When it comes to getting perfectly lit, Your Lighter should be among the Essential & accessible Smoking Accessories. The right lighter can upgrade a smoke session for newcomers and seasoned pros alike, so let’s talk about Lighters .
Two big brands often come to mind: Clipper and Bic. It could be said the Bic lighters are the most well known disposable lighters, and Clipper lighters are the classic choice especially for Smoking Blunts and Bongs. There are several more brands also popular with smokers including Zippo , ST Dupont, Lotus, and Alfred Dunhill.
Let’s examine Clipper and Bic. Both brands produce a wide range of different types of lighters, but we’ll focus on the classic pocket lighters. What are the pros and cons of using each one? Which lighter is the best? Most importantly, Which Lighter do you prefer as your pocket companion?
The Original Bic Lighter; Breaking Down Bic Lighters
Bic disposable lighters are among the cheapest on the market. They are made mostly of plastic, filled with butane fuel (holding an average of 4.9 grams), and offered in a variety of colors and designs. Bics are lightweight and simple to use: press the spark wheel down with your thumb, pull your thumb back towards you, and voila! The flame will ignite. The 3.14″ tall oval-shaped barrel is meant to be ergonomic, making it the right fit for your hand and pocket. The flame height is pre-adjusted and can’t be changed.
- Simply Put – Bic lighters are easy to use and available almost everywhere. There is a reason why the classic Bic disposable design has withstood the test of time. There’s a simple elegance to the basic lighters, and Bic has earned its reputation as a reliable buy.
- Plastic Problem – Bic lighters’ biggest flaw is that they’re wasteful. Some people have figured out how to refill them, but it is difficult and can be dangerous. The lighters are made from different plastic and metals, so they can’t be recycled in one piece, and Bic doesn’t recommend trying to separate or refill them. They get the job done, but beyond that will likely end up in a landfill.
The Clipper Lighter Way
In contrast to a simple spark wheel, Clippers have a removable lighter flint with a ridged thumb wheel. The flint can be used as a packing tool. Clipper is the only lighter on the market that allows you to not only refuel but also replace the flint if needed. The Clipper flame burns at a constant height, increasing when the lighter is turned sideways. Clippers have a child-resistant mechanism and are made out of strong Nylon material that is less likely to crack and more heat resistant than cheaper plastics.
- Advanced Technology – The sophisticated, refillable, and reflintable design of the Clipper lighter makes it an ideal multi-tool for packing and smoking. Every time you refill a Clipper you save 1 liter of oil. Clipper lighters save consumers money and reduce plastic waste. Clipper butane can be bought in multiple purity levels which burns cleaner than the average disposable lighter.
- Planning Required – Consistently using Clippers means you will eventually need to purchase isobutane and refill the lighter. The process is fairly simple but does require you to think ahead if you’re low on fuel. To refill a Clipper, simply place the nozzle of the butane fuel on the red dot on the bottom of the lighter, and the butane will inject into the lighter. To replace the flint, pull firmly on the thumbwheel to remove the poker, then remove the piece at the bottom of the poker, and the old flint will fall out. Put in the new flint and replace the piece below the poker, then reinsert the poker.
The Winner :Clipper Lighters
When you weigh the pros and cons, some are more important than others.However , It’s clear that Clipper lighters are the best choice for an enhanced smoking experience. Clippers have so many unique and useful benefits for smokers that Bic can’t compete with. Clippers are less likely to crack than Bics, and if you maintain a Clipper’s fuel and flint you could use the same lighter for years. With the self-adjusting flame, Clippers are also easier to use.
If you want to take it a step up, metal Clipper lighters are a sleek and sturdy choice. The crispy clean look and sheer quality of Clippers have also created a collector’s interest around the lighters. It makes sense that “Clipper Mania” has become a wave, with limited edition Clipper collections becoming invaluable. Clippers are the superior choice of lighters for selective smokers that help provide an exceptional smoking experience.
We love hearing from you! In the comments below, tell us about which lighter brand is your favorite, about your lighter collection, or your thoughts on Clipper and Bic lighters!
