Xikar Vitara Torch Lighter |
Xikar packed Vitara full of features, including a fuel gauge window, cigar punch, oversized fuel adjustment wheel, and single thumb action to ignition. As to be expected, the twin jets are smoking blue, forming a nice unison peak. The lighter CLR tested tended to leak butane from the jets for 1-2 seconds directly after the flame going out. CLR has experienced this with other lighters, typically not with Xikar. Not a huge deal, but worth noting.
Vitara's punch is integrated nicely into the side of the lighter. The punches "arm" is longer than most CLR has come across. This added length makes it easier to use because it sticks out further from the lighter. Especially, on larger ring gauged cigars. The cigar punch is on the smaller side at 7mm. Cigar punches tend to range from 7-9mm. From experience, CLR finds any of the three sizes work well.
It is hard to knock on Xikar for their products and here is why. Xikar does not make a cheap product in construction or cost. Cost aside, the quality is consistent and there is always the "no proof of purchase lifetime warranty". To better illustrate this point, let's use the lighter in this review for example. If this was your lighter and you were not happy about the 1-2 seconds of butane hissing after the flame shut down, there is no reason to be frustrated. Simply walk into any Xikar authorized dealer Brick & Mortar store, hand over your lighter, they hand you a new one, and off you go. CLR has heard of some stores that won't, but that is a rarity. Suggested retail price on the Vitara is $69.99.
Best Price CLR found here: Xikar Vitara
CLR Final Score: 8.4
FIRE IT UP Results
Vitara's Double Jets In Action |
It is hard to knock on Xikar for their products and here is why. Xikar does not make a cheap product in construction or cost. Cost aside, the quality is consistent and there is always the "no proof of purchase lifetime warranty". To better illustrate this point, let's use the lighter in this review for example. If this was your lighter and you were not happy about the 1-2 seconds of butane hissing after the flame shut down, there is no reason to be frustrated. Simply walk into any Xikar authorized dealer Brick & Mortar store, hand over your lighter, they hand you a new one, and off you go. CLR has heard of some stores that won't, but that is a rarity. Suggested retail price on the Vitara is $69.99.
Best Price CLR found here: Xikar Vitara
CLR Overall Ratings (10 being best, all added, divided by 5)
8.5 - Aesthetics
8.5 - Finish/Construction
8 - Flame
9 - Function & Fuel Adjustment
8 - Value vs. List Price
FIRE IT UP Results
- 20 back to back attempts, 19 successful lights
Pros - nice integrated cigar punch, strong dual flame, lifetime warranty
Consideration - tested unit hissed/leaked butane from jets briefly after extinguished
2 comments:
Great reviews. I had been a Lotus fan coming into cigars, but after having a couple of them stop working after a year or two I'm finally jumping on the xikar band wagon. CI has these on sale for 29.99 this week, so looking forward to the new lighter coming in the mail.
Thank you, glad they are helpful! Lotus does make a nice lighter, but hard to beat Xikar in the warranty department. That deal on CI is crazy cheap while it last! Enjoy your new lighter.
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