Surefire quality lighter?

If you can't handle the rash, don't carry a zippo. Stop being a pussy ;)

In all seriousness though, yeah, it's from overfilling your fuel, or filling it up right and having the fuel come out from your body heat. Keep the zippo out of your pants pocket and in a jacket or belt sheath and it isn't a problem. Of course, then you get "frozen Zippo syndrome"... a whole new issue
 
I've bought my father to Xikar lighters (I think they were mentioned by someone else earlier). He smokes cigars and likes jet lighters. The first one was an Executive. It was a single jet flame and effective lighter. It has an adjustable flame. If i remember correctly there was not a window to show fuel but I'm not positive. The next one was an enigma (i don't think they make it any more). Another good lighter. The only reason i replaced the Executive was he wanted something more powerful (this Enigma had two "jets"). The same adjustable wheel but a fuel window. I bought it from a small cigar shop and trust the guys running it and they recommended it. I also got him a cutter from Xikar. All there products are great. The one thing is if you get one that is painted (black or whatever color) it scratches so use the case or just get a silver one (the enigmas silver and doesnt scratch on the other hand the executive is black and does scratch). Plus you cant beat there warranty- its lifetime. From what i heard there customer service is pretty good. Good luck with your choice.
 
The Helios does look very rugged, but after seeing the Oldboy and looking into Dunhills, I'd love a good solid engine turned type lighter.

I've also noticed a few of these from decades ago on eBay that are still going strong, which can't be a bad thing!
 
Yeah, vintage Dunhills work fine and are totally rebuildable. Be ware of fakes or those that are beat to hell (usually causes some serious wear to the flame adjuster). Between Dunhill and Dupont, I'd go with Dunhill because Dupont uses proprietary fuels that get expensive, fast.
 
I hate to say it but i gotta go with the tried and true zippo, not the zippo blu that's like going to prom with your sister. for the price you can pick up a new zippo every couple of years and gather quite a collection. just my .02.
 
I do have a fair few Zippos, and really do love them. It's just more often than not I prefer butane.

As it turns out though, the only decent supplier of Corona Old Boys in the UK only has the older models :(

Such a shame as I'd really looked forward to getting one!
 
knuckles666 said:
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!
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Been carring a Zippo for 40 years. The only way to fly :thumbup:
 
I've only had a few lighters that I REALLY liked over the last 14 years.

1) $3 Ronson from Walmart. Easily as good as most of the $20-30 jet type lighters, but nothing really special. Best easily available lighter, for a disposable price.

2) Original Colibri Xtreme. Not a jet type, but did work well at altitude. Very reliable. Mine actually worked very well until I lost it. I'd heard people complain about this one a lot (might have been Xtreme II models though), but mine was pretty great.

3) Colibri Retro. Best lighter I ever had. 10x better than any of other jet lighter, including a bunch of colibri's that were supposedly the same thing (SST ignition).

The Xtreme might have been Surefire level of toughness, but are probably pretty tough to find these days.

I think, just based on my experience with them, that the jet type lighters are very hit and miss on quality, and are definitely picky about their fuel no matter what the brand. Always buy the best fuel and hope that you get a good lighter.

Of course, there are always Zippos. My favorite there is the 1941 replica. Rounded corners, 4 barrel hinge, less chimney holes. Great, unique zippo. There are also the Iron Stone and Black Zip Guard models if you want something really tough (looking).

schiesz
 
Brunton Firestorm looks like a surefire. Not sure about its reliability, I have never relied on those butane lighters.
 
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