Review: Xikar Tech Quad Flame Lighter
Ask yourself: How many jet flames do you need to toast the foot of a cigar? If your instincts said "four" then you might want to get your hands on the new Xikar Tech Quad Flame Lighter coming out this summer. It's a powerful four-flame torch lighter that's impressively swift at lighting a cigar—and its combined flame strength and durable construction make it great for the outdoors.
While a four-flame lighter might seem excessive indoors, any cigar enthusiast who's tried to light up outside knows that a bit of wind can make on-the-go cigar smoking a real challenge. Lesser lighters just won't stay lit. But the Xikar Tech Quad Flame Lighter has the muscle to prevail: One tap of the thumb ignition and the auto-open lid springs aside and four high-powered flames jump upwards. This impressive display of fire is supplied by an oversized, transparent fuel tank that makes the Quad Flame a valuable tool to take with you on outdoor adventures.
In testing the Quad Flame Lighter, which measures about three inches tall, we found the solidly constructed unit to fit comfortably in the hand. Most importantly, however, is that it had no misfires. The ignition button produced flames every time it was pressed. The flame-adjustment wheel on the bottom of the lighter was easy to use and sufficient at raising and lowering the height of the jet flames. While the lighter does not claim to be windproof, our tests indicated that the lighter did provide better wind resistance than the average single-flame torch lighter when used outside on a moderately breezy day.
The Xikar Tech Quad Flame Lighter is part of the Tech family of lighters, which also come in single, double and triple flame varieties. All are equipped with the line's hallmark metal flip cap lid, giant fuel tank and large, flame-adjustment wheel.
The Quad Flame is priced at $74.99 and is officially launching this summer at the 2016 International Cigar & Pipe Retailers trade show.
