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Dec 13

Nibo 12 Lighter Review

Posted on Sunday, December 13, 2009 in Accessory Reviews

This lighter is, in a word, dainty.  It has a fairly artistic design and is just overall a very small lighter.  I have big hands and it’s not comfortable for me to use, to scrunch my thumb down holding the button.  Those with smaller hands such as the ladies, may find it very comfortable indeed!  It offered very good burn time from the single natural flame.  The button stays nice and cool as it is not directly attached to the top cover, which does get hot.  It has no visible reservoir and a single small adjustment screw on the bottom surrounding the fill valve.  Overall a durable yet simple lighter.

Dec 4

Tiger Stripe Single Flame Lighter Review

Posted on Friday, December 4, 2009 in Accessory Reviews

I was excited to buy this lighter looking at the design over the internet.  I really like the fact that the reservoir is not only large, but clear plastic, offering an instant check as to it’s fill.  Unfortunately even though yes it does give great burn times, using it is downright painful unless you are the sort that only uses it for 10-15 seconds and lights your cigar very quickly.  I know many of you do that, so this may be a good choice for you.  However for those like me that take a minute or more to toast, and light cigars fairly slowly – this is a terrible choice.  Not only is there a great deal of spring pressure on the small button, but the design of the frame has many small pressure points, leaving marks on your hand, fingers and thumb after only a minute.

Nov 23

Double Flames Slide Lighter Review

Posted on Monday, November 23, 2009 in Accessory Reviews

This fairly hefty lighter offers both a jet torch and a natural flame in one unit. The two flames are independent of each other, both in actuation and adjustment. The bottom holds the refill valve and two adjustment screws for the flames. The torch is lit by depressing the top button which slides the top cover back and starts ignition. The natural flame is then lit optionally by depressing the side button. You may then release the top slide, shutting down the torch, for a nice gentle flame. It offers good burn time for both options, but with no visible reservoir you must be diligent about filling.

Nov 18

Cutter Comparison: Spike vs. Punch vs. Straight vs. Angle

Posted on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 in Accessory Reviews, Polls

This is a comparison of the major types of different ways to cut a cigar. Shown are the characteristics and differences between the new Cigar Spike, a punch cutter built in to one of my lighters I got from Buylighters.com, a traditional straight cut by a Cuban Crafters Perfect Cutter, and on a torpedo a straight vs. angled cut by a Xikar. The video is in two parts (part two will play automatically after one). Photography by BG Pictures.

Along with the videos we have a poll – tell us what your favorite cut is and comment on why!

What is your preffered cut?

View Results

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Sep 18

Colibri Firebird2 Lighter

Posted on Friday, September 18, 2009 in Accessory Reviews

This lighter offers dual flames, for nice slow toasting of cigars. The flames are wide and tall to accommodate even the largest ring gauges. It’s major drawback is the small fuel supply and no fuel window. 4 lights per fill is average.

Sep 1

Follow Up – Colibri Paradigm Lighter

Posted on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 in Accessory Reviews

Unboxing and initial test HERE

I have been using this lighter exclusively for the last two weeks, and have to say it’s very nice! The one thing negative I had to say in the initial unboxing and testing proved to be inconsequential – the thumb position used on the trigger. In real use, you simply don’t use it long enough to ever notice it as an issue.

The lighter remained consistent and easy to operate at all times in all conditions. What I’m particularly impressed with is the pinpoint accuracy of the flame. Usually the flame tip is broader, while this comes to a VERY sharp point. What that does it make it incredibly easy to do touch-ups, without roasting any part of the wrapper you don’t intend on hitting. Of course the downside is it takes a little longer to light very large ring gauges, but it still works fine.

The biggest plus for this unit is the reservoir size and window. It goes on and on between refills, having only a single flame and needing very little light time. The capacity window is a huge plus, assuring you will never leave the house with a near-empty lighter by mistake again.

Aug 21

Colibri Paradigm Lighter Review

Posted on Friday, August 21, 2009 in Accessory Reviews

This single jet torch lighter features a semi-gloss black plastic and brushed aluminum finish. The weight and construction feels very good in your hand, and operation of the switch is easy enough although better leverage would be appreciated. The front side features a plexi sight window into the reservoir, a welcome feature. The back side features a spring loaded punch cutter that flips down and self-clears as it closes. The bottom has a nice big adjustment wheel that is easy to turn but won’t spin accidentally in your pocket. The top cover flips open with a positive spring action, clear of the flame. Testing with 10 second bursts proved it to light 33 full times including periodic adjustment increases to maintain flame height. Thank you very much to BuyLighters.com for generously donating this for review, it’s greatly appreciated! Photography by BG Pictures.

Follow-up Article HERE.

Jun 15

Cuban Crafters Perfect Cutter Unboxing & Review

Posted on Monday, June 15, 2009 in Accessory Reviews

This cutter solves the problem for many smokers, of just how to perfectly cut your cigar. Especially for new smokers, it takes the guesswork out of what is really a critical step in the enjoyment of a good smoke. It allows for the perfect positioning of just about any cigar and effortless cuts. In this video we unbox it and run it through a couple different types of cigars to get a feel for how it operates. Thank you very much to Cuban Crafters for generously donating this for review, it’s greatly appreciated! This is a real bargain for a great cutter with a lifetime guarantee at only a $15 price point.