Review: Lotus L230 Torch Flame Lighter

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

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

[carbonbased_al]

I have that exact lighter. It's great, have had it for a few years now. Never had any problems with it. I don't think it's overpriced, i've seen crappy colibri's sold for more.

[TypeO-]

Originally Posted by carbonbased_al

I have that exact lighter. It's great, have had it for a few years now. Never had any problems with it. I don't think it's overpriced, i've seen crappy colibri's sold for more.

Doc, thanks again for another informative post. I've about lost all confidence in torch lighters after seeing two of mine die, the first a Prometheus and the second a Colibri. I have two other Colibri lighters that function well (so far) under ideal conditions, however, in cold weather, they don't seem to light well. I have to keep the lighter in my pocket to keep it warm rather than setting it on a table when smoking outside.

My main concern with a lighter is long-term reliability. Smitty answered that for me. Well, it's one testament to the Lotus' reliability at least. I've read posts regarding Colibris lasting a while too.

Some Colibris cost upwards of $40 or $50. I'd pay an additional $50 if the lighter can be trusted. If I can trust a dollar Bic, I sure as heck should be able to find a reliable lighter for $40 or more.

How long have you been using the one reviewed? Please give us an update in six months or so to let us know how the lighter is working out for you.

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

Originally Posted by TypeO-

How long have you been using the one reviewed? Please give us an update in six months or so to let us know how the lighter is working out for you.

Good points. I have been using the Lotus for 3 months now and have lit many a cigar. I will try to update in 6 months if there is anything significant enough to report.

Doc

[Darb85]

I may have been the one who spurred this purchase. I love this lighter ive had it for about 2 months and i absolutly love it. No problems what so ever. You will too im sure. Mine was only 20 but thats Because i got lucky on E-bay so. Mine is identical to that. I should start selling those things so many people have bought them when they have read a review ive written or used it at the lounge.

[Buckeye]

Originally Posted by carbonbased_al

I have that exact lighter. It's great, have had it for a few years now. Never had any problems with it. I don't think it's overpriced, i've seen crappy colibri's sold for more.

I agree that this lighter not overpriced after having it for 9 months. I purchased this lighter last summer at my local B&M for only $60. I send 2 different Colibri lighters back a total of 7 times and I will never buy another one. This lighter has never failed to light up unlike other high priced lighters I have had. Good points made and I agree but I will take this Lotus over any other at that price point. Good luck with it, I think you will be happy with the performance.

carbonbased_al will need a good lighter after all of the bombs he got hit with last week.

[carbonbased_al]

Originally Posted by Buckeye

carbonbased_al will need a good lighter after all of the bombs he got hit with last week.

No kidding. I've actually got a few, but the lotus is my goto lighter of choice.

[Aaron]

Originally Posted by Dr. Stogie Fresh

Good points. I have been using the Lotus for 3 months now and have lit many a cigar. I will try to update in 6 months if there is anything significant enough to report.

Doc

I love your reviews and agree that a follow-up 6 months down the line on cutters, lighters and other devices would really augment their value.

I don't recall your doing any head-to-head comparisons (Xikar vs. Palio; Colibri vs. Lotus), but I'm sure they'd be appreciated, too.

I always look forward to a new Dr. Stogie Fresh review.

[PuffDaddy]

I pulled the trigger on one of these myself. I need another lighter about as bad as I need a gunshot wound, but you made it too tempting in your review. It does feel of high quality (it weighs a ton!) and lights consistently. I hope that it remains dependable in the long run. I use my Prince PB-207 more often than any other lighter just because of the HUGE fuel tank. This is a nice "going out" lighter though.
Thanks for the review (and the shove )

[Dr. Stogie Fresh]

Originally Posted by PuffDaddy

I pulled the trigger on one of these myself. I need another lighter about as bad as I need a gunshot wound, but you made it too tempting in your review. It does feel of high quality (it weighs a ton!) and lights consistently. I hope that it remains dependable in the long run. I use my Prince PB-207 more often than any other lighter just because of the HUGE fuel tank. This is a nice "going out" lighter though.
Thanks for the review (and the shove )

Cool. I'm sure you'll love it. Yeah, it's a brick, but this brick is a great lighter.

Doc