hi. what is the best lighter :D

[ZippyDan]

give me your recommendations on good mechanical lighters (windproof, waterproof, flame, etc) for camping/hiking/general use

right now the Brunton Helios Windproof Lighter is the only interesting thing ive seen. anyone know of anything better?

and how come they can make matches that can light when wet, but they cant make a mechanical lighter that can light when wet

~Zippy!

 

[Chett]

I would use a zippo, but then again I have not tried much else really

 

[GG_Blaisdell]

If you can remember to keep it filled, a Zippo is a superb tool. Plus, you can purchase one with a logo or design you enjoy.

 

[Grim/Don]

Zippo with a Z-Plus insert, Bic for back up.

 

[grnamin]

Grim/Don beat me to it. :thumbup: Here's a thread.

 

[RoninPimp]

I have yet to find anything that out performs a Bic for EDC.

 

[GarageBoy]

Cheap chinese electronic ignition torch style. Doesn't have the tolerances of a japanese one, so no clogs

 

[Cougar Allen]

I've had real bad luck with cheap piezoelectric lighters -- the ignition sometimes doesn't even last out the first tank of fuel. YMMV....

 

[underaged!]

Have you looked into Windmill lighters as well?

I'd not use a zippo for my primary lighter if I was going camping. Well I guess I would, but if I had a Windmill or a Brunton then I'd take that over the zippo.

I must say though, to try zippos out. They're fairly cheap and very... I'm not sure... there's something special about them.

I don't carry mine anymore, I kept over trimming the wick and now I have no wick. It hurts.

 

[ZippyDan]

the windmills look good. i assume the fielder is the best. im having trouble believing a zippo would do just as well in harsh conditions as a brunton or windmill...

 

[bladefixation2]

I dont think theres 1 ideal lighter, especially as anything can break no matter how good it is.

I carry a selection of the following

blue flame micro torch
box of strike anywhere matches
box of hurricane matches (more wind and waterproof than any lighter I've seen)
P.O.S disposable flint wheel style lighter

 

[kamkazmoto]

I must say though, to try zippos out. They're fairly cheap and very... I'm not sure... there's something special about them.

I don't carry mine anymore, I kept over trimming the wick and now I have no wick. It hurts.

Underaged, you can buy a replacement wick. They are really easy to replace.

 

[bladefixation2]

I've had real bad luck with cheap piezoelectric lighters -- the ignition sometimes doesn't even last out the first tank of fuel. YMMV....

I've never had problems with cheap flint wheel style lighters

 

[GG_Blaisdell]

Zippos are almost completely repairable, and in the case they are too damaged for home repair, send it to Zippo for about $1.30 in the envelope they send you, and you get a repaired lighter back at no cost, and this is a lifetime guarantee. I collect some Zippos, and I've had one repaired that was crushed by, well, something heavy. I think Mega Lo Mart sells the brushed chrome for $9.

 

[Don Luis]

Simple disposables are good just stay away from the real cheapos which may break.

I have an IMCO like the one my grandfather had, a simple an effective liquid fluid lighter which I use with inexpensive white gasoline, I find it more reliable than Zippo:

http://www.cigarlight.com/store/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=95&CFID=26148&CFTOKEN=59723305

Luis

 

[GarageBoy]

Zippo and the IMCO above do evaporate, so carry a fuel resevoir

 

[Temper]

A 'quality' disposable Bic type is probably the best for longevity.

There is also a 3rd party tank for Zippo lighters that reduces the evaporation problem.

Windmill = CRAP mine stopped working before the original gar ran out. I would never buy those jet torch type lighters again.

 

[jeeperaz]

Unfortunately I've been a smoker for a loooong time. There is no lighter that is better than a Bic!!!



Cricket made a great lighter back in the late 90's but it's no longer available.

 

[bquinlan]

My favorite lighter for overall reliability is the KGM Vector Gear. It uses a catalytic system that makes it roughly twice as efficient as other butane lighters. The Gear also handles wind and altitude unusually well.

--Bob Q

 

[underaged!]

Underaged, you can buy a replacement wick. They are really easy to replace.

I know they're easy to replace, but finding a place to pick them up is a pain in the ass. I only know of one place, but you have to be 18 and my mother is somewhat against me carrying a lighter.