Zippo Lighter

[vperlman]

I use all of the above. I have tried some back-to-back comparisons of butane v. lighter fluid. I cannot detect a difference in flavor. You can do two things to minimize any potential impact of using a fluid-based lighter: 1) let the flame burn for a second or two before lighting the cigar and 2) use the best lighter fluid you can get, which is usually Zippo brand.

Maybe my taste buds are just not as sophisticated as other folks', but I have no problem using my Zippos with the original inserts, and I have one cigar buddy for whom that is the only way to go. :dunno:

 

[cartisdm]

I use all of the above. I have tried some back-to-back comparisons of butane v. lighter fluid. I cannot detect a difference in flavor. You can do two things to minimize any potential impact of using a fluid-based lighter: 1) let the flame burn for a second or two before lighting the cigar and 2) use the best lighter fluid you can get, which is usually Zippo brand.

Maybe my taste buds are just not as sophisticated as other folks', but I have no problem using my Zippos with the original inserts, and I have one cigar buddy for whom that is the only way to go. :dunno:

Wait a second...so you're telling me you DON'T use a lightsaber to toast your cigars as your avatar would lead us to believe?! :scratchhe

 

[vperlman]

:headroll: LOL!! Good one!

 

[fireman mike]

lol - my fiance is the medical field and DOES NOT recommend this method. However, the medical field also does not recommend smoking a cigar, so what do they know.

HAA! This^^^

 

[Monsterdg]

Just got a Zplus insert for my Zippo today; it's my new favorite! Excellent fit in the zippo case & works great. Highly recommend!

 

[SuprHasan]

Zplus reviews sound good. Just bought one and waiting for this to arrive.
It'll be nice to reuse my old Zippo again :blushlove

 

[JDog]

Slightly off topic... but obviously you can change the insert to a butane and folks have mentioned the Zplus. I'm interested in the soft flame experience with the zippo case, look and feel. Does anyone have any experience with the Thunderbird insert? It appears to have the same look and feel but with a butane fuel. I ordered one since they are so cheap, but was curious on folks' luck using it.

 

[cartisdm]

Slightly off topic... but obviously you can change the insert to a butane and folks have mentioned the Zplus. I'm interested in the soft flame experience with the zippo case, look and feel. Does anyone have any experience with the Thunderbird insert? It appears to have the same look and feel but with a butane fuel. I ordered one since they are so cheap, but was curious on folks' luck using it.

At first, I was confused by your post. I didn't even realize soft flame butane inserts existed. Pretty cool!

Here's a video review if anyone is interested:

[YOUTUBE][ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t37MUh5CEFI"]Vector Thunderbird butane inserts function and benefits - YouTube[/ame][/YOUTUBE]

 

[Mmalone999]

At first, I was confused by your post. I didn't even realize soft flame butane inserts existed. Pretty cool!

Thanks for the video, might try this out with my Zippo.

 

[Kenman25]

Yeah i am going to order!

 

[Mmalone999]

Yeah i am going to order!

Talk with me first. Save on shipping

 

[ciggy]

I am not nearly as advanced of a smoker as many on this board, but using a standard Bic lighter completely ruins the taste for me. To me, it tastes like having heavy tar buildup and fumes mixed together. I haven't tried with a Zippo, but I would imagine it's very similar.

They do have those Butane Flame inserts for Zippos though and they're only like $11. I'd like to try one of those once I find a nice Zippo

I have one of those inserts for my Zippo and I love it. LOVE IT. Zippo does make torches now but they're $$$. Cheaper to be a cheap Zippo case you like then add the insert.

This is what I use and love it. I have used mine in the cold, heat, dropped it, and it lights everytime without delay. It's a butane insert...it's that simple.

 

[Kenman25]

This is what I use and love it. I have used mine in the cold, heat, dropped it, and it lights everytime without delay. It's a butane insert...it's that simple.

Sounds like one of those as seen on TV ads. lol

But in all seriousness, I want one for my zippo...

 

[vperlman]

... Does anyone have any experience with the Thunderbird insert? It appears to have the same look and feel but with a butane fuel. I ordered one since they are so cheap, but was curious on folks' luck using it.

Yes. I had one, and I really liked it. I used it for less than a year, and then it literally fell apart. I would probably by another, but I just never got around to it. My experience with the Z-Plus is that it works great, but craps out after about 2 years. But all of these are pretty cheap, so it's not really an issue. The bigger problem with the Z-Plus is that it doesn't hold very much butane, and I have to refill it every day, maybe two.

 

[criollo]

I find it is important to not let the blue part of the flame touch the cigar, as it has a lot of unburnt fuel in it. If I hold the cigar above the flame and slowly light it using the yellow flame only, that usually works for me.

 

[vperlman]

I find it is important to not let the blue part of the flame touch the cigar, as it has a lot of unburnt fuel in it. If I hold the cigar above the flame and slowly light it using the yellow flame only, that usually works for me.

Actually, just about everything you read says you shouldn't really let any part of the flame touch the cigar --- just hold the cigar above the flame so that it gets lit by the heat, not the flame. Of course, I don't know anyone who does that, at least on a regular basis, but that's what the literature says... :eyebrow:

 

[criollo]

vperlman: yes, I have read the same....but I get impatient! lol

(besides, zippo/bic type lighters get HOT after a while, which I figure is not exactly safe!)

 

[ciggy]

Yes. I had one, and I really liked it. I used it for less than a year, and then it literally fell apart. I would probably by another, but I just never got around to it. My experience with the Z-Plus is that it works great, but craps out after about 2 years. But all of these are pretty cheap, so it's not really an issue. The bigger problem with the Z-Plus is that it doesn't hold very much butane, and I have to refill it every day, maybe two.

1. Never had one fall apart...Yes, after a year to two years the igniter weekens (I think the internal battery is to blame)
2. At $10-$12 bucks it's hard to beat and you can carry your favorite zippo case
3. I only need to fill mine once a week so it depends on how much you smoke...

 

[dabullup]

Personally I will not use my zippo for lighting my cigars unless I'm in a pinch. When I do I let the wick burn for a second b4 lighting...

 

[SuprHasan]

Really? I'd prefer not to smoke rather than taint a perfectly good tasting cigar.
If you were carrying a cigar with you, why wouldn't you make sure you had a sufficient lighter to light it without messing with the flavour?

Personally I will not use my zippo for lighting my cigars unless I'm in a pinch. When I do I let the wick burn for a second b4 lighting...