Pocket size torch lighters

[pigfoot]

I see we have a thread for butane torches - seems to be about the larger stand-up kind used for heating nails and such. I'm interested in the smaller "pocket sized" ones, particularly the goose neck kind, used for heating a Lotus. Mods, if this doesn't need it's own thread, I understand.
My lotus should be here tomorrow, fully stoked for that It comes with a basic Honest brand torch, that some folks have good luck with, and others not so much. I'm already shopping for a backup, and ok, I just like lighters Must be all that combusting I did in the past! I'm interested in the Chinese lighters, because of the high value to cost ratio, but feel free to discuss whatever brand you've tried. It seems like the low cost stuff (at least some brands like Honest) has as many satisfied customers as "the higher priced spread". I'd like to see if there's some consensus on what works well and what doesn't.

From reading the Lotus thread, the high quality 'tane is recommended as an accepted fact, but some say they've used cheaper stuff with no problems. Does the cheaper stuff work well in some lighters and not others?
These are my burning questions!

 

[paytonpenn]

What do you mean cheaper stuff, Vector and Newport only cost me 4 dollars a 300mL can. I'd search locally, I don't know how my LHS can sell 12.50 cans for 4 dollars but that is actually their cheapest butane. I find low quality nozzles to be the biggest issue for me. But I've noticed my friend's butane makes their Hammer have a considerably less angry hiss when used, pretty sure they paid more for theirs than I did for mine as well. But there's wasn't even a brand I've heard of.

I do think this thread is good though, I'm tired of seeing so much non Lotus talk in that thread. We need a good lighter thread. I still have my crummy Vector from 2011, works fine the dial is really worn so using it is a huge hassle but it lasted longer than every other lighter I've bought and still lights on the first click unlike my Hammer.

 

[pigfoot]

Hmm, that is cheap. I haven't seen the Vector gas for less than $10 online (I guess because that includes shipping). I haven't even gone in a head shop locally, just figured the prices would be crazy.

Well, from what I've seen the Vector lighters are a notch above Honest. Good feedback and higher price too. Was looking at their stuff but didn't see any goosenecks.

 

[paytonpenn]

My lighter would be great if it was bent and had a external dial. I'll get a gooseneck when this thread picks up pace. All my torch vapes require me to awkward hold the lighter upside and that's not good for the lighter in general.

My lighter at my LHS was 22 dollars, I'd check out the Volt for a Vector goose.

But would personally continue doing more research before I settle.

 

[pigfoot]

Wow, that lighter looks surprising similar to the "Sleek" lighter Lotus sells Wonder who actually makes it, Honest or Vector? I do like that one though.

I just ordered this one:

Zico's are supposed to be good, and the price is right, but this one reminds me of an anteater:

I have noticed that the lighter is actually a important part of the lotus setup. I only had a weeks worth of luck with either stock torches. The honest lasting a little longer. Both had very heavy starter pull's which made my hands tremble at the angle necessary to heat the lotus.

I have mostly used a Jet flame (the one on the left in this pic) I have 2, both burlwood type, and the first one is now going on 9 years (10 this may). The jet flame is the only "upright" torch that i found also works upside down with out a loss of gas flow. The jet flame also has an adjustment knob as opposed to having to cary a small screwdriver around, you just use your fingers and give it a twist. It also has the smoothest trigger pull action you will get with out spending over the 100 dollar mark. My jet flame only cost me 17 dollars locally from a sex toy/cigar shop. This is a bad pic of the jet flame, it really has beautiful metal and made very nicely but has dust in its cracks in this photo.

The zico which is the curved one also has become the favorite since its powerful and has great ergonomics. its trigger pull is also very light and smooth. I always fill all my lighters with vector fuel and it makes a big difference. All of the unrefined gas creates a stench when used that actually gave me head aches. Cleaner fuel will also help your torch burner run cooler and thus extending the life of your starter. This lighter was also only 20 dollars locally from a sex toy/cigar shop. It really has a nice brushed finish that can be re-brushed since its real SS.

I have one other lighter, a st dupont maxi lighter. I rarely use it but its the best one I own. its not practical at the price point but once upon a time in my combustion days i collected these things. I only use the st dupont when "conferencing" with other connoisseurs or hot babes. I would post a pic of this lighter but its just so hard to catch a good pic of it that does its quality justice. (very shiny and italian like)

This is from another thread (Lotus) but so good I had to post it here.

 

[walrus]

Here's an old post from the Lotus thread. It belongs here too, I find purging my lighters on each fill an important step to keep them running their best.

Sounds like you need to bleed the lighter before refiling it...

here's a helpful vid:

I bought one of these to bleed and adjust my lighters...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Butane-Scre...991?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f220beeaf

 

[pigfoot]

So, what happens if you don't purge? The video shows it will allow more fuel in the reservoir, but does it actually cause problems if you don't? That tool looks good, for $5 I'd be all over it
My Lotus showed up today, and I was pleasantly surprised with the included Honest lighter, it seems well made, and (this one at least) works fine.
I ordered from easyvape, and their generic butane turned out to be Xicar "Purofine", the kind used in that vid. Makes no mention of how many times it's filtered, but hopefully it's good stuff.

 

[basement farmer]

So, what happens if you don't purge? The video shows it will allow more fuel in the reservoir, but does it actually cause problems if you don't? That tool looks good, for $5 I'd be all over it

It won't work very well. It"ll cut out or not even start. Purging removes the excess propellant that is left over from a fill allowing a better subsequent fill.

If you want to bleed it really well, allow it to warm up. Cooling prior to refill allows you to fill the tank more fully. Try this with an Honest or any other lighter that has a see-thru tank. You'll see (visually) the difference those extra steps make.

 

[cybrguy]

Zico's are supposed to be good, and the price is right, but this one reminds me of an anteater:

I may have to own this...

 

[pigfoot]

I may have to own this...

Looks like @ataxian has one, if you want to inquire about performance.

 

[FlyingLow]

Sub'd

 

[cybrguy]

So, I bought a backup torch at a local store. It is a little over 4" tall which is probably between the standup torches and the typical pocket torch. It is a nice little torch, but it doesn't turn off when the button is released. It seems to continue for about an equal time that it was depressed for up to about 12 seconds or so. This seems a little unsafe, or at least inconvenient, meaning it can't just be laid down or put back in my pocket. Is this common for these torches? More common on larger ones?

 

[FlyingLow]

I find that happens on most torches when they are turned up too high.

 

[paytonpenn]

I agree with Flying, does your torch also have a flame lock?

 

[cybrguy]

Not sure what a flame lock is. There is a adjustment for the flame that you can see in the pic and a safety on the other side. Is that what you meant by a lock? Then yes, it does.
On turning the adjustment all the way down I still get about a 5/8" flame (it didn't change much) but it shuts down faster, about 3 seconds. I can live with that.

Wait, the safety is on the same side and is also in the pic.

 

[paytonpenn]

Flame lock will keep the flame on when you slide the "lock" on the side. That text does say lock right?

 

[cybrguy]

Yes, it does say "Lock". But it only works as a safety preventing the button from being depressed when enabled. Actually, no, you are correct. It works as either a safety or a way to lock it on.

 

[pigfoot]

So what makes an Honest (or any torch) poop out while in use? I can instantly restart it.

 

[paytonpenn]

Air bubbles/pockets?

 

[pigfoot]

Hmm, don't see any air bubbles, and it only does that when the nozzle is pointed down.

 

[paytonpenn]

You don't see air pockets, or bubbles. When you purge your lighter and refill excess air can get in which is why some recommend purging the extra air after a refill.


When at that angle are you sure the lighter is able to feed from your butane?

 

[slowandsteady]

A quick picture of the standard Honest that comes with the Lotus in addition to a Zico and Vector both of which are single torches. I still haven't used my Lotus or Hammer with any of these torches, but I'll be fixing that soon.

Left to Right: Zico Regal T39, Honest, Vector Volt

 

[cybrguy]

Is there a fuel window in that Zico?

 

[slowandsteady]

Is there a fuel window in that Zico?

Yes. It's hard to see in the picture above, but it is parallel with the "Zico" writing to the right on the backside of the grip

 

[cybrguy]

Darn. I was looking for a reason NOT to get it...

Does it feel as good in your hand as it looks like it would? (OK, here is your chance...)