Best lighter for a pipe
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I guess it depends on your feelings about lighter fluid. If it doesn't bother you, you can't go wrong with a Zippo pipe lighter (personally, the smell doesn't bother me as it's short-lived, and I can rarely taste it, and never for more than a couple seconds).
If it does, there are lots of high-end butane lighters, but they always seem to have some sort of issue [ETA: not every single lighter, just every type/brand/model of butane lighter I've seen] so you'll need to find one with fewer issues and a good warranty.
FWIW I think the lack of issues with BICs has more to do with the fact that they are disposable, and therefore don't get any real wear-and-tear, than with actual quality.
If it does, there are lots of high-end butane lighters, but they always seem to have some sort of issue [ETA: not every single lighter, just every type/brand/model of butane lighter I've seen] so you'll need to find one with fewer issues and a good warranty.
FWIW I think the lack of issues with BICs has more to do with the fact that they are disposable, and therefore don't get any real wear-and-tear, than with actual quality.
Probably as many opinions as there are lighters. My personal preference is one which lights the tobacco without burning my fingers. Or, whatever is closest at hand. The one I find works best when I'm outside working is a Zippo with pipe insert. This little wonder works very well in a stiff breeze.
I like my inexpensive JetLine, but then I'm not an experienced pipe smoker so take this with a grain of salt.
My Zippo pipe lighter never fails and is fairly effecient when it comes to how much gas it uses. I do get a slight gas taste (might just be because I smell it) every now and then, but nothing that ruins the smoke.
I have never had a nice butane lighter, though, and plan to find a decent one in the future to try out.
I have never had a nice butane lighter, though, and plan to find a decent one in the future to try out.
I love my Zippo pipe lighter. I just make sure to hold it about a half an inch above the bowl to prevent rim char. It also seems to light better that way, IMO.
I carry a Zippo, 4 bics, a box of matches, and a SRM pipe lighter. All see use, all work great. Really it comes down to what do you like and what do you want? If you have your heart set on a Zippo, old boy, etc then that's probably what will work best for you.
I don't like having to hold down a button or lever to keep the flame lit (as with a Bic). I end up burning my thumb knuckle trying to get the flame to the bottom of the bowl.
My brother gave me a Zippo pipe lighter years ago, and though I cherish it it's not the best thing for lighting anything but a fully filled bowl.
Following that, my Immortal Beloved gave me a Colibri pipe lighter for Christmas one year. It lasted almost a year then fell apart.
I then invested in a Corona Old Boy which I loved for years. Then it just wouldn't light. I sent it in to Savinelli (when they were still servicing Old Boys) and they applied a leaf spring to the cap, but it never performed properly.
Then about a year and a half ago I bought a Xikar Pipe Line, which works until it doesn't. In 18 months it's already been replaced once and will probably be again soon.
So to answer your question, I don't think a good pipe lighter even exists!
My brother gave me a Zippo pipe lighter years ago, and though I cherish it it's not the best thing for lighting anything but a fully filled bowl.
Following that, my Immortal Beloved gave me a Colibri pipe lighter for Christmas one year. It lasted almost a year then fell apart.
I then invested in a Corona Old Boy which I loved for years. Then it just wouldn't light. I sent it in to Savinelli (when they were still servicing Old Boys) and they applied a leaf spring to the cap, but it never performed properly.
Then about a year and a half ago I bought a Xikar Pipe Line, which works until it doesn't. In 18 months it's already been replaced once and will probably be again soon.
So to answer your question, I don't think a good pipe lighter even exists!
I like my Zippo with pipe insert filled with the Zippo lighter fluid out of the "black" can. Always works when I need it, never had any problem with it interfering with the flavor of the tobacco, and it's still made in the good old USA!
Zippo with pipe insert for outdoors. Old Boy for indoors.
Windmill pipe lighter in third place (it's like a mini zippo pipe lighter)
Windmill pipe lighter in third place (it's like a mini zippo pipe lighter)
I've got a Vector Thunderbird.
fits perfectly into a Zippo case and has a side-firing flame (with a chimney that looks kind of like a Zippo), but uses a soft-flame butane technology. Just swap out the guts of your Zippo and you’re good to go.
fits perfectly into a Zippo case and has a side-firing flame (with a chimney that looks kind of like a Zippo), but uses a soft-flame butane technology. Just swap out the guts of your Zippo and you’re good to go.
Some day I may try a pricey lighter, but for now, its good old BIC. Cheap, reliable, readily available. BIC makes three of lifes most important items, pens, razors, and lighters. Cant go wrong there.
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