Lighter Question

Win Heger

Win Heger

Gold Member
Joined
Feb 29, 2000
Messages
3,386
All right, scientific guys. I recently went to Wyoming and carried two Blazer mini torches in my checked luggage, my friend carried one.
We went from NJ, basically sea level to Jackson, Wy, 6000+ altitude.
All three lighters were hard to light. On my return to NJ my two worked perfectly again, haven't checked with my friend. Can altitude effect a butane lighter? Just curious.

Thanks,
Win
 
Originally posted by Win Heger
Can altitude effect a butane lighter?
Click to expand...

Apparently... :D

One of the claimed advantages for my KGM Vector Gear lighter is that it works well at extreme altitudes. Of course, I am not a climber; I bought it because it makes more efficient use of butane than regular lighters.

--Bob Q
 
are susceptable to an Air-Butane mixture problem if taken to different altitudes. At sea level, you've got as much oxygen in air as you need, so your butane mixes with enough oxygen to light... at 6000+, you're looking at too much Butane and not enough oxygen.
 
Thanks guys, I just didn't think of a lighter like an engine that needs the correct mixture.

Win
 
I'd also like to know if it was cold at 6000 ft? I wouldn't think the oxygen % would be enough different to matter, but butane will not vaporize well at cold temps. If you keep the lighter in a pocket near your body it should be no problem, but if its in your pack or a jacket pocket, it may have gotten too cold, and warming it up for a few minutes in your hand should have helped.
 
Other than that, how do they perform? I'm thinking about buying one - hardly ever find myself @ 6,000 feet.
 
I think the adjustment knob can help compensate for different altitudes. Personally, I keep going back to the simple disposable butane lighters.
 
As to was it cold. No, when we were in Jackson it was close to 80. a very pleasant surprise that had us smoking a couple of cigars on the deck. During the week the tempature did drop but the days were warm.

I like these Blazer torches. I have three and they all work great where I live, New Jersey. I keep looking at other lighters but why change. I do use Blazer fuel for the refills, reccommended, but probably not neccessary.

Win
 
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