Just got my counterfeit cubans!

[skyhigh]

pic of 2 sticks next to each other from different trusted sources. Taking into account the different sized boxes both boxes are identical in markings apart from the 10 box been stamped in blue and the 25 box stamped black. 10 box box code MAS AGO 08 and the 25 box code STA SEP 09.

[daverave999]

is it posted somewhere that we're not allowed to discuss sourcing?

No that's fine. The issue here is that it's being suggested they are not real.

[Luis]

The below link to a thread in ICC is very very educative, it does not only show from which website an experienced smoker got ripped off but also brings a very important light on smokerings.com, a website that comes up quite high when you google various internet retailer names. It lists them along allegedly independant reviews. After reading this thread you will keep an eye more cautious than ever on what you read there :

http://www.internationalcigarclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10746

[daverave999]

There was a thread not too long back concerning variation in Montecristo bands here. It doesn't seem to be as uncommon as you'd hope...

[kingcohiba]

man i sure hope you are wrong about this. been there and nothing pisses a guy off more. is the cedar divider rounded or cut at a 45 degree angle? also, what year are they? if they are somewhat new they sould have a barcode you can check on habanos website. get some pictures up too, a pictures paints a thousand words or something like that.

[Luis]

Dave,

I don't mean there shouldn't be variations in band shades, but that the bands should be glued neatly to the cigar with one end covering properly the other end.

[kingcohiba]

hey luis, tried to access that page you linked, registered and everything and it wont let me. would you kindly copy and paste the story or something? or at least tell us what it says?

[daverave999]

Dave,

I don't mean there shouldn't be variations in band shades, but that the bands should be glued neatly to the cigar with one end covering properly the other end.

Yeah, that was more for cigarssogood's benefit as we have been PMing, but I thought I'd share it in thread as it was helpful.

hey luis, tried to access that page you linked, registered and everything and it wont let me.

Did you click the link in your email?

[cj121]

hey luis, tried to access that page you linked, registered and everything and it wont let me. would you kindly copy and paste the story or something? or at least tell us what it says?

I tried the same a few weeks back and got nowhere either

[kingcohiba]

yeah i clicked it but still said that admin was going to take a look at it or something...i will try again now.

[Luis]

I actually had the same problem when trying to register first, and had to mail the webmaster. One important thing is to enter the post code (if you live in the US) or the city name (outside the US) corresponding to your IP adress.

[kingcohiba]

i kind of like the green font! perfect for the season luis. i was in fact able to access the page. bummer....wonder if they have any bad reviews for www.habanodirect.com ? if not they are about to!

[Luis]

Just read your review :

http://www.ukcigarforums.com/showthread.php?t=960&highlight=habanodirect

Guess better stick with the websites that have a lot of positive reviews (not on smokerings though...)

[Vision]

We're talking about Cuba. A skewed font is not a big deal. A straight cut rather than a curved cut had been known to happen.

[Morris]

ok, finally the pictures uploaded!

This first one is a test picture...