck a cord. Ever since I started this project I have been doing just that. I have been a smoker for about 45 years so I thought I was immune to such a thing. But, this stuff is BAD. My motivation is very simple. The nicotine Nazis in Texas slapped a additional one dollar a pack tax onto the already high 47 cent tax for a pack of smokes, starting last January. At this point it IS about the money.

I do think you explain it. And I appreciate your honesty. It is clear I am not going to get anything like a store bought cigarette. Smoking is a habit. I have some 45 years of doing something the same way. I feel a little like I have wandered into a cigar smokers forum. I dislike cigars. That doesn't make millions of cigar smokers wrong, and me right. It is just that taste is very subjective. I was simply looking for an alternative to 5 buck a pack smokes. I assumed I would not be the first to do so. I had guessed that someone would say. Oh! brand XXXX is your transition tobacco. Then you can look for something better.

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Re: Factory Made Taste: Posted by mike c on Friday, 11-May-2007
howdy fellow Texan
I am in Dallas...if you don't give up on this, and you happen to be in Dallas and find a good shop..let me know
I have no car.
I coughed and gagged like crazy for months when adjusting (contrary to popular experience among MYO'ers) AND I smoked (pretty sure) MORE (contrary to popular experience) but NOW, I would prefer almost ANY MYO tobacco to premades...all of a sudden I "got it" and noticed the "real tobacco flavor"....now I still smoke too many, but coughing went away....and besides, I'd feel reeel stoopid posting here if I went back to marlboro reds....(30 years for me on those, basically) cheers.
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Re: Factory Made Taste: Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Friday, 11-May-2007
Try using the new higher density/longer length filter tubes, most of which are listed in the tubes section herein. That should help quite a bit. I'd also try McClintock Light in such a tube...it won't taste exactly like any particular premade, but it is mild, smooth and not too overly-flavourful (too much flavour seems to be a jolt to many entering the MYO/SYO arena who are used to the bland, acrid taste of most premades).

Also, just one question...why are you looking for a Marlboro taste-alike if you don't like Marlboro? Instead of replicating a particular taste, try thinking about what it is about a particular cigarette's taste/aroma/sensations/whatever that you find appealing...then try to match as many of those attributes as possible with tobaccos reviewed here and in places like ryomagazine. If those attributes seem to be spread across a number of tobaccos (Marlboros contain various Virginia, burley, & Oriental tobaccos in both natural and reconstituted forms), then try blending those particular baccy's to approximate that experience as close as possible.
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Re: Factory Made Taste: Posted by Kendall Leonard on Friday, 23-Nov-2007
The sandpaper feeling/burning on the throat is from a smoke that is too light. it means you are hitting the smoke too hard and long trying to get a hit you can feel and the hot air is burning your mouth.
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Re: Factory Made Taste: Posted by Kerry on Thursday, 10-May-2007
I also started out trying the limited selection of the local shops and Stokers #2 was one of them.

As I looked for a better tobacco I came across ryomagazine.com and this site. Ryomag had some good info, but this site was and is more dynamic, so I think I learned more here and still do.

I quickly learned that my choices were VERY limited by not ordering either online or via phone from other places.

Long story short, read all you can about the different blends from D&R and make a couple of selections from what you read.

If you can't find a blend (or blends) from D&R that satisfy you, then quit smoking.

My personal blend for quite a while has been equal parts of Ramback, Windsail Platinum and Two-Timer.

I am looking foward to trying their new Ramback Balkan.

Give up on the "cheap" tobaccos and find out why many of us would never go back to a premade smoke.
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Re: Factory Made Taste

Posted by Paul on Saturday, 12-May-2007

Good luck on finding a factory made taste. When we make our own they come out more like custom made smokes. One thing I'll tell anyone I talk to about SYO is, "you won't find a tobacco with a factory made taste". Most importantly, I believe it's an acquired taste. That's good and bad. Bad because it's hard to transition from premades to make your own. But good because the tobacco is better. I think I read here before that many have a hard time in transition, because of the chemical addiction to the added chemicals. I don't hack up as much smoking SYO smokes. Yes when some people mooch smokes I can see a just about to gag look on that first drag. That's why I explain I make my own before I give them one. I tell them to taste the smoke, it's more than a nicotine addiction with better tobacco. Many have replied here with the good advice. Try a better tobacco. I have a friend that buys a cheaper tobacco and I can tell a big difference when I smoke one of his. I often thought that I would like to open a smoke shop that caters to MYO/SYO and offer sample smokes right from the tubs of tobacco and let them smoke it before they buy. Believe me that side by side comparison tests with tobacco, tube, humidity, tobacco density etc.. really works. I've also seen several posts on the costs of MYO/SYO even with an expensive tobacco. Just cheaper than factory made all around. Good luck.

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Re: Factory Made Taste

Posted by easymo on Saturday, 12-May-2007

After thinking about this I think I am the one with a problem. Not the make your own culture. I smoke for two reasons. One is habit. The other is nicotine addiction. Habit is the biggest problem I have in switching. Out of habit, I smoke 3 too 4 cigs and hour. Because of this I rarely ever get to the "jonesen for nicotine" part. These MYO smokes are very satisfying, too satisfying for the habit of smoking constantly as I do. One taste great. But, the build up from smoking these too much comes very quick. Sore throat, hard on lungs, etc. To make the transition, I think I need the weakest thing made in loose tobacco. Then gradually cut down the number of smokes, as I move up to more flavorful tobacco.

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Bingo!!!: Posted by Smokin n Jokin on Saturday, 12-May-2007
That's very perceptive and I think you've hit upon the solution. The problem is I've never seen an ultra light tobacco available in a local smoke shop and there isn't much of it available online either. I searched American Thrust for ultra light samples and didn't find anything I'd be willing to try except for Gambler ultra light. Sagamore has some house blends and number one is supposed to be super ultra light. Blackjack at Lil Browns also has an Ultra light. I ordered samples of all the blends from custom blends once and was quite impressed with a few of them but didn't like the price. I'm going to take a second look at them.
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Re-try

Posted by easymo on Saturday, 12-May-2007

Let me come at this another way. What is the weakest, blandest, hardly any taste, cant possibly make your throat sore, tobacco? If I start with that, I should be able to dial the tube I need in from there.

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Re: Re-try: Posted by mike c on Saturday, 12-May-2007
funny, the one thing I don't know, and I can't explain why, is tobacco...I just have a few things I like and I am happy with those....BUT! I read EVERY POST on this forum, and I think I have a nice answer for you!!!
try the brand spankin' new RAMBACK BALKAN from DnR in NC...
If I were you, I would make use of their toll-free telephone, and try to schedule an "appointment" to speak with Mark Ryan, the owner, and somewhat of a living legend in this field, not to mention a big favorite of a vast majority on this forum.. He can guide you if no-one can....I would bet money (if I had any) that you will enjoy speaking with him to such an extent, you will be charged with newfound entusiasm regarding MYO/SYO and (get a better undertsanding) why staying with it is the correct decision
mc
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Re: Retry

Posted by Dave L on Saturday, 12-May-2007

Its not just the strength of the tobacco, its the quality...and moisture content (Do the tobaccos you've tried crumble when you roll them between your fingers?, dry = harsh). When flavoring is involved, its what tastes good to you. Try some of the suggestions, buy a few pouches and see what happens.

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Re: Retry

Posted by easymo on Saturday, 12-May-2007

Dryness is not a problem. I watched the movie at RYO magazine on moister. I usually start with the stuff to moist to stuff easily, let it dry for a few minutes. When it gets to the point where it springs back when you squeeze it, and still stuffs easily, that is what goes into my smokes.

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Re: Retry

Posted by Warren on Saturday, 12-May-2007

You can make it much more moist (hence smoother) than what can be stuffed by placing several sticks made with semi-moist tobacco into an airtight container with a wet chunk of paper towel, then start trying them out half an hour later, one by one, every 10-15 minutes between the tries, while leaving the rest to continue absorbing the moisture. That way you can find your exact 'sweet spot'.

Some people may be sensitive to some particular additive so a simple variety (e.g. mint in anything, from toothpastes to candies, burns my mouth), from different manufacturers should solve that problem.

Also a chronic bacterial or yeast infection, such as candida [link] , can make your tongue raw, with deep grooves which sting when you smoke almost anything.

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Re: Retry

Posted by easymo on Saturday, 12-May-2007

I'll give that a try, Warren.

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Re: Retry

Posted by Kerry on Saturday, 12-May-2007

All good suggestions, but cheap/low quality tobacco is still cheap/low quality tobacco. I have found that many of them seem to use the same or similar "flavorings" and toppings to "try" and smooth out the fact that they use very low quality tobacco in the first place.

At one time I liked Bugler as my "in a pinch" smoke if I ran out of my usual smoke. It was never as good as my own blend, but was acceptable in a pinch. Now, it has changed (around the same time they introduced Bugler Gold) and to my taste, they (Lane LTD) uses the same cheap "smoothing/flavoring" agent (usually provides a very strong "fruity" smell that doesn't smell like real tobacco at all) to try and cover up the fact that they aren't using good tobacco anymore.

No matter how you hydrate cheap tobacco, it is still cheap tobacco with a lot of additives to smooth it out and will never be a truly good smoke.

Not all SYO/RYO tobacco is lower in additives than premades. I know the smell of whatever this substance is, but I don't know what it is. In any case, when I smell it I stay away because I know the quality of the smoke will be very low and most likely harsh.

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Re: Retry: Posted by Dano on Sunday, 13-May-2007
I tried Bugler Gold because I had run out of tobacco waiting for an order. It smells like some kind of fruit bowl when you open it.

I've smoked a hell of a lot worse, but I won't be finishing the can. I mean, here in the northeast if you go into a smoke shop they have all the same things, Zig Zag, Bugler, Top, McClintock Red & Lite, Long, Gambler, Wildfire etc.. All kinda second tier tobacco's. Taste wise, they are like pre-rolls.

There's a hell of a lot worse than Bugler Gold but it's not something I would want to smoke.
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Re: Retry

Posted by mike c on Sunday, 13-May-2007

unpleasant as the topic/subject is, Warren actually has a very good point here regarding yeast. Most of us have it on our tongue to some extent or other, but if you have poor health habits and do not tend to yourself real well (ME), you are more prone to have more at any given time than what may be considered normal. I myself have had lots of strange skin problems in the past connected to my use of amphetamine, and to this day if I allow myself to become extremely run down, I can still have some problems. When I had my "ultra-nervous breakdown" not too long ago, I got several openings on my tongue. They have JUST NOW cleared up...you think YOU get a burning/stingy tongue???...anyway, I have extremely high pain tolerance and even this wouldn't stop my poor health judgements, etc.....
it could POSSIBLY be yeast oriented...also, sorry but this problem can also be a distant early warning of HIV, so in case you like your sex, and are promiscuous, etc.....get a test if this shows up (this is directed at anyone and everyone, not the originator of this thread)
forgive me
mike

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Re: Retry

Posted by easymo on Sunday, 13-May-2007

I did the re-moisturize test. It did make a noticeable difference. I had made a full carton of smokes out of Midnight special tobacco, light tubes. After a couple of packs it got very harsh. It did not occur to me that not being sealed in cellophane the stuff would dry out. After re-moisturizing the smoke was decidedly milder. This is another factor to worry about I think. I cant walk around with a humidifier in my pocket.

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Re: Retry: Posted by Warren on Sunday, 20-May-2007
> I cant walk around with a humidifier in my pocket.

A small, moist piece of a paper towel placed inside the same cigarette box (I use D&R metal boxes which are large enough) will keep the tobacco moist. Since I smoke mostly at my desk (I work from home), I make only a handfull sticks a time several times a day. A large lunch tray with the whole setup and a closed can of tobacco is always at arms reach from my desk, so it isn't much of a problem to make a fresh little batch when the old one is gone.
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Re: Re-try: Posted by Ralph on Sunday, 20-May-2007
Try a ultra-light version of Rave, Stokers #2 or Blackjack. All pretty mild, many available at the local tobacco shop. If you aren't concerned with cost or prefer internet purchases, try some of the high end stuff. McClintock is both pricey and excellent.
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Re: Factory Made Taste: Posted by Johnny Akins on Friday, 18-May-2007
I had the same problem as you.After trying numerous brands several of which I threw in the trash.I tried D&R vengeur platinum and found it to be just right for my taste.
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Re: Factory Made Taste: Posted by easymo on Wednesday, 22-Aug-2007
Just a follow up. After months of trying different tobaccos (about 30), and tube brands. I finally ended up with Farmers Golden leaf, in a el ray light tube. The funny thing is I almost did not try the FGL due to it's very low cost. I figured any thing that cheap had to be bad. I had just the opposite reaction. I really like the stuff. I have smoke a few packaged smokes since I started smoking this stuff. They really taste bad in comparison. I have read reviews here from people that hate it, but as taste is such a subjective thing it is almost pointless to say this, or that is really good. You just have to smoke your way through a bunch of stuff to find what you like. I am glad I didn't give up on it at any rate.
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Re: Factory Made Taste: Posted by Matt C on Monday, 20-Aug-2012
Me and my wife use the Kentucky Select gold leaf or light and I use the Cherokee mellow or mild blend these are both very cheap we live in North Carolina land of tobacco but we have not had any of the taste or aftertaste issues you are decribing i also use premiere light tubes and smokers palace light king tubes and have had very good smokes so far try these I hope this will help you out good luck and God Bless.
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Re: Factory Made Taste: Posted by S on Monday, 25-Mar-2013
TRY KENTUCKY SELECT
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Newbie with questions

Posted by Steve on Sunday, 18-Mar-2007

Well a state tax increase just pushed me away from premades. I've actaully wanted to try MYO for some time but didn't have the ambition.

I went to a local store and talked to them. They sold me a Supermatic II (good), a box of Premier Light tubes (no opinion), and a pound of Farmer's Gold (um.... well..)

So, I did some looking online and ordered 3.5 oz of Windsail Platinum and I went to another local store and bought a pouch of Gambler.

The Gambler is MUCH better than the Farmer's Gold, but I have a pound of it and I'll have to use it.

My questions are:

I usually smoked Marlboro Lights. I'm hoping to find something either similar or better. Any recommendations?

Ordering tobacco online in bulk - is there any legal issues I should be concerned about?

Thank you.

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Re: Newbie with questions

Posted by Mike T. on Sunday, 18-Mar-2007

A friend of mine who smokes Marlboro Lights loves Midnight Special in light tubes. There are many tobaccos out there which are better that Marlboros. I would recommend Lookout, Stokkebyes, Bali Shag, D&R, and Top Wildfire. Toss the Farmer's Gold. Pick up a few different cartons of tubes to find the one you like best. As far as ordering online goes, I have ordered from Lil Brown Smoke Shack with no problems so far. It seems many states are raising their cigarette taxes. I was surprised when the voters here in California voted down a $2.60 tax increase, which added to the current, and federal taxes would have lead to $3.86 a pack.

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Re: Newbie with questions

Posted by Kerry on Sunday, 18-Mar-2007

Are you saying that a pack currently costs about $1.26 in California?

(3.86 - 2.6 = 1.26)

If so, WOW! I would have thought the price was already much higher!

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Re: Newbie with questions

Posted by Mike T. on Sunday, 18-Mar-2007

A pack here cost about $3.25; the tax on a pack is $1.26 ($0.87 state, and $0.39 Federal). I buy cartons of camels for my brother (he lost his I.D.) for $29.99.

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Re: Newbie with questions

Posted by Kerry on Sunday, 18-Mar-2007

OK, my bad. Sounds like the price/taxes there is consistent with the price/taxes here in the south.

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Re: Newbie with questions

Posted by NJDrew on Monday, 19-Mar-2007

Wow, $3.25 isn’t bad compared to NJ where they are averaging $5.80. NY they are at about $8.00 a pack last I heard. It’s so bad up there that cops are now cracking down on Cigarette Runners. No you heard me right, cigarette runners, guys who buy in bulk in VA, illegally transport up to NY and sell them. Tell me that’s not crazy.

On Topic: I would try that Windsail in your light tubes and in regular tubes like elrays. That would be pretty close to Marlboro lights imo.

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Re: Newbie with questions

Posted by Mike T. on Monday, 19-Mar-2007

$8.00 a pack! Is that a typo, or is it really $8.00 a pack in New York? I can’t imagine anyone actually buying an $8.00 pack of cigarettes. While the cost of cigarettes may seem low in California you must keep in mind that nobody here smokes. A good majority of people here have nothing against smoking. Many non-smokers also hate those anti-smoking zealots, and don't want to see taxes raise.

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Price Per Pac

Posted by Dano on Tuesday, 20-Mar-2007

$8.00 a pac is in New York City.
Billionaire Mayor Bloomberg has 'Decreed' that smoking is bad and Illegal Immigrants are good!. He's also decreed that you cannot eat Trans Fats because they are bad for you while his Health Department gives out passing grades to restaurants that have rats dancing on the tables! (See the NY Post, Daily News for actual pictures of rats dancing on the tables in NYC restaurants)

In most of NY State the price of a pack of cigs is about $4.50 to $5.00 at a 7 - 11 etc.. If you go to a bar or anywhere else with a cig machine it could be up to $10 a pac. (or more!)

The problem with Bloomberg is that he's a billionaire. His Mantra is.. 'I have a Billion Dollars, I Know and You Don't!'

Fortunately this big ego hasn't figured out RYO Tobacco yet!

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Re: Price Per Pac

Posted by Mike T. on Friday, 11-May-2007

I can understand a reasonable tax on cigarettes but when they cost $8.00 a pack that is way too much. if one were to smoke 1 pack a day at $8.00 a pack this would add up to almost $3000 a year. Smoking 20 RYO smokes at the cost of $1.00 a pack adds up to $365 a year. If the government is going to take this money the least they could do is help smokers quit instead of blowing the money on ads that vilify smokers. I doubt many smokers choose to quit smoking due to the fact that a billboard told them to.

The military used to give cigarettes to American troops. It makes me sick that some veteran smokers living NYC have to pay a tax on cigarettes which the government got them addicted to.

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Re: Price Per Pac

Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Friday, 11-May-2007

Smokers most certainly get unequal representattion when it comes to tax dollars taken from us vs. what we get in return. Maybe it's time for another Boston Tea Party....

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Re: Price Per Pac

Posted by Warren on Saturday, 12-May-2007

>... time for another Boston Tea Party...

There is a fledgling true smokers movement of which you will hear more in the near future [link] . As luck would have it, its epicenter is in Lexington MA [link] .

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Re: Price Per Pac: Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Saturday, 12-May-2007
Hopefully they'll succeed; if they can acknowledge and get people to understand that anti-smoking forces are not only anti-American (in the fact that they wish to trample individual rights and deny/nullify the concept of property rights) but intellectually bankrupt as well, the movement would make some politicos sweat profusely. :-)
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Re: Price Per Pac

Posted by scott johnson on Friday, 11-May-2007

I used to smoke 3 packs/day at $3.50/pk. $4062/year. That's actually more than I pay now for new car payment!!!

Now I spend $0.60 to $2 per day depending on what brand of tobacco I'm using and I can't smoke much at work.

sj

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Re: Price Per Pac: Posted by Paul on Saturday, 12-May-2007
That's why we make our own and save a buck here and there. ;)
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Re: Newbie with questions: Posted by David Hanlin on Saturday, 24-Sep-2011
$8.00 per pack, we should be so lucky - here in England its just about £7.00 a pack - about $10.83!!!!

Thats why I have ordered my first lot of ryos. I've gone for a pack of D&R Venguer and a pack of D&R Windsail as I heard that that is the best mix for a marlboro red. Just hope it gets delivered at the price I've been given without any more taxes to pay when it arrives.

Anuone know what % of each is best to get the red flavour?
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Re: Newbie with questions

Posted by Smokin n Jokin on Sunday, 18-Mar-2007

I have a friend that used to smoke Marlboro lights. I've given her just about everything to try and she likes D&R's vengeur light in a Gizeh charbon (charcoal) tube. 7 Valleys custom blends has three blends that are almost exactly like a Marlboro light but they are prohibitively expensive. As far as taxes go bulk tobacco is federal tax class J. You are responsible for paying any state tax. I live in Arizona and the state tax on bulk tobacco is about $1.00 a pound. I called the department of revenue and told them I had purchased some online and wanted to pay the tax, they had no idea as to how I would go about doing that.

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Re: Newbie with questions: Posted by Dano on Tuesday, 27-Mar-2007
Some advice. Recently in the state of NY, there was a big to do about cracking down on people that had ordered on-line cigs. and didn't pay the tax. It was the subject of several months worth of news articles. The gist of it all was, Pay Up or Else!

Well, at the end of the day, NY decided it was a futile effort regardless of what records they held about consumers purchases.

My advice to you would be, order your cigs/tobacco, be happy about it and DON'T be calling up the State! Just enjoy it man :)

The people in Boston didn't call up King George! They just threw it in the bay!

Stay Frosty!
Dano
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Re: Newbie with questions: Posted by Robert Dixon on Thursday, 22-Apr-2021
Golden harvest in blue bag and golden harvest filters in blue box tast just like Marlboro lights,smoked for 47 years ,little light at first after a couple days can't tell the difference,swear,
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Re: Newbie with questions

Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Monday, 19-Mar-2007

Unless your state has some peculiar "extra" tax on bulk tobacco (apparently Arizona does according to SnJ, but I've heard of no others...still, you can always check just to make sure), all you should ever have to worry about is your state's sales tax. Few online retailers bother with sales taxes unless you're ordering from the same location their business is in. It's conceivable that someday the state revenue department might ask you for the sales tax you didn't pay, but it would be the same if you were ordering from Amazon.com or whatever.

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Re: Newbie with questions

Posted by Dave L on Monday, 19-Mar-2007

Most states (2 exceptions) have an excise tax on bulk tobacco. I'll take my old post (with two tax rate sources, 1 (pdf, more complete) and 2) on this a step further. My state taxes bulk tobacco at 75%. If I buy tobacco from D&R (where the tax is 3%) my state gets nothing. If I buy D&R tobacco from a local retailer it would cost me a whole lot more because the business that brings it into the state has to pay a 75% tax on what the tobacco cost them. Unlike a pack of cigarettes, its a business tax, not a consumer tax. INAL but I don't see how consumers could be held responsible for a business tax. [edited]

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Re: Newbie with questions: Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Monday, 19-Mar-2007
That's what I was thinking...if a state *does* charge a tax on bulk tobacco, it would seem likely to be collected through the retailer (and recouped by them via the price they charge the customer). I'm not aware of any state that charges the customer *directly* for such a tax, which was what I was getting at. Any retailers doing business out-of-their-state would likely be responsible for collecting that "tax" and sending it to the appropriate state. From what I know about internet sales and tax collection, if a business, say, in NJ sells goods over the Internet, they are responsible to collect the NJ taxes. If that business also has a branch or outlet in California, they are responsible to collect tax for NJ and California.

However, statism and the bizarre collection of tax laws being what they are today, there's no easy way of telling what the implications may actually be for the consumer; any business accountants specialising in cross-stste internet sales out there? :-)
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Re: Newbie with questions: Posted by ghost mc on Monday, 19-Mar-2007
I just got a surprise call from Mark at DnR, whereupon I once again raised the question of possible future tax problems. The current consensus is that it pertains to mail-ordering pre-mades, as opposed to RYO tobacco, etc.
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Re: Newbie with questions: Posted by todd on Monday, 19-Mar-2007
Have you tried BlackJack, I normally smoke Midnight Special. I recently bought some blackjack 'natural', it is smooth and not as harsh. I too smoked Marlboro Lights, and Blackjack Natural is by far the most simular in taste.
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Re: Newbie with questions: Posted by Dano on Tuesday, 20-Mar-2007
The transition is always the hardest part, you just don't know what tobacco to buy that you'll like

I used to smoke Marlboro's and at the start found that the tobacco called 61 tasted pretty much like a Marlboro. A month later after trying other brands I found out it tasted like crap :)

My wife used to smoke Marlboro Lites, she's partial to the McClintock Lite in a Zig Zag Lite Tube.

I smoke McClintock Virginia but I like the Windsail Platinum especially if you throw some of the SJ Perique in with it. Now that's a tasty smoke.
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Re: Newbie with questions: Posted by Steve on Wednesday, 21-Mar-2007
Thanks to all your advice on both subjects. I too could not find any concrete information on paying due taxes on mail order bulk tobacco.

As far as what tobacco, I have decided, as I suspect many do, to just keep trying and not settling in on any one brand.

The scary thing is I'm five days into this bag of Farmer's Gold and now it isn't too bad. I know what it was like the first day, it's gotta be low on the ladder. Just waiting for my Windsail to arrive. :)
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lucky strike

Posted by neil fredrickson on Thursday, 15-Feb-2007

hey anyone wanna help blend me a lucky strike taste-a-like? i'm new to this business and purchased some ramback gold and two-timer gold immediately producing a perfect blend without paying any attention. since i've tried 40/60 and 50/50 combinations with no luck. any suggestions?

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Re: lucky strike

Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Thursday, 15-Feb-2007

Actually, I thought the Two Timer kinda worked alone. I've also tried blending Windsail Platinum 30%, and Ramback 10% to 60% Two Timer, and liked it. Mike

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Re: lucky strike: Posted by neil on Thursday, 15-Feb-2007
thanks i'll play around with those
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Re: lucky strike

Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Thursday, 15-Feb-2007

Check out this information at RYO Magazine! Doug's recipe for Lucky Strike is as close as it gets I think. Mike
[link]

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Re: lucky strike

Posted by neil fredrickson on Thursday, 15-Feb-2007

you know i've been linked to that page before and i can never find the blend! i know he mentions that two-timer gold tastes better than a real old lucky strike (before the thirties), but how does one blend the equivalent of a lucky strike (i understand in the thirties lucky started blending some turkish tobacco with the burley as well as virginian)? am i skipping that portion of the article?

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Re: lucky strike: Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Friday, 16-Feb-2007
Actually, I think I was thinking about my recipe of 60% Two Timer, 30% Windsail Platinum, and 10% Ramback. I've also used Ramback Gold 40%--60% TT. Mike
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Winston Lights 100's

Posted by DavidK on Tuesday, 05-Dec-2006

I have been SYO for about 3 or 4 months now and have been looking for a tobacco similar to Winston Lights 100s. So far everything that I have tried (all light tobaccos) is too strong for my taste. About a month and a half ago I found a site that had different blends that they sold compared to factory brands and one was comparable to Winston Lights. I intended to order when my current tobacco supply was gone. However, I lost the link in my favorites due to computer problems and can not seem to find the site again. Does anyone have any suggestions for tobacco and tubes that will give me a lighter smoke similar to the Winston Lights 100s? Thanks.

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Re: Winston Lights 100's

Posted by scott johnson on Tuesday, 05-Dec-2006

was it from the custom blends site?

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Re: Winston Lights 100's: Posted by DavidK on Sunday, 10-Dec-2006
No, it was just another site the sells SYO supplies. Sorry to take so long replying. I have been out of town and going again tomorrow. Thanks.
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New to SYO, need some help

Posted by NJDrew on Monday, 16-Oct-2006

Hi, I’m as new as you get to SYO as I’m getting ready to place my first order. I’m the kind of person who likes to do the research first, but the more I read about the many types of tobacco the less informed I feel. I currently smoke Marlboro reds. I would also not like to spend more than $20 lb. What would you recommend?

Other than the tobacco I think im pretty set. I’m planning on getting Vera Cruz tubes and a Supermatic II machine.

Thank you for any help you can give. Drew

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Re: New to SYO, need some help

Posted by scott johnson on Monday, 16-Oct-2006

keep in mind that the vera cruz tube use a 20mm filter and you may have to shorten the spoon on the supermatic. I have both the old red supermatic and the new blue Excel. I actually prefer the excel with the VC tubes (or Ramback tubes), after shortening the spoon 2.5 mm.

for tobacco: D&R's Vengeur and Rowland are both nice tobaccos for someone coming over from premades. I also like their Penhooker, Two Timer, and Cockstrong for my daily smoke blends. Windsail Platinum is good if you mix with equal parts two timer and ramback.

Golden Harvest I have also smoked and enjoyed when I first started MYO. Gambler I thought was nasty.

After you get started, you might want to try some of the other brands out there like Peter Stokbey's blends and McClintock.

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Re: New to SYO, need some help

Posted by NJDrew on Tuesday, 17-Oct-2006

Scott, Thank you for the quick reply. After looking into what you said, I decided to take your advice and order the D&R Vangeur and the Excel machine instead of the supermatic II. I’m just waiting for my stuff to arrive now. It’s a shame; around here we have a couple of tobacco shops, but none of them self SYO/MYO items.

One more question if you don’t mind, I read on D&Rs site 14oz typically makes 2 cartons worth of cigarettes. Do you find that to be true?

Thank you for your help, Drew.

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Re: New to SYO, need some help: Posted by scott johnson on Tuesday, 17-Oct-2006
Yeah, 14oz works out close to 2 cartons. Using tubes with a longer filter element(Vera Cruz, Ramback)will yield a few extra cigs from a pouch. Results may vary depending on how moist/dry the tobacco is and how tight you pack the tubes..
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Re: New to SYO, need some help: Posted by Kev on Tuesday, 17-Oct-2006
My daily smoke is Cockstrong with Gizeh tubes. I would consider it a good match strength-wise to the old Reds you smoked. Plus the charcoal Gizeh tubes take the bite out of Cockstrong. Two Timer would be a good match too in my opinion. I find I get closer to 2.5 cartons out of a 14oz bag with the shorter tubes (non-100s).
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Re: New to SYO, need some help

Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Wednesday, 18-Oct-2006

Scott is correct...I typically use about 1 gram of tobacco per stick, which should yield 396 smokes per bag--a hair under 2 full cartons. In actual practice, I get about 380 +/- a couple, depending upon the amount of shake and dust in the bag. I did get only 345 smokes from a particularly powdery bag of tobacco once. D&R sent me a freebie on my next order by way of apology. They are truly classy folks....

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Re: New to SYO, need some help

Posted by NJDrew on Thursday, 19-Oct-2006

Well I got all my stuff in and I made a few. I first made the mistake of packing them too loose. They burned real quick and left a raw paper burn feeling on the back of my throat. So I scrapped those and re-stuffed new ones which are much better, but may be packed to tight as they are hard to smoke. I guess its all practice and patience. All in all, I’m very happy with what I have. You can definitely taste a difference. I smoked a red after one of my new ones and I could taste the chemicals. Tasted like bleach almost. Anyway, thank you all for your help, you can bet I will be sticking with MYO from now on. :)

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Re: New to SYO, need some help

Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Thursday, 19-Oct-2006

The important thing is not to give up right away. You'll make a couple packs or four of substandard sticks--we all did--but once you settle in on a particular tube and tobacco combo, you'll get the feel for things and be able to stuff a perfect smoke with your eyes closed. Watch the humidity and tobacco moisture content and you're all set. Cheers!

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Re: New to SYO, need some help

Posted by NJDrew on Friday, 20-Oct-2006

Yea, The storage is something I have been looking into. A friend who rolls her own, recommended putting the tobacco and finished cigarettes in the fridge which I might try. I've also been looking into Humidors, but cant seem to find any that suit my particular needs. I may have my brother make me one as he is quite good with woodworking. For the time being I have my tobacco in the original D&R re-seal-able bag with a hydrometer in it. It seems to be sitting around 70 which I know is the high end of the recommended limits. I may just need to move it to another room for storage.

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Re: New to SYO, need some help

Posted by Matt on Monday, 23-Oct-2006

Just for good measure you may want to put the D&R bags inside of a Zip-Lok freezer bag, just don't use the kind with the plastic doo-dad because they don't seal very well. They keep forever that way.

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Re: New to SYO, need some help: Posted by NJDrew on Tuesday, 24-Oct-2006
Yea, thats probably a good idea. I have a hygrometer in the bag and it seems to stay steady, but its only an analog one, so I dont know how true that is. I spoke with my brother and the wheels are turning on the humidor. I just need to see if our local wood guy caries rough of spanish cedar. We are looking to have it built in the next two weeks or so.
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Switching from factory smokes-

Posted by James on Tuesday, 12-Sep-2006

I've this year switched from factory smokes, and I've been handrolling for about four months now- but the potency started getting to me, and I started buying packs again.

This week, I went out on a limb and purchased a MYO kit from D&R, with satisfactory results, but I'm looking to more closely replicate the style and flavor of my old brand, Camel wides. I don't know its dimensions, so I'm not sure what tubes to get to achieve the width I'm looking for, and with all the varieties of packaged loose tobacco, I could spend hundreds trying to get the blend of smooth flavor, with that good bite I'm accustomed to.

I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for similar tubes, and tobaccos to purchase/blend to emulate or surpass my old favorite.

Thanks!
James.

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Re: Switching from factory smokes-: Posted by Jderringer on Tuesday, 12-Sep-2006
You are close on size, anyway. Standard tubes are right in between regular factory smokes and camel wides in width. Try a variety bundle from D&R. They are sure to have something that you like and are just plain simple to deal with. I also like rizzla tubes. I have found them to be very neutral in flavor.
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Re: Switching from factory smokes-: Posted by Dave L on Wednesday, 13-Sep-2006
I moved the thread here. There are a number of Camel threads below that might help. Standard tubes are as close as you will get diameter-wise... I don't know if it applies but D&R is the only place I know of that stocks 'regular' length tubes (shorter than king).
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SYO tobacco/Premier tubes

Posted by Jay on Tuesday, 22-Aug-2006

I'd say SYO menthol tobacco used with Premier Menthol tubes are MYO menthols that taste similar to Benson & Hedges Menthols.

I can't pick the premade brand that is similar to the regular SYO tobacco used with Premier regular tubes. This type of MYO tastes a lot better than any regular premade I have ever smoked (Reds, Winston Lights, Winston FF's)

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Re: SYO tobacco/Premier tubes: Posted by Dave L on Wednesday, 23-Aug-2006
Yikes. You're talking about stuffyourown.com's house blend, right? Around here SYO is a method of making your own, not a brand.
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D&R Blend Feedback? [Nat Sherman]: Posted by MikeP on Sunday, 26-Feb-2006
Hi. Great web! Taking the MYO/SYO plunge. Going to start with D&R's tobacco products based on reading all of RYOMagazines' reviews.Does anyone know the likely blend proportions for Nat Sherman's Cigarettello brand? Nothing on the natsherman.com site other than it's a 'popular American Blend'. Is it like D&R's Vengeur Gold(predominately Virginia)? Or like D&R's Two-Timer Gold (predominately burley)? Does it have any Turkish (e.g. Ramback)?Without any other info, it looks like my best bet to try to recreate the Cigarettello taste is pick up Windsail Platinum, Two-Timer and Ramback and experiment with blends. Any suggestions? Thanks again for a great web site!!!
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Pal Mall replacement smoke?

Posted by Paul on Tuesday, 18-Oct-2005

Hello out there. I would like to get an injector set up for my father-in-law. He smokes Pal Mall and has been for over 40 years. He's retired now and has some time to spend on this. Does anyone have any suggestions about machine, tube and tobacco selections? I think he will understand that it will be hard to make a smoke that smokes like a Pal Mall but I think he may enjoy the hobby and supplement his Pal Mall purchases. Can we get a little close to the blend? Thanks and looking forward to your suggestions.
Paul

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Re: Pal Mall replacement smoke?

Posted by Zippy on Tuesday, 18-Oct-2005

Can't really tell you what tobacco/filter combo to use, but I would suggest, for the machine, NOT to use a cheap plastic hand stuffer, go with either the excell or the Premier Supermatic.

You will find fans of both machines on this site, along with modifications, maintenance tips, etc.

Do NOT be afraid to ask questions. I have learned a ton about MYO since visiting this and other sites.

Pall Mall is a rather harsh smoke (if I remember right), It should not be hard for your father to find a good substitution.

Good Luck, and keep us informed with the progress

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Re: Pal Mall replacement smoke?

Posted by V.B. on Wednesday, 19-Oct-2005

What are the "other sites" you refer to, Zippy?

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Re: Pal Mall replacement smoke?: Posted by Zippy on Wednesday, 19-Oct-2005
I also frequent smokinglobby.com, although the best MYO info was gotten from this site (by far the best).

Smoking lobby has a Roll your own thread that is also quit helpful, but you have to read through a lot of postings.

This site is much better organized for the MYOer.
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Re: Pal Mall replacement smoke?: Posted by Redrac on Wednesday, 19-Oct-2005
Single stick full flavor to me tastes like pall mall could give it a try. I find it local for ~$10 lb
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Re: Pal Mall replacement smoke?: Posted by Kerry on Wednesday, 19-Oct-2005
One thought finally came to me that the Pall Mall my grandfather smoked (red pack, non-filtered) back in the 1970's (btw, he died of lung cancer... horrible death...) might not be the same as the Pall Mall's of today. Especially if they are filtered!

I don't have any suggestions for a "taste alike" as I haven't smoked any pre-mades in well over a year (tried my brother's Vantage Ultra Lights) and only smoked Pall Mall unfiltered back in the 70's when I swiped one from my grandfather, but I am sure your father in law will find MANY tobaccos to be quite satisfying replacements and much better than Pall Mall.

I will suggest that he take a look at the D&R line. There are cheaper tobaccos out there, but I expect the difference in price between quality tobacco and "cheap" or less expensive tobacco won't be an issue for him. For him, smoking may become a hobby instead of just a habit and addiction.

Good luck to you and your father in law!
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Tobacco and Tube combo? [Marlboro]

Posted by David Wilson on Monday, 19-Sep-2005

Hello, I've had my Premier Supermatic for about a year now.. Looks like I need to get one of Dave's Hopper Tray's huh? I don't mind rolling my own cigarettes not at all.. My problem is finding the right combo of the right tobacco and tubes, I haven't tried but 5 maybe 6 different tobaccos (Stokers #1,#2 and the Premium blend, Gambler, Bugler) and several local house brands and maybe 3 or 4 kind of tubes (Premier, Zig Zag seems to the best so far, El Ray ect).. I have smoked Marlboro Red's for 28 years, I'm not really looking for tobacco that matches Marlboro, but something that's close, or maybe better.. Does anyone have any good suggestions? I haven't gotten into mixing different tobaccos yet, but would be willing if I new what to buy..

.. Thank's David ..

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Re: Tobacco and Tube combo?: Posted by Kev on Tuesday, 20-Sep-2005
If you like Marlboro reds, you'd probably like something similar to D&R's Cockstrong. I keep a tub around for when I really crave a kick. Tubes? My opinion seems to vary over time and depending upon 100's or kings.
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in need of some recommendations

Posted by Tiffany on Sunday, 24-Jul-2005

Hello to all. I'm 21-years-old, and have been smoking since October of 2004. I started out with herbal cigarettes like Ecstacy Reds and Honeyrose De Luxe, and switched to tobacco about two and a half months ago, though I do still occasionally enjoy a herbal cig, especially Honeyrose Vanilla. Anyway, I first tried Quest 3s (bad choice), then American Spirit Lights (which were not that bad) for awhile, and last week, I switched to Winston Lights, which I really enjoy, and I've occasionally tried my grandfather's Ligget Selects. I recently got a Supermatic II (through the death of my grandfather in june), and since I'm such a huge fan of RYO Magazine, I figured I'd get some tobacco and tubes to go along with it. Knowing the brands that I've tried, can anyone recommend some good tobacco and tubes for me? I'm considering McClintock Light and No. 95 Stockholm. I've always
said that when I smoke, it's not for the nicotine, and that still remains true. But I don't want to smoke air either, and I'm not into "smooth" cigarettes. That said, I don't exactly want to feel like I'm on a merry-go-round and about to fall off after I smoke. lol I'm totally blind, and can't use visual stimulations for balance, so I don't think that would be a good idea! Considering all I have said, did I choose the right brands? Should I try something with more of a European or Canadian flavour, or should I stay with these for now? What about sixty-one? I'd like to keep the nicotine low (though I do recognise it's benefits and am a smoker's rights advocate and Forces.org reader). But I want the harshness high because I like to feel the smoke in my throat. So I'm thinking of getting a box of Escort Lights, incase the myo experience is more than I'm used to, and also to see exactly what "smoothness" is, plus another light brand that uses the traditional ventilation. Has anyone here ever tried El Rey Lights? They weren't reviewed on Ryo Magazine, but I saw them online. I'm ordering the one oz samples from ryotobacco. Speaking of which, how many cigarettes can be made with one oz of tobacco? I smoke about four to six per day, so I'm trying to see how long the samples will last me. Thanks in advance. I want not only to cut the cost of smoking, but to enjoy the wonderful tastes and varieties of tobacco as well! Plus which, since there are no additives in myo cigarettes, I'll have more options as to what I'd be willing to smoke!

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Re: in need of some recommendations: Posted by Tim Aydt on Sunday, 24-Jul-2005
Stay away from sixty-1. Go european, zwares and halfzwares. Order some Chas. Fairmorn Dark from RYOT.

Good Luck, enjoy.
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Re: in need of some recommendations

Posted by Warren on Sunday, 24-Jul-2005

1 oz should make about 25-30 cigarettes, depending on how firmly you pack them and on the stick length. I usually get around 1 stick per gram on king size sticks (1 pound = 453 grams, 1 oz = 28 grams). You may want to test the optimal firmness for a given tobacco. Less firm packing makes for a stronger smoke (and more nicotine per given amount of carbon monoxide, thus more bang for a buck).

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Re: in need of some recommendations: Posted by Tiffany on Monday, 25-Jul-2005
Well, as I said, it's not the nicotine I'm after, I'd prefer to keep that on the low side. It's all about the taste and the harshness with me. lol Thanks for the info on the one oz samples. I'm still sticking with them for starters, but it looks like if I did buy a pound of something, it would last me a very very! long time...
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Re: in need of some recommendations

Posted by G on Sunday, 24-Jul-2005

Hi Tiffany.

If avoiding additives in your tobacco is important it will make your choices much easier. Most RYO/MYO tobaccos have them. For example scroll down to the bottom of this page http://www.peterstokkebye.com/cig_manuf.htm to see all the additives used in manufacture of Stokkebye tobaccos.

In general, unless it explicitly states no additives you should assume sugar and various humectants and preservatives are present. American Spirit and D&R have a # of great, tasty, additive-free tobaccos.

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Re: in need of some recommendations

Posted by Tiffany on Monday, 25-Jul-2005

Hmm, I was unaware of this... I'd always read that loose tobacco, for the most part, doesn't have any additives. Do they just have less additives than the store-bought brands? I just feel that I don't need any extra chemicals in my cigarettes than are already naturally present (aside from flavourings etc... from what I've heard, one can't just dry out tobacco and smoke it because that would taste horrible.) So yeah... If I have to go the American Spirit route, I will, but would rather not, as I find their tobacco bland, and they signed the MSA Agreement.

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Re: in need of some recommendations

Posted by Tim Aydt on Monday, 25-Jul-2005

In general, rolling tobacco is absent of the more nasty additives that the cigarette companies add. Loose tobacco still have casings. This is usually a mixture of sugar and other flavorings. From my understanding, the cigarette companies add many other unnecessary things to make their cigarettes stay fresh longer and to make them more addictive.

As a matter of fact, I under went withdrawl when I switched from premades to SYO, so I'm fairly confident that there are other addictive substances in premades that are not found in rolling tobacco. On the other hand, my consumption of cigarette went down and has stayed down, since switching.

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Re: in need of some recommendations

Posted by Ralph on Monday, 25-Jul-2005

I don't believe that for a minute.

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Re: in need of some recommendations

Posted by Tim Aydt on Monday, 25-Jul-2005

Which part?

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Re: in need of some recommendations

Posted by Ralph on Sunday, 14-Aug-2005

The addiction part. I agree that it isn't as severe with SYO but it is still there.

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Re: in need of some recommendations: Posted by Tim Aydt on Tuesday, 16-Aug-2005
I'm not saying that I'm no longer addicted to cigarettes. What I'm trying to say is that there are some addictive substances that are added to premades that are not found in SYO tobacco.

When I switched, I felt the same withdrawl that felt when I quit drinking caffeinated drinks. Two or three days of headaches and nausea.
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Re: in need of some recommendations

Posted by platoslostdialogue on Tuesday, 26-Jul-2005

Its absolutely true. My buddy smokes whatever buy one/get ones he can find, and for a long time that was cowboy killers. Back in the day hed smoke spirits or the occasional camel turkish golds, but since switching for price reasons, he says that he can smoke a whole american spirit and still feel like he needs a cigarette. I've heard that marlboros, in particular, have something in them that makes you only want to smoke marlboros

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Re: in need of some recommendations: Posted by Scott Johnson on Monday, 18-Sep-2006
Ditto on the Marlboros. I used to smoke 3 - 3.5 packs/day. seemed like i couldn't smoke enough to stay satisfied. Now I actually enjoy smoking. After breaking the marlboro habit.
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Re: in need of some recommendations: Posted by Scoot on Wednesday, 24-Aug-2005
I think what you might be looking for is D&R's Vengeuer Platinum. It's additive free and a robust blend. There is an article in the recent ryo magazine (online). Check out their other brands like Three Sails, Windsail Platinum, Two Timer Gold and Ramback Gold. They have one of the largest selection of tubes online. I like Silver Tip, Rizla, and Vera Cruz. Call in your order. Happy tasting and testing.
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Looking For Camel Lights Flavor

Posted by Clark on Sunday, 10-Jul-2005

Hi all,

My wife smokes Camel Lights and I am looking for a tobacco that will come pretty close if possible.

She has tried Windsail Light and Venguer Light so far and though she likes the Venguer Light, she doesn't like it as much as the Camel Lights. I stuffed regular tubes and light tubes with these.

As I smoke non-filters, it is hard for me to judge any of the light tobacco's. Anyone have any light tobacco brands or combination of blends they have come up with that would come close?

One last question... just what are light smokes? Is it a tobacco with less tar and nocotine or is it in the light filter or what?

Thanks,

Clark

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Re: Looking For Camel Lights Flavor: Posted by Kevin on Sunday, 10-Jul-2005
Hi- I've been MYO for about 4 years now but do trade or ask other smokers for his/her brand every now & then to compare to my MYO Danish Export or McClintock-ramback cigs.
My neighbor smokes Camel lights & we trade from time to time & before I Made My Own I thought Camel was Turkish---Now I find after trying MANY RYO tobaccos I find Camels are burley & other tobaccos with a cocoa - chocolate lightly flavored taste.
I see you use D&R tobaccos --- If you want to try mixing a small amount of Ramback wth the Venguer I think you will find a blend that beats the filters off of any pre mades!!! Stockkebye's Turkish Export is not the full treatment as compared to D&R's Ramback which seems very strange AT FIRST UNLESS a person has been MYO for some time-it seems a bit strong at first but after a few you realize its NOT STRONG but rather VERY VERY FLAVOR-FULL; that upon inhaling you barley feel & then you exhale & a party pack of flavor presents its self to you-thats why so many people try it & toss it BECAUSE its not like pre mades! WELL F&$) premades!!! (sorry-kind of!)
IMHO a little Ramback added to any quality RYO tobacco will enhance the blend(I dont do menthol-so I cant talk to that)
Straight Ramback will scare away newbies because they just are not use to quality real tobacco taste, in fact I hated cigars till a friend gave me a QUALITY Artruo Fuente & showed me the fine points of smoking a cigar-Now I also care for a humidor---TRY IT YOU MAY LIKE RAMBACK!
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Re: Looking For Camel Lights Flavor: Posted by Kerry on Monday, 11-Jul-2005
My "favorite" smoke before I started MYO, was Camel lights. Then pre-made cigs got expensive and I found that I could "tolerate" many of the cheaper smokes once I got used to them.

Once I started MYO, I tried a variety of tobaccos. None of them were clones of any pre-made cigarette, but many were actually much, much better.

Of course, you will have to go through the trial and error we all go through, but here is the blend I have made my regular smoke and most folks who have tried it (bummed from me) have liked it. Especially those who normally smoke "light" cigs.

It is simple: equal parts Ramback, Two-Timer and Windsail.

I haven't tried the light variety of Windsail, so I can't say if it will be the same blend if you use it.

As for "light" smokes... Well, since bulk tobacco does not list the tar and nicotine content, I think it has more to do with the perceived strength of the smoke or strength of the "flavor" of the smoke. This may or may not be directly related to the tar and nicotine. Also, in MYO tobacco that is described here as "strong" does not necessarily translate into "harsh". Some cheap tobaccos are harsh (and some more expensive ones), but that does not necessarily mean the tobacco is strong or higher in tar or nicotine.

The other thing is the filter or tube. Light tubes allow more air in to mix with the smoke, thus creating a lighter smoke. However, I have found that at least with some tobaccos a light tube can make the smoke more harsh. Normally I use regular (full strength) tubes, but find the light tubes to be handy at times.

With pre-made cigs, most, if not all, list the tar and nicotine content somewhere even if not on the pack itself. I think this is what they are referring to with pre-made cigs as far a the term "light" goes.

Hope this helps.
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Re: Looking For Camel Lights Flavor: Posted by Bill F. on Monday, 11-Jul-2005
Add a 40 gr pouch of Bali Shag Turkisk Shag to 2 ozs. of Bugler. Place in a Tupperware bowl, mix the tobacco throughly, cover, let sit overnite. Place on a paper plate to dry for 3 hours prior to use. Start cranking away, Most any light tube is good ( I use Premier tubes ). This will yield you about 3 1/2 packs of smokes similar to the Camel light flavor. You will definitely like these better than the Camels. These 2 brands contain very little shake, so you can stuff them pretty tight. If you mixed a few of these in with your wife's Camel lights, the only difference she would notice is the logo on the tube.
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What Camel Lights Wishes to Be: Posted by Alist on Monday, 24-Sep-2007
I have a friend who smokes Camel Lights. I brought my tubes, topomatic and tobaccos to her house. I blended one or two sticks at a time, while gradually adjusting the formula until it fit her tastes. This is what we ended up with;

1/4 Ramback
1/4 Stoker's #2 ultralight
1/2 Sagamore Light

Mix and stuff into a Three Castles mild tube for a 'heavier' light, or in a Zen tube for a light.

My friend liked this blend so much, she finally said she didn't even want to smoke Camel Lights anymore. When she finally did smoke a Camel Light, she said it tasted horrible now that she had gotten used to the above blend. She said this mix is what Camel Light is trying to be.
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Re: Looking For Camel Lights Flavor: Posted by KL on Tuesday, 25-Dec-2007
The 50-50 blend (mix) of D&R's Venguer Platinum and D&R's Ramback Gold will get you very close to Camel light. try it in a full flavor tube or a light tube.
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Marlboro in MYO Format?

Posted by Hey Pocky Way on Monday, 27-Jun-2005

Never was a fan of Marlboro, but there seems to be a lot of people trying to duplicate the taste in a MYO format. Here is something I found on the Internet, but let me first say 1) I don't read or speak German, and 2) I know nothing about these companies. It appears to me that they offer "Marlboro" branded tobacco, tubes ("tobacco sticks"?) and even what looks like a hand-held injector, labeled an "assistant". On the first site click on the "zumshop" link on the left. On the second site, you just have to browse around, but I think I tried the "zigarettenzubehor: link. There I found the same Marlboro plus Pall Mall and Winston in what appears to be a MYO format.
http://www.tabakland.de
http://www.tabak-brucker.de

If anyone is fluent in German, please let the rest of us know exactly what they are offereing here.

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Re: Marlboro in MYO Format?: Posted by jeff on Monday, 27-Jun-2005
i spent a few months in Europe some years ago, Germany and England, and although I never tried "German" Marlboros, the "British" Marlboros were totally different than American Marlboros. Same brand, same box, totally different cigarette. Recently, a friend of mine from the Phillippines offered me one of her Winstons, from the Phillippines. Total garbage and nothing like an American Winston. The closest that I've found in taste to a Marlboro Light are Niagara's Lights that I used to order from cigarettes sent direct dot com. They're really good natural cigarattes for about $1 a pack. Really, the difference between MYO and Niagara's or Native's or Smoking Joe's are pretty neglible. I remember before stumbling onto the revelation of MYO running out of Niagara's and having to buy a pack of Marlboro's here in NYC for like $7 a pack. By comparison, the Niagara's bested the Marlboros for freshness and flavor.
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Re: Marlboro in MYO Format?: Posted by Tim Aydt on Tuesday, 28-Jun-2005
Just yesterday, a friend of mine was telling me, that when he was in Germany, he bought a pack of Marlboro and it turned out to be loose tobacco.
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Comments On MYO Tobacco's From A Non-Filter Smoker [Camel]

Posted by Clark on Thursday, 23-Jun-2005

First of all I would like to thank Dan (and all the others) here on the board and also Doug Kennedy from RYO Magazine for their advice and help. This will be quite long so please bear with me.

To begin with, I have been a Camel non-filter smoker for over 30 years and was looking for some premium flavor that I remember from Camel's past. I purchased a Premier Supermatic (metal) stuffer which is a fascinating machine and well worth the premium cost. I purchased many sample packs of tobacco from American Thrust to try various tobacco's and then ordered some larger amounts of the tobacco's I liked or wanted to try from D&R and Lil Brown. My analysis is based on stuffing Excel non-filter tubes. Below I will list my thoughts on the various tobacco's I tried.

Peter Stokkebye Tobacco's:

1. Bali Shag Golden - I did not like this tobacco very much. The flavor wasn't what I was looking for and it also was very harsh.

2. Amsterdam Shag - This tobacco was not bad but there are many other tobacco's I would buy before this one.

3. Danish Export - This tobacco was just OK and itself was a bit harsh.

4. Bali Regular Halfzware Shag - Again this tobacco was average.

5. Norwegian Shag - This to me was a very good tobacco. It was also very smooth. I would buy a larger amount than the 1 oz sample pack next time.

6. Turkish Export - This is an excellent tobacco. Very smooth with a good flavor. Maybe a bit on the light side. I ended up buying two 10 oz cans after trying the sample pack.

7. McClintock Full Flavor - Very average Tobacco.

8. McClintock Virginia Flavor - Not a bad tobacco. Very neutral flavor which may be good for blending. On it's own I would probably not buy it to smoke straight.

9. Bali Shag Turkish Shag - It was smooth and somewhat flavorful, it was my least favorite of the Turkish Blends I have tried. I would go with the P.S. Turkish Export or D&R's Ramback.

D&R Tobacco's:

1. Ramback Turkish Blend - Very light and very smooth with a nice subtle flavor. An Ok tobacco on it's own. A GREAT tobacco for blending. I bought a 3.5 oz tub.

2. Rowland - So far my least favorite of the D&R line. It seemed a bit harsh and the flavor was not what I was looking for. I would not buy it again.

3. Vengeur Medium - This was a tobacco I really did like. I am not sure of the designation "Medium" as I could not find that on the D&R site. It had a good flavor and was relatively smooth. I would like to try a 3.5 oz tub of this blend.

4. Two Timer - This is one of the favorite tobacco's I tried. Rich flavor. A very very good tobacco on it's own, it is almost a must for blending. I bought a 3.5 oz. tub and will buy a larger bag next order.

5. Three Sails - A very good tobacco on it's own. Also an excellent base for blending premium flavor smokes. I bought a 14 oz. bag of this after trying a 3.5 oz tub.

6. Cockstrong - This wasn't a bad smoke on it's own although to me the flavor was blunted and not nearly as rich as I had hoped. I would probably not buy this again unless it turns out as a good blend in with another tobacco in the future. I bought a 3.5 oz tub.

7. Wingate - This is a menthol blend (I like Kools) which I like every once in a while for variation. I bought some El Rey menthol tubes and some Vera Cruz tubes (which I also try once in a while when in the mood for a regular smoke in a filter. This to me is very acceptable menthol tobacco either in a menthol tube or a regular. I bought a 3.5 oz. tub. I would buy it again.

Samson Tobacco's:

1. Samson Halfzware Shag - This was not a bad tobacco although there are many others I would buy before this one.

Top Tobacco:

I had smoked this in the past and had a can I rehydrated and tried stuffing. The age may have had somthing to do with it so don't take this to the bank, but oh man was it a bad smoke and now realize why I gave up rolling my own in the past. I even rolled some into a filtered tube and the amount of tar/nicotine? that collected in the filter you could have paved a road with. No comparison to the quality tobacco's I listed above.

Now to the blending results:

Along with Dan on this site I got some help from Doug Kennedy in regards to blending flavors similar to the Camel non-filter flavor I was seeking. I have numerous variations I made in small quantities which were OK that I will not list here but will share some of my favorites that I did mix.

1. D.Kennedy Blend: 50% Three Sails; 30% Two Timer; 20% Ramback

This is a very rich satisfying blend that reminded me of Camel's better days. I could make this a permanent blend for my smoking needs.

2. Here is a blend I mixed up myself: 50% P.S Turkish Export; 50% D&R Two Timer. So far this is my favorite taste to date.

=======================

I plan on buying 3.5oz tubs to try different tobacco's whenever I order the larger quantities of what I know I like. Maybe someone here could help me out a bit. I am looking for a very sweet (sugar treated?) or possibly sweet aromatic to use "very" sparingly in a blend with the above mixes. Any suggestions anyone?

I hope this has helped anyone curious about the non-filter smokers and what their likes may be. Anyone else have any good blends for non-filters or questions? Here is a suggestion to the tube makers... try making a liquorish flavor non-filter tube. It may be awsome. I will have to get a pack and roll some in my old machine.

Clark

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Re: Comments On MYO Tobacco's From A Non-Filter Smoker

Posted by James on Wednesday, 29-Jun-2005

I've found windsail platnium from D&R to be very "sweet", not sure if it's sugar treated or not. A 14oz bag came as a bonus on my last order and I've been enjoying it. It does not blend well with Ramback though. I just mentioned this because I have similar tastes to yours based on your post.

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Thanks James: Posted by Clark on Monday, 04-Jul-2005
I have never tried the Windsail Platinum before. Any place you know of sell small packages (1 oz) of this? Don't at this time want to buy a 3.5 oz tub.

I had tried the Windsail Light in the past. I was looking for a tobacco close to the Camel Lights, my wife is a Camel Lights filter smoker, and bought a 3.5 oz tub. The W.S. Light was a very light flavored tobacco which she didn't seem to care for very much. I ended up getting her some Venguer Light to try.

Also I can now comment on Two Timer Gold. I was mistakenly sent the "Gold" by D&R when I ordered a package of Two Timer. After letting them know the situation they advised me to keep the "Gold" and they would send me out the regular Two Timer. This says to me that D&R not only has great products, but is a high quality company to work with.

The Two Timer Gold contains the toasted burley plus a flue-cured golden leaf tobacco. It is pretty smooth and not a bad smoke on it's own but definately not the Two Timer regular quality taste. I have yet to try it in a blend so will have to wait and see how that goes.

Since we both were treated so well by D&R maybe we could swap an ounce or two of Windsail Platinum for the same of the Two Timer Gold to give each of us another taste? If you want to let me know.
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Tobacco question [Marlboro]

Posted by rlm on Friday, 17-Jun-2005

I am new to SYO I have been doing this for about 6 weeks and I think it's great as a matter of fact I have been kicking myself for not making my own cigarettes a long time ago. I have been using Midnight Special, Zig Zag and Top. I tried Bugler but did not like it at all. The tubes I have been using are Gambler and Zig Zag. Could someone please recommend a tobacco that is close to a regular Marlboro in taste and strength? Any recommendations will be appreciated. Thanks!

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Re: Tobacco question: Posted by Smok_Daddy on Friday, 17-Jun-2005
Hi,

Give Gambler Full Flavor a try,it tasted somewhat close to a Marlboro Red too me.It seems to have the same kick too it in a full flav' tube also.It is a good quality tobacco...SD, Btw You could give H&R Full Flav' a shot too..
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Camel Non-Filter Taste Blends?

Posted by Clark on Friday, 18-Mar-2005

Hello all,

I have smoked Camel non-filter cigarettes for over 30 years and due to the rising cost of cigarettes want to start rolling my own again. At one time I used to occasionally roll using Top tobacco with a skirt type roller but was unsatisfied with the results and taste for making a permanent change.

Where can I find out how to either blend different tobacco's or buy a rolling tobacco that gives me the same flavor of the NON-filter Camel product.

I have heard the Peter Stokkebye Turkish blend is very close (at least it was advertised this way on a site selling it). I am looking for not only the richness but the smooth non-harsh flavor. I have no problem blending my own if I can get the formula either by weight or volume.

After trying a small sample of this to confirm I like the taste I plan on buying a Premier rolling machine but am reluctant to invest that much money without at least trying the tobacco. The reason for the Priemier other than obvious reasons is I like the small 70 mm size smokes rather than the king size.

Also what can anyone tell me about the differences in tube paper? Do certain brands burn different? What about paper thickness? I have never been impressed with the Top papers of the past as they seemed to heavy of paper. Suggestions?

Other brands I have occasionally smoked in the past were English Ovals, which I liked quite a bit, and the small non-filter Chesterfields which were a good change once in a while before returning to the Camel. I am no fan of the Lucky Strike or Pall Mall non-filter cigarettes though.

I know this has probably been asked before but I am new to the site and I would appreciate the help.

Thanks in advance,

Clark

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Re: Camel Non-Filter Taste Blends?

Posted by Dan on Friday, 18-Mar-2005

Clark,
You will soon find out that many Stuff your own brands are much, much better than Camel. It is natural to want to keep with a similar taste before you branch out and explore a little with some of the fine tobaccos out there. Of course all of the Stokkebye products are great. Also, as far as US domestic brands go...D&R is second to none (http://www.cigarettetobacco.com). I like almost all of the Stokkebye and DR products, but I must admit that I smoke mostly Dutch type Halfzwares lately. Try Rowland or Cockstrong at D&R...and just so you know their turkish (Ramback) will taste nothing like the so called Camel "turkish".

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Thanks Dan For the Info

Posted by Clark on Saturday, 19-Mar-2005

Very informative.

I am assuming that you are a non-filter smoker also and that the tobacco's you mentioned would be a good blend for someone like myself to try.

I am curious as to your comment on the D&R Ramback Turkish tasting nothing like the so called Camel Turkish. What do you mean by this? Stronger, completely different flavor or harsher meaning not somthing I would be looking for at this time in a RYO smoke?

Have you tried the Cockstrong and Rowland and what kind of description could you give me for both? Also what about the Stokkebye Turkish blend if you have any information. What are the Dutch Halzwares tobacco's that you like good points? Who is this sold by?

I know Camel has changed flavor over the last 30 years or so for the worse. To me it doesn't seem as rich and more flat than it tasted maybe two + decades ago.

I guess I am nearly ready to by some samples.

Again thanks for all the good info,

Clark

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Re: Camel Non-Filter Taste Blends?: Posted by Dave L on Saturday, 19-Mar-2005
My guess is that you will like the Ramback. I like milder smokes and prefer the Bali and Export Turkish blends. Halfzwares have a strength/richness that's seldom found in premades. There's a lot of good choices. I currently enjoy an occasional Gauloises and Mac Baren. Buying samples and pouches is an ongoing adventure. Browse the Brands section and try stuff that sounds interesting.
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Re: Thanks Dan For the Info: Posted by MAJ on Saturday, 19-Mar-2005
Dan is right on the quality of tobacco being MUCH better than what you are used to in packaged cigarettes. I have recently discovered the MYO experienced and did not have a clue as to which tobacco that I might prefer. I would suggest that you check out the tobacco samples at American Thrust Tobacco, http://americanryo.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv
They sell 1 oz. packages of different tobaccos for $1.00 a piece. This is an excellent way to find a tobacco that you might enjoy.
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Re: Thanks Dan For the Info: Posted by Kerry on Saturday, 19-Mar-2005
Clark,

It is really hard to give comparisons to packaged cigarettes for folks like myself who used to smoke them, but now ONLY smoke MYO.

I used to smoke Camels, but rarely did I smoke the non-filtered Camels. I liked them, but found that they caused a LOT of congestion in my lungs.

I am continually experimenting with my own blends and have used a fairly wide range of different tobaccos for them. One constant I have found is Ramback. It is very mild, to me, and satisfying all by itself, but is also the staple in all my blends.

If you like Turkish/Oriental taste, this one will be a must for you as well. Go ahead and get a Supermatic and just start experimenting. Once you do, you probably won't go back to the higher prices and lower quality of pre-packaged smokes.

JFYI, my current "blend of the week" is a mix of Ramback, Vengeur, Cockstrong, Two-Timer and Stoker's #2. Strong on the Ramback and varying degrees of the others depending on my tastes at the time. That is part of the charm of MYO for me. I don't have to stick with a particular blend and find that changing mixtures slightly from time to time tweeks my taste buds.
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Re: Thanks Dan For the Info: Posted by Dan on Sunday, 20-Mar-2005
Clark said: "I am assuming that you are a non-filter smoker also and that the tobacco's you mentioned would be a good blend for someone like myself to try".

I smoke both non-filtered and filtered dependent on my mood! This is what is so great about RYO. You have much more choice. I have tried many of the D&R tobacco's and all of the Stokkebye brand tobaccos (plus many more brands!). I would say that starting off with Stokkebye or D&R would be fantastic (as opposed to Farmers Gold or some of the cheap bottom barrel stuff).

Clark said "I am curious as to your comment on the D&R Ramback Turkish tasting nothing like the so called Camel Turkish. What do you mean by this? Stronger, completely different flavor or harsher meaning not something I would be looking for at this time in a RYO smoke?"

The stuff is just so different from anything else I have ever smoked. I guess it is as close to "authentic" turkish as one can get in these parts. Camel is advertised as a "turkish" type blend i beleive but taste nothing like Ramback. I have heard that Camel was once much better during mid-20th century, but the taste has since become more like every other pre-packaged smoke out there.I would Ramback rate it as a good treat, but not an every day smoke for my taste. But that is just me, I know it has many fans.

Start out with some Cockstrong and maybe PS (Peter Stokkebye) Turkish and let us know what you think! You might also like the PS Danish Export and London Export. I would love to hear what a 30 year camel NF smoker has to say about these blends. Remember, you will likely have to dry out PS tobaccos a little bit prior to stuffing in a supermatic.

Clark said: "What are the Dutch Halzwares tobacco's that you like good points? Who is this sold by?"
Very tasty, fine european tobaccos. See the description on this site links above in another post. Some are made in America like Drum and D&R's Ryback. Others are imports like Jester, Samson, PS Norwegian and Amsterdam, Mynheer and many others. I just like them as they are more suited towards my taste. I would think that most Americans are more into the straight Virginians and Canadian blends...but I don't have anything to back that statement up. I personally just like the halfzware's. They are all different so it is a little difficult to sum up their taste...but they are usually pretty strong and rich.

best,
Dan
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Re: Thanks Dan For the Info: Posted by Dan on Sunday, 20-Mar-2005
PS You can buy non-filtered tubes on Ebay very cheap.

Search item 6163284378 at ebay to save $$.
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English Ovals Anyone?: Posted by Jim on Saturday, 12-Feb-2005
Can anyone suggest a tobac or blend that will give me the taste of an English Oval. It was my favorite as a special treat but now is hard to find, and costs $6 a pack so it is rare that I have any. I use Mc light and Jester to myo now, due to learning on this site. It is nice to read reviews and not have to spend a fortune trying everything and wasting what you don't like. Any help would be greatly appreciated. "Let's Roll!"
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Tobacco similiar to Marlboro medium,Old Gold or Lucky Strikes

Posted by Ray on Tuesday, 04-Jan-2005

Does anyone have a recommendation for Tobacco to mimic any of these brands?

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Re: Tobacco similiar to Marlboro medium,Old Gold or Lucky Strikes: Posted by Kurt Wall on Tuesday, 04-Jan-2005
I wouldn't have the faintest idea how to. Candidly, I don't think I'd want to, anyway. What I've learned recently is that the taste of the pre-mades is utterly ruined by all the "expanded" tobacco and reconstituted tobacco that goes into them. Moreover, the cheaper grade of tobacco that goes into them, combined with how stale they are, just makes for a lousy-tasting cigarette.

You might be better off reading all the reviews of tobaccos here and then trying out those that might appeal. I can pretty much guarantee that you'll find something you like much better than Marlboro, Old Gold, or Lucky Strikes.

I have to admit, though, that I've got a soft spot for Lucky Strikes (and Chesterfield) for purely sentimental reasons.

Kurt
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Re: Tobacco similiar to Marlboro medium,Old Gold or Lucky Strikes

Posted by Jennifer S on Saturday, 22-Jan-2005

Try Six Sixty (I think that is the name) and regular tubes.
I thought it was harsh, but then I always smoked light and ultra light cigs before making my own.
I agree with the other posting, tho .... once you get used to your own, you won't like the manufactured ones.
(I have often wondered if there weren't additives in the manufactured cigs that are not in RYO tobacco)

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Re: Tobacco similiar to Marlboro medium,Old Gol

Posted by Dano on Wednesday, 12-Dec-2007

I think it's called Sixty One (61).

Review of 61 Here:
[link]

When I first moved to MYO I too asked what tastes like Marlboro's. This was pretty damn close. In retrospect I agree with you that it is indeed 'pretty harsh' :), although at the time being a novice it seemed to be a good substitute price / taste wise. I didn't smoke it for very long, but it is cheap and kinda close to a Marlboro Red in taste.

Others here have mentioned Venguer from D&R. When I first tried it I recall saying to myself, this tastes like an American Smoke. Although not my style I thought it was pretty good and would be much better for someone doing the Marlboro / MYO transition. It's a lot more refined than 61 for sure :)

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Re: Tobacco similiar to Marlboro medium,Old Gol

Posted by mike c on Wednesday, 12-Dec-2007

forgive another from me, but must definitely agree here
all I ever wanted was to substitute my 30-year Marlboro red habit, and Vengeur was where I ended up
of course, for any new bees reading this, make sure you know that after you get used to MYO, it surpasses the premades and you don't really truly do those kind of comparisons any longer, howvever (eyeroll, the spellcheck didn't catch this) that is the foundation of why I like Vengeur or whatever else I'm substituting it with

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Re: Tobacco similiar to Marlboro medium,Old Gol: Posted by Dano on Wednesday, 12-Dec-2007
I couldn't agree more. When I started MYO I was doing a 60 minute round trip to an Indian Reservation to get a carton of Marlboro Reds for $35 a carton. (You could get the gag import version for $28) I said there MUST be a better way because $35 bucks is just too much! :)

Hence the whole what tastes like Marlboro saga, endless trips to smoke shops, experimentation with tubes, machines yada yada yada :)

I think unless novices have access to sites like this and MYO Mag they are going to go through a lot of pain before they come to the realization that they don't want something that tastes like a Marlboro because MYO is essentially about less expensive better tasting tobacco :)

And to be honest the novice is better off on this site because the MYO site, (imho) is vendor biased.
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Re: Tobacco similiar to Marlboro medium,Old Gol

Posted by Dano on Wednesday, 12-Dec-2007

I do think I meant to say Venguer Lite in the previous post. Although I don't think it is a 'lite' smoke like a Marlboro Lite. I think someone who smoked Marlboro Red would probably like it.

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Re: Tobacco similiar to Marlboro medium,Old Gol: Posted by mike c on Wednesday, 12-Dec-2007
secret: the whole "lite" thing was a mind-control sham (in the premade world it was filter holes and nasticide additives you wouldn't give to anything other than visiting cockroaches)
the good news: it's now an artform, thanks in no small part to
take a guess_____________
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Re: Tobacco similiar to Marlboro medium,Old Gol

Posted by KL on Wednesday, 12-Dec-2007

Lucky Strikes = D&R Two timer tobacco with a Full Flavor (FF) Tube.
Marlboro = D&R Vengeur Full Flavor tobacco with Rizla FF Tube or just about any FF (full flavor) tube really.
Marlboro medium = D&R Vengeur FF tobacco with a light tube.

You might think Vengeur light tobacco is tastier. (sweeter and nuttier).
or just call or google "D&R tobacco" for the number, they can help you with this and they love to do it.

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Re: Tobacco similiar to Marlboro medium,Old Gol

Posted by mike c on Wednesday, 12-Dec-2007

hey I just got some Vengeur Light and thought it was pretty good, but ususally smoke the FF
curious what you say about the 2 compared to one another
thanks

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Re: Tobacco similiar to Marlboro medium,Old Gol

Posted by KL on Wednesday, 12-Dec-2007

Mike C :
I have both too. The Vengeur light to me is a little tastier really. I'm a 26 year smoker so lights often come off too tasteless to me, but not the Vengeur Light. It has a nutty sweet after taste, (which is my fav after taste to have) and it's not a heavy flavoring either. It's great for blending too. Like the 1 part ramback, 1 part windsail, 1 part two timer that everyone seems to like so much, try adding 1 part venguer LT to that for a soft nutty sweet boost.
The Vengeur FF to me has none of these qualities, it seems to be much more straight forward meaning non of the soft sweet nutty taste, more like a straight marlboro would have. I like the Vengeur FF enough to keep some on hand. It's nice to smoke something clean of all sweetness and just a nice toasty fresh FF smoke. I have only had Vengeur FF for a few weeks now and not smoking it all the time. I need to live with it for a while longer, but I have a feeling it's going to be on the next order for a 14 oz refill for sure.

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Re: Tobacco similiar to Marlboro medium,Old Gol

Posted by KL on Wednesday, 12-Dec-2007

Correction...30 year smoker. I was scared to do the math at first. :)

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Re: Tobacco similiar to Marlboro medium,Old Gol: Posted by Dano on Wednesday, 12-Dec-2007
Don't be scared to do the math.

REMEMBER: If You're Born To Hang? You'll Never Drown! :)
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New To this [Camel/Marlboro]

Posted by Phil on Thursday, 27-Jan-2005

I am just getting ready to begin making my own cigarettes. There are a seemingly infinite number of types, brands, and cuts of MYO tobacco out there. How do I begin to choose?My preferred brands of manufactured cigarettes are: Camel Filter Wide; Camel Filter, and in a pinch; Marlboro Red.

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Re: New To this

Posted by Rob on Sunday, 30-Jan-2005

There are SO MANY correct answers to your question! I think one stumbling block many newbies make is just going with the cheapest tobacco & settling with that not trying other brands of tobacco but dont make the mistake of just blindly buying say 10 pounds of the cheapest & expect a great cigarette.
My suggestion would be (with your preferred brands listed in your question) would be McClintock light, maybe the red, D&R Rowland (American flavored) & McClintock virginia. Read what you can here & Dougs back issues at http://www.ryomagazine.com/
and with a supermatic II or preimer not being overfilled while using you will be well on your way, Good Luck!!

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Re: New To this: Posted by Phil on Tuesday, 08-Feb-2005
Thanks for the advice!
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Re: New To this: Posted by Tom on Saturday, 12-Feb-2005
I used to smoke Camel filters, but for the past several years I have been making my own. Try Peter Stokkebye Turkish Export. A friend of mine who normally smokes Camel unfiltered enjoys mine as well
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Re: New To this

Posted by cruzion on Tuesday, 01-Mar-2005

I used to smoke camels and malboro lights. But since switching to RYO, Ive stuck with Stokkebyes Danish and Amsterdam. I have a bunch of others (6 different blends from D&R, Bali shags, samsons, gauloises) that i smoke on occasion, but the quality and taste of the stokkebye stuff is unsurpassed, imho. i have still to get stockholm and london, but theyre on the list. The stokkebye turkish is good, but i find it too similar to the danish. I could just blend danish and ramback if i wanted that flavor.If you want a similar taste to camels or malboro (yuck), try blending a virgian with gauloises, 60/40. very similar smokey. you could even add a dash of turkish to the mix.
experiment. try lots of different blends, and see what takes your fancy. id recommend danish and amsterdam from stokkebyes, and ramback from D&R to everyone. I prefere the stokkebyes cutting of the tobacco, and the dampness, as i am a hand roller. the D&R stuff is a pain in the posterior for handrolling.

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Re: New To this

Posted by Bob on Wednesday, 02-Mar-2005

Yes Sir! I wish I would have learned this much in my first TWO years of making my own! this guys got it down.

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Re: New To this

Posted by Dave L on Thursday, 03-Mar-2005

RYO or SYO? There's a number of good suggestions in this thread. It should be noted that SYO folks will generally find moist very-fine cuts a PITA. The slightly less fine Turkish Export (quite different from Danish Export IMO) and McClintock Virginia are noticeably more SYO friendly when dried out a bit. Look-Out Milde (only the Milde and only in the can, the rest are all dirtier very-fine cuts) is another good SYO friendly medium/fine cut.

I like the very-fine cut Danish Export enough that I am willing to deal with the hassle. There's a fine line though, when its dry enough for easy stuffing it (like all very-fine cuts, even fine cuts like McClintock light) becomes very fragile. There's more 'shake' and stuffing needs a real light touch. Too moist and it gums the cutter up, is easy to jamb the machine and you get filter end voids.

D&R has good SYO moisture content (on the edge of dry) but also runs on the very-fine side. Of the blends I've tried the Rimboche's and Two Timer are the most SYO friendly.

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Re: New To this: Posted by cruzion on Saturday, 05-Mar-2005
So the reason for the hardier cut on the D&R line, and Stokkebyes turkish, is because it's mainly meant for those using injectors/stuffing? I admit, when i was trying to make my own, i had numerous problems with the fine cut Stokkebys. It was mainly the moisture content that caused the problems. I actually prefere the Danish and Amsterdam with no filters.I have so much tobacco round here now, i think i'm going to have a spell putting them into tubes. I have tubs of windsail, venguer and rimboche that i have hardly touched, due to their difficulty in hand rolling. One of the blends from D&R that I've found I really like, is the Rowland. I think i would add this to blends for people to try. Those others i mentioned, the rimoche, windsail and venguer, are really non-discript, to me. Hopefully they will prove themselves once i've stuffed them.
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Mimicing Pall Mall flavor: Posted by Jonathan on Wednesday, 15-Dec-2004
has anyone successfully found the right recipe to mimic Pall Mall's flavor? I've been trying combos of Bugler, Top, Zig Zag, Gambler & some other generic brand with no luck. I've got 12 different brands/7-8 kilos coming in for more testing & am clueless where to begin. Thanks
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