A Lighter That Isn't Useless?

[pipesmokingtom]

Are there any sub-$100 lighters out there that are reasonably dependable?
I've fought with a $50 Xikar for a year that I absolutely hate. I have a pipe Zippo, and I find it "ok" but have a couple complaints with it.
Is there anything out there for a reasonable price that is as dependable as a BIC? I'd like to have a nicer lighter for my pipes, but am I stuck having to fork out a bill for an Old Boy?
What out there don't I know about that will work when I need it to?

 

[warren]

I suppose that's as true about lighters as it is about one's "wedding tackle", will it work when I need it to?

 

[macaroon]

I hear good things about the Kiribi old boy style lighters. The Kabuto models can be had for less than $70.

 

[pipesmokingtom]

Those Kiribis look a bit of alright.

 

[warren]

Oops! Forgot! As you said, Bic is hard to beat for dependability and cost. My Zippo is very dependable, great in the wind and requires little care. The "pipe stack" works well, easy to pull flame/heat without charring the rim if that is a concern. My Peterson is trusty, dependable (if coddled correctly) but I wouldn't put it in the same class as the Bic with regard to dependability.

 

[cynicismandsugar]

From my personal experience, a well-maintained IM Corona lighter works flawlessly for day to day indoor use; however they do fall short when it comes to even the slightest breeze. Zippos, on the other hand, have been my best option for fighting against the elements (regardless of the few brief seconds of lighter fluid taste).

 

[pipesmokingtom]

Maybe I just have a bad Zippo or something, but it doesn't seem to hold fluid, even with Vaseline on the case in an attempt to seal it. I just don't feel like futsing with fluid every day. I don't hate the Zippo, but it's not ideal.

 

[gmwolford]

Vertigo makes some pretty decent and inexpensive pipe lighters, as does Lotus. I'm of the opinion that these lighters need to be properly cared for and maintained: if you want something to toss about, jingle with "stuff" in a pocket you probably best stay with a Zippo or Bic.

 

[warren]

I lift the felt, where the spare flint is stored, to fill and get a few days of constant use without doing any of the grease sealing stuff. I'm constantly smoking a pipe or cigarette every waking minute and am not unhappy with the Zippo's ability to hold fluid with no evaporation problems. I keep the wick short, just enough flame to ignite the pipe or cigarette.

 

[stanwellman]

Here is link to a sale of new IMCO Hit lighters, at 30 $ each. They can be had for less in a used condition, but then you are buying someone else's problems. I have, over the years owned several of those lighters and for the money they cost, they are very good. Simple to use, clear bottom so you always know how much fuel is in them, take a Zippo flint with no problems. If you can find them less expensive, great.. if not, this is a very good deal ...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IMCO-Lighter-HIt-G55r-Pipe-Cigarette-NEW-Gaslight-Choose-your-color-new-/281360504154?hash=item418264955a:g:yIUAAOSwVupTmrXI
BTW: I have no association to neither the vendor not manufactured of this product.

 

[macaroon]

An alternative to a new lighter is to get a butane insert for the Zippo you already own. The Z-Plus pipe lighter insert, which a forum member posted a review of a few weeks back, seems to be a decent option and can be found for less than $15.

 

[pipesmokingtom]

Can you link to that review? Couldn't find it with a cursory search.

 

[macaroon]

Here you are, sir, the Z-plus zippo insert succinctly reviewed by our very own shaintiques! The item in question has been discussed a few times on this forum, and the threads can be found with a Google search. I tend to avoid the forum's search bar.
http://pipesmagazine.com/forums/topic/z-pipe-lighter-insert-review

 

[pipesmokingtom]

I tend to avoid the forum's search bar.

Right. I often forget to just go to Google for whatever reason.
Thanks!

 

[jpmcwjr]

This looks very good for the price, $25, but I have no idea how sturdy and reliable they are. (Mr. Brog is on the box, and has this listed on eBay)

 

[gmwolford]

If you have a Zippo don't spend money on an insert; send it to their Repair Clinic and they will put a Zippo pipe insert into your lighter and send it back (usually with the old insert, too) for free. They also fix hinges and other small things that might be wrong with it while they have it. I've done it 3 times and have 2 on the way there now; usually takes about 2 weeks to get them back.

 

[pipesmokingtom]

I have the pipe insert. As I said, I don't hate it - I just don't love it.

 

[jitterbugdude]

How old is your Zippo? I have a few from the '70's and they seem to run dry in about 2 days. I recently bought a brand new one with a pipe insert. The new one will last at least 1 week before it needs a fluid refill. My guess is that Zippo tightened up their tolerances and the new cases seal better than the old ones.

 

[andystewart]

Zippo with a Thunderbird pipe insert. You get the best of both worlds. An absolute revelation when I first got mine and I still love it.
Andy

 

[tmb152]

Is there anything out there for a reasonable price that is as dependable as a BIC?

It would appear that Collibri is not a candidate either. I have two of them and both of them stopped working long ago.