Bone dry is right. That's why half the state is burning down. It's been a while, but I remember back in the day I scoured old posts and reviews, asked for recommendations, but still the Salmons were the pads that people suggested to get, even in AZ. They've worked so well that I have just kept re-upping rather than taking a chance on what I didn't know. Maybe I'll try the black compound if only out of curiosity next time.