Lighters vs. Matches

[bubblehead33]

im just curious, who prefers which, lighters or matches and why? im using redbirds and they work fine for me but im in the habit of losing lighters so a high dollar pipe lighter isnt for me. how bout you guys?

 

[bentmike]

When I'm at home smoking in the garage or really calm days out on the patio I like wooden matches. If I'm out and about I just use the cheap bics. I read an article somewhere recently or maybe it was a post on here about the different temperature ranges of the various lighters as compared to matches. Something about the matches burn cooler so combust the tobacco at a lower temp resulting in more flavor. I think maybe it's true. I've been using matches alot lately even though it's a bit more work.

 

[grizzly86]

With my meer I use only matches. As far as my briars go if I'm at home matches; out and about lighter.

 

[uberam3rica]

I prefer matches, but use a lighter on occasion.

 

[cajunguy]

I'm a matches convert. I just find that the tobacco smokes better.

 

[irishsmoker]

Die hard zippo user here!

 

[orionpyoung]

Matches. I like the level of control I get with a slow burning flame.

 

[juvat270]

Butane lighter for me. Nothing against matches, I've used them and have yet to tell the difference between the two.

 

[hobie1dog]

This thread has been repeated several times on here the last year.

Doing a search will bring up one or two of them.
lighters for me.

 

[dervis]

Matches whenever possible

 

[number6]

Nice article to add to the debate:
Thermodynamics of Pipe Smoking

 

[bubblehead33]

my apologies hobie, i typed that into the search and didnt come up with anything close.

 

[jchaplick]

I was half and half until I read that article listed above, now I am mostly matches. I would say ~90%
I have big boxes of strike anywhere kitchen matches at home that I use, when I travel Ill grab a handful, and my zippo with the thunderbird insert. If I have nowhere to strike them, or I run out due to wind or relights ill switch to the lighter.
Personally I do think matches taste better

 

[ssjones]

I smoke outside, and can't light a match outdoors to save my life. So, I generally used a lighter all last summer. In the Fall, I moved into my workshop and switched to the match. I do prefer a match now, when I smoke outside with the Zippo and fluid, I can really taste the fluid. The propane (T-bird pipe insert) doesn't have any flavor, but I think the match is just the right level of heat and seems to be kinder to my pipe bowl tops. I also noticed tongue bite disappeared when I made the switch the match. Maybe I got better at packing, but I'm definitely not applying as much heat.

 

[hnryclay]

Zippo user here, I used matches for years, but the Zippo works, is easy to carry, and has never let me down.

 

[joe912]

Zippo and Bic lighters for the most part. At work (yes, I can smoke at work), matches aren't practical. When it's windy, nothing beats a Zippo for reliability. At home, I use matches more often.

 

[steyrshrek]

Ok I understand that using a lighter would ignite the tobacco at a higher temperature, but as soon as the lighter is removed it will burn at its natural burning temperature. So I could understand the first draws while lighting might taste different due to temperature , but after that it should be the same temperature no matter what you lit it with.
I use a Zippo outside in the wind and a butane when I can.
Just wondering is there anyone that sells something nice to carry wooden matches in. I have the giant boxes of Redbird matches but that's not very convenient to carry them iaround in..

 

[stogie37]

Was a match devotee for a long time, finally switched back to an old Imco pipe lighter - supplemented by a traditional bic. (Sold cases & cases of Arango stick matches at last year's NASPC show - so I guess I am committed to the "lighter lifestyle" now). Seem to prefer this now... Matches certainly held a greatr asthetic appeal, however, the ability to perform a longer continuous charring light with the lighter won me over. I rarely need more than a single relight to finish a bowl, and I'm convinced that the thorough charring & 2nd light has at least something to do with it.

 

[romanza10]

I use bic and matches depending on the weather. But if I can, I will use matches. I do think they lite better, and won't heat the bowl as quickly. Also, it's a great excuse to play with matches. :twisted:

 

[jobacco]

I smoke outside so i use lighter, otherwise with the wind matches are a pain in the butt IMO.