The Perfect Torch

[Josh K]

I love my Zippo. Since Boy Scouts and on it has been the most reliable, easiest to carry, longest lasting lighter I've ever had. Easily lights under all conditions, produces a great flame, and you can fill it with just about any flammable liquid if you're under the gun.

It doesn't cut it for cigars.

Is the Zippo Blu the answer? No idea, I don't have one. Looking at a $40+ price tag I don't think I'm going to any time soon.

This still leaves me hanging for a reliable torch. Opening up the other thread recommendations run from a Xikar to any number of other pocket sized lighters.

I stopped by my local hardware store and found the perfect torch. It's a Bernzomatic pencil torch that's supposed to be used for soldering.

Key advantages:
No self ignition. I carry a zippo and light it from that.
Switch on / off. No need to hold something down.
Adjustable flame.
Huge butane reservoir.
Cold to touch in under 15 seconds. No more putting a scalding hot lighter in your pocket
100% reliable (so far)

It's about as long as a Churchill cigar, so it's not something I can easily carry in my pocket, but I pack it only if I'm planning on smoking a cigar. The slight inconvenience it causes when carrying is nothing compared to having a strong torch style flame for lighting.

I might pick up a Zippo Blu if the opportunity strikes, but for now I'm very happy with the price ($20) and performance of this.

 

[smokinghole]

Cross the zippo blue off your list. You would be happier with a torch insert from Zplus for a regular zippo body versus getting a zippo blue. They suck if you ask me. Those soldering torches are cool but unless they have a piezo starter the flint start is a pain in the ass sometimes.

 

[lafayettelauren]

The zippo blu is the worst lighter I have ever had and would not reccomend them.

 

[theribdoctor]

why not get an insert for your zippo?

http://www.elighters.com/zplus.html

 

[Josh K]

why not get an insert for your zippo?

http://www.elighters.com/zplus.html

Small amount of fuel it can handle and I really don't like piezo ignition. I have some thoughts on how it works, but I don't know enough to say they are accurate.

My guess as to why lighters frequently stop working is (a) impurities in the gas (smaller jet's can get clogged) (b) piezo ignition causes a surface build up that starts clogging the jets. Comparing this torch to several other pocket sized ones shows that the jets are substantially larger and cleaner.

 

[Josh K]

Cross the zippo blue off your list. You would be happier with a torch insert from Zplus for a regular zippo body versus getting a zippo blue. They suck if you ask me. Those soldering torches are cool but unless they have a piezo starter the flint start is a pain in the ass sometimes.

The zippo blu is the worst lighter I have ever had and would not reccomend them.

Can you both elaborate? The reviews I've read it seemed it was a love it or hate it thing.

 

[lafayettelauren]

The flame is not adjustable and does not go nearly tall enough for cigars. Might be ok for cigarettes. And it is the least reliable lighter I have ever had. Even if it's been purged it rarely lights. If it wasn't a gift I would have taken it back right away.

 

[smokinghole]

I work at a B&M that has some for sale. Initially people bought them found out they were shitty lighters so there they sit collecting dust and nicotine film on the display case. When I try to sell one I can't even get the damn thing to light half the time so I can show them the flame.

 

[VirginIslander]

X3 on the zippo blu...stay farrr faarrrr away

 

[fissure]

Agree, the blue sucks. I got one when they were trying to get feedback. Very hard to get it to light. Even with high end fuel. If you want it Josh, it's yours.