Matches vs. Lighters

[STP]

I have several Zippos, and use them almost exclusively when outdoors, but now that the weather is getting colder I’m heading back inside and started to use matches again. I like the small wooden type, and find that I get a better evenly lit bowl. It’s another one of those old-school nuances that add to the enjoyment of pipe smoking IMO.

 

[verporchting]

Prefer wooden matches but often resort to a lighter for convenience. So long as it works I’m happy though. A pipe that’s loaded and ready to go without a way to light it is a horrible horrible situation. Gives me the creepers. Brrr.

 

[ray47]

I light the bowl with matches then switch to a lighter (Zippo or Bic) for the remainder of the bowl.

 

[mso489]

I like lighters as gadgets but find myself drawn to matches mostly for lighting pipes, as part of the ritual, the sounds striking a match, the scrape and flare, and the extra soft flame that gives a lot of control and feel for the leaf.

 

[Ahi Ka]

I use a lighter, predominantly a bic but I prefer a zippo pipe lighter. However I went on holiday for a week last month and just took one blend, one cob and a box of matches. Honestly changed the whole experience for me. Was a real treat.

 

[Pit&Pipes]

I tend to use matches more when wind allows but I have so many lighters I try and give them some love too...

 

[lukasstrifeson]

Completely agree, if wind is not a factor I go matches, if only for the directionability(TM-pending). If I'm outside, I love the Zippo pipe insert.

 

[cigrmaster]

Matches are not worthy of lighting my pipes. Only Butane filtered 14 times and over get the privilege of even getting close to my pipes. Matches are for the proletariat and quality high end butane lighters are for the upper end of society. Sorry guys cannot help the truth being the truth.

 

[Mr.Pink]

Lighter is more convenient for me ?

 

[warren]

Whatever is in my pocket, usually a Bic, now and then my Peterson or standard Zippo. I rarely use a match these days.

 

[Chasing Embers]

$10 - $100 pipe: BIC or Zippo
$100 - $1000 pipe: Old Boy
$1000+ pipe: matches

 

[STP]

I’ve never consider the cost... buying fuel, wicks, and flints w/lighters seemed to be a wash, but I’ve never thought about it. The overall differences would seem negligible considering that I get a hand full of matchboxes for free every time I make a purchase.

 

[username]

I just use a bic because it’s simple cheap and works. I guess I could say the same with matches but I prefer the bic.

 

[jpmcwjr]

I like Old Boys best, but all the above are in use, including Zippo on my (small) collection of $3000 pipes.

 

[ChuckMijo]

Bic or any cheap lighter I have laying around. Never used a match.

 

[DAR]

What's the deal with matches over lighters? "Enlighten" me. I don't get it. I've used them here and there but only when I don't have one of my lighters. I get a totally acceptable lighting when using a lighter and I don't end up with a piece of wood in my hands. I want a good reason to try matches again.

 

[anotherbob]

What's the deal with matches over lighters? "Enlighten" me. I don't get it. I've used them here and there but only when I don't have one of my lighters. I get a totally acceptable lighting when using a lighter and I don't end up with a piece of wood in my hands. I want a good reason to try matches again.

matches burn cooler and are easier to navigate precisely around the tobacco also the wood adds a flavor that goes with well with any blend. A flavor that brings out the flavor of the tobacco more clearly. It's a lot harder to over light with matches and get tongue bite. It's super easy to get an even light on any pipe no matter how packed. They're just better for getting a tasty comfortable light on your pipe. Try it out for a while and see what we mean.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Any form of lighting short of acetylene torch can produce perfect ignition of the tobacco. It takes a bit of care. The key things are time and distance.

 

[brut666]

Lighters mainly for me, I have a few. I only use matches when I want to make it a little more interesting, just to change it up a little.

 

[chopper]

Bic lighters are cheap, convenient, reliable and have a soft flame.

Although I like using a Zippo lighter, once I'm accustomed to the fumes, a smoke just isn't the same lighting with anything other. So for me, I have to use a Zippo 100% of the time or not at all.