Corona Old Boy? Worth it?

Log in

SmokingPipes.com Updates

Watch for Updates Twice a Week

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

Mar 13, 2020
2,758
26,780
missouri
I've had a lot of lighters. Just got a Pipemaster and you have to click it four or five times to get it to light. One Old Boy started leaking fuel, and the other I bought just to look at, and they're useless in the mildest of breezes. My top picks are Bic, Zippo, and Beattie.
I have the same problem with my recent purchase of a Pipemaster. Multiple clicks to ignite, as well as the flame adjustment not staying true.

But to the OP, I have a Corona Old Boy and am quite happy with it. Feels well made and it's reliable. If you can spare the extra cash for one, do it.

Not sure about the Peterson old boy, but I did have a Kiribi for a few months before it started leaking fuel.
 

Reggie

Part of the Furniture Now
Aug 22, 2020
660
3,177
Gardendale, Alabama
I have not hseen where anyone mentions the availability of the black rubber fuel chamber insert for the Zippo. I have one in each of my Zippos. The fuel lasts about a week and a half to 2 weeks with them. They have a trap door for refilling and a storeage space for an extra flint. Total game changer!
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2585.png
    IMG_2585.png
    163.9 KB · Views: 15

captpat

Lifer
Dec 16, 2014
2,388
12,411
North Carolina
The Old Boy is a great lighter, I've never had an issue with it, I can't say whether it's worth it to the OP. I've been using Bic EZ Reach lighters when I use a butane lighter. Pretty inexpensive, when they're out of fuel it's off to the trash -- no fuss, no muss. Zippo is king if there's any sort of wind.
 

HawkeyeLinus

Lifer
Oct 16, 2020
5,840
42,168
Iowa
I really like the Petersons but bought an Old Boy and it is more solidly constructed, wheel to light it turns more effortlessly, I like the cover on the bottom, etc. I still use them all, but not in any breeze.

Also have Zippos and a couple of Beatties.

They all have their uses.
 

bluegrassbrian

Your Mom's Favorite Pipe Smoker
Aug 27, 2016
6,653
64,177
41
Louisville
I have the same problem with my recent purchase of a Pipemaster. Multiple clicks to ignite, as well as the flame adjustment not staying true.
The Pipemaster is the he only one I'd consider at this point. Always had my eye on one..

Buddy in pipe club has one and I always pick it up and play with it when he brings it.
Says he's never had a problem in a couple years - and it always lights first try for me.
I guess some are just lemons, or lemony.
 

kcghost

Lifer
May 6, 2011
15,140
25,700
77
Olathe, Kansas
Corona's are very good lighters. If you can't afford one buy one of them or very concerned about whether it's "worth" it, then buy one of their competitors. Remember it's just a device to light something with.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Reggie and STP

daveinlax

Charter Member
May 5, 2009
2,102
3,060
WISCONSIN
I have the same problem with my recent purchase of a Pipemaster. Multiple clicks to ignite, as well as the flame adjustment not staying true.

But to the OP, I have a Corona Old Boy and am quite happy with it. Feels well made and it's reliable. If you can spare the extra cash for one, do it.

Not sure about the Peterson old boy, but I did have a Kiribi for a few months before it started leaking fuel.
My PipeMaster can get fussy like that after I fill it. I suspect I might be overfilling it. After a few multi click lights the flame seem to find a stable sweet spot. You can always test if the gas is blowing out or by the spark by lighting it with another lighter
 

cersono

Starting to Get Obsessed
Feb 11, 2016
176
235
Vallis Lacrimarum
My Peterson's strike wheel dulled afrer 3 years of use (Zippo and IM flints only) rendering the lighter barely usable.
I don't know if IM Corona's wheel is any better, but I'm sort of disappointed with my Peterson.
 

Bassman65

Can't Leave
Nov 30, 2022
453
874
Canada
I wouldn’t say money is tight per se..but that darn mortgage..car payment…kid’s hockey…well life….
But everyone needs something to relax right…I work a stressful job in Corrections and I really like to relax with my pipe in the evening or on a day off in the morning…but frustrated with zippos always having to refill and figure if a Corona does the job well it will make the experience better…but wondering do they actually work well and are they worth it.,.? If I pay the cash and they are just an expense paperweight?
I have a Peterson I love. No complaints. Huge fuel tank. Fellow Canadian with 3 kids in hockey and one is a goalie. One is just aging out of Rep. hockey. Good luck!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Reggie and Wolf357

Bassman65

Can't Leave
Nov 30, 2022
453
874
Canada
My Peterson's strike wheel dulled afrer 3 years of use (Zippo and IM flints only) rendering the lighter barely usable.
I don't know if IM Corona's wheel is any better, but I'm sort of disappointed with my Peterson.
Try the Kiribi flints. They are softer. Since the Petersons are made in Japan like the Kiribis, it may help prolong the wheel life.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Reggie and cersono

cersono

Starting to Get Obsessed
Feb 11, 2016
176
235
Vallis Lacrimarum
I have a Clipper pipe lighter too. I use it instead of my crippled Peterson. A nice lighter indeed!

The only thing, after having worked out the original flintstone, the Clipper came to ignite only 1 time in 10 to 20 strikes. Tired of a blister on my thumb, I replaced the original wheel with one taken from a small-format BiC. Now it works like a charm with any flint.

s-l500.jpg


Try the Kiribi flints. They are softer.
Yes, I've seen a posting somewhere on this board that Tsubota, the producer of Peterson's lighters, were recommending exactly Kiribi flints for their "Peterson old boys".
Too late an advise to me, unfortunately. My Peterson is already barely usable and dulled (what's weird, dulled by Zippo flints, which are supposed to be very soft too).