About Accessory Reviews

Stogie Nubber

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 18:06:16 -0700

PRODUCT: Carlito’s Stogie Nubber
TYPE: Cigar accessory (nubber/stand)
MANUFACTURER: Carlito’s Stogie Nubber
WEBSITE: http://www.stogienubber.com
REVIEWER: Doc
FORM: 95
FUNCTION: 95
VALUE: 90
OVERALL SCORE: 93.3

Have you ever nubbed a cigar? You know what I’m talking about… have you ever smoked a cigar down so far that you were in danger of burning you’re your fingers and your lips? If so, you will likely be interested in this product. Carlito’s Stogie Nubber is a nubbing tool that will eliminate charred fingers and lips and will provide a handy cigar stand as you milk the last bit of enjoyment from your stogies.

I don’t nub cigars often. I usually pitch them when they start burning hot. However, there are times when a cigar is just burning, drawing and tasting so good that I can’t let it go. That’s the time for a Stogie Nubber.
Machine tooled from a block of aluminum, the Stogie Nubber looks like a silver bullet (vampires beware!) and could probably serve as a self-defense weapon, in a pinch. And yet, the Stogie Nubber has a more genteel use, namely to lance your moribund stogie for the purpose of sucking the last bit of life out of it.

PHOTO: A look at the Stogie Nubber

According to company president Chuck Leaf, he came up with the Stogie Nubber because he was looking to fill a need. Obviously, for Chuck, necessity was the proverbial mother of invention...

One night, I was smoking a Padron 1926 Aniversario and got down to the nub, not wanting to throw it away. I looked for a toothpick but I thought I could come up with something better to finish the stick. Checked out my rodmaking tools and saw the seamstress tool sitting there amongst them. Since it is made out of metal, I knew I could grind down the cutting edge to a point... a few moments later, the prototype of the stogie nubber was born. My best discovery about this was when I put the Padron on it, I set it down and went back to using the computer. I then discovered that it was resting on its own, near my computer, not in an ashtray gathering ashes, and my hands were free.

Using the Stogie Nubber couldn’t be simpler; you just unscrew the safety cap and stick the spike into the butt of your stogie. The 1/2-inch spike is scored so that it holds the cigar better. The base is heavy enough so that you can be sure your cigar and the nubber won’t tip over. The tapered barrel of the nubber makes it easier to get your mouth around the stogie; I found it easier to turn the nubber sideways while drawing on the cigar.

I have been using the Stogie Nubber over the past week to nub cigars large and small and the more I use it, the more I like it. For those of you who are nostalgic-minded, this tool will seem like a “roach-clip” for cigars. I certainly get that “60’s feeling” when I’m sucking the last bits of tobacco from my sticks.

A couple of things that I have noted while putting this tool through its paces… First, you need to be sure of the spot where you want to stick the tool into your cigar because you can’t pull it out and re-place it. Once you’ve plunged the spike into the cigar, you will have an air leak if you pull it out. Of course, you could put your fingers over the holes that you make, like playing a flute, but I wouldn’t recommend it.

Second, the small spike that you use to skewer your stogie is about a half-inch long, which is the equivalent of a 32 ring gauge cigar. Since the cigar will collapse slightly as you push in the tool, I wouldn’t recommend using the tool on any cigar less than 40 ring gauge. (That will give you a 1/8-inch safety factor.) If you try and skewer a small ring gauge cigar, you will run the risk of pushing the point all the way through the cigar and perhaps putting a matching hole in your finger.

The Stogie Nubber comes with a “lifetime guarantee against manufacturer defects.” This is not the same as an unconditional lifetime guarantee, which I would have liked to seen in this device. The most vulnerable part of the device is also the most critical: the spike. The spike is 1/2-inch in length and 1/16-inch thick. While the rest of the nubber is solid as a rock, the spike could be vulnerable to breakage. Though the spike is not likely to break under normal conditions, I still think the guarantee should cover accidental damage. In my opinion, that is the only thing that keeps the Stogie Nubber from attaining a standard for accessories in the same league as, say, Xikar or Palió. Xikar has a lifetime unconditional warranty not only on their cutters, but on every other accessory that they sell.

When all is said and done, the Stogie Nubber is a simple yet ingenious device. Chuck Leaf has a winner with this cigar accessory. At around $13, the Stogie Nubber is a tool that I can highly recommend.

Contact Information:
Website: www.StogieNubber.com

Charles R. Leaf
President/CEO
carlitos@stogienubber.com

Kevin Hall
Vice President, Sales
kevin@stogienubber.com

Tatuaje Table Lighter by Lotus

Sat, 6 Oct 2007 13:32:42 -0700

PRODUCT: Tatuaje Table Lighter by Lotus
TYPE: Tatuaje Table Lighter
MANUFACTURER: Lotus
WEBSITE: http://www.integral-style.com
REVIEWER: Rob
FORM: 95
FUNCTION: 82
VALUE: 87
OVERALL SCORE: 88.0

BACKGROUND:
The Tatuaje Table Lighter is a special edition of Lotus’ popular chrome T3 Table Lighter that is used as the “house lighter” in many cigar lounges and B&M’s. It is manufactured in Europe by Integral GmbH company. The Tauaje name and logo are flawlessly engraved in black on the side of lighter. It has a triple torch flame design and comes in a very nice satin-lined box that is a great place to store it to protect from scratches.

FORM: [Score: 95]
To me the best part of the Tatuaje Table Lighter is its unique design for a table top lighter. It is essentially “Paul Bunyon’s Zippo”. By that I mean it has the look and basic function of a small lighter (flip-top, push button ignition, and vertical flame) and does not have the flamethrower appearance that most table lighters have. It can easily be carried in your pocket and it is a lot of fun to see the looks on people’s faces when they ask you for a light! In my opinion, the Tatuaje Table Lighter has the perfect herf design. Its beautiful exterior and solid 2 lb heft make it a community lighter that will impress your buddies and let them know that they are at a special occasion. I also like the fact that it can easily be handed around the table; I have found with many of the larger table lighters it is inconvenient for people to come to the lighter, so they end up using their own torch.

FUNCTION: [Score: 82]
The usage of the Tatuaje Table Lighter is essentially the same as any torch lighter. Before adding fuel to the lighter it is important to “bleed it” to ensure that there are no air bubbles. This is achieved by holding the lighter upright and pressing the filler valve with a small screwdriver or pen until the hissing stops. It can then be refueled by holding the lighter upside down. As with all lighters, it is recommended that you use triple-filtered (or higher) butane fuel. The lighter comes with an Owner’s Guide that has very clear illustrations for fueling and bleeding; making this process very easy.

The three jets on the Tatuaje Table Lighter combine to produce a powerful blue flame that can be adjusted via a small screw located beside the filler valve on the bottom of the lighter. If you have hard fingernails you may be able to adjust this screw by hand but I found that I need to keep a small screwdriver nearby. Although the lighter has a wide range of flame settings (the setting screw can be turned through about 270 degrees), I found that really only the top third of this range could be used. For flame settings in the bottom two-thirds, the lighter did not ignite reliably. However, in the top third of the gauge I could make the flame anywhere between about 1” - 3” in length, so in the end it gave a nice range of flame lengths.

As is the case with most table lighters, the Tatuaje Table Lighter is not good for doing touch-ups since its flame is just too large. And it is really important to be careful when first using this lighter---it would be really easy to completely scorch your cigar, or worse your hand, if you hold the lighter too close.

The Tatuaje Table Lighter has a large fuel tank capacity (I could not find the exact dimensions listed anywhere) and is good to go for a couple weeks of individual smoking or one big herf. The only major flaw I found with this lighter is that when the fuel level was down to roughly 1/3 remaining the lighter would mis-strike very frequently. I found this to be quite annoying so that in most cases I ended up bleeding the lighter of its remaining fuel and refilling it – at which point it worked flawlessly again. This practice wastes a lot of fuel and can be a little tricky because it is difficult to bleed that much fuel out of the lighter without getting a “cold burn” on your hand from the butane. (Also, be sure to bleed fuel well away from any sources of flame.) The other alternative is of course to top off the fuel without bleeding first but that would increase the chance of getting a clogged fuel line. I am not sure if this just a defect with the one I have so I plan to send it back for repair/replacement.

VALUE: [Score: 87]
The price for the Tatuaje Table Lighter by Lotus is $49.95 which is a good value for a table lighter and is a great price for this one-of-a-kind collector’s item. The warranty leaves a bit to be desired compared to the lifetime warranties you see on some of the smaller torch lighters. It comes with a 2 year limited warranty that covers mechanical parts only. The warranty does not cover damage due to misuse or accident nor does it cover the Tatuaje logo on the outside of the lighter. For repair, you are required to ship the lighter along with $9 for shipping and handling to the Lotus Repair Center in Florida. It seems as if Lotus has made some strides in the efficiency of their repair process (see Doc’s review of the Lotus L230 torch lighter in March 2006) as they now claim that most repairs will be completed within 48 hours and will replace your lighter with a new one if it takes more than 10 days.

The Tatuaje Table Lighter by Lotus is very good lighter that is a great collector’s item for fans of Tatuaje cigars, like me. It is can serve as a solid table lighter for a herf and is also small enough for everyday use. I personally now use it to light most of my cigars and save my smaller torch lighter for touch-ups. Its major cons are its poor fuel efficiency (but butane is not that expensive anyways) and its limited warranty.

How we rate Accessories
FORM: Is the product well designed and are directions for set up (if applicable) easy to follow and intuitive?
FUNCTION: How well does the product perform the function it was designed for?
VALUE: To what extent is the product worth the price?
OVERALL QUALITY = FORM + FUNCTION + VALUE (divided by 300)
RATING SCALE: We use a 50-100 point scale.
51 - 69 = POOR
70 - 79 = AVERAGE
80 - 89 = SILVER STAR
90 - 100 = GOLD STAR

Henry’s Heritage Series

Wed, 30 May 2007 23:40:33 -0700

Featured Product: Henry’s Signature Series Cigar Tools
Type: Cigar poker
Contact: Steve at: neef.norris@netscape.com

Today I am announcing yet another update to the already cool Henry’s Draw Correction tools. This latest addition to Henry’s Tool Team is the Henry’s Heritage Series.

I have already reviewed Henry’s Classic Tool set and their spawn the Signature Series. In a nutshell, they work, buy some, a no-brainer purchase. Enough said.

Like the Classic and Signature tools, the Heritage Series has two draw correction tools: a longer 7.5 inch draw tool for longer cigars (Churchill etc) and 5 " draw tool for shorter lengths (Robusto and smaller).

New features include a personalized hard shell case (this was my idea, I don’t mind telling you). The new case can be personalized with a logo or name and is a very cool addition to the tool set. I can just see James Bond pulling out this case from his tux vest pocket or from the glove box of his Aston Martin.

Below: Doc using “Nubber” tool.
Also included is a new tool called the “Nubber” tool. The Nubber works well. I have used it twice and it works so well I think I might have to start nubbing more cigars. You simply skewer your stick with the nubber and smoke it until your lips are charred black. Even though it bisects the cigar barrel, it does not impede the draw of the cigar. I thought it would, but it didn’t.

The Heritage Series is a personalized heirloom. This is something to pass down to your kids and grandkids. It’s built well and built to last.

Credo: Synchro Cutter

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 17:23:21 -0700

PRODUCT: Credo Synchro
TYPE: Cigar cutter
CONTACT INFORMATION: The cutters are exclusively distributed in the United States by Arango Cigar Company, Northbrook, Ill., Toll-free: (800) 222-4427, Tel: (847) 480-0055, E-Mail: arangocigar@aol.com.
OTHER: Credo web site: http://www.credo.fr/uk/home_uk.htm
REVIEWER: Doc
SPECIFICATIONS:
Color: Polished Stainless Steel and Matted Gray Stainless
Length: 3 ½ inches
Width: 2 ¼ inches
Weight: 2.4 ounces
FORM: 95
FUNCTION: 90
VALUE: 85
OVERALL SCORE: 90.0 – STOGIE FRESH GOLD STAR RATING

BACKGROUND:
In my opinion, one can never have enough cutters. Of course, I like to collect things, but cigar accessories are my favorite collector’s paradise. I do have standards, however. And they are very simple: a cigar cutter must work. That is, it must cut cigars and cut them well consistently. It must be able to cut cigars of all shapes and of nearly every size. Of secondary importance, yet still important enough, is a cutter should look cool. It should have a certain “pod factor.” I mean, I like to pull out my cutter and lighter at a herf and have something that I can show off. Yeah, a good cutter should be cool too.

That said; I am here to review the Credo Synchro Cigar Cutter.
The Credo Synchro is constructed from durable stainless steel and comes in many styles. The different versions include a classy polished stainless model, matted silver, gold and black, and a variety of wood-veneer types: Mahogany, Amboyna, Birdseye Maple and Macassar Ebony.

Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices are $70 for all metal-bodied models, and $90 for the wood finishes.

FORM and SETUP: [Score: 95]
The Credo Synchro Cutter’s body is a sleek 3.5 x 2.25 inches. The polished stainless and mat gray versions each weigh in at 2.4 ounces, which makes them the heaviest cutter we have reviewed to date. For some people, the extra heft is a good thing and a sign of a well-made cutter, for others it just represents extra weight.

The Synchro includes a leather pouch and comes with some simple “principles of operation” that are stated on the box. I took the cutter out of the box to give it the “once over.” I thought that the polished stainless cutter was very cool and would give it 9.5 PODS, on the 1-10 “Pod Factor Scale.” The matted gray cutter was not as good looking to me and tended to scratch easily.

The cutter is a blend of a double-guillotine cutter and cigar scissors. This form consideration is important: because the cutter has scissors handles, it is easy to get a good grip on the cutter and it provides more than enough leverage for important cutting tasks. On the other hand, because it is a double-guillotine, it has a smaller footprint and doesn’t take up as much space in your pocket or herf bag as would a set of scissors.

FUNCTION: [Score: 90]
At Stogie Fresh we don’t even start a cutter review in earnest until we have made between 75-100 cuts. I took out some dog rockets and started to get a feel for the cutter. I made cut after cut, trying to develop the most efficient method for using this cutter. After 85 “practice cuts,” I began using the cutter for my prized stogies. Over the next couple of weeks, I used the cutter to cut cigars of various shapes and sizes: torpedo, Churchill, perfecto, corona, and robusto, were some of the vitolas incised by the Synchro. I must say that the cutter has a sharp blade. It cuts very cleanly and stays sharp, at least through the 100-plus cuts that I made.

The locking mechanism is a bit finicky and sometimes sticks. Without the locking mechanism, the blades would stay in a wide-open position all the time because the mechanism has a spring that opens the blades, thus the need for a lock.

VALUE: [Score: 85]

Each cutter comes with leather carrying pouch and 100% lifetime warranty. The price may be a bit steep for some, considering that you can buy some very fine cutters for much less.

OVERALL SCORE: 90.0 = GOLD STAR RATING
In summary, this is a very cool looking cutter that has sharp blades that cut well. This cutter performs very well and would be a handsome addition to your cutter collection. Due to the price, this cutter would not be for everyone, but for the cigar enthusiast who must have the finest, this would be a great choice.

How we rate Accessories
1. FORM: Is the product well designed and are directions for set up (if applicable) easy to follow and intuitive?
2. FUNCTION: How well does the product perform the function it was designed for?
3. VALUE: To what extent is the product worth the price?
4. OVERALL QUALITY = FORM + FUNCTION + VALUE (divided by 300)
5. RATING SCALE: We use a 50-100 point scale.
51 - 69 = POOR
70 - 79 = AVERAGE
80 - 89 = SILVER STAR
90 - 100 = GOLD STAR

Update: Henry’s ‘Signature’ Tools

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 18:44:41 -0700

Featured Product: Henry’s Signature Series Cigar Tools
Type: Cigar poker
Contact: Steve at: neef.norris@netscape.com

There are only two types of cigar smokers: those who have had a plugged cigar, and those who are gonna have one. This past year, we did a review on Henry’s Cigar Draw Correction Tools, which allow one to cut through a plug as quickly as a chain saw cuts through a loaf of bread.

Below: Henry at his work desk.

What I especially like about these tools is that they are simple; you don’t need a degree in engineering to use them, and they allow for the maximum flexibility in creating multiple draw holes in larger ring gauge cigars. The tools require some practice to master, but once that’s done you are ready to save some bucks by opening up those constipated sticks.

The new big brother to the original Henry’s Draw Correction Tools, the Signature Series, sport handles with your signature in gold or silver leaf. The Signatures require about a week from start-to-finish. First, the signature graphic is created and “metalized.” This is a proprietary process that gets the desired signature onto the tool handles. The metalized signatures are applied to the tool handles, cured, and then are sealed with protective topcoats.

The Signature Series tools retail for $23.50 (shipping included) and soon there will be an option for a leatherette hard-shell case (YES!), which will include Henry’s Cigar Tools and a new “Nubber” Tool.

Buy a set of Henry’s Classic Tools, they are a no-brainer and will save you some cash on lost cigars. Or, to increase the “Pod Factor,” get some of the new Signature Series tools. These are like family heirlooms that can be passed down through generations.

Water Pillows: Portable Humidifier

Tue, 5 Dec 2006 19:16:44 -0800

Product: Water Pillows
Type: Humidification
Web Site: http://www.waterpillowsinfo.com
Reviewer: Doc
OVERALL SCORE: 93.3 – STOGIE FRESH GOLD STAR RATING

BACKGROUND: In the past, cigar enthusiasts basically had one choice when it came to humidification elements: green floral foam. Sure, there have been some attempts to use other common items, from clay to sponges, but the ever-present foam was the best and most cost-effective method that we could come up with.

Not that foam is without weaknesses. Foam can harbor bacteria and mold and must be treated with anti-mold compounds. Further, after about a year, the foam needs to be replaced because it has become clogged and saturated with the by-products of fermentation and various other contaminants.

In recent years we have been given a couple more valuable options for humidification: Super-absorbent polymers and Silica gel. I have reviewed these “New Wave” products in a previous Stogie Fresh 5 podcast episode.

The Water Pillow falls into the category of new wave products. The Water Pillow uses a super absorbent polymer (polysodium acrylate) as the humidification element. Super absorbent polymers (SAP) can absorb more than 500 times their weight in water. They come in the form of small beads or, in the case of the Water Pillows, in powder form.

At Right: Contents of Water Pillow Inner Bag before, and after, soaking.

The polymers are very absorbent: when soaked in water they swell up and then release this moisture into the internal environment of the humidor through a process of diffusion. The rate at which a polymer will deliver moisture within your humidor is based on the relative humidity inside: at lower RH, more water is diffused from the polymers into the humidor air, at higher RH’s, the delivery rate of moisture is lower.

SET UP AND USE: [Score: 95]
The Water Pillow construction sequesters SAP in small plastic/fabric bags. The instructions say to dip in distilled water for 15 seconds. This is actually very important because you can easily over-saturate the polymers.

Below: Inner Bag after a 15-second soak.
After wetting the inner bag, you then place it into a secondary outer plastic bag with a Ziplock-type closure. This protects your cigars from having moisture come into direct contact with your cigars. I recommend allowing the inner bag to sit for 30 seconds or so after wetting, to allow any excess moisture to be soaked up by the SAP and be sure to wipe off excess moisture from the outside of the bag.

FUNCTION: [Score: 90]
The Water Pillows come in a sheet of cells, which are connected by perforated plastic so you can easily tear off a cell for use. They are also sold singly.

Super absorbent polymers, as the name suggests, absorb water. Lots of it. When using the Water Pillow, I have found that the longer you allow the pillow to sit in water, the more it will absorb. For example, the un-moistened pillow weighs next to nothing (see table below), but with varying lengths of soaking time, the pillow will greatly expand.

Time Soaked Weight of Pillow
0 sec < .1 oz
15 sec .4 oz
30 sec .6 oz
1 min .8 oz
5 min 1.0 oz

That means that you can consider different soak times for different applications. A Water Pillow with a 10-15 second soak time would work perfectly for mailing 5-10 cigars in a plastic cigar bag. For use in a 15-count travel humidor or smaller, I would recommend a 15-20 second soak, while a soak time of 1 minute would be good for use in a small humidor.

I would suggest experimenting a bit with soak times: I wouldn’t recommend anything over a minute. Overfilling the polymers in an enclosed space can pack them too densely and they will have trouble regulating humidity. Further, you may have to experiment with both the soak time and the number of Water Pillows to use for each humidor application.

Below: Water Pillows are produced in sheets of “cells.”
Also pictured: front and back view of outer bag.

The outer plastic bag is used to protect your cigars from direct moisture from the contents of the Water Pillow. However, if you have a humidor where the Water Pillow can be placed out of contact with your cigars, there is no need to use the outer plastic bag. Just make sure that you wipe off excess water from the outside of the inner bag before placing in your humidor.

Water Pillows are very easy to use and convenient. I like to keep them around for mailing packages with cigars and to toss in my travel humidors. As a long-term humidifier for larger humidors (above 50-count), I would recommend a different product. Using multiple Water Pillows in a larger humidor would get cumbersome, in my opinion. Of course, the Water Pillows are advertised primarily as a “portable” solution and are therefore aimed at my recommended applications. According to a company source: “The ‘ideal’ application for Water Pillows is to be used in conjunction with a ziplock or slider reclosable bag containing anywhere from 5-10 cigars.”

Regardless, I have successfully used SAP in both active and passive humidification systems by using larger containers filled with varying amounts of polymers. There are plenty of applications for polymers, given the right container.

VALUE: [Score: 95]
There are other packet-type products that can be used for humidifying smokes. One that I have reviewed is the Bóveda Humidification Packet. At around 50 cents each, the Water Pillows are much cheaper than the Bóveda packets, which run just under $4.00 per packet (MSRP). However, I estimate that it would take at least 3 Water Pillows to regulate humidity in the same area as 1 Bóveda packet. Even so, the Water Pillows would still be the least expensive way to go.

I recommend this product highly for the application for which it is intended: mailing 5-10 cigars and also recommend it for use in small travel humidors. This is a an inexpensive product that is easy to use and works as advertised.

OVERALL SCORE: 93.3 = GOLD STAR RATING

Henry’s Draw Correction Tools

Fri, 29 Sep 2006 23:56:44 -0700

Product: Henry’s Cigar Draw Correction Tools.
Type: Cigar poker
Contact: Steve at neef.norris@netscape.com
Reviewer: Doc
OVERALL SCORE: 93.3 – STOGIE FRESH GOLD STAR RATING

BACKGROUND: How many times have you starting out smoking a stogie only to have to pitch it because it was plugged tighter than a toilet after a hard… rain. Tossing a stogie is a waste of good tobacco, not to mention a waste of cash.

Awhile back, a friend brought out a couple of nice cigars and, as sometimes happens, we had some tight draws. In the past, our solution would be to continue sucking on our cigars until our cheek muscles cramped, or, give up, toss them, and pull out another stogie.

Fortunately for the cigar smokers of the world, there lives in the environs of middle Michigan, an eccentric 80-year-old, who loves to fish, drives a '66 Buick and just happens to craft a damn fine set of cigar pokers.

Henry, known to his friends as a “curmudgeon of sorts,” doesn’t have much tolerance for hi-tech gizmos. His tools are not mass-produced; no two sets are exactly alike. They are handcrafted of wood and steel and are striking in their simplicity. Not known for understatement or self-effacing crap, Henry simply states his business philosophy: “And if a guy don't have the time and sense to use my tools, he likely don't have the time or sense to smoke a cigar!!"

I like that. There’s something refreshing about a mission statement that cuts to the chase.

SET UP AND USE: [Score: 90] The tools come in a set of two: one 5-inch and one 7 ¾-inch tool. The shafts of the tools are etched at 1-inch intervals so you can see how deep you are probing. The tools are packed in clear, protective tubing.

I set out to master the use of the tools by first reading the instructions. I found the instructions clear and helpful, as well as interesting (i.e., the story about Henry and his tools). After looking over the tools and reading the concise instructions, I came up with three simple rules for set up and use:

RULE #1: You have to practice with the tools. Period. They can be a salvation, but if you try to hurry the process or if you have not practiced, you can ruin a cigar. Case in point, my friend was using the tools for only the second time, got in a bit of a hurry and punched a hole right through the sidewall of his cigar. Luckily, I had my cigar patch kit on hand to stem that flow.

RULE #2: You have to practice with the tools. Before I started using the tools on my prized stogies, I took some practice pokes on a couple of dog rockets. I punched several holes in each, just getting a feel for the tool. Even after plenty of practice, I recommend that you take your time, backing the tool up, if necessary, and carefully working it through the cigar.

RULE #3: You have to practice with the tools. Really this is the only possible flaw in the product design: It’s not idiot-proof. You can really mangle a cigar if you are not careful. The tools are flexible, the cigars are flexible… you get the idea. Mastery can only come with plenty of practice.

FUNCTION: [Score: 95] After taking plenty of practice pokes and feeling that I knew what I was doing, pretty much, I pulled out the first likely candidate for de-plugging, a torpedo from Costa Rica. I bought a box of these cigars last summer in Costa Rica and, to my dismay; almost all of them were plugged. I used the poker successfully to unplug both cigars. Though I was able to smoke the cigars, and though the draw improved, the cigars didn’t burn well. The moral of this lesson: a successful poke will not improve a poorly constructed cigar and, in the end, it still might not be smokable. This was not the fault of the poker, however.

I had completely different experiences with two Bolivar Royal Coronas. These cigars had too much tobacco rolled into them, but were otherwise well constructed. The first Boli was plugged, the second was just “tight.” The poker opened these cigars up beautifully and they smoked perfectly. Two saved smokes, not to mention saved cash.

The very feature that makes these handy can also cause problems. Henry’s tools do not have a guide like other pokers, but this is not really a disadvantage. These tools allow you to "freehand" your punch through your cigar. This flexibility makes the poker more versatile and allows you to make multiple holes in a cigar, if required, and also allows you to "steer" a path through your cigar.

I am convinced that what makes these pokers work so well is the diameter of the steel and the chiseled tip. The angling of the tip not only makes it easier to work the poker through the cigar, but acts like a Roto-Rooter tool to carve out a space within the cigar. I have used other pokers in the past that were shaped like an ice pick, these often resulted in expanding the cigar and the wrapper until the wrapper split. This did not happen with Henry’s tool. Plus, in my opinion, the diameter of the steel is just perfect for unplugging cigars. If the poker diameter is too big, it will push the cigar contents out toward the periphery and split the wrapper, if too small, the hole will cave in on itself as the tobacco “springs back.”

Perhaps I am not the first to say so, but I would like to see a travel pouch for these little skewers. A leather zip up or a pouch with a Velcro closure would be an ideal match for the pokers and allow them to be easily carried. Kind of like the thief who pulls out a little satchel of lock-picks from his pocket. (I watch too many movies.)

In summary, though the pokers will not create a good smoke out of a poorly constructed cigar, they can salvage to perfection a cigar that is plugged, but is otherwise well constructed. Too, they will improve the draw in ANY cigar and as a result, I see myself using these to improve the draw on cigars that are not plugged, yet have a tight draw.

Henry’s tools are not for everyone. If you have enough money to simply toss a $10 cigar because it’s plugged, then you probably have enough money to light a $10 cigar with a $10 bill and will probably need an accountant more than a cigar tool.

VALUE: [Score: 95] At less than $10, you can easily pay for the tools by unplugging one stogie. These are a bargain. Get them before the secret gets out.

OVERALL SCORE: 93.3 = GOLD STAR RATING

CigarSpa: Electronic Humidifier

Tue, 29 Aug 2006 14:06:50 -0700

Product: CigarSpa: High Tech Humidification System
Type: Electronic Humidifier
Website: http://www.cigarspa.de/en/cigarspa.html
Reviewer: Doc
OVERALL SCORE: 89.0 - Stogie Fresh Silver Star Rating

BACKGROUND: The CigarSpa, crafted in Germany with superior engineering, is the mother of all gadgets. Resembling a futuristic coffin, or tanning booth, or both, this piece of technology is one of the most progressive humidifiers that I have seen since the Cigar Oasis.

The CigarSpa is a battery-powered humidifier designed primarily for desktop humidors, where lack of an acceptable power source can often prevent the use of electronic humidifier options.

The web site, written in both German and English, gives only the most rudimentary technical specifications. The site also includes information on CigarSpa + and CigarSpa PRO, which are implementations of the CigarSpa for use in larger humidors and cabinets.

I worked with a CigarSpa distributor, Eddie DeJong of Vanderburgh Humidors (www.VanderburghHumidors.com) in Canada, who supplied me with a CigarSpa for this review. So, let’s take a look…

SET UP AND USE: [Score: 96]
Though the CigarSpa ships with a 10-page manual, it is very easy and intuitive to use. The unit ships with batteries already installed and with power switched off. To use, you simply fill the reservoir with distilled water and then press the button once. There’s only one button, so you can’t miss it. The next step is to set the desired relative humidity, which is referred to as the “nominal” value. The RH can be set in 1-degree increments anywhere between 65% and 75%; the preset value upon delivery is 71%.

The unit displays four separate values on its liquid crystal display: the top left reading is the average %RH over three days. This is really a useful function, given that RH often changes, sometimes drastically, throughout the day. The 3-day average gives you a better picture of what has been happening in the microclimate of your humidor. The second display on the top right displays the nominal, or “preset” value. This is the target relative humidity that you set into the unit’s computer. The next display on the bottom left is the current RH and the final display on bottom right is the current temperature. The temperature reading is in degrees Celsius, which may be foreign to users in the U.S. For those of you who are numerically challenged, the conversion from Celsius to Fahrenheit is as follows: F= 1.8 x C + 32. So, for example, during my test period, the temperature remained fairly consistently at 20 degrees Celsius. So, 1.8 X 20 + 32 = 68 degrees Fahrenheit. (Okay, for those of you who don’t want to do the math, just use this conversion calculator.

There are two other indicators on the display pane: low battery and a low water warning displays that blink when you need to change batteries or add more water.

The values on the CigarSpa display are normally updated every 30 minutes of operation, however you can easily obtain current values simply by pressing the operation button once.

I tested the unit over a 1-month period during the summer weather of California’s Central Coast. Though the unit will hold up to 230 milliliters (ml) of water, I measured out and filled the unit with exactly 200 ml. After setting a desired RH of 67%, I placed the CigarSpa into my Daniel Marshall 165-count humidor, replacing the stock humidifier.

FUNCTION: [Score: 96]

Over the 1-month test period I regularly checked the values and found that this unit works exceptionally well. It took a few days for the CigarSpa to establish equilibrium within my humidor, but once it did, the values stayed rock solid throughout the test period. This is especially notable since our summertime weather is unpredictable and typically varies widely because of the outdoors heat and the use of air-conditioning indoors.

The CigarSpa operates by sensing humidity within the microclimate of your humidor and responding by adsorbing and desorbing water vapor. The top of the CigarSpa is covered with a “breathing membrane” that acts to move water vapor into and out of the inner box of your humidor. When humidity level is too low, the electronic microcontroller within the unit activates a small pump in the CigarSpa housing, transporting water underneath the membrane, which is then transported passively to the humidor microclimate. When humidity is too high, the membrane adsorbs water vapor from the inside of the humidor.

The CigarSpa operates on 4 AA batteries, which the company says will last about 1 year before they need to be replaced. Though I was not able to test that claim, it is quite likely that the batteries will last a very long time. The primary reason is that the CigarSpa does not have a fan (ventilator) that draws a lot of power from the batteries. The passive system used by the CigarSpa does not draw high power from the batteries, thus conserving their usable life.

At the end of the test period, I emptied the remaining water from the reservoir and it measure 189 ml, which means the CigarSpa only used 11 ml of water in the 1-month test period! This is exceptional and, though the company says the device will normally operate for 4 months before it needs refilling, my measurements would extrapolate to over a year of operation without filling. Of course, each situation will be different. A lot will depend on the quality of your humidor, desired nominal RH level, the climate both outside and inside your home and whether or not you use fireplaces (which tend to suck moisture out of the air) and/or air-conditioners.

At the end of the test period, the average 3-day RH was right at the target value of 67%. This device worked flawlessly and was a real joy because I could just set it and forget about it. This type of device would be perfect for anyone who travels a lot and has to have a reliable device to take charge of keeping his or her stogies in perfect condition. Further, if you’re the type of person who doesn’t like to fiddle with things, and would rather have a device that would take care of itself and your stogies for long periods of time without maintenance, again, the CigarSpa would be an excellent choice.

VALUE: [Score: 75]
There are only two problems that I found with the CigarSpa, though they are not inconsequential. Both of these problems affect the value score. First, this device is expensive. The MSRP in U.S. dollars is $429. That is steep, especially for the average cigar smoker. However, I am sure that many distributors will sell this device cheaper than the recommended list price and I’m sure the prices, as with any technologically advanced product, will decrease as the parts become more available and the installed base of users grows. I fully expect to see the size decrease further with technological advances.

The second problem is its size. I calculated that the dimensions of the CigarSpa would displace enough storage area for 10 Churchill-sized cigars. That’s a lot of humidor real estate, given that the unit cannot be mounted inside the lid but must be placed on the bottom of the humidor.

Basically, the CigarSpa is the Rolls Royce of cigar humidifiers. In function, you will not find a better humidifier to use in a desktop humidor. However, because of size and cost, I would recommend for larger desktops, primarily 100-250 counts sizes.

There are many collectors/hobbyists who will be able to afford this device, and because of ease of operation and rock solid performance, wouldn’t hesitate to purchase one. If money were no object, then the CigarSpa would make the perfect choice for your desktop humidor.

OVERALL SCORE: 89.0

Blazer Pocket Torch

Mon, 8 May 2006 16:46:23 -0700

Product: Blazer Torch Lighter
Type: PB207.CR
Manufacturer: Blazer Products Inc.
Website: http://www.blazerproducts.com
Reviewer: Doc
OVERALL SCORE: 93 - Stogie Fresh Gold Star Rating

BACKGROUND: The Blazer Torch Flame Lighter made huge impact in the cigar market during the “cigar boom.” Originally designed for the professional tool industry, it was eventually marketed as the first cigar torch lighter. The PB207 set the standard for future cigar lighters and ignited (pun intended) the cigar torch lighter industry in the U.S. and abroad.

The product disappeared from the marketplace in the late 1990s only to reappear in 2005. I had some questions about why the product was out of circulation and about the relationship between the Blazer torch and the product of the same design and name (i.e., PB207) as distributed under the Prince brand in Asia. I sent an email to the company and subsequently had an excellent series of correspondences with a Blazer Products representative.

Since the "Blazer" torch name is a trademark wholly owned by Blazer Products Inc., they are the sole manufacturers of the torch and, by confidential agreement, EXCLUSIVELY distribute it OUTSIDE OF ASIA. The PB207 is marketed only in Japan and Asia under the "Prince" brand name. What is now referred to, as the Blazer “Industrial PB207” is the same unit sold under the Prince brand name in Asia. It is the same unit that Blazer has offered for over 20 years (and continues to offer) to the industrial and professional tool industries (but is no longer available for “home use”).

The reason the PB207 was out of the retail cigar market for quite some time was because the existence of poor quality products in the marketplace (many of which were knockoffs of the Blazer) prompted the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to institute broad rules requiring a child resistant mechanism for consumer use of torches. While, according to Blazer, there was never a problem with the genuine Blazer PB207, the need to meet CPSC demands for safety, kept the torch out of the marketplace until recently.

As a result, Blazer Products has developed a new “child resistant” model for sale in the U.S. retail market. The new PB207.CR (the CR stands for Child Resistant) has a new and intuitive child resistant mechanism to prevent children from activating the unit. This patented mechanism passed CPSC testing with the highest rating possible and only a genuine Blazer PB207.CR will possess this child resistant feature.

Blazer Products Inc. is the exclusive distributor of the PB207.CR Worldwide and the PB207.CR is the only torch in this line that can be legally sold in the U.S. to the home consumer. In fact, you will see the following note regarding the INDUSTRIAL PB207 on the Blazer website: “BLAZER PRODUCTS butane torches are strictly intended for use in the professional and industrial hand tool industries. Blazer Products Butane Torches are not intended for home use.” As such, the Industrial PB207 is available for sale to commercial and industrial purchasers only, and will only be shipped to valid business addresses, while the PB207.CR is available to the retail market worldwide (except Asia).

SET UP AND USE: [Score: 93] The Blazer comes packaged in a black box along with a small Instruction Manual. The Manual explains the proper procedure for filling the product with gas, explains how to ignite and extinguish, lists and illustrates the features, describes the Limited Warranty and cites Warnings and Precautions. Missing from the Manual are instructions on how to use the flame-locking lever (especially with respect to precautions), or how to use the flame adjustment lever, which is not referenced in the document.

At 1.4 ounces, fully loaded, this is one of the lightest lighters that I own. [For comparison: Lotus L230 = 4.0 ounces, Prometheus with built-in cigar scissors = 3.6 oz., Colibri double-burner with built-in punch = 3.2 oz., Zippo with custom wood face = 2.2 oz., S.T. Dupont X-Tend = 1.6 oz.]

After a quick look at the users guide, I set out to figure out the child resistant feature. Okay, it wasn’t until AFTER I couldn’t ignite it that I looked at the guide. Feel better?!! Actually, once you understand how the feature works, it is a breeze to use the lighter. The feature is really ingenious; a quick roll of the thumb on the trigger lever unlocks the mechanism. However, I did find the lighter to be brother-in-law resistant as well, even after explanations. I’ll chalk that up to copious amounts of bourbon. In any case, it’s comforting to know that children, the drunk and the dim-witted will have trouble using this product.

FUNCTION: [Score: 93] Filling the lighter is easy and it has a generous fuel tank. After unlocking the child resistant mechanism, the lighter springs to life. Mine held a 3-inch flame, which was a bit too long for my taste. So I tried to reduce the height by using the flame-adjusting switch. Nothing. I couldn’t get the flame to increase or decrease by using the adjustment mechanism. Not sure what the problem is, but I have another PB207 and the adjuster works fine. I did find that, if I slowly let up on the trigger while the lighter was lit, the flame would decrease. This would not work on my other lighter.

Another nice feature (and a potentially dangerous one) is the flame lock. By sliding the flame lock after you trigger the ignition, the flame stays on without you exerting any pressure on the trigger. This helps reduce fatigue and probably prevents you from rushing the lighting of your cigar. Everyone knows that, when lighting a rather generous 54 ring-gauge foot, you need to take your time. The flame lock makes it easy and convenient for you to lightly toast the foot of your cigar. Though you need two hands to set the flame lock, you can easily extinguish the flame with just the flick of your thumb.

Finally, my last request, and a pet peeve: “GIVE US BACK THE RING STAND!” The black ring stand, which comes with every other PB207 lighter EXCEPT the .CR, is a real handy accessory. When herfing with your friends, it’s great to slip that little rubber ring on the bottom of your lighter and it stand up on the table for all to see and admire. Having the stand was a real convenience.

That’s not to say that the lighter is the best looking one on the block; it’s not. It doesn’t have a high “Pod Factor” and it’s not really a collectible lighter either. Nevertheless, I kind of like it, it has a space-age look to it. It’s comfortable in the hand, due in part to it’s lightness and also to its shape.

Looks notwithstanding, the PB207.CR just works. It works in the heat, in the cold, in relative altitude and even with newbies crushing their ashes into the jets. It has a consistent and high flame, it lasts a long time without refilling, it has a flame lock a dust cap and keeps my young daughter and my brother-in-law from accidentally hurting themselves. It’s an excellent herfing torch. It just works.

By the way, it comes in four flavors: Black, Clear, Red, and Yellow.

VALUE: [Score: 93] The price for the PB207.CR is 40.00. By the way, those of you who’ve smoked cigars for awhile may remember that the original PB207 appeared in the marketplace at 59.95, or thereabouts. Though you can find cheaper lighters, this one is worth its price. Even at 40.00, it’s a value.

Nevertheless, I did expect a more generous warranty. The warranty is a limited, 1-year version. Though a 1-year limited warranty is standard for torch lighters (they are notoriously finicky), I’ve seen better and/or more forgiving warranties. Interestingly, though the warranty is spelled out clearly in the Instruction Manual that you receive AFTER purchase, the warranty statement on the Blazer website is not that clear. Though it is clear what the warranty does NOT cover (“Product failures due to misuse, abuse, or normal wear and tear are not covered by this warranty”), and also clear about when the warranty coverage ends (“Warranty coverage ends when a products becomes unusable for reasons other than defects in workmanship or material”), the website information does not clearly state what the warranty DOES cover. From the second statement above, I would assume that the warranty covers defects in workmanship or material, however without a clear warranty statement, the only clear communiqué is that Blazer Products decides what is warranted at their discretion. This is, in fact, stated on their website and in their Manual. Further, if a product is outside of the 1-year warranty period, you must include 24.95 per non-warranty product when you send it back to the company for repair. “Non-warranteed [sic] products will be repaired or replaced, at Blazer Products Inc's discretion.”

When you send products back to the factory you need to have the following:
1. Original dated receipt as Proof of Purchase (note: ORIGINAL RECEIPT REQUIRED. Save those receipts)
2. A note explaining the problem(s)
3. Your complete contact information including a phone number where you can be reached

Products should be returned to:
BLAZER PRODUCTS INC.
88 ALLEN ROAD
FARMINGDALE, NY 11735
Attn: Service Dept.

Palio Cigar Cutter

Thu, 23 Mar 2006 12:49:47 -0800

PRODUCT: Palió
TYPE: Cigar cutter
WEBSITE: http://www.paliocutters.com
Reviewer: Doc
SPECIFICATIONS:
Color: Black with surgical steel blades
Length: 3 5/8 inches
Width: 1 5/8 inches
Weight: 1.0 ounce
DATE OF RATING: 3/23/2006
FORM: 87
FUNCTION: 98
VALUE: 96
OVERALL SCORE: 93.6

BACKGROUND: After using this cutter for 75 cuts, I am ready to give my humble opinions about its form, function and value. I have cut large and small cigars, flatheads and perfectos, long cigars, short cigars and various odd shapes. I sacrificed two dogrockets just to cut through the cigars from head to foot, perfecting my technique with this particular cutter and getting a feel for the resistance and cutting performance.

FORM AND FUNCTION: According to the Palió website, this cutter has the following features (Features listed in all caps and my comments after each feature.):
1. ERGONOMIC - FINGER REST AND CONTOUR SHAPE. After using the cutter and trying to hold it different ways to take advantage of the design features, I’ve concluded that there is really no ergonomic advantage to the shape of the cutter. You simply can’t get any advantage in leverage or in control by using the “finger supports” or by virtue of the unique shape of the cutter.
2. HANDSOME - PEOPLE WILL ASK ABOUT IT. Well, it looks okay, for a flat black, plastic frame cutter, but I would say it lacks the “pod factor.” Nobody has looked at my cutter and said, “Dude, that is the coolest looking cutter I’ve ever seen.”
3. PRECISION CUT - BLADES AREN'T SLOPPY AND DON'T FALL OUT WITH AGE. The first part of this statement is absolute fact. The cut with this cutter is fantastic. Period. I haven’t used a cutter that has a better cut than the Palió. As for the blades falling out, I have an interesting observation… Because the cutter blade mechanism sticks, so as not to accidentally open, it takes a bit of pressure to open the cutter mechanism. The second time I used the cutter, I opened it with a snap and the entire cutter separated into two pieces. I was left with half the cutter dangling from my thumb and the other half on my index finger. Since then, it has happened twice again, though I have learned how to control the opening so as to avoid this occurrence.
4. CONTROLLED CUT - BE SURE HOW MUCH OF THE CIGAR'S CAP YOU REMOVE. Yes, there is some resistance in the cutting action that gives the feel of a controlled, precision cut; and there is certainly no problem in lining up and making your cut, which is typically clean and even.
5. CONTOURED CIGAR HOLDER - NO NEED FOR A COMMUNAL GERM PIT (ASH TRAY). This means that when you lay the cutter flat on a tabletop, you can using it as a cigar holder by putting the cigar in the contoured area of the cutter; a neat trick and it prevents your stogie from inadvertently rolling off the table. Don’t laugh, I KNOW it’s happened to you!
6. DETENT POSITION - WON'T ARBITRARILY OPEN. The cutter may not ARBITRARILY open, but it can ACCIDENTALLY do so. As noted above, I was able to pull the cutter apart by forcefully opening the cutter. I wasn’t trying to pull it apart, it just happened. After that, I decided to test to see if I could dislodge the two halves in any other way. I held on to one end of the cutter and repeatedly shook it (kind of like flicking open a switchblade) and the cutter flew apart in two pieces.
7. LARGE CUTTER OPENING – HANDLES UP TO 54 RING CIGARS. The opening on the Palió is a 53 ring size, if it cuts a 54 ring gauge cigar and thicker, it does so only because the cigar head is tapered. However, I was unable to get it around a 54 ring gauge cigar at its thickest point. Regardless, the Palió cutter is up to the task for the vast majority of cigars.
8. REMARKABLY SHARPER THAN LEADING CUTTERS. The Palió cutter is indeed very sharp. I could tell this by the ease and fineness of each cut. The blade seemed just as sharp to me throughout the test period. I DID NOT test for sharpness on my FINGERS. DO NOT try this at home!

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS: The cutter comes with a nice looking Velcro-secured pouch, which is handy because the flat black plastic is prone to scratches. At 1.0 ounce, this is one of the lightest double-guillotine cutters I have ever used. Interestingly, with respect to weight, the U.S. Patent documentation indicates that the weight of the device was supposed to be 2.75 ounces, however it’s not close to that. At 2.75 ounces, the cutter would have been the heaviest I own. Perhaps older versions of the cutters were heavier. Further, the patent document indicates that, to make the plastic cutter heavier (to “impart substance”) the body section was designed to include filler material that could include “stainless steel, tungsten, lead, fiberglass, or marble.” Though Palió might have evolved their ideas on the overall weight, the handles definitely do not feel cheap.

This cutter shines in the simplicity of its cutting action. The thin cutter blades are coated with titanium nitride, which make the blades more durable and will help maintain sharpness. The design feature that produces a “bowing” of the blades also causes them to rub together and “self-sharpen” with each stroke of the cutter. Because of the thin blades and tight blade interaction, your cigars are unlikely to be pinched during the cutting process. That has been my experience, the cigars that I have cut have all exhibited a clean cut and I never experienced any blade “sliding” when trimming the cigar cap.

The fact that the cutter can fly apart during extension, I consider to be a product of the design. The angle of the opposing handles and blades, which combine for a precise cut and a bowing of the blades during the cutting phase, can have the opposite effect when opening, placing the guides that hold the two halves together into their weakest positions.

Warranty: You can feel secure in your purchase given Palió’s nearly unlimited warranty. From the Palió website… “If you feel that the Palió cigar cutter you purchased has lost it's ability to deliver a quality cut, assuming it has only been used for it's intended purpose (cigar preparation), at anytime during it's life of use. Simply return it to ANY Palió cigar cutter vendor for a replacement. No questions asked!”

That pretty much says it all. An excellent product backed by an excellent warranty. If you want a no frills cutter, that cuts perfectly every time and is priced right, you need look no further than the Palió. I purchased my Palió from Mark at www.Cigarmony.com

Lotus L230 Torch Lighter

Sat, 4 Mar 2006 12:57:05 -0800

Product: Lotus
Type: L230 dark red matte & chrome velour Torch Flame Lighter
Manufacturer: Lotus
Website: http://www.integral-style.com/lotus/lotus_L2.htm
Reviewer: Doc
OVERALL SCORE: 85.3

BACKGROUND: The Lotus L230 torch lighter is manufactured in Europe by Integral GmbH company and features European design with state of the art manufacturing. Integral was established in 1992 in Dusseldorf, Germany and specializes in the development of cigarette lighters and the distribution of various smoking articles throughout Europe and in the United States.

SET UP AND USE: [Score: 90] This lighter is basically the same as other butane torch lighters with respect to filling and using. It is important to bleed the lighter to remove all air bubbles prior to refilling. The lighter comes boxed with an Owner’s Guide and Warranty. The guide explains the proper procedure for bleeding and refilling and gives the usual disclaimer about using only the best butane products. This is not bad advice, by the way; torch lighters are notorious for clogged jets and you need to be ready to tinker, in my experience.

The lighter is nothing if not hefty. At 4.0 ounces, it is heavier than my Prometheus with built-in cigar scissors (3.6 oz.), my Colibri Double-burner with built-in punch (3.2 oz.), a Zippo with custom wood face (2.2 oz.) and my S.T. Dupont X-Tend (1.6 oz.). It has an industrial feel, if not looks. The solid construction does not prevent scratching, however. The solid brass outer case on my lighter has three chips in the paint, and I am usually very careful with my lighters. Regardless, I like the look of the lighter. The brass case feels substantial in my hand and the Allen screws and Lotus branding inscribed on the front plate give the whole lighter a Pod factor of 9.5 on a scale of 10.

FUNCTION: Score: 90

The lighter functions superbly. The cap swivels open with a thumb flick and by depressing the front lever, the flame lurches forth with gusto. The flame is long and sharp giving it a laser-like precision. I have lit many a cigar with this tool and it works equally well on cigars with a small or large foot. The lighter also functions well as a “touch up” tool for cigars whose burn has gone awry. The precision of the flame makes it easy to touch up the exact part of the cigar that is in need.

The flame adjuster is a bit of a pain since you need a small screwdriver to operate it. You can’t really use your thumbnail like on most lighters, but this is a minor annoyance. The Lotus L230 is one of the few torch lighters that has a fluid window through which you can actually see the fluid level. Believe me, this is a problem with many torch lighters and it’s a practical one. Unless you carry butane cans with you as a matter of course, you want to know how much fuel is in your lighter at a glance before leaving home for some herfing.

One of the problems I have with the Lotus is when fishing it out of my pocket. You can’t really tell from the feel, what side is up. Since the design is symmetrical, I find myself constantly flipping it around to get the right side up and face forward. Again, it’s a minor inconvenience, but one that I have come to notice often enough.

As with most torch lighters, it’s performance is sketchy in cold weather and at altitude. Both of these environments cause one to fuss and tinker endlessly to get the torch to work properly. If I’m going to use a torch in cold weather, or at altitudes above 4000 feet, I always carry a back-up Zippo, just in case.

VALUE: Score: 76
The catalog price for the Lotus L230 is 79.99. That’s steep. Given the price tag, I was expecting a more generous warranty. The warranty is a limited, 2-year version that covers mechanical parts only. Further, when you send it back to the factory you need to have the following:
1. Return address
2. Day-time phone, fax or email
3. Location and date of original purchase
4. Copy of the original receipt
5. AND payment of 9.00 for the return postage and handling

You also need to allow 26 business days, or about 6 weeks for the return of the product. If you had to ship it to the company in Europe from the United States, I could perhaps understand the delay, but the service center is in Florida.

The Lotus L230 is a fine lighter. It looks cool, it works well, but be sure you are very careful with it, and even then, pray that it doesn’t break down. As a collector’s item, it’s a no-brainer: an elegant showpiece, that’s functional. As an everyday lighter, you can do better.

Z-Plus Torch Lighter Insert

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 13:03:15 -0800

Product: Z-Plus
Type: Torch Flame Lighter Insert
Manufacturer: Blazer
Website: http://blazerproducts.com/
OVERALL SCORE: 93 = STOGIE FRESH GOLD STAR RATING

BACKGROUND: The Z-Plus torch flame lighter insert is a butane refillable, wind-resistant, lighter replacement that will work with most Zippo-type lighters. With the Z-Plus, you can bring your old flint-based, lighter-fluid-filled lighter into the 21st Century. Just swap and go.

SET UP AND USE: Score: 96
The setup for the Z-Plus lighter insert takes less time than it took you to read this sentence. You just pull out the old lighter insert and replace it with the Z-Plus. That’s it. It couldn’t be quicker or easier. The Z-plus will work with most metal flip top lighter cases (like Zippo and others). And you can easily swap between a traditional or torch flame by simply swapping out inserts.

I did have a little problem with the initial filling; the valve stem didn't seem to match up well with my can of butane. There was a brief but ugly scene: butane spewing about, you know the drill. Anyway, I got it filled alright. The second part of the set up involves setting the gas flow, which requires the use of a tiny screwdriver or some very small fingernails. The fuel reservoir is a semi-opaque plastic, which makes it a bit difficult to see how much fuel you have put into the insert. I found that if you hold the insert up to the light just right, you can barely make out the fill line.

FUNCTION: Score: 88
As a lighter, the Z-Plus is adequate. It throws a nice flame that is plenty robust and can be adjusted. (However, it’s a minor irritation that you have to pull the insert out of the lighter shell to adjust the flame.) Though touted as wind-resistant, the flame is no more resistant to wind than any other torch flame and shares the same deficiency as other butane lighters when used outside: namely, you can’t see the flame in bright light. Nevertheless, it gets the job done and, in my opinion, is a far sight better than a traditional flame lighter for lighting cigars.

The Z-Plus insert tends to stay lit for a few seconds after letting go of the striker. This seems to be a common feature of the Z-plus. Some inserts are worse than others when it comes to this type of leakage. This effect would influence the time between refillings. My lighter doesn't stay lit long. Less than a second. I'm not sure, but it may help to bleed the torch between fillings. Be sure to bleed the last bit with the nozzle pointing toward the ground. This may reduce the air pocket that might be, at least partially, responsible for the effect.

The insert has a generous butane reservoir that will provide many consecutive lights. I took mine on vacation recently and it made it through a two-week trip without needing a refill (about 8-10 cigars).

For those of you who travel by air, a Zippo lighter represents the only "legal" lighter that can be transported by air… under certain conditions, of course. First, it has to be a ZIPPO LIGHTER PACKED IN AN OTTERBOX ZIPPO CARGO CASE http://www.otterbox.com/products/zippo_case/ and even then, it must be contained in checked baggage. No exceptions.

According to airline regulations: “Lighters with fuel are prohibited in checked baggage, unless they adhere to the DOT exemption, which allows up to two FUELED lighters if properly enclosed in a DOT approved case.” The Otterbox is the only DOT approved lighter case and it must contain a Zippo. The bigger question, however, is, “Can the Zippo lighter be a Z-Plus modified version and still meet the legal requirements?” Hmm…. frankly, I have never called attention to this MINOR DETAIL. None of the airline staff have asked, and I have not volunteered. However, it is important to note that the regulations make no differentiation between lighter fluid and butane. Thus, both could properly be considered "fuels."

The warranty on the Z-plus is minimal (one year from original date of purchase) and original proof of purchase is required. Warranty coverage ends when a products becomes unusable for “reasons other than defects in workmanship or material.”

VALUE: Score: 95
The Z-Plus represents a great value. It’s relatively cheap and is very versatile, given that you can use it with nearly any Zippo-type lighter shell. That means you can have a butane torch lighter at the ready for any occasion. For knocking around, choose your older, beat-up lighter case, and when out on the town, choose your gold-leafed monogrammed model. Whenever I’m away from home, my Z-Plus and a couple of Zippo shells go with me. The Z-Plus insert is truly a lighter for every occasion, mood and geographical location. I recommend highly. A Stogie Fresh Gold Star Rating.