Jetline DT-101 Table Lighter Review

[Ropey]

Item: Cigar table lighter
Manufacturer: Jetline
Name: DT-101
Type: Quad jet
Mechanism: Single-action piezoelectric side-slide flip lid
Measurements: 93.5 mm tall, 58mm oval dia (long), 41mm oval dia (short)
MSRP: $69
Online: ~$22 (auction) to $49

Recommended: Yes

So I returned the mistakenly sent Xikar Turrim and received this, the Jetline DT-101.

The DT-101 is an extremely stout, heavy lighter with a large fuel tank. It is most definitely a table lighter. Unlike the Turrim, which could conceivably (though not easily) be packed and brought along, this lighter cannot. It's hands-down the heaviest lighter I've held (no pun intended).

However, it's likely not as large as you're thinking, given the photos on the net. Excuse the metric system measurements but I wanted to be exact -- it's only 93.5mm high, which roughly translates to a hair over 3 5/8". This means that your pinky will be underneath and supporting the lighter which is a little uncomfortable and could result in contact with the flame adjustment knob if you're not careful.

The lid latch is a primitive single rectangular post that is pulled down as the slide is pulled down. It works well enough but appears that it will not last forever. Any slight bending or wear will result in the post failing to keep the lid down. The lid flips open as the slide is pulled but must be manually shut after use.

The slide is easy to pull with the thumb. The coiled spring which opens the lid seems robust though small.

There is a mirror on the inside of the lid which is completely useless. The angle at which the lid sits while open is such that one would need to put the cigar directly on top of the jets to see the cigar tip glow as it's lit.

Unlike the Turrim, the entirety of the DT-101 is made out of pot metal. It is covered with pleather which is reasonably well applied. The fit of the parts is surprisingly good though their finish is not spectacular. Tool and casting marks can be seen inside the lid and on the base.

Fuel capacity is not as great as one would imagine given the size and heft of the lighter, though offhand I would guess it's a little less than twice that of the Turrim. There is no fuel window. Disassembly is easy and involves the simple removal of two small phillips screws on the bottom. See photo below:



On the plus side, it is very stable on the table. It's easy to grasp, easy to light and easy to adjust the flame. The piezoelectric lighting mechanism is very reliable and has not yet failed to light on any pull. The non-ratcheting black plastic adjustment wheel on the bottom is easy, but not too easy, to turn. Momentary bumps do not affect it.

I would recommend this lighter in the $20-something range. The small lid-locking post and the small spring which opens the lid are the two weakest points in the design. However, given that this is a table lighter and won't be subjected to rough treatment, if the lid mechanism ever fails I'll just disassemble the lighter and remove the lid, which appears to be a rather simple task. It wouldn't look as great but its function would be unaffected.