IM corona Double Corona lighter

[bimmian]

I dunno if anyone else posted about these lighters before, but I just got mine.. This was my bday present to myself this year, along with a couple of Atoll leather cases, that I'll be reviewing as soon as I get them properly seasoned and start using them.
The lighter I got is a Savinelli IM Corona Double Corona, chrome barley w/ vertical lines finish, paid $135.66 + shipping.
Bought it after reading about it in the last issue of CA and can't be more pleased! It has a HUGE double flame and a positive open/shut lid. It's a real lighter, with a flint and a flame, not a torch, so hopefully it won't break as easily. (On another note, the BEST torch I own is a Beretta M-9 tactical lighter. Sounds gimmicky if you're familiar with firearms, but it's been 3 years and it hasn't crapped out yet, knock wood. I don't think they make them anymore, but if I ever find it again, I will definitely buy another one just in case this one dies.)
The finish isn't quite up to the quality of my S.T. Dupont, but at 1/7th the price, I ain't complaining about one little imperfection at the hinge joint. Plus, the Dupont isn't working right now and needs to be serviced. Anyone know of a good repair shop?
Used it for the first time tonight to light a 52 RG Edmundo, and it performed PERFECTLY. No blowout from the slight breeze, and a full flame that showed no signs of stopping or flickering. A flip open and a flick of the flint striker and it burned perfectly. Has lit the first time every time so far. (And I've been playing with it ALL DAY)
Only complaints are that the humongous flame isn't gonna be the best tool for small corrections and might tarnish the lid, as it doesn't open to a full 90 degrees. Also, the flint retention isn't as positive as the Dupont. There's no locking switch, you just push open the flint lid and shake it out, then snap it back closed on a fresh one. Finally, the fill port is closed by a lid requiring a screwdriver or similar tool. This might be a pain if I'm ever caught without one on empty. but I LOVE that the flame adjustment doesn't require a tool. IT has a flip latch like the Dupont fill port (I actually unscrewed it all the way, thinking that it WAS the fill port.. I gotta learn to read directions before I play with my new toys) and adjustment can be made with just a fingernail and a twist with your thumb and forefinger. Let's see how long it lasts, but it's got a 2-yr warranty, so I'm not too concerned about that. It's made in Japan, BTW but distributed by Savinelli. I really wanted the cocobolo wood/gold finish, but I couldn't find anywhere that had them in stock.

[Sigarz]

Ive been looking into that lighter for a long time. a few years ago when I was looking for a good lighter to buy I wanted a torch becuase I primarily smoke cigars. and for the few times I had my pipe I could use matches. it was between this lighter and the dupont Xtend. I dont regret buying the Xtend at all (best torch imaginable). but I may pull the trigger on one of these in the near future so I have a good solid lighter in both flame and torch.

[casManG]

thanks for the review, my lighter goes out on the slightest breeze, ugh.