Vector KGM Jetz Lighter Review

Vector KGM Jetz Torch Lighter Review

  Vector KGM continues to put out interesting and unique cigar lighters. The Vector Jetz single torch lighter packs a lot of nice features into a relatively compact lighter. The most notable feature is an integrated bottle opener. Yep, that is a cool feature for sure!

  The Jetz for review today is shown in a black crackle finish. This is one cool a$$ looking lighter. This also happens to be my favorite Vector finish. It offers a great tactile rough(ish) finish that is durable and attractive. Jetz has a wrap around vent that adds to the overall visual appeal. The thumb action pusher is very easy to use. In fact, one of the most comfortable ergonomically I have reviewed. Best way I can think to explain it is like a vertical "trigger" action. The down side to this thumb action is it could potentially depressed accidentally in a pocket, etc. Vector went with the CLR favorite oversized fuel adjustment. Though, the lighter is lacking a fuel gauge window and a cigar punch cutter. Lastly, the ever useful integrated bottle opener for your drinking pleasure located on the backside of the lighter.

  Overall, pound for pound this is one of the best lighters sub $20. That said, it did not perform very well under for the CLR "Fire It Up Test" as noted below. Jetz is very comfortable in the hand, not bulky on any level. For a single jet torch Vector KGM put out a very solid cigar lighter. The name on the other hand is a different conversation. It is only has one jet after all!

CLR Overall Ratings (10 being best, all added, divided by 5)

8 - Aesthetics

7.5 - Finish/Construction

6.5 - Flames

8 - Function & Fuel Adjustment

8.5 - Value vs. List Price

CLR Final Score: 7.7

Fire It Up Test Results:

20 attempts, 12 successful lights (not so good)

Pros - design, integrated bottle opener, value

Consideration - not so steller "Fire It Up test" results

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Xikar Allume Lighter Press Release

Xikar Allume Lighter Press Release / Pre-Review

  Press Release from the Xikar camp. Figured I would throw this up until I get a chance to get my hands on one. Smoking price, best I have found Xikar Allume That's a cracken price on one of these little firecrackers! This basically replaces the XTX Single jet lighter. Now, for your reading pleasure:

  XIKAR introduces single jet flame, small enough to fit in a front pocket, powerful enough to light any cigar.
  Kansas City, MO – June 17, 2014 XIKAR, Inc. introduces the Allume, their latest single jet flame lighter. This model builds on XIKAR’s long history of design, elegance and engineered performance with its small, sleek body and eight stylish colors.
  The Allume single flame side squeeze lighter is a top quality lighter with sexy form, sleek feel and superior function. This dynamic lighter is available in the US in Tuxedo (Black), Steel (Silver), Alpine (White), Electric (Yellow), Riot (Red), Crush (Orange), Imperial (Purple) and Stealth (G2). At just 1.3 inches wide, 2.15 inches tall and a mere .5 inch thick, the Allume easily fits into any pocket virtually unnoticed.
  “XIKAR is excited to expand our family of lighters. The addition of the Allume adds a smaller accessory option and a new variety of bold colors for the consumer,” said Kurt Van Keppel, CEO and Founder of XIKAR. “We value the feedback we receive from consumers who demanded more colors and smaller accessories. The Allume satisfies both of these needs; we are confident it is going to be one of our top sellers,” continued Mr. Van Keppel.
  Based in Kansas City, Missouri, XIKAR is the leading cigar accessory brand. Creator of the revolutionary and iconic Xi1 cutter, XIKAR sells product in thousands of retail locations around the world.
  In 1995, Kurt Van Keppel wanted to buy a good cigar cutter, but found that both the inexpensive and high-end models underperformed. So, he set out with Scott Almsberger to match good design (ergonomics and function) with the best styling and materials. The result was the Xi cutter, launched in 1997.

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Prometheus Magma T Lighter Review

Prometheus Magma T Triple Torch Lighter Review

  For today's review I'm taking a closer look at the triple torch Prometheus Magma T shown here in the black lacquer finish. The Magma T is not what I would consider a carry around lighter, definitely in the table top lighter category in my opinion. Though, it does have some standard cigar lighter attributes like a cigar punch and fuel gauge window.
  This Prometheus is not a small or lightweight lighter by any means. The Magma T is roughly 3.5" tall by 2.8" wide. No doubt, the design is aesthetically very pleasing. The Magma T's triple torches produce a very strong wind resistant blue flame. With the new fad being the bigger cigar, the better (for some), the Prometheus Magma T will have no issue handling any cigar. A spring loaded lid flips back responsively. Once open there is a smooth side action thumb pusher to ignite the triple jets.

  Prometheus did a nice job with attention to detail. The underside of the lid is branded with Prometheus, while open the top surface area has a knurled finish, with contrasting vertical lines in the stainless steel against the lacquered body. Be warned, with all the high polish the Magma T will is scratch magnet. The lighter has a very cool blue fuel gauge window, always convenient.

  Unfortunately, for fueling the Magma T does not have a CLR's favorite easy to turn fuel wheel. It has the type that usually requires a screwdriver or a like. The Magma T makes up for this short coming with an integrated duel cigar punch cutter. The cigar punch flips down revealing two different sized punches to choose from. The larger of the two is the biggest diameter I have seen in a lighter, 60 ring gauges no problem. Also, a punch is rarely seen integrated in a table top lighter.

  In the table top lighter word amongst other big hitters the price is palatable at a suggested 79.99. For about $10 more you can find limited editions, such as Fuente Destino or God of Fire. Lastly, I do feel for the price a limited two warranty falls a bit short. This Magma T can be found at authorized dealers like Lighters Direct, use promo code CLR10 for an additional 10% off.

CLR Overall Ratings (10 being best, all added, divided by 5)

9 - Aesthetics

8 - Finish/Construction

9 - Flame

7 - Function & Fuel Adjustment

6.5 - Value vs List Price

CLR Final Score - 7.9 

Fire It Up Test Results:

20 attempts, 20 successful lights

Pros - triple torch, very easy to read fuel gauge, dual punches

Consideration - only two year warranty, scratches easily

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Colibri Stealth 3 Lighter Review

Colibri Stealth 3 Torch Lighter Review

  The Stealth 3 (III) is a new fresh release from Colibri. It is an inline triple torch lighter. Only fair to mention this Colibri is very similar to the Xikar Trezo. Many a cigar smokers favorite go to lighter. I did a full review a while back here on CLR Trezo for comparison purposes. Both lighters have their own advantages over the other.
   The Colibri Stealth 3 is just that, stealthy and sleek in design. Admittedly, here on CLR, I am big fan of heavier lighters. This generally means better construction, with less plastic body components. No doubt the Stealth 3 feels quality made, very heavy. The contemporary angles and blue fuel gauge window make this an aesthetic show stopper. Blue indicates the fuel level as seen in pic below. A simple flip of the thumb reveals the 3 inline jets. The outer two jets are angled slightly inwards. Depressing the large thumb pusher produces a beautiful, wind resistant, pyramid blue torch. Though, the flame continued for 6 seconds after I released the pusher! Might be the longest I have ever tested. It lasted so long, it made me think to time it. An easy to turn large fuel adjust wheel located on the bottom of the lighter increases/decreases the amount of butane used. As with the Trezo it is lacking an integrated cigar punch/cutter.

  Aesthetically, I like the Colibri Stealth 3 a bit better than the Trezo. Also, the blue fuel gauge window is much easier to read, with a better location. Xikar clearly shines through with their no proof of purchase lifetime warranty. Colibri only offers their standard two year warranty. The decision really comes down to Stealth 3 sleek apeal or Trezo's better overall quality and warranty. For $100 retail, you can probably guess which way CLR is leaning.

Best Price CLR found here: Colibri Stealth 3

CLR Overall Ratings (10 being best, all added, divided by 5)

9 - Aesthetics

7.75 - Finish/Construction

7.5 - Flame (due to long shut down)

8.5 - Function & Fuel Adjustment

7 - Value vs. List Price

CLR Final Score: 7.95

FIRE IT UP Results: 

20 lighting attempts, 20 successful fire ups.

Pros - modern design, heft, inline triple torch

Consideration - expensive lighter for only a two year warranty 

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Vertigo Champ Lighter Review

Vertigo Champ Quad Torch Lighter Review

  Vertigo continues to deliver intimidating powerhouse cigar lighters at very affordable price points. Here we have the new Vertigo Champ quad torch lighter in the gunmetal finish. The cool thing about this lighter is that it doubles as small table top lighter that can fit in your pocket for easy travels.

  No doubt this bring on some conversation at your local B&M. The Vertigo Champ has great aggressive styling that scream "bring it on"! Easily the best feeling lighter size wise in my hand that I have used with its oversized handle like body. Though, the body is made of smooth plastic and I did drop it twice, kind of "slippery". Gripping the Champ and pushing down the thumb action pusher emits four raging windproof torch flames. The flame starts blue and quickly transform to a brilliant red. The four jets are always visible whether in us or not, adding to the overall powerful look of the lighter. The Champ's flame is easily adjusted to your desired output. The bottom of this vertigo has a little tab that is flipped up with a fingernail, then rotates smoothly. Worth noting the fuel tank is huge as well.

  I would say this is more of a table top lighter. Though, it can surely be used as a go to cigar lighter as well. I guess this would make the Vertigo Champ the best hybrid torch lighter I have reviewed. The Champ cost around $28 and is available at Lighters Direct. Don't forget to use promo code CLR10 for an additional 10% off!

CLR Overall Ratings (10 being best, all added, divided by 5)

9 - Aesthetics

7.5 - Finish/Construction

7.75 - Flames (CLR prefers hot blue)

8.75 - Function & Fuel Adjustment

9 - Value vs. List Price

CLR Final Score: 8.4

Fire It Up Test Results:

20 attempts, 20 successful lights

Pros - doubles as table top lighter, 

Consideration - only a warranty

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JetLine DT-101 Table Top Review

JetLine DT-101 Table Top Quad Lighter Review

 JetLine does a great job of bringing affordable heavy hitting lighters to market. Case and point, here we have the JetLine DT-101 table top quad torch lighter. Even before firing this beast up you know this lighter is all business.

  At almost 4" inches tall its presence does not go unnoticed. The DT-101 is offered in 3 leather wrapped options, black, brown, and light brown. If constantly refueling your lighters is annoying I can assure you this bad boy will ease your frustrations. DT-101 fuel tank is immense, keep a hefty supply of butane on hand for refills. The fuel tanks capacity will keep all four torches firing on all cylinders for many toasting and roastings. One of CLR's favorite features with any lighter is a single step to ignition. Pull down the thumb action side pusher, lid pops up, and four raging windproof flames emerge. It is impressive no doubt. Often times I find a mirror on the underside of a lid is gimmicky. Not the case here, this mirror is actually useful. Due to the size of the lid the mirror has a large footprint. As you are firing up your favorite stogie you can clearly see the cigar foot and touch it up if needed.

  The bottom of this table top lighter has an easy to use fuel adjustment. It turned very smoothly for me using a fingernail. The JetLine is lacking a fuel gauge window, though, it would definitely compromise the overall aesthetics had there been one. The JetLine DT-101 table top lighter retails for $69.99, but can readily be found sub $40. This is a solid lighter at that price point. Definitely, one of the best options for an affordable quality table top lighter.

BEST Price CLR Found - JetLine DT-101

CLR Overall Ratings (10 being best, all added, divided by 5)

8.5 - Aesthetics

8.0 - Finish/Construction

9.5 - Flames

8.5 - Function & Fuel Adjustment

8.75 - Value vs. List Price

CLR Final Score: 8.25

Fire It Up Test Results:

20 attempts, 20 successful lights

Pros - excellent quad flame, huge fuel capacity

Consideration - will not travel light

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