Surefire quality lighter?

knuckles666

knuckles666

Joined
Dec 17, 2003
Messages
370
I've been after a quality lighter for a while now. I used Zippos for years but became sick of wick changes, the smell, and not knowing how much fuel was left.

Now I'm using disposables, which I don't really like.

My question is, are there any lighters that are very rugged, look good and have a 'jet' flame? I love the casings on Surefire flashlights and would love a lighter that is equally as solid.

So far I have only found the colibri extreme II, which looks perfect for me but have heard dodgy things about reliability and the compass on the bottom.

I wouldn't normally use a compass, but would hate having a broken one on the end of something I use every day!

Now if I could swap that thing out for something like the end of an impact tool, it would be a stunning little thing!
 
How 'bout the Sportsman's Lighter. Only 6 bucks at Wally World, and it works great. 100% reliable in my experience. Has a jet flame that is adjustable, comes in a few different colors, and resists damage from impact well. The safety bar on it works great as an impact device. The one I have is camo, but I like the looks of the black one the best. Of course if you're looking for a "classic" looking lighter, it may not be for you.

Edit: Forgot to mention, it also has a window where you can look to check how much fuel you have left.
 
Couple of suggestions

Colibri Firebird is a solid jet flame with good capacity and very reliabile $10

Ronson makes a model called the Jet-Lite that is almost as good $3 at Wal-Mart.

If you are looking for something on the higher end Xikar makes a great product with a fantastic warranty
 
There's a butane drop-in insert for Zippos that has a jet flame. For the very death of me I can't remember what it's called:confused:

Anybody know what it is?
 
Heck---I stopped carrying a Zippo because it would cause a rash on my leg if I had it in my pocket----its been Bic for years now.
 
I've had that rash too. I'm pretty sure it's excess fuel on the casing.

I was very close to buying a Zippo Blu but heard bad things 9 out of 10 times. These were old reviews, but I haven't heard anything good since. Strange having such negativity towards Zippos but apparently they aren't very reliable.

I wouldn't mind the z-plus insert if I saw some decent reviews, as I already have a fair collection of Zippos. My favorite is a genuine Vietnam one from someone in the Old Ironsides.

I do appreciate Bics and Clippers, but always want the extra something that makes a permanent lighter for years to come.

Thanks for all the replies too, as always, very helpful to hear from real people with real experience!
 
Refillable Butane lighters are pretty hit or miss. Sadly, nothing is as reliable as a Bic. But if you like Zippo's try one of the new butane lighter called the Zippo Blu. I dont own one, but handled it in the store. Very nice, but kinda spendy. I personally have a nice Colibri, but it not the most reliable. It seems that everytime you fill it, you have to mess around with the flame adjustment till it works. Kind of a pain. I usually end up with a Bic.
 
To be honest I do usually end up with a Clipper, but I love a quality lighter and I will spend a premium to get a premium lighter.

I'm hoping to hear that Zippo sorted out the problems with the Blu, as I've always had a real appreciation for the unconditional lifetime guarantee. Maybe the only people who had a problem with it are the ones who used cheap gas or didn't look after them?

Another big plus about Zippos for me is the space for engraving, to make it truly your own.
 
Pass on colibris/prometheus/vector KGM
My buddy works in a cigar store- they go dead all day long..from pizeos not sparking to clogged burners

Nice torch- Blazer's PB207/CG001
Something to look prettier, still torch- Porsche Design
Best value (note, not windproof)- Im Corona Old Boy

Highest quality- Caran d'Ache, Dupont, Dunhill

Decent torch- tiny tank- Zippo Blu

Torches do have a limited lifespan, but Zippo has a lifetime warranty that actually is worth something. Colibri, etc's warranty just SUCKS
 
Prometheus lighters are no good? I guess my Dad got lucky with his. He has a cigar lighter, and it is very reliable. It probably lights 19 out of 20 tries, and he uses it several times every day. But the Colibri's, not so good. I'll have to look at the other one GargaeBoy suggested.
 
I have a Corona Old Boy and cannot speak highly enough about it. The looks are stunning and the feel is solid. As mentioned above it is not wind proof, that would be my only negative.

Billyp
 
I had a Colibri Xtreme, way to expensive, really stupid decision to buy it, had a bad problem with it jamming up. I tossed it in a drawer for years, took it out from time to time and still couldn't get it going. Finally I figured out how to make it work and it's back in service, a nice but overpriced lighter. Adjustable flame height, adjustable for altitude. Gave it to someone who can use it - in the interim I quit smoking. :)

Somewhere along the way I got a Brunton Helios and I guess I traded that one off. The Helios is the best, though. Convenient operation, filling, watching butane levels, easy to grip. After a few years use, whatever you paid for it is minimal.
 
Having been a pyro and a smoker for years, I have run through my share of lighters. While I've owned many a $10-$100 jet lighter, none have survived. Piezo's, high pressure seals, flimsy wires, and fuel sensitivity were bad enough, but the lighters often suffered carbon fouling from visco cannon fuse that would completley kill them.

If reliability is paramount, I'd stick with a well maintained zippo, or those $5 Austrian IMCO lighters, which are superb. Nothing has proved more dependable in my experience. I EDC an orange zippo and an IMCO on alternate days FYI, with a country comm peanut lighter on my keychain in case one runs out of fuel.
 
I have a Zippo Blu. I live in Bradford, PA so I was able to get one cheap (about $20). IMO its not worth $20 and if I had ordered it over the internet and paid full retail for it, I would be very upset. It doesn't light very consistently. Half of the time when you release the button it doesn't go out. And the flame is very inconsistent and there is no way to adjust it. I got mine when they first became available but I've not heard a positive view on one from anyone I know who purchased one. I think regular Zippos are great and are very well built, especially considering the price. The new Blu however, just feels cheap. I hate to say it, but the $3 Ronson available at WalMart is a better lighter IMO.

Jamie
 
Cosign on the Brunton Helios. Just got mine. Nice, rugged construction, windproof, easy to tell how much fuel is left, easy to refil.
 
Ive had two of the inserts from county .com. Gave one to my dad and kept the other. Both seemed to work fine. I use mine every day. You have to keep them warm though.They dont work too well cold. Just keep it in your pocket. Id recommend them for the price. Check out the peanut lighters also. Way cool.--KV
 
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