Pipe Lighters Galore

I have this sense of having become a wealthy man. Please understand that I did not say that I AM a wealthy man, but that I have only obtained the “sense” of having become wealthy. For, here I must chuckle; I have tripled my collection of pipe lighters. Yes, my friend you have heard me correctly. I have tripled my collection of pipe lighters. For my lonely Vertigo pipe lighter has acquired two siblings; a Zippo Chrome liquid fuel lighter and an IMCO G77R. As I mentioned above, this recent acquisition, has bestowed upon me the “sense” that I am now a man of means.

So, last night on the back porch I had to try them out.

The Zippo worked great. It lit on the first strike, and on every first try. There was no two or three tries to get it to light. I worked great right out of the gate. It will take a little getting used to as it requires a stronger draw on the pipe to bring the flame down into the bowl. And, for any subsequent lights when the tobacco has reduced a little, it is a mite bit more difficult to get the flame to go further down. But, I am sure with a little more practice I will get the knack of it. Also, I want to say that I did not mind, and hardly noticed, the lighter fluid taste. It was really a non-issue for me.

The IMCO (a plastic butane pipe lighter with a 45 degree angled flame) also lights on the first try but the flame adjustment wheel is also made out of plastic (it was only $15) and I have to see if it will adjust well enough for me.

The Vertigo (metal butane lighter with a 90 degree flame)

generally lights on the 2nd or 3rd try and works quite well. The flame adjusts well, I can aim the flame easily and is relatively easy to refill with fuel. However, I must note that I have had to replace this lighter once a month or two ago as the first one I purchased went bad after 2-3 months. The lighting mechanism seemed to just wear out and quit working. The tobacconist shop gladly replaced the lighter for me with no problem and the new one works well, but I thought it was worth mentioning.
Out of the three I think I enjoy using the Zippo the most as it sort of fulfils my idea of the pipe smoking persona, the connection with the past. I will, however, keep you posted on their performance.

Enjoy!