This year at the 2016 IPCPR trade show, Xikar showed off a pretty new idea in the cigar storage market – The Xikar | Cigar Locker.
The Cigar Locker is meant to hold everything you could possibly need for taking cigars on the go. Instead of having to carry your cigars separate from your accessories, this combines everything into one solution. It is made from crush proof high quality ABS molded plastic, and has three separate EVA foam lined compartments.
The company says that it is designed to carry 10 full-size toro cigars in an airtight compartment while safely storing your cutter, lighter and any other valuables in a separate compartment.
Features:
- Removable lid with Cigar Locker Dome Label
- Soft, egg-crate foam underneath the lid applies pressure to the accessory tray, preventing accessories from moving during transit
- Cigar compartment holds 10 full-size toro cigars (6.5″ x 52RG)
- Removable accessory tray sits atop of the cigar compartment providing an airtight seal
- Built-in Auxiliary storage compartment for keys, sunglasses, wallet or Bluetooth speaker
- Made of crush proof, high-quality ABS molded plastic
- Stainless steel hinge and latch hinges
- Accessory Tray Dimensions: 6.4″x 5.1″
- Dimensions: 10.8″W x 3.1″H x 5.9″D
Look and Feel
The Cigar Locker is larger that most travel humidors, but that is kind of the point. You aren't going to stick it in your pocket, but you can easily fit it in a suitcase, backpack, glove compartment, or just carry it. It's quite pleasant to look at with it's clean lines and subtle branding. It has a very sturdy feel to it, as do most Xikar products. You can tell the seal is really good in the cigar compartment by the suction it creates when opening. Xikar says you can leave your cigars in there without a humidification device, which I'm sure is true, but they don't say for how long. I play it on the safe side so I always keep a boveda pack with my stogies when I travel.
Function
When it comes to functionality, the Cigar Locker is top-notch. It does so much, like keeping your cigars humidified, protected, and providing a space for all your other stuff. It's almost too much space, unless you have the XIKAR Ash Can to fit in the side compartment. For a lot of people, I think the side compartment will be wasted space. Really you can just put your lighter and cutter in the top compartment. But, if you have the Xikar Ash Can (or Volta lighter and the urge to bring it), it really is the perfect place for it.
One thing to note, I read on another review that the reviewer was using this side compartment to store shorter cigars in. Don't do that. It is not air tight and does not claim to be. You will ruin your cigars if you leave them in there for more than a day.
Inner Compartment
They say that the cigar compartment is meant to fit up to 10 toro sized cigars. This had me a bit worried, as I tend to enjoy lots of lanceros and churchills, but rest assured, you can fit those too, just not as many. Once you get around 7″ in length, you will have to start putting them in diagonally, which decreases the amount you can fit. I read in another review that you would not be able to fit a full 7 1/2″ lancero in the compartment, let me tell you that this is not true they fit just fine. Just don't expect to fit 12 of them.
The one thing I do feel is missing from the Cigar Locker is a piece of foam for the cigar compartment. Now, if you're like me, I have a million of those things so I just borrowed one from another cigar case, but if this is your first travel humidor or you need to use more than one, it could be a problem. The piece of foam is pretty important for keeping the cigars secure while moving. When I have more than 5 cigars I use to separate and pad the two layers, and when I have less than 5 cigars, I fold it in half so it stabilizes the cigars and takes of the extra space. Hopefully they will include this in the future, but worst case scenario, you can buy a two pack for $8 on amazon.
Accessory Compartment
The top compartment that is meant to fit your cutter and lighter, and whatever else you can fit, is quite genius. The non-slip material they have lined the bottom with, combined with the eggshell lid, make it almost impossible for your stuff, even if they are different heights, to slide around. I really put it to the test, and it works remarkably well for cutters and lighters.
Overall
I really really like this case, I use it almost exclusively if I am bringing more than 2 cigars anywhere. I love that you can fit everything you need, and then some, to smoke a cigar in one place and not worry about forgetting something. Coming in at $65, this really is a no-brainer, and should be at the top of many Christmas wish lists this season.
Verdict: Excellent
(Highly Recommend)