Blazer Big Shot Vs Big Buddy

[Abysmal Vapor]

I read that both models use the same nozzle,but from videos it seems that the Big Shot has a bit bigger flame.
I really hate farting torches where flame intensity isnt stable during operation. I am most bothered by flame outbursts ,actually so much that i decided that i want higher end torch. Does any experience any of these with their Blazers ?
Does any have both ? Is it really only the tanks size that differs but not the performance ? Which is supposed to be safer for running over longer periods of time ?

 

[Alexis]

I read that both models use the same nozzle,but from videos it seems that the Big Shot has a bit bigger flame.
I really hate farting torches where flame intensity isnt stable during operation. I am most bothered by flame outbursts ,actually so much that i decided that i want higher end torch. Does any experience any of these with their Blazers ?
Does any have both ? Is it really only the tanks size that differs but not the performance ? Which is supposed to be safer for running over longer periods of time ?

Big shot is substantially heavier. At the lowest flame level it is maybe a bit bigger than Big Buddy lowest flame (possibly 20-30% bigger, not sure though).

The flame is constant and strong as long as gas is high enough. I aim for minimum possible flame to save gas. Safety wise dont see either a problem for long running, it is what they are designed for.

Build wise, Big Shot is superior, stronger, sturdier. Also more stable, so probably safer in that sense. But being more bulky, maybe more chance if accidental error some day, placing down alight etc. Needs a bigger space.
They do perform differently with the Elev8r. Big shot does heat a little more aggressively, Big Buddy a bit more gentle.

I personally struggled with the Big Buddy due to hand/wrist issues and being prone to repetitive strain injury and tendonitis. The Big Buddy torch was a real problem for my hands because you have to hold the ignition button in with one thumb which takes quite some force while you lock the continuous flame switch with the other hand.

So I made an arrangement with vapefiend for me to exchange the Big Buddy for the Big shot.

For my hand and wrist structural weaknesses the Big Shot is excellent when it comes to igniting- couldn't be any easier or more gentle on my hands.

The only thing I don't like about it really is the heaviness and bulkiness factor. But this is the only torch I can see myself being able to use without messing my hands up for now.

I would say that the Big Shot is worth the investment because it is just better made and the Big Buddy felt a little finicky and prone to breakage to me. But it works very well and very many people are using this torch and are completely happy with it.

Both good torches. The Big Shot definitely rocks a bigger flame especially when you turn it up but do keep it in mind that most of the videos you will see do have the flame turned up a bit to show the potential of the torch.
Not sure what else to add now but I hope that is of some help and have a nice day.

 

[almost there]

Big shot is substantially heavier. At the lowest flame level it is maybe a bit bigger than Big Buddy lowest flame (possibly 20-30% bigger, not sure though).

The flame is constant and strong as long as gas is high enough. I aim for minimum possible flame to save gas. Safety wise dont see either a problem for long running, it is what they are designed for.

Build wise, Big Shot is superior, stronger, sturdier. Also more stable, so probably safer in that sense. But being more bulky, maybe more chance if accidental error some day, placing down alight etc. Needs a bigger space.
They do perform differently with the Elev8r. Big shot does heat a little more aggressively, Big Buddy a bit more gentle.

I personally struggled with the Big Buddy due to hand/wrist issues and being prone to repetitive strain injury and tendonitis. The Big Buddy torch was a real problem for my hands because you have to hold the ignition button in with one thumb which takes quite some force while you lock the continuous flame switch with the other hand.

So I made an arrangement with vapefiend for me to exchange the Big Buddy for the Big shot.

For my hand and wrist structural weaknesses the Big Shot is excellent when it comes to igniting- couldn't be any easier or more gentle on my hands.

The only thing I don't like about it really is the heaviness and bulkiness factor. But this is the only torch I can see myself being able to use without messing my hands up for now.

I would say that the Big Shot is worth the investment because it is just better made and the Big Buddy felt a little finicky and prone to breakage to me. But it works very well and very many people are using this torch and are completely happy with it.

Both good torches. The Big Shot definitely rocks a bigger flame especially when you turn it up but do keep it in mind that most of the videos you will see do have the flame turned up a bit to show the potential of the torch.
Not sure what else to add now but I hope that is of some help and have a nice day.

does either of these torches have a fuel window?

@Abysmal Vapor thanks for making this post, I have the same exact questions

 

[Abysmal Vapor]

Just what i needed. I guess i will hold off a while and save up for Big Shot. I just got a very nice bigflame shot . Model is BJ-600 (LOL) flame is very wide and perfect for my Gn0mes , for the price i dont think i had a torch with a bulkier flame . I just checked and appears that i own 3 models of this manufacturer. BJ-200,BJ-230,and now BJ 600, ahah there was bj-620 at the store but the 600 appeared to have larger flame ,i hope it lasts me a while. Heating time with the 600 is 30 seconds compared to 50 with the BJ-200 ,which has a very sharp and concentrated flame.
@almost there Actually i was about to start a Big Torch thread and investigate different EU brands and Also Chinese Torch series,I've had quite a few and also been digging into German Culinary torches some of which have up to 5 years warranty... I am not ready yet to justify the extra $ for the Big Shot. After all it is all about the Nozzle and the Tank not the brand.
Sofar i have a good feeling about Geru ,Rosle and Portasol .

 

[almost there]

Just what i needed. I guess i will hold off a while and save up for Big Shot. I just got a very nice bigflame shot . Model is BJ-600 (LOL) flame is very wide and perfect for my Gn0mes , for the price i dont think i had a torch with a bulkier flame . I just checked and appears that i own 3 models of this manufacturer. BJ-200,BJ-230,and now BJ 600, ahah there was bj-620 at the store but the 600 appeared to have larger flame ,i hope it lasts me a while. Heating time with the 600 is 30 seconds compared to 50 with the BJ-200 ,which has a very sharp and concentrated flame.
@almost there Actually i was about to start a Big Torch thread and investigate different EU brands and Also Chinese Torch series,I've had quite a few and also been digging into German Culinary torches some of which have up to 5 years warranty... I am not ready yet to justify the extra $ for the Big Shot. After all it is all about the Nozzle and the Tank not the brand.
Sofar i have a good feeling about Geru ,Rosle and Portasol .

I purchased a culinary torch from Amazon that worked ok but it has a very flared flame so I had a hard time with using it on my slug.33 without scorching the parchment paper. To make matters worse the butane is being guzzled at an alarming rate. I found the Big Buddy available for $26 shipped so it's worth a try. The Big Shot isn't too much more ($42 shipped), honestly I prefer something smaller, my collection of toys is starting to take up serious real estate at home.

 

[Abysmal Vapor]

For us in the EU i think those culinary torches with warranty are better options than Blazers ,what you got for 26 shipped it is 60 euro in europe and no warranty.
Here is the Rosle 12884

Ideal for desserts such as crème brûlée, as well as for vegetables or meat. Adjustable dial for flame regulation, temperature can reach up to 2372°F. Topple free base and practical setting for continuous operation (up to 60 minutes). Refillable with commonly available lighter fluid. GS and TÜV approved. With child proof safety switch. 5 year warranty due to mechanical products.
I think i even saw it with 10 years warranty somewhere for 50 euro.. how cool is that ?
I can find locally for 60 euro an ORCA TORCH which is pretty much like the big shot but without a piezo. Anyway i like the nozzle better .

In the Video it is the other model without a tank but same nozzle..

 

[almost there]

The blazer torches are the finest made. They piss all over the culinary torches warranty or not. The blazer torches are real tools where the culinary torches are usually cheap toys in comparison.

EDIT:
Most torches are very similar with simple parts and some even the same. Blazer advertises it's flame nozzle is superior for the big shot and the big buddy. I feel this is where the most difference lies as far as use. When you pick a blazer torch up and begin handling it you will notice the high quality of the build.

thanks for all the valuable tips, big buddy-check, elev8r-check.........now its a waiting game....

 

[chlorophyll_man]

If you're interested in buying the Big Buddy, and you're in the UK, try a jewellers.
I bought mine from a jewellers in Hatton Garden, London, for £32. That was cheaper than any .co.uk I could find.

 

[Alexis]

If you're interested in buying the Big Buddy, and you're in the UK, try a jewellers.
I bought mine from a jewellers in Hatton Garden, London, for £32. That was cheaper than any .co.uk I could find.

If you buy from Vapefiend, and use the "Hi5" discount code for orders over £30, you get a £5 discount and free delivery. So it would be £1 cheaper, with 48hr delivery.

 

[chlorophyll_man]

If you buy from Vapefiend, and use the "Hi5" discount code for orders over £30, you get a £5 discount and free delivery. So it would be £1 cheaper, with 48hr delivery.

That has to be the cheapest UK price for sure, good to know.

 

[MegaMan2k]

Just Got a Big buddy today, even on lowest setting i Think its pretty intense xD

 

[biohacker]

Awesome thread, and thanks @steama because i'm going with the Big Buddy too! I had the NewPort Zero Jumbo (equivalent to Big Shot) and found it way too massive and went through Tane like crazy with the massive flame. Ended up breaking in a week, however I think I busted it for the same reason @Alexis mucked his Big Buddy!

 

[Alexis]

Awesome thread, and thanks @steama because i'm going with the Big Buddy too! I had the NewPort Zero Jumbo (equivalent to Big Shot) and found it way too massive and went through Tane like crazy with the massive flame. Ended up breaking in a week, however I think I busted it for the same reason @Alexis mucked his Big Buddy!

I did also knock my Big Buddy onto the floor when it was new. Shhhh! Don't tell Vapefiend.
All under the bridge now anyhow.
Once ingnited, I do prefer the Big Buddy, but just can't work the ignition without major issues that just spoil the whole experience. So Big Shot it is for now. May not be needed much soon though if I learn of a cheap 15.8 mm coil that will fit the Newvape dhgate controller for some testing.

 

[biohacker]

@Alexis I was certain yours broke for the same reason as my NewPort. You used the continuous "lock", and then forced the ignitor button so you wouldn't have to hold the button yeah? Worked great for about a week, and then the valve busted or something because I couldn't get butane flowing whatsoever. The other possibility is that I perhaps "overfilled" it by forcing more tane in than I should have!

Here in Canada the Big Buddy is like less than half the cost of the Big Shot! Actually it might even be a 1/3rd of the cost.

 

[Alexis]

@Alexis I was certain yours broke for the same reason as my NewPort. You used the continuous "lock", and then forced the ignitor button so you wouldn't have to hold the button yeah? Worked great for about a week, and then the valve busted or something because I couldn't get butane flowing whatsoever. The other possibility is that I perhaps "overfilled" it by forcing more tane in than I should have!

Here in Canada the Big Buddy is like less than half the cost of the Big Shot! Actually it might even be a 1/3rd of the cost.

No you are correct, that is exactly how it happened. They aren't designed to work like that. I was lucky to get the exchange, kind of on the grounds of how Blazer didn't make it clear (enough) in the instructions that it shouldn't be used that way.

Knocking it onto the floor was just a coincidence befire the buttons failed, but I was secretly more glad to THEN get the excuse, and need to replace it, in case the fall damaged something.

And Blazer should definitely recognise this matter. Their product demo videos are so shit and short, you cant get a good impression of what all-round operation/handling is like.

No way do they demonstrate the Big Buddy ingintion procedure clearly enough, or at any stage say what NOT to do. Sorry for the confusion bro, you are correct!

@steama , thank you for my award! I am both honored and humbled with a real sense of pride!

 

[ElPic]

Hello fc, Sorry if i’m a bit of topic but I just bought a Blazer Big Buddy on amazon, and looking at my reserves of butane at home, I noticed that the "blue flame" butane that I have at home is a mix of 70% Butane 30% Propane...
do you know if there is a difference in flame temperature vs 100% butane brand ??
Got Zippo Butane fuel too which does not mention the purity of butane.

 

[Alexis]

Hello fc, Sorry if i’m a bit of topic but I just bought a Blazer Big Buddy on amazon, and looking at my reserves of butane at home, I noticed that the "blue flame" butane that I have at home is a mix of 70% Butane 30% Propane...
do you know if there is a difference in flame temperature vs 100% butane brand ??
Got Zippo Butane fuel too which does not mention the purity of butane.

I'm not sure dude but if I was you I would just make sure you know you have something which is suitable to keep the torch working for a good time. I have been using Newport butane because it is practically the cheapest suitable one in the UK that I've found easily.

 

[Gray Area]

I'm not sure dude but if I was you I would just make sure you know you have something which is suitable to keep the torch working for a good time. I have been using Newport butane because it is practically the cheapest suitable one in the UK that I've found easily.

Alright @Alexis mate

You got a poundland close by?? I've been getting Bull brand "ultra clean - almost zero impurities" stuff for £1/200ml can for a while now... I'm well stocked up (in the garden shed ).

Used it for ages now, for my Lotus and your old SV3... It's good stuff

 

[MegaMan2k]

I Dont want to break my blazer, but damnit the list of things not to do or to watchout for is long xD

Meanwhile my cheap torch from the hardware store is still going strong after almost 3 years. And Its been thru pretty much everything

 

[Abysmal Vapor]

I Dont want to break my blazer, but damnit the list of things not to do or to watchout for is long xD

Meanwhile my cheap torch from the hardware store is still going strong after almost 3 years. And Its been thru pretty much everything

I am there with you. I gave up on the Blazers cause i friend got one and compared to my Chinese BS-600 Torch. It has the same TIP/Nozzle and i find the mechanism to be better,since you dont need to lock the flame or hold the button. It is turned with valve like the Big Shot.
Propane is just as fine as butane for torches.. But i would not inhale the stream off that in Sticky Bricks concepts.(I wonder how anyone is.. Nozzles are made of brass surrounded by plastics and other metals which might off gas).
BTW I was told this by a guy in the perfume industry that also cans gas for lighters. Even the best brands have Lubrication on the insides of the can to avoid corrosion of the metal,which also might end in your lighter and jam the nozzle,so i was advised not to use the can to their very end.

 

[MegaMan2k]

Well thats potentially another thing to watch out for during use .

But. If i were almost out of butane i would use every last bit for sure. P

 

[Hollabackatcha]

I prefer the Blazer GB-2001 for my bigger torch purposes. it is hands free once lit, knob needle valve flame adjustment, vent is closable to use as soft flamed it can be laid on the horizontal with the flame up like a bunsen burner. I know its a smaller torch but I it to the larger models for my listed reasons.

 

[ElPic]

I'm not sure dude but if I was you I would just make sure you know you have something which is suitable to keep the torch working for a good time. I have been using Newport butane because it is practically the cheapest suitable one in the UK that I've found easily.

I am there with you. I gave up on the Blazers cause i friend got one and compared to my Chinese BS-600 Torch. It has the same TIP/Nozzle and i find the mechanism to be better,since you dont need to lock the flame or hold the button. It is turned with valve like the Big Shot.
Propane is just as fine as butane for torches.. But i would not inhale the stream off that in Sticky Bricks concepts.(I wonder how anyone is.. Nozzles are made of brass surrounded by plastics and other metals which might off gas).
BTW I was told this by a guy in the perfume industry that also cans gas for lighters. Even the best brands have Lubrication on the insides of the can to avoid corrosion of the metal,which also might end in your lighter and jam the nozzle,so i was advised not to use the can to their very end.

Thanks for the help guys,
I only using my torch for dabbing with banger or with my Elev8r so I never inhale the gaz of the torch...
My only concern was the temp of the flame on a mix of propane/butane vs. 100% butane. I shattered my first Elev8r with my small torch (and I was rotating it constantly) and I wondering if it was already defect when I receive it, or if is that mix of Propane/butane that could give higher flame temp that could have made this happen by heating the tips too fast!
Blue Flame is made in USA, triple rafined by fractional distillation and 11X filtered, zero impurities , and they say the can is food grade aluminum with a BPA-free liner and no toxic manufacturing lubricants are used that could damage the torch.... so probably Ok for the Blazer.
For the zippo brand it only say Premium Butane.... so I will not use it in my Blazer and keep it for my small Dremel torch.
I got some Colibri Premium too...
The blue flame have a 100% butane can too, but not available at my local store.
I know that a mix of propane/butane is better for some type of extraction like BHO, but I’m wondering if it change the temperature of the flame while use in a torch?

 

[ElPic]

Some pictures of the flame size differences between my Dremel 2200 torch vs. Blazer Big Buddy... and they are practically the same price...
They are both at their max temps.

 

[Alexis]

Some pictures of the flame size differences between my Dremel 2200 torch vs. Blazer Big Buddy... and they are practically the same price...
They are both at their max temps.

Your Big Buddy flame looks tiny for maximum setting? Im sure mine was much longer.