Xikar Pipeline Lighter Review

[craig61a]

I’ve noticed these in the past; An Old Boy look alike for around 50-60$. The Xikar name is well established, and the warranty they offer is quite good.

I’ve used their products for cigars for years, and had no issues with the exception of one jet lighter that stopped working. They promptly sent a replacement once I had requested repair/replacement service on their website.

I received two of the Pipeline lighters I had ordered a month ago. Not quite the heft of an Old Boy, but substantial. The filler nozzle opening at the bottom reveals what appears to be a molded plastic fuel tank. The adjustment screw for the flame height rotates a total of 180 degrees, so a small adjustment should make a larger adjustment in the flame or so one would reason. It also comes with a tamper that stows in the body of the lighter. There is a detent spring that holds the tamper extended at about 70% from the bottom of the lighter. At the other end there is a small flat blade screwdriver tip.

I’ve had issues from the start with this lighter. The spark wheel which extends out slightly from the body compared to other similar lighters, sticks and sometimes difficult to manipulate. The flame tip sometimes does not release fuel (sticky valve?).

After a month of average use the post holding the flint tube is loose and wiggles back and forth, which probably is responsible for the spark wheel issues. I don’t know if the post has a small screw holding it in place or if was just staked into place. I haven’t been adventurous enough to disassemble it yet to check it out.

I’m disappointed in this lighter because of the issues I described above. I’ve always gotten a quality product and service from Xikar, but this seems to be a real lemon. The appeal is a solid looking old school lighter for a reasonably inexpensive price, and I wouldn’t get too upset if it ended up getting lost or misplaced.

I would avoid buying another...

 

[jewman22]

Good review, i had actually been considering purchasing one, but hear a lot of mixed thoughts on them.
My only experience with Xikar is their cigar cutters, which work very well. Xikar has a great warranty program, you might be able to see if they can help.

 

[Hfinn]

I was told that 45 degree lighters are not very comfortable to use. but I still think to buy such a lighter.

 

[craig61a]

Good review, i had actually been considering purchasing one, but hear a lot of mixed thoughts on them.
My only experience with Xikar is their cigar cutters, which work very well. Xikar has a great warranty program, you might be able to see if they can help.

Spend $40 more and get a Kiribi Kabuto...

 

[jttnk]

I’ll second the, not impressed vibe of the Pipeline. I sent the first one back for lack of performance. The second one they sent works mmmmeeehhhh some of the time. I think they excel at cigar accessories and not so much with pipe goods.

Also, second the Kirib, I love my TaKara.

 

[kcghost]

I don't care for them at all. Most people buy Xikars for the great warranty but I'd much rather have a lighter that is dependable.

 

[saltedplug]

The only dependable lighters I used were BICS. Endless problems with others, and I gave up on them.

 

[cigrmaster]

XiiKar has a great warranty but shitty cheap made in China crap. I don't know anyone who has not sent back a cutter or lighter as they break so easily. . They are shit and so is the company. Spend the money for a IM Corona product. I have 8 IM Corona Pipemasters an d 2 Old Boys. I have a feeling the Pipemasters are going to be discontinued. My gut feeling is usually pretty good. Here are a few of my PipeMasters.





The ones with the wood on the side I bought 4 of. One for each kid to remember me buy.

 

[tatter]

I agree as well, The works got loose within the first couple of months, sent it in for repair, same problem within the first week, i put in in the junk drawer. Bic lighters for me

 

[jpmcwjr]

My Xicar has developed a leak. Is there a way to determine where it is? If the nozzle, I might fiddle with it. If the tank, I might send it back, but I've had it for four years or more,

Much prefer the IM Corona Old Boy style. And the Kabutos. Not a fan of the "pipe master's" looks.

 

[cigrmaster]

jp, I am not crazy about their looks either. My Duponts are way classier. But for function, I never had a problem with any of them ever. My oldest is one of the ones with the pipe shapes (have 2 of these), it is around 8 years old by now.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Well made, a touch unattractive, works great, lights every time. What's not to like?

 

[craig61a]

XiiKar has a great warranty but shitty cheap made in China crap. I don't know anyone who has not sent back a cutter or lighter as they break so easily. . They are shit and so is the company. Spend the money for a IM Corona product. I have 8 IM Corona Pipemasters an d 2 Old Boys. I have a feeling the Pipemasters are going to be discontinued. My gut feeling is usually pretty good. Here are a few of my PipeMasters.





The ones with the wood on the side I bought 4 of. One for each kid to remember me buy.

What isn't made in China nowadays...?

One company I worked for several years ago had all their components manufactured in China and assembled in the US. The rejection rate on components was greater than 65%. But the economics of the low low cost per unit on the components drives it.

 

[craig61a]

My Xicar has developed a leak. Is there a way to determine where it is? If the nozzle, I might fiddle with it. If the tank, I might send it back, but I've had it for four years or more,

Much prefer the IM Corona Old Boy style. And the Kabutos. Not a fan of the "pipe master's" looks.

Put it in a glass of water...

 

[johnnyreb]

My Xicar has developed a leak. Is there a way to determine where it is? If the nozzle,

In addition to all the points in the OP's review I'll add that they are very finicky on the quality of butane & bleeding the tank.

I've had problems with the fuel valve leaking & spinning around in the sleeve. Not a quality part.

I haven't even bothered with mine in quite a while but there was a local dealer who would just exchange them out on the warranty, then called the local sales rep to come & pickup the returns. I have traded out 3-4 for new in the past. Don't know if he is still willing to do that or not.

 

[craig61a]

FWIW, I did disassemble it, and there's a small screw that holds the post in place. A dab of locktite on the screw and refastened it. I also removed the spark wheel and ran a pipe cleaner through the center, applied a little 3in1 oil. Spins great, and the flint tube is reasonably solid.

Been using it for a couple of weeks and no issues.

 

[verporchting]

I had similar issues with my first one until it finally just wouldn’t work at all - the post was wobbling and the wheel was wonky and wouldn’t spark even when the flint was new. Sent it back for repairs but it took several months for them to send a replacement. Okay, but in the months without it I just returned to using a Bic and the new one has the flame coming out at an awkward angle so it mostly sits on my pipe table now. I may try a Kiribi but not right now.

 

[bullet08]

You could always get Zippo. US made, works every time, amazing warranty.. Just have to fuel up often. Oh, price is very reasonable.

 

[cigrmaster]

I do have one Dupont pipe lighter. I only use it when I go out with the ladies. It has been years since it has left it's home. I did use if got a number of years and it worked just fine. If you
You look at the light second from the far right it is that one. It looks different than either Dupont or even a IM Corona. It has the pipe flame that pushes out to the side. It also has a nice leather case.
I bought it in Paris in 2000 for 300 frances and it was a good deal as the French Franc was in the toilet as the Euro was not out yet.

 

[Sweet Home Alabama]

You could always get Zippo. US made, works every time, amazing warranty.. Just have to fuel up often. Oh, price is very reasonable.

Even without wicks, flints, and fuel?