After the Rig: How Film Riggers and Grips Unwind – The Appeal of Premium Cigars on Set
At CurrentRiggers.com, our days are filled with high-stakes rigging: building safe overhead grids, mounting remote heads on camera cars, balancing Steadicam rigs, securing drone payloads, and ensuring every camera move is repeatable and safe. Long hours, heavy gear, tight deadlines, and constant safety checks can be physically and mentally exhausting. When the wrap is called and the truck is loaded, many experienced riggers, grips, key grips, and best boys have a favorite way to decompress: lighting up a high-quality cigar and taking a quiet moment to let the day settle.
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Why Cigars Have Become a Go-To Wind-Down Ritual for Riggers & Grips
After a 14-hour day of climbing ladders, tensioning cables, leveling remote heads, and double-checking safety margins, a premium cigar offers:
- A slow, meditative ritual that forces you to stop moving after constant physical work
- A quiet moment to mentally review the day’s rigging challenges and successes
- A sensory contrast — rich tobacco aromas replacing the smell of chain motors and grip tape
- A small, earned reward after keeping cameras safe and shots repeatable
Recommended Cigar Formats for Riggers After a Long Production Day
| Format | Typical Burn Time | Strength Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robusto | 45–60 minutes | Medium | Standard wrap unwind after a full shooting day |
| Corona | 30–45 minutes | Mild–Medium | Quick reset when load-out runs late |
| Churchill | 75–120 minutes | Medium–Full | Celebrating wrap of a big rigging sequence or feature |
| Petit Corona / Cigarillo | 15–30 minutes | Mild | Short break between setups or during lunch |
| Toro / Gordo | 60–90 minutes | Medium–Full | After heavy overhead grid builds or long location days |
Responsible Cigar Enjoyment Tips for Production Crew
- Smoke only in designated outdoor areas — respect non-smokers, crew, and location rules
- Stay hydrated — long rigging days + cigar smoke can dehydrate quickly
- Moderate frequency — treat it as a wrap reward, not a daily habit
- Use a portable humidor or sealed bag to protect cigars from extreme location weather
- Never smoke near rigging gear, cables, or flammable materials
A Favorite Among Riggers & Grips: Perdomo Cigars
Many in the rigging and grip community gravitate toward cigars with strong character, consistent construction, and rich flavor profiles that match the demanding, hands-on nature of the job. Perdomo cigars have built a loyal following for their excellent burn, beautiful wrappers (especially the Maduro and Habano lines), and balanced complexity — from the smooth, creamy Perdomo Champagne to the bold, leathery Perdomo Lot 23 and the powerhouse Perdomo Habano Bourbon Barrel-Aged. For a well-stored selection perfect for post-wrap relaxation, explore the range of Perdomo Cigars at Osi Tobacco Store.
Learn more about the history, blending, and craftsmanship behind premium handmade cigars on Cigar – Wikipedia.
Balancing the Grind and Recovery in Rigging Life
Rigging on set is physically and mentally demanding — constant problem-solving, heavy lifting, safety checks, and long hours in sometimes harsh conditions. A quality cigar at wrap isn’t indulgence; for many it’s a mindful way to transition from high-alert mode back to rest. It’s about earning that calm moment after keeping cameras safe, shots repeatable, and productions on schedule.
Stay safe on set, rig smart, and enjoy your well-deserved breaks.