Best Pipe Lighter?
- Thread starter hawke
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I have been using a Vector Rapidash Lighter for a couple of years and have had zero problems with it. Just fill it and light it. Nice soft adjustable flame and has a tamper in the bottom. I also have a Vector Thunderbird Zippo insert. It has worked very well also. It does not have the electronic ignition that causes so many problems with lighters, it uses a flint/wheel to start it. It works well in the wind with your hand cupped around it.
Part of my morning routine, before getting into the car, is to refill my Zippo, pack my pipe and light it. Then I grab a tin of blend and a cup of coffee and hit the door. Refilling the lighter is a 30 second job - less time than packing the pipe.Failing to inspect or check before leaving the house is operator error. Not a failure of the lighter.
:lol: That's fair, and I'm sure it's not an issue for those who smoke more than once or twice a week.
My Zippo usually goes about 40 to 48 hours before requiring a refill. Disposable butanes are more convenient but the Zippo just performs better. Also, I like the tactile feedback and the click and clunk.
Yesterday, I received this Zippo High Polish Brass lighter I will use for formal occasions.
It will go well with my tuxedo cob from Walker Briar Works. (third down)
I only smoke outdoors so it's a Zippo w/pipe insert for me. I keep it in the garage in an airtight box which seems to keep the fuel from evaporating as fast. Usually don't need to fill it more than once a week.
When I travel I don't bring a lighter. I never check luggage, and even if a Zippo is ok by TSA for carry on, the fuel is NOT, and not every drugstore everywhere carries it. I bring a couple match books along just to not be left hanging, but I buy a disposible butane at the first chance after I arrive. Both are a pain in the ass outdoors though. Usually I can manage to find an internal corner or doorway and shield the flame with my body though.
When I travel I don't bring a lighter. I never check luggage, and even if a Zippo is ok by TSA for carry on, the fuel is NOT, and not every drugstore everywhere carries it. I bring a couple match books along just to not be left hanging, but I buy a disposible butane at the first chance after I arrive. Both are a pain in the ass outdoors though. Usually I can manage to find an internal corner or doorway and shield the flame with my body though.
I've gone through a few bic's since I've returned to pipe smoking this spring.
They don't last that long and I didn't like the way they could char the top of the bowl, plus they are not cheap.
I recently bought a Zippo and am very happy with how well it works.
Funny thing is when I first started smoking cigarettes back in '69 at 14 I used book matches and bought a Zippo. It worked great, especially in the wind. When I first started smoking a pipe at 18 I bought a Zippo pipe lighter and it worked as well...it's been nearly 40 years since and this Zippo works just as well and looks no different than the first Zippo I bought...I'll stick with the Z especially because the cost is still so reasonable.
They don't last that long and I didn't like the way they could char the top of the bowl, plus they are not cheap.
I recently bought a Zippo and am very happy with how well it works.
Funny thing is when I first started smoking cigarettes back in '69 at 14 I used book matches and bought a Zippo. It worked great, especially in the wind. When I first started smoking a pipe at 18 I bought a Zippo pipe lighter and it worked as well...it's been nearly 40 years since and this Zippo works just as well and looks no different than the first Zippo I bought...I'll stick with the Z especially because the cost is still so reasonable.
Bics don't char bowls; smokers who don't know how to use them do! You have to hold it above the rim, and draw the flame to the top of the tobacco.
I like lighters. Let me get that out of the way.
I have: A refurbished DuPont Ligne 2 with pipe flame. Excellent build. Pings! But takes very expensive cartridges. The slightest breeze and its out.
A DuPont Defi extreme. Torch lighter. For cigars and cheap pipes. Best in the wind and altitude. Great capacity.
A zippo with pipe flame. Extremely reliable. Drys out too quick. Perfect for pipes. Great in the wind. If you had to pick one for the apocalypse, this would be it.
A xikar old boy knock off. Despite best warranty on the planet, it kept breaking.
A Corona Laurel. A modern old boy from what I can tell. I got this over the old boy because less parts stick out. Better in pocket. This thing works unbelievavable well. Large capacity, handles a little (very little) breeze. Should last a lifetime with some maintenance.
I have: A refurbished DuPont Ligne 2 with pipe flame. Excellent build. Pings! But takes very expensive cartridges. The slightest breeze and its out.
A DuPont Defi extreme. Torch lighter. For cigars and cheap pipes. Best in the wind and altitude. Great capacity.
A zippo with pipe flame. Extremely reliable. Drys out too quick. Perfect for pipes. Great in the wind. If you had to pick one for the apocalypse, this would be it.
A xikar old boy knock off. Despite best warranty on the planet, it kept breaking.
A Corona Laurel. A modern old boy from what I can tell. I got this over the old boy because less parts stick out. Better in pocket. This thing works unbelievavable well. Large capacity, handles a little (very little) breeze. Should last a lifetime with some maintenance.
I have a Xikar Old Boy knockoff that I like; but the flame valve moves around on it and I keep a tweezers to move it back in place every so often. My Nimrod Sportsman is ok, but goes out if I draw too hard. Had a Colbri once, which only lit on every 20th strike. My Zippo was like holding a ball of flame in my hand, so I never got another one. Bought a Vector once, and it went to pieces after 3 months of use. So, ultimately, I am a match user.
I am not sure if "the best" pipe lighter exists but what I am sure about is that my Lotus 2500 lighter has not failed me yet and I have had it since 2013. :
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Link: http://www.pipesandcigars.com/mobile/lighters/68009/lotus-25-double-down/
:Link: http://www.pipesandcigars.com/mobile/lighters/68009/lotus-25-double-down/
I'm a lighter snob. Personally I find it blasphemous to use a Bic lighter for a pipe. I only ever use my Old Boy or matches.
Love my Zippo pipe lighter...in a hurricane it is tops! Any other time I use a Corona PipeMaster. Adjustable soft flame, large tank and a warranty that can't be beat. Sent them my 55 year old PipeMaster that was leaking fuel at the valve. For $35.00 they replaced everything but the case. So I got a $100.00+ lighter refitted for $35.00 with a 2 year total guarantee.
Love it!
Love it!
I'm really liking my Xikar Scribe. A regular flint striker is the best to have on any pipe lighter I feel. The piezo striking mechanisms are problematic.
I saw a comment about the refill on a zippo, I have an older zippo there is a trick to help. Take the insert out, remove the pad, then the cotton. Fluff the cotton layers slightly, then replace into the zippo. Fill, wait a minute or two fill again. It will last longer. When it gets packed down, you begin to fill it and think it's full but it gets so packed down it doesn't absorb as well. Use Ronson Fluid/flints. Other flints will wear the wheel out. Me being a cigarette smoker, my zippo will still last 2 weeks at least. Also, if you carry it in your pocket...it helps to carry it top facing down. Less evaporating. I need to invest in a pipe insert, fond of this quite a bit...not mine but looks almost identical
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