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Brunton Helios or Windmill Delta?
- Thread starter bfm
- Start date
I've got, use and like them both. But my Windmill was much more expensive than my helios. Dunno why.
The Windmill is armoured like a tank and it is very cool looking, no question. In terms of features, I don't think there's a big difference between the two and, despite the armour, I don't think the Brunton is any less robust, although people whom i believe tell me about throwing their Windmills against the wall etc without damage.
Over a few years of use in extreme conditions, neither one has failed me, except I must say the Windmill inexplicably stopped working for about a month and then started up again. Maybe it was fouled. But the Brunton never waivered.
I guess I would choose the Brunton because it's lighter, less expensive and didn't mysteriously stop working, ever.
But then again, I have another slimmer Windmill in brushed silver colour that I use as my dress lighter that I could probably use in the field, it's that reliable. I wouldn't, though. It doesn't have a clip to secure it shut and also doesn't have a fuel window.
They're all great lighters.
The Windmill is armoured like a tank and it is very cool looking, no question. In terms of features, I don't think there's a big difference between the two and, despite the armour, I don't think the Brunton is any less robust, although people whom i believe tell me about throwing their Windmills against the wall etc without damage.
Over a few years of use in extreme conditions, neither one has failed me, except I must say the Windmill inexplicably stopped working for about a month and then started up again. Maybe it was fouled. But the Brunton never waivered.
I guess I would choose the Brunton because it's lighter, less expensive and didn't mysteriously stop working, ever.
But then again, I have another slimmer Windmill in brushed silver colour that I use as my dress lighter that I could probably use in the field, it's that reliable. I wouldn't, though. It doesn't have a clip to secure it shut and also doesn't have a fuel window.
They're all great lighters.
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2000
- Messages
- 14,444
There is another thread out there on this subject.
I have both, and if you compare the two side-by-side, the core lighter guts are EXACTLY the same, only the housing is different.
Chack the boxes they come in, identical except the lid.
I thought the Helios was cool looking, until I got it and found most of it was plactic. Even so, it has never failed.
I just picked up my second Delta. I think if given the choice, I'd pick the Delta, because of the exterior. A good bit tougher IMHO.
This is really a Ford/Chevy-type decision.
Good luck.
Mike
I have both, and if you compare the two side-by-side, the core lighter guts are EXACTLY the same, only the housing is different.
Chack the boxes they come in, identical except the lid.
I thought the Helios was cool looking, until I got it and found most of it was plactic. Even so, it has never failed.
I just picked up my second Delta. I think if given the choice, I'd pick the Delta, because of the exterior. A good bit tougher IMHO.
This is really a Ford/Chevy-type decision.
Good luck.
Mike
Lenny
Gold Member
- Joined
- Oct 15, 1998
- Messages
- 2,486
How long do these things last before they break?
I've had a few of the Blazer lighters (not knock-offs. These are actually mini soldering tools, perfect for cigar lighters. They don't have the coil though to keep it lit in gale force conditions. When they are new, they're awesome. However, I've never had one last more than a couple of months. Usually, the igniter (apparently) stops putting out enough spark to light the gas.
Do the Brunton and Windmill give a high point flame, or just a low glow for lighting cigarettes?
Do I have to keep reverting to the old "tried and true" Zippo?
Thanks,
Lenny
I've had a few of the Blazer lighters (not knock-offs. These are actually mini soldering tools, perfect for cigar lighters. They don't have the coil though to keep it lit in gale force conditions. When they are new, they're awesome. However, I've never had one last more than a couple of months. Usually, the igniter (apparently) stops putting out enough spark to light the gas.
Do the Brunton and Windmill give a high point flame, or just a low glow for lighting cigarettes?
Do I have to keep reverting to the old "tried and true" Zippo?
Thanks,
Lenny
Two years for the Brunton, three years for the Windmill, and both are still running. I don't get a whopping tall flame out of either, but they burn hot enough to ignite most things. But that probably would dramatically reduce fuel and ignition life. better to use it to ignite something else that you use for a flame.