The Top end Torch Lighter Question?

[El Presidente]

I was reading on Half Wheel about Xikars new Torch Lighter. 

https://halfwheel.com/xikar-ion-debuting-at-pca-2023-scheduled-for-october-release/425522/

The Xikar is not a high end lighter but I used to carry a whole range of $150 USD+ lighters from Colibri, Prometheus, Bugatti, Dupont etal.   In the end the juice wasn't worth the squeeze. Our return rate within 12 months as just over 25%. Warranties are one thing but customer disillusionment sticks and it was easier to no longer sell top end lighters. 

I use cheap torch lighters day to day. They break, they get thrown out and replaced. I have used plenty of brands from Prince to Lotus to Devil to No names. They all break eventually but I wouldn't say they break any faster than a $200+ lighter. 

But my question is about "top end torch lighters".  Let's say $100 USD +

If you use/used one regularly, fill out the poll 

 

 

[Corylax18]

I've had and still have a couple lighters that cost over $100 bucks. I won't buy anymore. Two of them still work just fine and I still use them occasionally. However, I now use the "Eagle" lighters below probably 80% of the time. They're dirt cheap, they work, they can be refilled and if I loose one, it doesn't matter, I usually bring a few with me on each trip to Cuba and leave them there. 

https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Torch-Lighters-Clear-Colors/dp/B07TMQNDCH/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1ZWQT6887A03Z&keywords=eagle+lighter&qid=1688597154&sprefix=eagle+l%2Caps%2C116&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Lighter-Adjustable-Windproof-Refillable/dp/B01M61EN79/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1ZWQT6887A03Z&keywords=eagle+lighter&qid=1688597303&sprefix=eagle+l%2Caps%2C116&sr=8-4

[shokao]

I’ve had at least 5 “top notch” lighters in the last few years and sold all of them after little use. I’ve been using a Chinese brand called “Honest” because they are cheap, well made and reliable. I can’t see myself investing more than $10 in a lighter in the foreseeable future because in my experience you need a good cutter but any lighter - even matches - will do the trick and there is no need besides luxury to own a expensive one, with all due respect.

[targa88]

Started with a Dupont Maxijet ( when they were still made in France) - still working to this day - many years later

Upgraded to a supposedly new/improved Dupont Defi Extreme - absolute lame duck. Has been replaced twice by Dupont. Finally they have admitted that it can not be repaired but I could purchase a new one at a discount = not happening.

Has been since replaced by a Jetline Challenger = impeccable and with no issues.

[Tunkat92]

My $5 vertigo has been going strong for 6 years. Up until last year it was my daily lighter, now it gets rotated with the 3 other same model lighters I got for free.

[NSXCIGAR]

1 hour ago, Corylax18 said:

I've had a still have a couple lighters that cost over $100 bucks. I wont buy anymore. Two of them still work just fine and I still use them occasionally. However, I now use the "Eagle" lighters below probably 80% of the time.

Exactly. Over 25 years I've found no correlation between price and reliability and I don't need the stress and frustration that comes with trying to use and maintain expensive lighters. The Eagle Torch has improved my life enormously and that's the most important thing. What's the point of an expensive lighter if it makes you want to jump off a high rise.

[Boxer31]

Kids bought me a Brizard lighter almost 5 yrs ago little under 100. Love the size, easy to carry and works every time. Might consider their gatsby table lighter - looks pretty cool but would not buy anything over 20-30 for outside the house. 

[Ford2112]

I use the cheapo crappers from eagle. They work . 7 bucks

[BrightonCorgi]

This is the only torch lighter that's worth a damn.  How a man lights his cigars.

 

[NSXCIGAR]

46 minutes ago, BrightonCorgi said:

This is the only torch lighter that's worth a damn.  How a man lights his cigars.

Blowtorch? Gimme a break. 

[Fuzz]

16 hours ago, NSXCIGAR said:

Blowtorch? Gimme a break.

Blowtorch? Feh.

[Midas]

I bought a DuPont maxi jet and cutter set on sale a year or so ago, hasn’t missed a beat, lights first click every time.

I also bought a Colibri Firebird for around £15, works just as well. I know which one I will be replacing when they inevitably break.


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[Arabian]

I'm not sure if I will buy DuPont products again. I bought Defi Extreme from 2 years ago. and after about 1 year it showed signs of dying until it stopped working. took it to service and they told me that there's no way to fix it and it has to be replaced, since I no longer have the receipt I need to pay half the price of a new one.  

[joeypots]

The Vertigo has been great for me. I’ve found no correlation between cost and performance. 

[Çnote]

I got a Xikar Tacital single flame to use at work. It's great, but it's overkill in most situations. If I only lit what I smoked, I'd stick with clipper jets, they're $3 or so, refillable, and I usually get 2-3 years out of them.

[Sir Diggamus]

I echo @joeypots statement. I haven't owned a $100+ lighter (so I didnt participate in the poll), but I have used quite a few of them and don't see any real difference higher priced lighters doing anything better. I have looked a couple of times at the Bugatti lighter with the replaceable butane tank, because it looks really cool. My favorite lighter is the rubbery plastic one that a lot of cigar companies get with their branding on it. It has a single torch and has held up better than lighters I have paid 3 or 4 times more for. 

 

[Michael303]

8 hours ago, joeypots said:

The Vertigo has been great for me. I’ve found no correlation between cost and performance. 

This has been my experience too.  I initially purchased a pricy lighter but upon receiving it my impression was the quality was no better than my 10-dollar lighters.  With an expensive lighter I'm disappointed when it doesn't light on the first click whereas it doesn't cross my mind with the cheap one.  Now I just have a handful of single jet lighters that I leave in different locations and I don't care if they get lost or crap out.

[dealsrme]

Have DuPonts that I’ve used for years but inevitably they all get the same issue where they won’t kick off the flint anymore.

Use the eagle types from whatever brand is cheapest for travel. Either purchase in whatever country I happen to be in or take an empty one with me.


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[MrGlass]

I've had two $100+ that both ultimately failed within 3-4 years.  My primary lighter these days is some plastic thing that was a free gift in an airport duty-free shop with a box of cigars - still going strong after 10 years of being carried around (so I didn't damage my good ones).

I always wanted a DuPont, but I just can't see myself spending the money.

[B44]

Slightly off topic, but Bugatti Lighters is out of business. I’d recommend not picking a clearance one up for a few reasons.  
 

1.) First and foremost I’m on my 3rd replacement as the models have a design defect that causes the ignition not to function. This has occurred in my first 2 within the first 60 days and my final replacement is beginning to act up.  As they are now out of business, they are no longer honoring the warranty - phones disconnected etc. 
 

2.) They use proprietary butane pods which seem be sold out everywhere. Effectively rendering the lighter useless as you can’t refill the pods. 

[El Presidente]

1 hour ago, B44 said:

Slightly off topic, but Buggati Lighters is out of business. 

I have two barrel Bugatti cigar lighters. One in gold plate and the other Sterling silver. 

Love the feel in the hand. I have zero confidence taking them away for a weekend. 

Night out....fine. But I do take my FOH cheapie with me just in case 😉

[PigFish]

I still enjoy using a nice lighter. Why compromise when you can hybridize??? While will still take a soft flame Dupont out on occasion, the breeze makes it frustrating to use. I too prefer jet lighters.

I also like Zippo lighters. They don't break the bank, some are stylish, and you can fit them with a torch insert. The torch breaks, you toss it! You still get to keep the 'face' of your favorite lighter.

Steampunk from Zippo. Zippo torch insert. May be the perfect lighter!

[Glass Half Full]

I enjoy a single flat-flame lighter that's functional in both wind and calm.  Unfortunately, the company that makes it -- Porsche Design -- stopped making it. 

But I still have two of them, and love the Porsche Heber single flat flame lighters.  Easy for corrections, easy for pinpoint lights, and rarely affected by wind.  If only the manufacturer appreciated what they made more.  

Still available on some sites if you're keen and good at searching. -c

[targa88]

8 hours ago, PigFish said:

I also like Zippo lighters. They don't break the bank, some are stylish, and you can fit them with a torch insert. The torch breaks, you toss it! You still get to keep the 'face' of your favorite lighter.

Great reminder - completely forgot about mine. An old brass zippo where I switched out the a butane dual torch. Had it for years and always worked.

[Corylax18]

34 minutes ago, targa88 said:

Great reminder - completely forgot about mine. An old brass zippo where I switched out the a butane dual torch. Had it for years and always worked.

Same Here! I've had one for years and totally forgot about it. I pulled it out earlier today and its still working just fine.