Best Cigar Lighters For Every Occasion: Soft & Jet Flame Buying Guide

1. ST Dupont Défi Extreme [Most Durable]

Overview

Although we’ll regularly try out new and exciting lighters, we always end up drifting back to our trusty Défi Extreme. Despite its modern and futuristic design, the Défi Extreme is designed to be durable and long-lasting.

It’s certainly endured a lot of punishment from us and it just keeps going! Its mechanism is very ergonomic and comfortable to use. On one side, you have the trigger, which clicks into the body. Meanwhile, the other side shows a full-length fuel gauge that’s easy to check on a regular basis.

If you just want a lighter that will never let you down, the Défi Extreme would be our first choice. It’s a bit pricey, though, and retails for around $215 on Amazon.

2. Xikar Ultra [Combo Lighter & Cutter]

Overview

If you’re looking for a device that fulfills both cutting and lighting functions in a single portable package, you could do much worse than Xikar’s Ultra Combo. Featuring an ultra-slim design, the cutter is only slighter thicker than a credit card whilst the lighter is sleek and narrow.

Both clip together thanks to their magnetic construction and rivets on the cutter fit nicely into the lighter’s screw holes. This prevents either from sliding around for a secure hold. However, you can use them independently if you choose as they don’t appear out of place on their own.

The Ultra’s cutter and a very sharp double guillotine with engraved measurements on the side. This helpful detail allows you to measure any cigar ring gauge from 24 to 56. However, the cutter can even remove the cap from a 70RG cigar.

Meanwhile, the lighter is solidly built with a full metal construction. Its single jet torch is intense and precise, making lighting easy in even the highest winds. We love how both of these come together so well and the Ultra is an ideal companion for when you’re out and about.

Finally, the Xikar lighter and cutter combo retail at a shade under $100 on Amazon. Although this may seem like an investment, remember that you’re getting both a quality lighter and cutter together.

3. ST Dupont Hooked [Most Portable]

Overview

Of all the premium brands, ST Dupont represents some of the most iconic luxury lighters. That said, Dupont recently added an affordable lighter to its repertoire, which surprised many enthusiasts when news broke out.

It earns its name thanks to its large hole in which you can loop a supplied key-ring. We’ve taken to attaching ours to the end of an Albert chain when wearing a waistcoat!

First available in Europe, it took a while for them to make it across the pond. However, they’re finally here and well-worth testing! One of our editors who resides in France was fortunate to grab one before they were released outside its home country.

After several months of use, he told us that it performs like an expensive Dupont but without the price tag. Nevertheless, there is a trade-off in that it’s made from plastic as opposed to metal like the premium models.

That said, they’re well worth the price thanks to a reliable and precise flame. You can now pick them up on Amazon for around $50.

4. Bespoke Leather Flint Lighters [Best Luxury / Custom Lighters]

Overview

Bespoke Leather lighters hail from Damien Moura-Delort’s independent studio in South London. Formerly a leather expert leveraged by famed fashion houses in England and France, Damien now devotes his time to bringing a more personalized touch to his custom leather goods.

Among his offerings are these refined flint lighters. Available in pocket and desktop sizes, Bespoke Leather’s lighters can be purchased with a number of different leather sheaths including alligator, traditional calfskin, stingray, and more.

Ranging in price from £99-£165 for the pocket lighters and £150-£285 for the desktop lighters, Damien’s flint lighters may also be commissioned with custom insignia or logos. Both types possess flame-adjusting valves on the bottom, while the pocket lighters also include an integrated cigar punch cutter that helps cut down on bulk.

Couple the old-school look of these flint lighters with the classic presentation that also includes extra flints, and you have the perfect lighter for all of your formal outings.

5. ST Dupont Ligne 2 [Premium Soft Flame]

Overview

Alongside the Montblanc Meisterstrück, the S.T. Dupont Ligne 2 lighter is the ultimate expression of luxury. Although not necessarily made solely for cigars, it tends to be associated with them more than cigarettes or pipes.

Handmade in France, they can be bought with a Chinese Lacquer finish, bare metal, or with a 007 theme as well as other novelties. Like a Zippo, an ST Dupont Ligne 2 has a distinctive sound when it’s opened, which should be as clear as a ringing bell.

Starting at 10 times more than the Dupont Hooked above, they demand significant investment. However, we’ve yet to hear from someone that was disappointed with their purchase. A number of models are available on Amazon if you want to take a look!

6. Colibri Quantum [Precise Multi-Flame]

Overview

Most torch lighters will have their multiple jets aligned side-by-side or in a square. However, Colibri have approached things differently with their Quantum lighter. Instead, the two outer jets are angled inwards to provide you with a more precise burn.

When it was released, it was the first triple jet lighter of its kind. In fact, we have yet to discover another like it! If you want the convenience of a multi-jet lighter without losing out on precision, you ought to consider the Colibri Quantum.

They’re a bit pricey but we’ve had ours for a while without any issues. On Amazon, they fetch for around $175.

7. Xikar Volta [Table Top Lighter]

Overview

For those who like to smoke at their desks at home or want to equip their Man Cave, a tabletop lighter is the perfect addition. Like the Scorpion tabletop cutter, the Xikar Volta is a sturdy beast that can enshrine your home environment.

This huge cylinder is as heavy as it looks and feels weighty in the hand. Its oversized push button launches a powerful quad jet flame that will light any cigar within moments. It also features a handy fuel gauge at the back with a hearty reservoir.

Although this is totally impractical for taking out with you, it’s a great option to have at home and looks fantastic next to the Scorpion table cutter mentioned above.

It’s easy to imagine this next to a beautiful desk humidor for a relaxing cigar between meetings (if you’re the boss) or after a long day. Sturdy and impressive, it’s the perfect statement to have at home or in the office.

At $114 on Amazon, it’s a premium choice yet offers the build quality as you would expect from Xikar. Nevertheless, it comes with a lifetime warranty just in case anything happens.

8. Nub Ignition Triple Torch [Table Top Lighter]

Overview

“The ‘B’ is the button!” Exclaimed our editor in uncharacteristic over-enthusiasm when he first tested the Nub Ignition. While this tabletop lighter may come across as a bit of a gimmick at first, it’s actually a really good lighter!

Indeed, the “b” of “Nub” is the trigger for this bulky lighter, which clicks to release the three jet flames in unison. Nice and sturdy, it sits comfortably on your desk and looks right at home in both contemporary and traditional environments.

Furthermore, it also ages surprisingly well. Although you might expect that its white finish or black tobacco leaf will eventually wear, it hasn’t budged since we first got it a few years ago. Every time it has got a little grimy, all the dirt is just wiped off with a damp sponge.

On top of that, it’s also very affordable for a desk lighter and only costs $50 through Amazon.

9. Colibri Rally [Rugged Lighter]

Overview

Admittedly, we actually prefer the SV Cutter that goes with the Rally lighter. That said, the Rally is still a top-notch lighter that performs well. Simply pulling down the latch on the side reveals the jet flame, which activates with a satisfying click.

Being a single torch flame, you won’t get the same power as the Quantum listed above. Nevertheless, it provides you with accurate precision and an easy lighting process.

You can pick up the Rally and SV Cutter together at a slight reduction or you can buy them separately. On Amazon, they retail at around $60 each or $100 as a pair.

10. ST Dupont Ligne 8 [Affordable Premium]

Overview

An affordable alternative to the Ligne 2, the Ligne 8 has a more contemporary and streamlined construction. With its glossy lacquer finish, it’s narrower and more lightweight than the robust Ligne 2 whilst still offering the same quality that you’d expect.

Its smooth roller and metallic features contrast nicely with the lacquer for a luxurious finish.

Although some may argue that classic flames are less convenient than torches, others prefer the control and lower temperature that this offers. Furthermore, Dupont will service your Ligne 8 lighter for a mere 47€ directly from their workshops in France.

Made in France, the Dupont Ligne 8 is a truly premium choice for lighting your quality cigars. Whilst its $380 price tag on Amazon is a touch expensive, it provides you with a more accessible alternative to the regular Ligne 2.

11. Colibri Firebird Quad Flame [Budget Lighter]

Overview

Finally, not everyone’s budget can allow for premium goods and sometimes you want a lighter that won’t make you become teary-eyed if it gets lost. If you’re looking for something that sits within the $15 price point, you can’t go wrong with Colibri’s Firebird.

Released in 2016 by Firebird, Colibri’s value accessories brand, the Qu4d Burner has been a huge success. At a low price, the user gets a reliable and powerful quad flame.

This flame thrower comes with a safety cap that just needs flicking before depressing the button to activate it. Originally, the Firebird was launched as a limited run for Asylum Cigars, which is the version that we use.

However, its success proved that it would be released as a standalone model shortly afterward. The base is slightly wide for a bottom-heavy design, meaning that it won’t fall when standing up.

Furthermore, the addition of an oversized flame adjustment on the base makes it easy to control your flame. The Firebird is ideal for when outdoors and the quad flame won’t let you down. Sure, it guzzles gas but its large transparent reservoir will stop you from ever being out of action.

Now available for only $15.80 on Amazon, you really can’t go wrong with this impressive little lighter. It’s inexpensive and perfect for traveling or taking with you for a round of golf.