Helios Lighter-Opinions Please

J

Johan

Joined
Oct 12, 1999
Messages
631
Hello all! I'm thinking about getting a Helios stormproof lighter (made by Brunton), anybody own one of these things or have an opinion about them?
One of the things I was wondering was how much fuel they consume and how long you can have it lit before you run the risk of melting the filiment (something that I heard could happen to similar high-output butane lighters).

Any help would be greatly appreciated as they are about $90 Canadian ($60 US). Thanks in advance.

[This message has been edited by Johan (edited 12-12-2000).]
 
I have no experience with that particular lighter so I can't comment on its performance. However, I have tried several others and wasn't pleased with any. See the recent High Tech Lighter thread from the Community Forum for other comments & opinions.

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Cheers,
Brian

He who finishes with the most toys wins.

[This message has been edited by bcaffrey (edited 12-12-2000).]
 
I have a Flaminaire that I received as a present. Heat jet style. It stopped working.. Hardly the thing for the bush. Ferrocerium rods always work.
 
I've been looking for a reliable gas jet lighter for a while now, no luck. I've broken a few and returned to the trusty Bic's.

One that does work is a jet soldering iron type. They are large pen sized as found in hardwear stores. You need a flint or lighter to light them! What they do do is light wet wood, anything, because they generate massive heat. Because of their size they last a good time. Simple design with little to go wrong. However they are for the tool box or truck and not for day to day carry.
 
Johan,
I've got one. It's great. I can't give you statistics on it but I have used it up north for three weeks running in light but regular use without refill and for a year without problems. The price sounds a bit high, though. Call Europe Bound here in Toronto and see if they have a better price. Maybe they can mail it.

[This message has been edited by HJK (edited 12-14-2000).]
 
Thanks for the info guys!

HJK the big question I have is, what's the longest continuous time you've had it lit? I'm a little concerned about the filiment burning out from the extreme heat.
 
About 20 seconds or so. I didn't go longer than that not because of concerns about the filament but rather the fuel.
 
I just bought a Helios from Botach. There price was the lowest I've seen and I have shopped a lot! Under $35 US. I will let you know what I think when I get it. Botach has a 30 guarantee and Brunton says it has a lifetime guarantee. Why not give it a shot.
 
rnpollard thanks for the heads up, I thought I had checked out Botach but I guess I was wrond. I just placed an order for one and I should have it in a couple of weeks (USPS may be slower than UPS but it's SOOOOO much cheaper at the border). Cost me about $50 Canadian, I've only seen them here in the $80-$100 range so I think I did good
smile.gif
 
I have a butane solder torch similar to what Green Jacket describes. It uses butane, refillable, and has a pezio electric igniter, and similar in size to a small lighter.

Will
 
I've had the Helios for a couple of weeks now and the only negative thing is it scared the hell out of a guy at work who asked me for a light!

I think it is a good piece of kit.

Will I am curious about this torch you have though. How about some details.

Thanks

Rick

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Hoah! (Its an Army thing!)
 
I have owned a thing that says Prince Pocket Torch on its side, it seems to be a very small propane powered torch that has served well for the last 4 years, summer winter rain or sleet. It is refillable but so far I have not had to try that. Can recommend.

TLM
 
I was aware of the thread, but I have ordered from them in the past without any problems, that being said I will be sure to post when I revceive my lighter. I am expecting it next week (couple of extra holidays here in the Great White North so the mail's a bit behind).
 
Okay, I just got my lighter!

First, in regards to Botach - they send me the right item, for a very good price, in an appropriate amount of time. I have no complaints.

Second, in regards to the lighter - I haven't had a chance to really play with it so I can't say a lot about it now. Initial impressions are good, I'll play around with it the weekend and let you guys know.
 
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