El Cheapos

[LAN CERO]

I'm not keen on whether or not short-filler really detracts from the smoke. What is the shortcomings of it?

I disregarded any cigarillos under 30 ring. Isn't it generally better the larger diameter they are?

Here are some that I noticed:
La Aurora Principes
Curlyhead, and Exquisitos

Anyone try any of these?

IMO, the only 'loss' you experience is the changing nuances of flavor you would normally experience in a long-fill stick. The taste you have is the taste you get, from start to nub. The pluses are numerous, with generally lesser cost being but one of them. (DE's Papas Fritas being a glaring exception, LOL). I never experience draw issues, except where a stick may be a bit too loosely packed. However, instead of hurting your lungs, it just requires less effort to keep it from burning faster. Never really encounter tunneling or canoeing, either. CI's Rocky Patel Fumas are the recent exception, which have provided me some burn consternation.

Other than Fumas, my most recent CI discovery is Villiger's medium-bodied BOLD, also available in a more mild connecticut wrapper. This is becoming one of my absolute favorites. Don Seville's are exceptionally mild and tasty, and have some very good factory packaging to ensure freshness until you decide on a humidor set-up you like. Asylum's Schizo brand is a winner, also..with a hint of spice on an otherwise mild blend. Cuban Delights natural (non-infused) are on my list, also. They also are blowing out something called the Don Jesus Corona Grande. Ugly, and loosely packed...I can't argue with the taste for 50c a stick! Great morning smoke.

I've also tried CI's Leonida's, Tiburoun Tiger Shark, PNR Fumas Petite Corona, and La Aurora Principes. I didn't care for those. I think it may have been the type of HTL binders used. It adds a tinge to the flavor I don't care for. I have no HTL bias, because Newman's Mexican Segundos is an absolute fave of mine, along with Marsh Wheelings(neither carried by CI).

I believe you could try the Principes with less risk by ordering a fiver through Famous Smoke, first. Hope that is some good direction to get you stared on cut-filler bundles.