Lighters - Your main and your backup

[mjtannen]

Like many pipe smokers my primary lighter is a Zippo with a pipe insert. I always carry an inexpensive but dependable BIC backup though just in case the fluid runs short. Sort of like a cop on patrol who carries his duty weapon but also his back-up gun just in case. I have found though, that there is a definite purpose for the back up light and I do use it as my primary lighter on specific occasions so I thought I'd share my experience. A Zippo does not go out if dropped. A BIC does not stay lit if it is dropped, hence the purpose of each. While driving I never use the Zippo. I also never use the Zippo for a relight if reclining in my La-Z-Boy lounger. On more than one instance I've accidently fumbled with the Zippo and I've learned to use caution with it although it is a great piece of equipment and it is my primary source of heat. Have any of you men ever dropped your lit Zippo?

 

[morlader]

My main lighter is a Colibri but I carry a cheapy disposable as spare for the same reason,if my main is out of gas.I buy the cheapies for a £1 a pack ( 6 ) in my local £1 shop.

 

[jcsoldit]

I purchased a Xikar pipe lighter about 6 months back and couldn't be happier with its performance. I use disposable lighters or matches as well.
I have a Xikar cigar lighter and a couple cutters and I can highly recommend their products based on my experience using them.

 

[jasongone]

bics and matches.

 

[fhb2532]

I use a Zippo pipe lighter as my only source of heat. I don't drive and haven't dropped the zippo (yet).

 

[puffy]

In olden days I used Crickets.They were round I used them as a lighter an a tamper.These days it's Bics and a tamper.

 

[rickpal14]

Just bought a Vector pipe insert for my Zippo...... Gonna light up a bowl of CAO Cherry Bomb in a few minutes..... always have a Bic disposable nearby too.......

 

[htmn246]

my main lighter is an Old Boy and backup is a pair of jetline lighters one in the truck and one at home.

 

[ssjones]

I own a couple of Zippo's, this one is my favorite. I had Zippo put in a cigar insert, but also recently bought a Vector butane insert. The Vector does a better job lighting the tobacco, but blows out easily. Most of my smoking is outside, so the fluid insert gets a lot of use. Good reminder on dropping lit Zippo! As Rogers Waters/Pink Floyd said, "you like the feel of steel"

 

[cortezattic]

Martin, thanks for the heads-up. That really applies to me! I use a Zippo with a gas insert,

and it doesn't go out until the case is shut. I've noticed that as I age, both arthritis and

drying skin have me fumbling around more often because of the shiny smooth lighter case. At

home it's not a problem, but I'm definitely gonna get a BIC for the car. Thanks. :clap:

 

[colorduke]

Zippo pipe,Bic and matches.

 

[simpledesign]

Xikar Pipeline, then a Zippo w/ pipe insert.....and a matchbook in the pouch.....just in case.

 

[seanz]

I am matches all the way getting pretty good at lighting up out doors with them . but am looking at getting a zippo for those windy times

 

[unclearthur]

Cheap Bic lighters backed up by cheap generic lighters

 

[portascat]

My steely gaze backed up by a bic.

 

[jayh]

 

[rfrostrevelation]

Zippo pipe lighter backed with matches.

 

[docrx]

Zippo Pipe Lighter..backup Bic

 

[marmal4de]

It's been bic all the way for me, until Friday when I got a Zippo pipe lighter in the mail.

 

[jankomatic]

I have owned Zippo's for all my adult life, so I am not bashing them in general. I have my Grandfather's and my Uncle's he carried in vietnam, but the Zippo pipe lighter sucks IMO. I can't light the bottom of a bowl with it. The 14 dollar IMCOs that run on butane have a replaceable flint, an angled flame that you can make as long or short as you want. These work best for me.