If your buying a cigar based on the band then know that your buying a gimmick. @Tombstone will admit to buying cigars for that reason. I may have a couple for that as well. But I believe the more you know about cigars the more the name on that fancy band matters more. There are brands I trust much more than others (padron over a gurkha). Established brands have built a trust. Now if your a new cigar and your trying to distinguish yourself your band may be over done to help get your name out there but most of us are only gonna buy a stick or two to see if the tobacco matches up. In the long run your burning the tobacco not the band (unless your smoking in the dark and notice the draw is a bit tighter).