Xikar Crossover Torch Lighter Review

This single flame Crossover torch from Xikar features a very hot, wide single torch flame actuated by depressing a single button. The torch and button are both covered by a solid metal spring loaded cover with a positive open and close action. The whole piece is solid metal and gives an exceptional feel of quality. The finish on this particular model has grooved designs in the outer chrome surface, with black accents. The lines actually provide a good amount of grip to the unit. With a single adjustment knob on the bottom – easily turned but not loose enough to be mistakenly adjusted, finding the perfect flame is fast. For me, the fit is perfect, the button action is just right, and it has proven to be very consistent and reliable in use. With a burn time exceeding 13 min, it certainly hold ample butane to light many cigars. Check it out at Xikar.com! Photography by BG Pictures.

This is the 2nd version of the Perfect Cuter line from Cuban Crafters. Offering improvements on the original it has a black anodized aluminum body and handles over stainless steel blades, with a lifetime guarantee. The Perfect line stands out by using a backing plate that allows you to simply insert the cigar and cut without having to adjust the cigar for the right location. Pick one up at Cuban Crafters! Photography by BG Pictures.

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.

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.

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.

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!
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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.

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.

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.