Review : im Corona

I thought I posted this up some months ago, but Im seeing that I didn't. Better late than never I suppose.

So I started my lusting some months ago when a fella named Don posted up a review of this lighter. Now Ive finally given in to the lust and after searching out a vendor I not only was able to purchase one, but found a great B&M in the process. [/COLOR]

I happened upon the website of this shop in Queensbury NY, a tad over 2 1/2 hrs away. As luck would have it, I have a customer in Queensbury that I had to service today. What luck.


Back to the review, roll that lighter footage.......


http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...910_160302.jpg


Once unboxed, you find a padded lid, padded on inside and out.


http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...910_160316.jpg


The lighter comes with a little IM Corona cleaning cloth type soft case.


http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...910_160326.jpg


Then the owners manual, warranty paperwork, and guarantee card


http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...910_160350.jpg


She is simply stunning...


http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...910_161229.jpg


It is a tad smaller than I was expecting. I dont know, I thought it would be bigger. It has a nice heft to it though. So you know you have some quality in your hand when holding it.


http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...910_161110.jpg


The bottom of it has a flame adjustment screw which turns easily with a fingernail.


http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...910_161000.jpg


Here it is with flame all the way on lowest setting.


http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...910_160550.jpg


The lighter has a flip open top, you flick the flint and the butane flame ignites instantly. The leather wrap has a sewn seam down the end side of unit.


http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...910_161325.jpg


Yes it was pricey, but as a birthday gift to myself, I couldn't be happier.


http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...910_161354.jpg




If you are ever up in the Queensbury area, check these folks out. They have more stuff than even my big Habana Premium in Albany has.


Ton and tons of lighters, cutters, hell they even have Room 101 jewelry.
Check them out. Great folks and super sharp setup. Lounge with leather and fireplace. Outside deck on back of building. Bar in lounge area. Cigars, Pipes, Coffee, just awesome..
Being so far away is probably a good thing or I would be here more than home.


http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...910_131501.jpg

since this was purchased and these pics taken back on Sept 10th.

So here we are 3 months later and this lighter has been my daily goto since purchase. I do carry a single torch as well for windy days and touchups if needed, but it is not used nearly as much.

I've put refills through it, somewhere around 4-6 times. But again, Im not a weekend only sort of smoker.. So I don't think that's too bad. And some of that gas spent was while I have it open for cleaning.

Which brings me to the first true part of the updated review. Because of the close proximity of the flint tube and the flame, the flint tube and surrounding area gets soot on it even after only one light. (and yes I only use good gas, no junk)

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...216_081006.jpg

Its not a huge deal, I just run a pipe cleaner around the area to clean up. A Q-tip would work in a pinch I suppose, but a pipe cleaner can get in all the nooks and crannies. Im cleaning it about once a week.

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...216_081938.jpg

I have tried holding the lighter at different angles when lighting a cigar. This seems to work best for keeping majority of flame off of flint tube.

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...216_080908.jpg


But you see the results, it still happens. SO, just hold it wherever you want, your still gonna end up cleaning it. Unless grime doesn't bother you..but for my cheap self, I want this thing to look cherry 30 years from now.

The flint tube itself is just that, a tube with the flint and spring in it. And @SmokinSpider , this is where I feel im Corona has a leg up on all those busted lighters we read about. Most butane lighters nowadays are electronic spark fired. This lighter is old fashion flint. No electronic ignition source to foul up, or go awry. When your flint runs out, put in another.

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...216_080611.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...216_080554.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...216_080409.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...216_080228.jpg

The last thing I'd like to bring up is a carry case option. Im not a fan of the white cloth one they provide, Im much to dirty a fella to carry something white around. it wouldn't make it half way thru a day without being filthy.

When I was visiting Big Mike at Ed Leez cigar in Albany I asked if he had anything to fit my needs. We rummaged around the drawers over by the walk in and found a nice Prometheus leather case that fit the bill perfectly. Not wanting to take it for the free offer, he said two bucks. Done.

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...216_081524.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...216_081512.jpg

Fits like a glove

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/...216_081458.jpg

The only reason I wanted the case is due to the fact that I always have change, knives, tools, and such in and out of my pockets all day and don't want the leather wrap on this all gouged up. It works for me.

Overall, I'm still very pleased with my purchase. No regrets at all.