new lighter?

[Zeede]

I have a Xikar ELX in gunmetal and it is a dual torch. My B&M had it for $80 but I've seen it cheaper online.

It's basically the updated Element, I'm told.

[cheaphumidors]

Looking for something different... I personally have owned one of these (Black Label Presidente) for the last two years as my primary lighter. Lit well over 400 cigars with it with no issues. I love the flat flame. Benefits of a torch but gentle on the cigar like a soft flame.

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Label-Pr...E111N104A0X0S3

Agreed! I love the flat flames. Another option for a less intense flame is the Blazer PB207 Wide Flame. It gives you the flame of a match without interruption:

https://www.buylighters.com/Blazer-W...er_p_1741.html

[Dijit]

Interesting, because I haven't had a single issue with my Lotus. But yes, I agree on the XiKar comment. Have had two of them, neither has lasted very long before I needed the warranty.

While I do admit I have used my Xikar warranty for my lighters and my cutters. The first lighter was the Enigma. Had it for almost 10 years before I used the warranty. It still worked fine but looked like it had been through a war. I bought it pre fake leather sheath era. They didnt ask any questions just sent me the enigma II with a leather pouch. I have had that one for about 6 years now with no issues at all. I have a second lighter from Xikar, the ELX its currently only 2 years old but also no problems at all. My first cutter was the Xi and it too was over 10 years old when the blades got dull I sent it in and got a new one no questions asked. It too was pre leather pouch era and now has the pouch without my having to ask for it. Maybe I am just lucky with them but their customer service blew Colibri, Dunhill, and Prometheus. All of which they eventually fixed for a service fee and all were less then 2 years old.

[anthony d]

My first Element lighter didn't even last a year...

[Yarddog]

I am not one to get too excited about lighters or cutters, or anything else like that, so I definitely would recommend something on the less expensive side...therefore, I like the Vertigos and JetLines, as well as the Ronson dual jet lighter...spend ten, twenty bux, no more...it's a simple job it has to do! A cheap lighter produces flame just like the high end ones...sure, the better ones have warranties, but what works better for me is to have several lighters scattered about where I need them to be. A couple in the truck...one at the hot tub...one on the ashtray in the garage...a couple in the war bag. If one of 'em gets lost, no biggie...

I have one higher end one...works as good as the cheap ones, but that's just me. To me, I can spend $150 on a lighter...or on a box of premium ceegars...hmmmmm...lets see here...

[ky70]

Hello Anthony, hope your enjoying that Lotus Apollo

The Lotus L53 Scorpion may fit your needs.

I picked up a gray one last year and it's one of my favorite lighters. It's dual flame comes to a point (think upside V) and functions well as a cigar lighter. It has a fuel window, fold out cigar punch and it lights by hitting the "start" button. It's a single stage lighter as the cover opens and the lighter lights with a single push of the start button. I can light about 6 cigars on a full tank and I'm heavy on butane as I do a full toast to completely light a cigar which takes a little longer standard lighting methods so I use more fuel.

If you need any more details, feel free to let me know.

[anthony d]

Yeah, I am thinking of another Lotus for sure.

[Roy Earle]

While I do admit I have used my Xikar warranty for my lighters and my cutters. The first lighter was the Enigma. Had it for almost 10 years before I used the warranty. It still worked fine but looked like it had been through a war. I bought it pre fake leather sheath era. They didnt ask any questions just sent me the enigma II with a leather pouch. I have had that one for about 6 years now with no issues at all. I have a second lighter from Xikar, the ELX its currently only 2 years old but also no problems at all. My first cutter was the Xi and it too was over 10 years old when the blades got dull I sent it in and got a new one no questions asked. It too was pre leather pouch era and now has the pouch without my having to ask for it. Maybe I am just lucky with them but their customer service blew Colibri, Dunhill, and Prometheus. All of which they eventually fixed for a service fee and all were less then 2 years old.

Wouldn't the Xikar lighters be a little less $$$ if they weren't replacing 10yo lighters that were working perfectly fine?

[Dijit]

Maybe a little. Most companies play a service life for an item and hope it lasts that long. Good companies warranty their items for that period. The best companies charge a premium and warranty their items for life.

[Roy Earle]

Maybe a little. Most companies play a service life for an item and hope it lasts that long. Good companies warranty their items for that period. The best companies charge a premium and warranty their items for life.

Not to be a dick but I'm pretty sure Xikar doesn't warranty pocket wear and tear on a 10yo lighter. I use to know a guy that bought all his clothes from L L Bean and would get free replacements every 6 months or so.