Ideal KEM humidity range (1 Viewer)

[ttt]

Given how insane pricing for KEM is getting, I think we're getting to a point where storing them inside humidity-controlled boxes is not so unthinkable anymore. This seems like a somewhat common thing when it comes to TCGs like pokemon or MTG. Has anyone experimented with what the ideal humidity is for KEMs? Considering that KEMs still bow in casinos/cardrooms which you would think are humidity controlled to the 40-60% zone which is comfortable for humans, maybe ideal storage conditions for KEMs is actually lower? Has anyone experimented with this beyond the "apply some pressure to the cards?"

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

Just buy some cards that don't need to be incubated for God's sake.

 

[Bronson]

Cedar wood lined humidor with Boveda humidity pouches should work well!

Hang on! That’s not a cigar thread!

Cards are consumables, buy them, use them, replace them when necessary!

 

[surfik]

Cedar wood lined humidor with Boveda humidity pouches should work well!

Hang on! That’s not a cigar thread!

Cards are consumables, buy them, use them, replace them when necessary!

That was my initial reaction to replace my cigars with KEM decks.....Great mind think alike.

 

[ttt]

For posterity, Gemini actually gave me a pretty good answer but I cbf retrieving it exactly, but for archival storage of cellulose acetate apparently very low temperatures of 0C and low humidity of 20-30% is used.

I also suggest not giving money to the company selling essentially a defective product in my eyes, but IMHO a dry cabinet like what they use for camera equipment set to 30% humidity is worth a shot. They’re only like $100 so you know, barely more than the cost of a single setup of KEM.

 

[Bronson]

As I mentioned before in other thread this type of card clip could be helpful; obviously it won’t work in every case. It’s hard to but a double setup in it

Can’t fix bowing but it will prevent it a little, pressure on top and bottom will hold deck flat. I keep my most used bee decks in them and they remaining flat for weeks.

 

[ttt]

This Nielsen Presto Card Press is probably the best thing that I've found, looks like it actually fits 2 decks even.

I think both applying tension and controlling humidity would both extend the lifetime of KEMs before they bow, with humidity probably playing a larger factor, especially considering the whole apply tension thing is common knowledge at this point, and cards coming bowed out of the cello wrap.

 

[Colquhoun]

You can get the storage humidity right, then it all goes south when you deal. The humidity coming off your hand while holding the stub will affect them too. Or ask your players to wear gloves.

I’m with @NotRealNameNoSir, either play them and enjoy them as-is, or choose another brand.

 

[MeridianFC]

Just buy some cards that don't need to be incubated for God's sake.

Unfortunately he is correct.

 

[Jerome100]

Don't breathe on them. Don't look at them. Keep them in a cold, dark closet and don't use them cuz they might end up bowing.

I kid, sorta. KEM are awesome and I love them. But I hate them.