Having now owned several models of the ST Dupont Défi Extreme, I have decided to share my thoughts.
In this article, I will be reviewing the ST Dupont Défi Extreme as I cover the following points:
- St Dupont Défi Extreme Price
- Testing Conditions
- Dupont Défi Extreme Features & Benefits
- ST Dupont Défi Extreme Cons
- Closing Thoughts
You can use the links above to jump ahead or scroll down to learn more.
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St Dupont Défi Extreme Price
As the ST Dupont Défi Extreme has grown in popularity, it’s available to buy from a variety of retailers. Amazon has the greatest selection of models and different colors. However, the price may vary depending on the seller.
Meanwhile, Mike’s Cigars has a wide range of different colors and models, which are all sold at the same price of $251.95. Although the most expensive, Mike’s Cigars is a well-known and trustworthy independent shop.
Finally, Smoke Inn sells only the black model. Nevertheless, it’s the cheapest and retails it for less at just $220.95
Testing Conditions
I recently tested the Défi Extreme in 15-mile consistent winds and 25-mile per hour gusts. This lighter is pitched at being obviously extreme so it’s meant to handle different weather conditions from windy conditions, very cold conditions, warm conditions, as well as high altitude.
I could definitely attest to it being a good lighter at high altitude as I used it successfully in Bogota, Colombia last year at 2,700 meters, when several of the other lighters I took didn’t work. As for the wind conditions, above you can see me light a Nub Connecticut without any issues.
Dupont Défi Extreme Features & Benefits
So what do you get for your $260 of retail value? The Défi Extreme features a single flame with a jet cover. It also has an attractive fuel gauge as well as pretty slick styling.
Meanwhile, its flame is small but precise and accurate. It works at high altitudes. Although I had one that broke down on me, the support at Davidoff London was fantastic as I was in the UK at the time.
ST Dupont Défi Extreme Cons
However, there are a few cons that I feel that I should mention. Firstly I do not like that the fuel reservoir never seems to fully fill, even if I bleed the lighter correctly.
As time’s gone on, I’ve actually owned a couple of these lighters. I’ve lost some while others have broken or worn with time as happens with daily use items.
They’re made in China, which obviously isn’t inherently a bad thing. Nevertheless, I do feel ST Dupont has cut more corners with the quality of materials that have been used for this lighter with every new one that I have purchased.
For instance, the plastic housing is less and less luxurious despite being from a luxury brand. Yet, I feel like these changes only reduce the final production cost by just a few cents.
One of the other things I do not like about the lighter as well is that the fuel gauge on the bottom has a very small amount of travel. Therefore, it can be hard to kind of adjust the flame.
Finally, while I had luck with Davidoff London’s customer support, another broke in the USA. I sent it to the New York service center and I’ve not heard about it in over a year. Depending on where you buy these lighters, you may have a different experience with regard to the support system.
Closing Thoughts
With all of that being said, I do believe that this is a great value for money lighter. I’ve owned several of them, but I belive that it’s worth knowing the pros and cons before you end up buying one.
"Despite some minor quirks, the Défi Extreme is still one of the best lighters on the market."
Further Reading
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