Choosing the right cigar lighter is more than just a matter of convenience; it can significantly impact your smoking experience. Two popular types of cigar lighters—torch and soft flame—each bring their own set of advantages and considerations. Let’s dive into the characteristics of each type and explore how they can influence your cigar smoking ritual.
What Is a Torch Flame Cigar Lighter?
Torch flame lighters are known for their intense, focused flames. A lighter for cigars like this uses a jet-like flame that is generated by a pressurized gas source, usually butane. The result is a hot, concentrated flame that makes lighting your cigar a breeze. They often feature multiple burners to ensure an even light.
Advantages
One of the standout features of torch flame lighters is their ability to provide a high-intensity flame. This makes them exceptionally good at lighting cigars quickly and evenly. Their strong, wind-resistant flame is a real boon for outdoor smoking or in breezy conditions. Torch lighters are particularly well-suited for thicker cigars or those with a higher tobacco content, as they can handle the larger surface area and tougher wrapper.
Considerations
While the torch flame’s strength is an advantage, it can also be a drawback. The intense heat might be too strong for more delicate cigars, potentially causing them to burn unevenly or too quickly. Additionally, torch lighters generally require more maintenance to keep them in top working order.
What Is a Soft Flame Cigar Lighter?
Soft flame lighters, on the other hand, provide a gentler, more controlled flame. They typically use a single, softer flame generated by a simple fuel source. This type of lighter often has a classic design and is favoured for its elegance and simplicity. The flame is usually adjustable, allowing for a more refined lighting experience.
Advantages
Soft flame lighters excel in providing a gentle touch, which can be ideal for more delicate cigars. The softer flame ensures a controlled lighting process, which helps prevent the cigar from burning too quickly or unevenly. Many smokers appreciate the vintage appeal of soft flame lighters and find them easier to use in various situations. They’re often compact and convenient, making them a great choice for both daily use and special occasions.
Considerations
The soft flame’s gentleness comes with a downside—it is less wind-resistant compared to the torch flame. This can make lighting your cigar in breezy conditions a bit challenging. Additionally, soft flame lighters might take a little longer to light your cigar, especially if you’re dealing with a larger or thicker cigar.
Comparing Torch and Soft Flame Lighters
Flame Intensity and Control
When it comes to flame intensity, torch lighters win hands down with their powerful, concentrated flame. This makes them ideal for a fast and efficient lighting experience. Soft flame lighters, however, offer a more controlled and subtle flame, which is perfect for delicate cigars and those who prefer a slower, more deliberate lighting process.
Lighting Efficiency
Torch lighters are designed for quick lighting, which is great if you’re in a hurry or dealing with a cigar that’s challenging to light. On the other hand, soft flame lighters require a bit more patience but provide a more nuanced and precise lighting experience, which can enhance the overall enjoyment of your cigar.
Durability and Maintenance
Torch lighters are generally more robust but also demand more frequent upkeep to ensure they function properly. They can face issues such as clogging or wear and tear on their multiple burners. Soft flame lighters are often simpler in design, which can translate to less frequent maintenance, but they may be more prone to wear if not handled carefully.
Choosing a Company for a Cigar Lighter
An Active Blog
Sometimes, you don’t know what cigar lighter is going to be best for you. This is particularly true if you’re new to this hobby and have never owned one before. It can be useful to look for a company that has an active blog. This means that they’ll have plenty of information about cigar lighters, and they might be able to point you in the right direction. You can get advice from experts and take these details into account when you’re trying to choose one.
Regular Sales
Let’s not forget that it’s fun to grab a bargain. Therefore, you want to look for a company that offers plenty of sales throughout the year. This means that you might be able to save money on a cigar lighter or choose a better brand than you had in your budget. Check out the sale on their website and be patient. Then, you can come back and see if lighters are included. Some of the best sales are around Black Friday.
Offers Military Discount
Are you a military veteran? This is something that you should be proud of. Indeed, there are some companies that want to honor your service and this means that they give you a discount on your order. You want to find this type of company so yu can save money and feel like you’re appreciated.
